 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Brian Peterson
Date: 2003-09-06 22:51
In this day and age, is it possible to have a mouthpiece replicated thorugh some kind of high tech computerized process or are there simply too many intangibles and other factors that would make it impossible?
I'd love to get a clone of my Kaspar for the day when it finally gives out.
Just curious.
Brian Peterson
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Author: Ed
Date: 2003-09-07 12:42
From my experience there are so many variables in the many dimensions, materials, etc, that it is nearly impossible to get an exact copy. I have played mouthpieces that are supposed to be identical, made from the same blank, from the same person, with all of the same dimensions. Often they both may play very good and quite similar, but not exactly alike. I have found subtle differences to exist. With adjustment of reeds you may be able to make up some of that difference.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-09-07 13:13
The short answer is no.
*********
If you have three mouthpieces, none of which have visible markings, you may actually choose your familiar Kaspar.
Greg Smith and others have patterned modern mouthpieces on the Kaspar designs, with some success and sales.
I would urge you to consider the possibility that mouthpiece design has improved in the years since yours was made.
Buying from a living maker means that you have a renewable resource.
Attributing your powers to a piece of unobtanium sets you up for therapy.
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Author: William
Date: 2003-09-07 16:25
"Strad" violinist also have the same thoughts. But even exact modern copies down to the same wood, glue, stain and demension, fail to produce the "same sound" to their ears.
But maybe, this issue of "sound" is really "all in our heads" anyhow. It may be more the player than the equipement. No matter how many Larry Combs mpcs I have played, I still don't sound like Him. And He wouldn't sound the same as me, playing on my mpc/reed and clarinet (nor, I am sure, would He want to). My point--the "big deal" about the Kaspars is most likely a result of the great players who actually played them--and made them sound "good".
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Author: jez
Date: 2003-09-07 21:28
Brian Ackerman makes moulded copies of mouthpieces which, although they may replicate the exact shape of the original, are not made of the same material, being some sort of resin.
If you think its something about the dimensions that you like give it a try. If you think that resin instead of ebonite will make a noticable difference, don't.
I regularly play on one of his copies of an old favourite.
jez
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-09-07 21:44
jez said:
> If you think that resin instead of ebonite will make a noticable difference, don't.
Uh oh...Do I hear the "materials don't matter/matter for mouthpieces" debate ready to begin?
If so, wake me when it's over...GBK 
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-09-08 16:34
Thanks jez for the reminder. I had recalled reading something about a person who makes "silicone" moldings of existing mps and then makes resin mps from them but couldn't recall the person. Must be Brian. You must be reasonably happy with yours.
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