 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David Dow symphony nb
Date: 2002-07-05 14:06
Dear Freinds: How is all going? Just wondering on the general health of Mr. Opperman and wondered how he is doing? I was wondering if all of his mouthpieces are the same in tip openings or is there a divergence of facings he makes? Happy clarineting, david
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Author: ben
Date: 2002-07-05 14:31
Last I heard he has fallen and broken a couple ribs. But, being the fighter he is, he hasn't let it slow him down and seems to be fine otherwise.
From what I understand, there are three or four principal facings he uses as guides when making a mouthpiece (one of which is a copy of Harold Wright's mouthpiece). But, he tailors each mouthpiece to the individual player so what works for one of his students, might not necessarily work for another.
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Author: chris you
Date: 2002-07-06 08:01
I'm a fan of Harold Wright, and after hearing Opperman based his mouthpieces by Wright's mouthpiece, I am inspired to get a mouthpiece made by him... What steps should I take in doing this? Should I travel to New York and have it personally made? Or.....can I order a couple of mouthpieces and try them out? thanks
Chris You
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Author: Ed
Date: 2002-07-07 14:32
Last I knew, Opperman only made mouthpieces for his students, not for the general public.
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Author: Meighan Stoops
Date: 2002-07-07 20:00
I saw Kalmen Opperman last week; he broke those ribs on the 1st or 2nd day of his Clarinet Summit with Richard Stolzman. He didn't let it stop him at all. He's working on some new books. I don't know how much time he has to take on any new students but that'd probably be the only way you'd be able to get a mouthpiece (unless some of his old students were selling). I actually have three of them but I'm not looking to sell. If you were in the city and wanted to try them though, feel free to contact me.
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Author: David Dow
Date: 2002-07-08 11:22
I studied with Wright in the late 80s (and a fellow student) sold me a couple of his facings, which he said were modeled after Wright's Chelville facing. These two Oppermans play quite nicely/. Its too bad there are only a few legends like Mr. Opperman left and hope he has at least another 20 years.
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Author: Meighan Stoops
Date: 2002-07-08 16:35
When Kal Opperman had his 80th B-day party two years ago he was already inviting everybody to his 100th so he's planning on being around.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-07-08 18:25
David -
As Ben says, Kal fits his mouthpieces to your barrel, clarinet and personal preferences. Also, he applies each facing by hand, so no two are exactly the same. His preferred facing is medium to a bit more than medium, approximately the same as the Vandoren 5RV lyre (though the playing qualities are quite different). Depending on your preference, he will also make a fairly close facing or a medium close one. You sit in his studio and let him try various things until it works for you.
Thirty years ago, you could go to his studio and get a mouthpiece made on the spot for $35. Unfortunately, he has had to slow down, and he makes mouthpieces only for his students, at $200 each (plus a barrel for another $200). They're worth every penny. One of the reasons to go to his Clarinet Summit is to get a mouthpiece.
He is indeed a treasure. He has the same intensity (and the same big tone and technique) as ever. He just has to take better care of himself.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Ed
Date: 2002-07-09 02:00
FYI- There is currently an Opperman mouthpiece up for auction on ebay.
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