 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: GLHopkins
Date: 2015-04-06 01:03
I've seen numerous adverts for mouthpieces made by those like Bay, Kaspar, etc that have stated they were refaced by someone else. Wouldn't refacing a mouthpiece originally made by Kaspar destroy it's value? It is no longer a Kaspar, but rather a Smith or Jones or product of the refacer?
Case in point is a Ithica Bay that Claude Humber refaced for me at his dining table. He worked the baffel, tip, rails and lay. At that point, did it become a Humber mouthpiece?
Post Edited (2015-04-06 01:03)
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Author: TomS
Date: 2015-04-06 05:50
I'd say if the facing was restored to original specifications (if that can be determined) and the interior was minimally adjusted, it should qualify and keep it's value as the original ... The MP should be marked with something that signifys who performed the work on it. Most old MPs, especially if played a lot, have changed from the original design because warp and wear of the rails due to the reed beating it up. I understand that the material itself also degrades.
I think it is also important that a well known and competent person does the refacing. Brad Behn's work would not compromise the MPs value, but Bubba and Skeeter's MP Service might be viewed with suspicion ...
Also remember, a lot of vintage and highly sought after brands weren't necessarily great ... consistency of material sources and workmanship varied a lot.
I suspect that nowadays the best craftsman, using good molded blanks or machined rod rubber blanks can do as well, if not much better than the old masters. We have a slew of meticulous, scientific craftsmen with steady hands and keen eyes that should be able to eclipse previous products. Many of the best MPs are constructed by people that are also great musicians, and have the advantage that the fruit of their labor can be immediately tested and at the highest standards. The duality of being a wonderful craftsman and great musician is an ideal and efficient vehicle to produce amazing clarinet products.
So ... do you really need a "vintage" MP? No ... unless you are a collector with money to burn, IMHO.
My three cents worth ...
Tom
Post Edited (2015-04-06 06:12)
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-04-06 06:02
If a Kaspar has worn to the point of needing refacing, its value has already been seriously compromised. Still, if I wanted a Kaspar I absolutely would not buy one that has been refaced--I'd get a worn and never-refaced specimen and have it reworked to my personal specifications by someone I trust. At that point, it would best be described as a "Kaspar reworked by so-and-so" along with a summary of modifications made.
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2015-04-06 13:21
I've had quite a few mouthpieces refaced, and to me it's taking the original qualities and adding the refacer's own signature characteristics. This has mostly worked out well, occasionally it hasn't. Depends on the original product.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2015-04-06 16:32
As some mentioned, it can restore the playing qualities if the mouthpiece is worn. It can also be a way to tweak it to your own preferences and playing style.
At this point, many if not most of those out there have had some work done to them. Many claim they have not been worked on, and it can be hard to detect without close inspection. Sometimes if the work is done really well, it may be hard to tell.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2015-04-06 16:50
What do you mean by "value?"
The value of a mouthpiece to a clarinet player is in how it plays - how it responds to and supports the player's ability to execute his or her musical ideas. The value to a mouthpiece collector is its representation of the best of a bygone era. The performer values performance first. The collector most values history.
A vintage mouthpiece that, through wear or mishandling, has lost its quality to respond reliably and cleanly has little or no present value to a clarinetist, only perhaps potential value. So the work of a good refacer/restorer, if it improves the mouthpiece's playing characteristics, restoring or even surpassing its original quality, increases the mouthpiece's value from a player's point of view.
Having a vintage mouthpiece refaced may lower its resale price in a market that values names and their history. Keep in mind that back in the days when those Kaspars and Chedevilles were new, having mouthpieces refaced to a player's individually preferred specs was common, even routine, for many professional players, so the chances are that there are few mint condition vintage mouthpieces still in circulation. The real issue is whether the added work done by a later refacer has enhanced or diminished the qualities of the original.
Karl
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Author: TomS
Date: 2015-04-06 17:26
I've used David McClune on a couple of 5RV-lyres ... came back very different and very improved critters, IMO. Dr. McClune does great work and at very reasonable prices.
I think if you have some old Vandoren, Selmer and etc. MPs sitting around, and you have the money, it's probably worthwhile to send them off and see what comes back. You might get a real gem! For a little more than the price of one new MP, you can get two old ones refurbished.
Tom
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