 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: claaaaaarinet!!!!
Date: 2011-12-18 02:06
Does anyone know of a good maker or dealer of period (historical) clarinet mouthpieces in the United States? I am aware of dealers in Cananda, UK and Europe, but would like to make a connection with someone in the US. I have recently acquired some 25 vintage clarinets (from six keys on up) of various keys and makes, but the mouthpieces are either missing or unplayable. In some cases, extensive restoration of the instruments themselves is also needed, so I would be interested to know of someone with restoration/manufacture skills as well.
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Author: donald
Date: 2011-12-18 06:14
Steve Fox uses Ed Pillinger mouthpieces from the UK, which suggests to me that there's no one in the USA making these. It does depend a bit on what era you're looking for (the six key clarinet is 1790s or early 1800s i assume) but i doubt Tom can help you with anything other than 20th century French style mouthpieces (14.6mm to 15mm bores).
dn
Post Edited (2011-12-18 09:04)
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Author: Benjamin
Date: 2011-12-18 08:55
I've played some of Robinson's instruments and mouthpieces which were good, so you might check with him:
http://www.robinsonwoodwinds.com/
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2011-12-18 08:56
Wichita Band Instrument Company is a dealer and restorer of antique clarinets. They've been helpful to me when I've needed assistance with antique instruments; I suggest contacting them.
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Author: donald
Date: 2011-12-18 18:34
The original post only hints at the age range of this collection (in cars "Vintage" means 1920s, in clarinets?) but there will be a huge variation in design for mouthpieces pre WW2, especially 19th Century. Modern makers like Brad are capable of copying such mouthpieces (probably at considerable cost- before CCN production the mouthpiece has to be copied, and the OP states some instruments are missing mouthpieces) but someone like Ed Pillinger (who has worked extensively copying early mouthpieces from 1700 onward) will already have templates/molds etc plus an extensive knowledge of 19th century bore/socket variants.
dn
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Author: claaaaaarinet!!!!
Date: 2011-12-18 20:09
To be more specific, I am looking for a maker or dealer of historically correct mouthpieces for clarinets that probably date to about 1780-1850. These tend to be much smaller than 20th Century French/American pieces and usually have grooves where a string could be used as a ligature. Ed Pillinger's work is a good example of what I think I need. Steve Fox sets his clarinets up with Pillinger mouthpieces, but he doesn't deal in the mouthpieces only. He says he usually orders the mouthpieces one at a time as needed for his instruments.
I could contact Pillinger directly, but since I have so many instruments that need such a variety of work, it would be easiest in terms of shipping, taxes, restrictions (like shipping ivory), to find someone domestically to partner with. It might be nice to visit their shop in person, etc. I'm aware of Robinson in NYC, and he's a good possibility, but he's extremely busy and I don't think he's actually a clarinetist. Any others period clarinet experts in the US that you know of? Does Ridenour really do period equipment as clarinete09 suggests?
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Author: donald
Date: 2011-12-18 20:20
Ridenour- not to my knowledge.
I appreciate you wanting to work with someone in the same country as you, esp as measuring of bores/sockets etc is of likely importance. If anyone, Tony Pay could give you an indication if there is someone in the US... but i suspect not.
dn
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Author: claaaaaarinet!!!!
Date: 2011-12-18 21:48
Ursa - Wichita Band Instrument Company website looks very promising. Thanks for the recommendation. Nice that they're in the midwest, too.
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2011-12-18 21:51
Ed Pillinger would be the best person to be in contact with. He made a great mouthpiece for my classical C clarinet. He is extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of mouthpieces over the centuries.
I would be careful regarding ivory, it is illegal to ship ivory unless it's antique. If you trying to restore actual period clarinets then you might what to consider the imitation ivory used in reproductions. Also do you know if thee clarinets actually play? Are you planing on playing them in a group situation? Trying to sort out intonation for original instruments can open a potentially big can of worms as pitch was not standardised in the 18thC like today.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: dclarinet
Date: 2011-12-20 19:52
I also recommend Daniel Deitch. He made a wonderful mouthpiece for me to fit an "f" clarinet that I have acquired which was made about 1870 or so. Really terrific person to talk to and deal with.
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Author: oliver sudden
Date: 2011-12-22 09:04
I would second the suggestion above to give Joel Robinson in New York a try. I have a 5-key and a 12-key Bb from him and the mouthpieces are great.
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