The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David Dow
Date: 2002-06-10 13:59
I have worked as a pro for over 18 years and have yet for myself found anything that plays better than the Kanter A facings that I have. I realize that the Kanter mouthpieces are no longer available but was wondering when Mr. Kanter stopped making mouthpieces and also if he made Eb and Bass mouthpieces ever? I also feel that the Riffault blanks may have something to do with the special nature of the sound his mouthpieces get, and the only other maker now who I'd go to I guess would be Gregg Smith who's work is excellent...it seems a shame there aren't that many makers out there to choose from now(to trust) but I think if I buy to replace it may have to be Mr. Smith....his mouthpieces are excellent!!!
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Author: William
Date: 2002-06-10 15:00
Hmmmm, interesting. I recently played on a Cicero Kaspar mouthpiece that had Kantor's name etched on it's side (refaced by???)--and it was terrible. Stuffy, unresponsive and inflexabile--even with a variety of reeds. Good to hear that his own products fared better--wish I could try one. BTW, I also agree that Gregory Smith's mpcs (I own both a Ched and a Cicero model of his) are great products--tightly focused sound with great response in all registers. In my own playing, I still use my old Chicago Kaspar, but keep Greg's mpcs close by for back-up in the event of last minute "reed change" or (Heaven forbid!!!) the consequential effects of the Earth's gravitational pull and rapid surface deceloration on dropped mouthpieces.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2002-06-10 18:51
There are actually a number of people out there to try when looking for mouthpieces. In my experience, one of the best currently working is Clark Fobes. Great products, very easy to deal with, fantastic understanding of the acoustics and problems in the instrument. I would say that he is definitely worth a look.
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Author: Michael
Date: 2002-06-13 01:59
I would also recommend Richard Hawkins' mouthpieces. Superb sound, very flexible, and great response and intonation as well. You have to maintain very high standards as far as reeds go to play his mouthpieces, but we should all be doing that anyway... :-)
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