 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bob
Date: 2002-03-13 05:22
For those who play kaspar mouthpieces, do you prefer chicago or cicero and why/for what reason?
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2002-03-13 19:00
I have owned one of each the Ann Arbor, Chicago and Cicero models. I liked the Chicago 14 best of all because of the wonderful tone and great articulation. Sadly, I chipped the tip and when it was refaced it didn't play as well. Sigh.
They were all nice--each in its own way.
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Author: LynnB
Date: 2002-03-13 19:46
I play the Chicago Kaspar (G. Smith's) and love the tone and projection. I tried the Cicero and liked the powerful sound it produced but still liked the tone from the Chicago better.
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Author: Larry Liberson
Date: 2002-03-13 20:43
Keep in mind that the Ann Arbor Kaspar mouthpieces were those of the "other " Frank Kaspar. To further distinguish the two cousins from each other (yep, cousins), it was Frank L. Kaspar who lived and worked in Ann Arbor, Michigan, while it was 'simply' Frank Kaspar who had his shop in Chicago and later in Cicero.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2002-03-13 22:03
Clark Fobes has provided some information on the two Frank's Kaspar at:
http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/Equipment/MBL/Kaspar.html
According to Clark, the relationship was uncle/nephew, not cousins. Frank L. was the elder. He actually started in Chicago. (Clark believes he first worked for Goldbeck and then bought Goldbeck out.) Later, Frank joined his uncle and both worked in Chicago for a time. Also according to Clark, it is virtually impossible to tell which of the two made a "Chicago" Kaspar because all are apparently simply marked Frank Kaspar. Eventually Frank L. moved to Ann Arbor and, at some point, Frank moved to Cicero. For anyone who has an interest in these mouthpieces, it is worth reading Clark's info. In addition to their history, he discusses some of the differences he has noted among the various models.
Lynn B.
At Greg Smith's site, I see reference to an "old Kaspar" model and an "old Chedeville" model but I don't see "Chicago Kaspar" or "Ann Arbor Kaspar" models so I'm not sure what you are referring to here. In any case, as good as Greg Smith's mouthpieces are, they are Greg Smith's mouthpieces, not Kaspars. Their design may be based to some degree on some good old Kaspars and Chedevilles that Greg Smith has owned. However, in the end, they are his design and execution. To me, attempting to draw conclusions about Kaspars based on playing Greg Smith's versions, is sort of like trying to draw a conclusion about apples by eating pears.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: bob
Date: 2002-03-14 05:16
Greg,
Marcellus performed on a Chicago kaspar with a 14 facing most often, correct?
Also, what is your opinion on this issue (ie, chicago vs. cicero)? I assume you have detailed knowledge of both since you fashion your own mouthpieces from the kaspar style...........
thanks a bunch!
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Author: bob
Date: 2002-03-15 05:54
Any comments on chicago vs. cicero Mr. Smith?? Any of your thoughts on their comparison would be greatly appreciated.............
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2002-03-15 12:46
LynnB wrote:
>
> I play the Chicago Kaspar (G. Smith's) and love the tone
> and projection.
Lynn,
While you're playing on some mighty fine mouthpieces, they're not truly Kaspars but are copies of Kaspars with added touches by Gregory.
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Author: bob
Date: 2002-03-16 05:52
It seems, from what I have tried, that a cicero kasar with a 13/14 facing is far different that a chicago kaspar with a 13/14 facing. Possibly due to the different manufacturers'? Of course, I remember trying out a heap of kaspars sent by the man himself in a box way back when that were horrible.........oh, to get them by the box today!
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