Author: salzo
Date: 2010-06-26 03:15
Quote Joseph Brenner:
"If you are compelled to proceed on this, follow Ken Shaw's advice. Recognize that proceeding on this carries the potential to damage your relationship with the family. You say that you played it but were not that all impressed, and if you were to acquire it you would have it refaced. Are you chasing a brand, as opposed to a sound? With the universe of mouthpieces and mouthpiece makers available, why risk a family relationship to chase after something that you hope you might be able to refurbish? best wishes,"
Of course I do not want to damage a family relationship. Worst thing that can happen is I ask, and he says No. I would be OK with that, I am sure he would be also.
As far as why chase something when there are other things out there- I have tried A LOT of the other things out there. I played on the same two mouthpieces for twenty years. I liked them both, but started looking for two reasons. The first, was the one mouthpiece that I like, is no longer made. The second mouthpiece is still made, but it is not the same as the older ones. I really like insurance, and the thought that I might break my primary haunted me. I cant replace it, they are no longer made.
So I decided to try mouthpieces that are being produced today, planned on buying a half dozen or so, so that I would not have to worry about breaking something and not having a back up. I didnt try every mouthpiece out there, but I tried a lot-mass produced, custom, etc sent some in to try having refaced-could not find anything that I really liked.
In the past I have not had good luck with having mouth pieces refaced. My only option from the beginning of my search was to find some mouthpiece that is on the market. I did not want to have to deal with finding mouthpieces, and then sending them to someone to "fix"-Ive been dissapointed too many times going that route.
But the problem with mouthpieces on the market, is I just did not like anything that I tried.
I had a couple of old vintage selmers that I sent to have refaced. I did not like these two pieces when I sent them in, so I figured I had nothing to lose, except some money. Going in to this, I figured the chances were better than not that I would be disappointed yet again-sure wouldnt be the first time, so I figured what the heck lets give it a try.
Got the two mouthpieces back, and that is what i am playing now. They are beautiful, it is exactly what I was looking for, so I am absolutely sold on the idea of sending old stuff in to a refacer whose work I really like.
Am I chasing a brand? I guess so. The person who did the refacing on my two selmers said the Chedevilles COULD be good, and are good to work with. Could it be a dud? Well yeah I guess it could, but the experience I had with the first two mouthpieces makes me think it is worth pursuing. And if turns out to be a dud-well it wouldnt be the first mouthpiece I have had that I didnt like.
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