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Re: Refurbishing a Frank Kaspar Mouthpiece

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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