 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: immunizer
Date: 2007-03-14 02:07
Hello all. I recently purchased a serviced Noblet wooden Bb clarinet (2958C, model 7166/7168 as far as I can tell mfg in 1982) in lieu of overhauling my tired plastic Bundy. I had long given up using the Bundy mouthpiece in favor of my Father's old mouthpiece from 45 years ago. The story goes that when he had his clarinet (of anonymous, plastic heritage) serviced the technician dropped the associated mouthpiece and broke it, and so replaced it with the one I use now, then valued at $50 (if my hyperbolic father is to be believed). The mouthpiece is labeled "Special, made for Dick Stabile" and indicates its construction as being of Steel Ebonite, which I take to be hard rubber (and possessing the requisite patina). Quite naturally the piece sounded much better than the plastic I had been using.
Now that I have upgraded to the Noblet (after two years of not playing the Bundy due to a register key that ceased sealing) I have a Noblet rubber mouthpiece as well. I haven't yet returned to the point where I can evaluate the difference between these two pieces, but it has gotten me thinking about the older one. Can anyone tell me anything about this mouthpiece? To be honest, I'd not even heard of Dick Stabile until I began using his eponymous device - and I'm still not all that sure whether I've heard his music. At any rate, I'm less interested in the man than in whether I have a run-of-the-mill mouthpiece or - as it says right here - something "Special".
Any hints or thoughts are appreciated. Thank you.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2007-03-14 02:52
FYI - Dick Stabile was a big band alto saxophonist who had an impressive career and lead his own big band in the 1930's and 1940's. Later, in the 50's and 60's he worked with Martin and Lewis as well as with Jimmy Dorsey.
His range on the alto sax of 4 full octaves was legendary, and like many popular musicians of the day, he lent his name to instruments and accessories.
Here he is holding the new "Dick Stabile Signature Model Sax"
http://www.nfo.net/usa/stabsax.jpg
He was another important figure of the big band era and beyond ...GBK
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2007-03-14 10:39
"Steel Ebonite" was (and probably still is) a trademark of the Woodwind company. Like Vandoren today, they made a wide variety of mouthpieces. The rubber is good quality, and many fine players used them.
You'll certainly want to keep the mouthpiece as a present from your father. Depending on its condition, it could be worth sending to a refacer to have it touched up.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Mark P
Date: 2007-03-14 12:23
Several years ago during my online auction buying phase, I purchased a Pedlar metal clarinet for the Stabile mouthpiece that it came with. The mouthpiece was in new condition except for the compressed tenon cork from being in the barrel for 60 years. For me the tone was too bright and it's now residing in the mouthpiece drawer I've seen several of these on the well known auction site recently.
Stabile also had a line of saxophones made by Martin based on the pro model of the late 30s, I have an Dick Stabile alto sax that has a really nice full rich tone.
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