 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: TomA ★2017
Date: 2011-03-03 16:42
The recent threads on mouthpiece facings have led me to wonder what definitive characteristic(s) of the facing makes a mouthpiece really outstanding (recognizing that this is often an individual thing). What sets these people apart who can produce great results apart? (you know who you are, so fess up )
One possibility: a really good mouthpiece maker/re-facer has some "proprietary" curves that are known to produce great results, either through experimentation or other direct experience, or even theoretically. These are known only to that individual and that is what sets his/her work apart. (seems unlikely, anyone can measure facing curves, as has been often posted here).
Another possibility is that the maker has the skills to re-produce the shape to a high-enough accuracy (though it would seem that CNC systems could do that at least as well).
The third possibility is that a talented re-facer can evaluate the shape, perhaps by play-testing or measurement of some kind, and then to make appropriate adjustments to move toward the desired outcome. That is, incrementally compensating for deficiencies as opposed to creating the perfect shape.
So, is it the specific (mathematical) curve shape itself? Is it the ability to shape the physical curve to this theoretical shape accurately enough? Is it the ability to modify a facing depending on subjective criteria?
Obviously other parameters (bore, chamber, material...) affect the result, but holding these constant, what is it you guys do? Where and how does the unique talent manifest itself?
Tom
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: NBeaty
Date: 2011-03-03 17:20
As to the "which one is it" question, I would say: Yes!
Take an example like a late Charles Chedeville mouthpiece. A great refacer would have:
1) Worked on many of those mouthpieces previously and already know the measurements that make them go (within a small margin anyway).
2) What flaws are usually apparent in that blank, as well as general flaws in mouthpieces that don't play well. They would go in SEARCH of these flaws (many do not know how to fix or how to find certain flaws) and also know how to fix them.
3) The ability to refine the product to a high artistic level. Assuring that the rails are even\beautifully shaped. Tool marks are generally smoothed out.
4) The honest refacer would also be honest with their customer as to the quality of that particular mouthpiece. This means telling you it's not worth refacing (if that's the case). This also means that if you ask them how it turned out, they will tell you if it's less than ideal and WHY. It's just good business and also helpful to the customer to know what to look for.
My favorite mouthpiece refacer, who's a supporter of this board, leaves no aspect of the mouthpiece unexamined. Experience, ability, attention to detail, along with integrity are on every mouthpiece refaced.
I don't think many people will be sharing their trade secrets here, as you might imagine.
To quickly summarize what I look for when getting a mouthpiece refaced:
Flat or concave table - Even and smooth rails - tip opening and facing length balanced to the mouthpiece and to my reed strength (most refacers will ask you) and it should look as well as it plays.
Most importantly. If you get it back and don't like how it plays, they should either 1) be confident that they can make some adjustments based on your assesmnet or 2) be honest enough to tell you that it's just not the mouthpiece you think it should be.
Sometimes you get lucky too. I had a Kaspar refaced and it didn't feel the way I wanted it to (although it was a good facing etc.) The REFACER liked the mouthpiece so much when he refaced it that he bought it from me when I was looking to sell it!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2011-03-03 23:06
Tom, email me at savagesax@aol.com. Send me your phone number and I will get back to you in about a week. I'm pretty busy at the moment.
Bob
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
