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 Question on Greg Smith
Author: ScottS 
Date:   2018-11-15 21:52

Dear BB Clarinetists:

For the past 20 years I have enjoyed one of Greg Smith's amazing C 1* mouthpieces, and am interested in what he has created since then, as I am considering a second mouthpiece from him.

I am also strongly looking at the Fobes CWF.

Thanks for your input on these two lines :)!

ScottS



Post Edited (2018-11-15 23:16)

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 Re: Question on Greg Smith
Author: Paul Aviles 
Date:   2018-11-15 23:03

He is second with the Chicago Symphony. They may be on tour or otherwise pretty busy.


Of course I am lovin' on my latest acquisitions from Clark Fobes as well!




..............Paul Aviles



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 Re: Question on Greg Smith
Author: ScottS 
Date:   2018-11-15 23:04

Oh Paul, how great to hear you love your Fobes! Would you mind telling me more about that? Which model you have, your ligature and reeds set-up? I know this is so geeky to request this, but while I'm on the "equipment" passion right now.

I'd love to hear more :)!

Thanks!



Post Edited (2018-11-15 23:17)

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 Re: Question on Greg Smith
Author: KenJarczyk 
Date:   2018-11-16 00:22

Absolutely nothing wrong with Greg Smith mouthpieces. If you contact him, he always replies and is very helpful. I played a Smith Kaspar style mouthpiece for years, and loved it. Won several auditions with it.

But I was looking for a more Euro-German sound, and I migrated to Clark Fobes mouthpieces.

I started with his CF+, migrated to his CWS after about a year. About a couple years, (now about a year and a half back) I went for his 10K (blue) in a 2L facing. Absolutely awesome, for me! Also, I have been using Fobes Europa 2 mouthpieces as well. The 10K features a longer lay than most, and the Europa has a wee bit longer lay than the 10K. Depending on the ensemble, I use either of these two, exclusively.

So, in my arsenal of all things Fobes, I have a couple CF+, a couple CWS, a couple 10K, and 3 Europa mouthpieces.

My Bass is a Fobes, as is my Eb.

Have Fun!

Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo

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 Re: Question on Greg Smith
Author: ScottS 
Date:   2018-11-16 00:28

Thanks for your post, Ken!

Agreed. Greg Smith is first class. Great artisan and a great person! I have found him to be incredibly helpful and kind.

And I have been using Smith's "C" style for two decades in symphony, wind band, and pit orchestras. I love the tone that I'm able to achieve with his handiwork.

There is zero discontent with his products, service, anything.

I'm just exploring and landed on the Fobes as an additionally good possibility. To Greg's credit, about 12 years ago I was in the market for a bass clarinet mouthpiece and he recommended Clark to me!

I now own the Fobes RR BCL mouthpiece. It is a gem!

Thanks for sharing your "collection" story :)! A good friend of mine uses the CWF in the ensemble we were in together, and gets an amazing sound!

Scott S
Central Lakes Wind Symphony
Minnesota



Post Edited (2018-11-16 00:30)

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 Re: Question on Greg Smith
Author: Ed 
Date:   2018-11-16 01:07

The best way to know is to try things. Clark makes terrific products that play really well. All of his mouthpieces and products are top notch.

I have colleagues who who have Smith mouthpieces and like them very much.



Post Edited (2018-11-16 17:32)

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 Re: Question on Greg Smith
Author: Paul Aviles 
Date:   2018-11-16 03:07

I have two San Franciscos from Fobes that are modified C12 facings (1.00mm tip opening and a custom length facing of 14.00mm). With that I use Legere Signature Soprano Sax reeds strength 2 3/4, and several different BG Duos and Tradition ligatures. Those metal BGs are the ONLY way to go with regard to ligatures for the Legeres. They make a HUGE difference.






.................Paul Aviles



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 Re: Question on Greg Smith
Author: donald 
Date:   2018-11-16 07:17

I know someone with a couple of Greg Smith mouthpieces (brand new) left by a deceased teacher who had them to sell to students... I'll find out which models they are (new, but at least 5 years old so Zinner blanks)

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 Re: Question on Greg Smith
Author: nellsonic 
Date:   2018-11-16 09:31

ScottS, I think you'll find this a fascinating listen:

https://www.clarineat.com/49-clark-w-fobes/


Also, this one for another impassioned and far-reaching conversation with another master craftsman in that top league:

https://www.clarineat.com/68-brad-behn/


Unfortunately none with Greg Smith yet it this series.

Anders

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 Re: Question on Greg Smith
Author: ScottS 
Date:   2018-11-16 16:27

Agreed, Ed! Thanks for all of your info, Paul! Thanks for that "find," Donald! Nellsonic, I DID find that youtube video of his and have listened to it! Great stuff! Thanks for sharing! I will have to check out that second one on Brad Behn, too.

Clark shared with me that his mouthpieces are available from WWBW. I've ordered from them before, so I know they are reputable with a good return policy. Just wondering if anyone has ordered Clark's mouthpieces from them vs. directly?

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 Re: Question on Greg Smith
Author: shmuelyosef 
Date:   2018-11-17 02:40

I have always purchased direct from Clark...same price, but Clark gets all the money...I'm sure that WWBW charges at least 20%

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 Re: Question on Greg Smith
Author: Ed 
Date:   2018-11-17 07:19

It is nice to work directly with Clark to get his thoughts and input on what best fits your needs/wants.



Post Edited (2018-11-17 21:26)

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