The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: pguy
Date: 2005-09-17 20:51
I've just been given an older Buffet professional Eb, circa 1968 based on the serial number. The wood grain is really tight, it has some tone issues, and needs some major key, cork, and pad work. Not sure if it's a keeper.
More interestingly it came with a Frank Kaspar - Ann Arbor mouthpiece. There are some other markings on it but they are heavily obscured by scratches and dings. I assume it's about as old as the clarinet. I'm thinking about keeping the mouthpiece, if it is a good one, should I get a new instrument.
Given the heavy use over the years and external damage.... how can you tell if it is all right, or needs refacing? And if it does need refacing, who would you recommend to do the work? Thanks
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Author: redwine
Date: 2005-09-17 21:05
Hello,
I would be interested in seeing the mouthpiece and measuring it for my own information. I'll be glad to reface it, free of charge, if that's what you want. Do you have another mouthpiece that you like? I could copy that facing, put anything on that you wanted, or put what I like on it. First, however, you should try the mouthpiece to see if it is fine the way it is. If you're interested, please e-mail me off-line. Thanks.
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2005-09-18 20:31
Hi pguy:
Your new(old) Frank Kaspar - Ann Arbor Eb mouthpiece is a rare find. Frank made one for me in the early 1960s, and it's still the best Eb mouthpiece I've ever played. Yours maybe equally as good, so don't reface it too soon.
Play it for a while on a very good Eb clarinet, and have a fine teacher or another professional try it also.
Usually the less done to old Kaspar's the better. If it's one of his Eb gems, then you have something really special! Don't sell it, but if you do, get big $$$ for it.
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2005-09-20 16:11
The Eb Kaspars are very nice indeed and I would certainly keep it and not be hasty in getting it refaced unless it is unplayable as is...
Your lucky to have found a Kaspar Eb mouthpiece as they are very rare these days.
David Dow
Post Edited (2005-09-20 16:12)
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