 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: LJBraaten
Date: 2012-08-24 17:53
Hi all, I know there are several good technicians who do this service, but having gotten very disappointing results with a by a fly by night refacer on fleaBay, I want to make sure I get what I pay for. (I am certain the "refacer" is no one on this board, or anyone whose services have been used by members of this board.)
Here's what I'm looking for: someone who won't charge me an arm and a leg for refacing services, and who is also willing to first evaluate the mouthpiece (at no or minimal charge) and tell me whether or not it is even a good candidate for refacing.
Here's my situation. Someone gave me a used BP02 which plays beautifully (comparable to 5RV Lyre). It has a beautiful tone, low resistance, and I like the narrow profile). The only problem is that the beak has a hairline crack, about an inch long. I *think* that I hear little fuzz (on certain notes) due to crack vibration, at other times I hear nothing (same notes), so I don't entirely trust it. It appears to have been refaced, and even attempted repair on the crack, by added substance, or relining inside. I can't tell if this has worked, or at least I'm not sure if I can see the crack inside.
Hoping for similar results, I purchased a second used BP02, but it is nothing like the first. It has some very small chips on the tip (I knew about these in advance), and the table and rails are nearly perfect. It has a very dull and airy tone and is a bit too resistant for my tastes. I am not sure, but it may have already been refaced and opened up a bit. The tip is slightly less rounded than the other BP, I don't know if this is result of refacing of one or the other, or a difference in manufacturing specs over the years. I would like to have this mouthpiece altered to match the other, if possible, or if not, improved by a different facing. So I am looking for someone who could do this for a reasonable fee, but is skilled enough to access whether or not the mouthpiece is can be improved (at a reasonable cost). Preferably this person would be able play both to get an idea about what is being worked with. I would rather cut my losses than sink more money into an inferior mouthpiece. (If I wanted to spend a lot of money I would have bought a new one.) Any recommendations?
Laurie
(Mr. Laurie J Braaten)
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2012-08-24 20:30
Send me an email at nathan.beaty@gmail.com and I can find a way to help you. Matching facings is not difficult for someone who knows what they're doing, as well as matching the overall feel of the mouthpiece.
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Author: SchlockRod
Date: 2012-08-24 23:13
I hear great things about MojoBari (look him up on Sax on the Web). He's in New Jersey. He seems to know clarinet pieces well, not just sax. He even has youtube videos showing "how-to" in great detail.
Also Walter Grabner (Chicago area) offers refacing and is highly regarded.
My personal experience is with Dave Spiegelthal (Virginia) who has done a nice job on an old Otto Link clarinet piece for me. He is on this forum I'm pretty sure.
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2012-08-24 23:25
From what I have read on this BB and from the pictures that I have seen on his website, I feel that I can highly recommend Brad Behn. He can be reached at 405-651-6063.
I think it's wonderful that you have a choice of individuals from which to choose.
Good luck!
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Author: Ed
Date: 2012-08-25 02:32
There are many out there who can handle the job. Recently I sent a vintage piece to Walter Grabner for his opinion. He took a look at the mouthpiece and we had a nice conversation (as well as a couple of emails) discussing the possibilities of this particular piece. I ended up deciding that it was not worth doing the work and all it cost me was the shipping.
In short, I would highly recommend trying Walter. He has made thousands of mouthpieces and is very highly regarded.
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Author: LJBraaten
Date: 2012-08-25 20:51
thanks for the recommendations, I have also received a few personal emails from refacers, some mentioned above, some not (hint, hint).
I'm a bit of a cheap-scape, and usually buy everything used or on clearance. I see that refacing is going to cost at least the price of a new BP 02 (I have seen them new starting at around $50). So I am curious, is refacing a BP 02 worth it? Can they be made better than new? Can it meet professional standards (loosely determined, suitable for local band or orchestra).
Laurie
(Mr. Laurie J Braaten)
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Author: LJBraaten
Date: 2012-09-01 17:36
Thanks again for all who have responded. I am still taking recommendations, if you don't want to recommend someone on this board a personal message would be fine. Some have contacted me personally about doing the work that are fairly widely known for their work, others that I don't know much about.
I will probably delay getting the work done for a few weeks or more since I have a couple of unexpected bills. Although I know it is worth it, it is difficult thinking about spending more on refacing than I have spent on a mouthpiece (I am not only a cheapskate, but I've had good luck getting good prices), I have to get used to the idea of paying market value! 
Laurie
(Mr. Laurie J Braaten)
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Author: Bill
Date: 2012-09-01 21:42
Brad Behn repaired the beak of an $800+ Kaspar that the recipient (someone else on this board) had accidentally dropped while cleaning it. I think he can help you.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
Post Edited (2012-09-01 21:42)
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Author: clarinetmc
Date: 2012-09-02 06:00
Richard Hawkins is really good, and super fast. Also priced quite reasonably. I'd check him out, you'll be happy you did!
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