 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ken.
Date: 2019-01-05 11:21
I originally posted about this mouthpiece here: http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=470556&t=470556
So I received the mouthpiece and tried to play it, but because the cork is worn I was only able to play it in the clarion register. It sounded quite good, definitely something I could keep as at least a backup.
A refacer who wishes to remain anonymous contacted me and said it is a fine example and good vintage, but clearly needs some restoration, polishing and facing.
If I decide to have it restored what do refacers do to get it into top condition? Do they restore it to be like it was when it was new i.e. everything about the original design preserved, or do they modify it to make it "better"?
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Author: Ed
Date: 2019-01-05 17:47
Check out the info on Brad Behn's site
https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/refacing-mouthpiece-customization
There are a few people out there who do this type of work. In my experiences, Brad is among the very best. He has an incredible amount of knowledge of what makes a mouthpiece work, design of various vintage mouthpieces, and his skill in doing this work is exceptional. I have been amazed with his work.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2019-01-05 18:16
Ken. wrote:
> If I decide to have it restored what do refacers do to get it
> into top condition? Do they restore it to be like it was when
> it was new i.e. everything about the original design preserved,
> or do they modify it to make it "better"?
In my limited experience with re-facers, I would say that they *should* respect *your* wishes in terms of balancing restoration with improvement. So you need to talk with anyone you're considering to have work on this mouthpiece and agree on what you're looking for.
That said, restoring an old mouthpiece to its original specs depends a lot on how damaged it is to begin with. If the facing is too badly damaged, restoring it may throw other internal measurements off. At that point the re-facer may be redesigning the mouthpiece to restore its function more than he is restoring its original specs.
Karl
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2019-01-06 01:41
Well you didn't say what kind of Kasper so a good refacer wouldn't or shouldn't give you an opinion until he/she has it in his/her hands.
For example what is the bore size the chamber/baffle depth? and a good refacer can judge if the mouthpiece has been refaced too many times and then what to do to it.
These are just a few examples.
Replacing the cork take 5 minutes. Restoring a Kaspar may take 10 minutes to 5 days.
Be careful with whom you choose, because a lot of Kaspars and Chedevilles got into the wrong hands and were/are wrecked.
It's not just the facing that makes these special. So do yourself a favor and wait for the right person.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: donald
Date: 2019-01-07 01:40
Bob's advice to "wait for the right person" is good. I'd actually say - don't let anyone work on it unless you've played one or two of their mouthpieces (either refaced or "production" models) to get an idea of whether you like their work.
If I look at the past of my "refaced vintage" mouthpieces...
ONE was restored/refaced and polished super shiny black, so that it LOOKED like brand new. The facing was ok- but not very comfortable for me. On playing OTHER mouthpieces by that person (who I really have a lot of respect for) it turns out that I have the same issue with his other work. It doesn't matter too much what it looks like if you're not happy playing it...
ANOTHER vintage mouthpiece, refaced by an excellent craftsman (that I and many others respect), played beautifully but only at one dynamic. Upon playing other mouthpieces by that person, find the same problem.
Both these artists do great work, and it might be that if I had met and worked with them in person these problems might not have happened, but as it is in both cases (both refacing and in their line of mouthpieces) there is something about "their style" of facing that doesn't quite suit me. Because I live in NZ opportunities to meet to do this work in person are extremely limited so I only have the option of going "long distance".
Don't be in a hurry, find the right person. (I have quite a few vintage mouthpieces, including a Kaspar, waiting for the right day/person!)
Post Edited (2019-01-07 07:24)
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Author: Ken.
Date: 2019-01-07 10:19
Thanks for the replies. I will definitely not be in a hurry!
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Author: donald
Date: 2019-01-09 00:10
worth noting that my poorly written post above is NOT actually referring to any mouthpiece craftsman who comments on this board, and both did good work that just didn't quite suit me.
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Author: William
Date: 2019-01-11 00:43
If it sounds good, replace the cork and play it. Why do you think it needs refacing?? My theory, if it isnt broken, dont fix it.
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Author: Ken.
Date: 2019-01-15 09:54
I wasn't thinking of refacing it but when I posted another thread here asking about the mouthpiece a well known refacer contacted me and said it needed refurbishing.
I will recork it and see how it plays first though.
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