 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bill
Date: 2016-05-31 03:41
A few times in my career with the clarinet I've struck it lucky: I got a circle Bettoney "interlocking Cs" QS mpc for free, I got a good-condition Series 9 clarinet for $150, and I bought Buffet 19764 in freshly-restored condition for a modest fee. When it arrived, inside the case I found a fully-metal-lined (table and chamber) ebony mpc, a "Qualite Superieure" glass mouthpiece (the QS mark was on the bottom of the metal tenon), and a fresh-looking (to say the truth, new-looking) "Joe Allard" Reso-Chamber Otto Link mpc. These items were a "bonus." It was like a care package from Artie Shaw.
Today, for the first time since I acquired this Buffet (6 years ago), I tried the Otto Link with the usual range of 2.5 and 3.0 reeds, some broken in, some new. I am so bummed out that this clean-looking mpc, so "black" and so pristine-looking, has the airy, chirpy quality of something that's warped out of true form.
What I (think) I need is a refacer who can bring this piece back with the minimum of invasive surgery. I want to keep the DNA of it, but it needs to be adjusted to correct the warpage. For myself, I learned *long ago* after trial and error that mouthpiece work belongs to those who are good at it. I am not. "Faggetaboudit."
Any advice? Anyone willing to work the minimum on this piece? I want to keep the Joe Allard in it.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
Post Edited (2016-05-31 03:48)
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Author: Ed
Date: 2016-05-31 04:09
I have had Brad Behn work on some vintage pieces and have been VERY happy with the results. Brad is extremely knowledgeable and respectful of the mouthpiece and the material. He has a keen sense of what is needed and his work is impeccable.
Take a look at his information of refacing and restorations to see what he is able to do:
http://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/custom-repairs/
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Author: crnichols
Date: 2016-05-31 05:46
Ramon Wodkowski is excellent. I understand he will be in the Washington, D.C. area June 16-18, 2016.
http://www.ramonwodkowski.com
Christopher Nichols, D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Clarinet
University of Delaware
Post Edited (2016-05-31 05:47)
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-05-31 06:04
Indeed, I would also suggest Mr. Behn. I did have some wonderful results with an old Chedeville-blank piece that I sent him to rework.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2016-06-01 23:39
Thanks, everyone, for the advice.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: nellsonic
Date: 2016-06-02 23:21
It's hard to beat being there in person with the right craftsman, and Ramon is top notch. He listens extremely well, both to what you say as and how you sound as he makes adjustments. If he's coming to your town, I'd seek him out.
Anders
Post Edited (2016-06-03 01:28)
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