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Re: Vintage, or Vintage Clone?

Author: Chetclarinet
Date: 2005-12-30 18:51

I am a confirmed player of vintage Kaspar mouthpieces on clarinet, e flat and bass clarinet. I own many fine vintage Frank Kaspar and Frank L. Kaspar mouthpieces and use them professinally on a weekly basis. Over the years , I have owned, played and tried many of the current Kaspar "Copy" models made by such fine makers as Charles Bay, James Pyne, Greg Smith, Rick Sayer, and Clark Fobes. These modern copies are very very good, made with excellent materials and craftsmanship. Any of the above mentioned makers, and others including Richard Hawkins, Brad Behn, etc. make really fine mouthpieces, with excellent tonal characteristics and equally excellent response. However, inspite of the absolutely high level of modern mouthpieces that are available, I still prefer to play vintage Kaspar mouthpieces. I have several favorites, two original 13 Ciceros, an older Chicago refaced by Jeffrey Lerner and a great playing Cicero 14 faced by Brad Behn. The sound and "color" possibilities for these mouthpieces, in my opinion are still superior to any other mouthpieces I have played over tha past 40 years. There are many professional players in the US still using the vintage Kaspar and Chedeville mouthpieces--some refaced by modern makers, some origiinal. For most players, obtaining really fine Kaspar's and Chedeville mouthpieces is very dificult, as the quality and condition varies unfortunately --do to age, re-facing, abuse, etc. from terrible to terrific.

I am an active buyer, seller , and collector of Kaspar mouthpieces, some original, some re-faced and still find some very nice mouthpieces from time to time. I would recommend that anyone interested in purchasing Kaspar mouthpieces from various sellers and collectors request(actually insist!) on an adequate trial period and a return guarantee. I also feel that the majority of clarinet players in the USA can find less expensive, excellent quality mouthpieces that will fit their individual playing talents without purchasing hard to find Kaspar and Chedeville mouthpieces.

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Vintage, or Vintage Clone? new

Brenda Siewert

2005-12-29 15:16