 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BenRSmith
Date: 2009-11-09 00:09
What do you think of Walter's kaspar mouthpieces? Are they a good choice for clarinet players?
Also, I've been trying to get in touch with him the past couple of days but he has not replied to my email, and I've also tried calling him and he doesn't seem to be there either.
Do you know usually how long it takes for him to reply?
Post Edited (2009-11-09 00:27)
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2009-11-09 00:53
Grabners mouthpieces are amazing. Fantastic tone ease of articulation etc. I personally use the K11 and he just recently came out with the K11* which I haven't tried. Just try some out for yourself I feel you would enjoy it a lot. Also the reason he might not answer is because he's busy or out of town. He'll get to you eventually.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2009-11-09 02:25
I've been very happily playing on Walter Grabner's Chicago model for several years. According to his website, the current Chicagos may be based on a slightly different blank from the one he was using when he made mine, but I'm certain they now play at least as well as the old ones if not better. I know there are also a great many players who are happy with his K11 model.
Like his mouthpieces, I've never found Walter to be unresponsive. I've nearly always corresponded with him by email and, if anything, I've found him to respond very quickly except when it turns out he's been sick or out of town exhibiting. He'll get back to you. He is very easy to work with and has always been very supportive of my needs (or wants) in the mouthpieces I've bought from him.
Karl
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Author: BenRSmith
Date: 2009-11-09 03:06
Do you know if he is out of town, how long does it usually take him to get back? I was really hoping I could get it in time for my audition.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-11-09 03:30
Can't say about the timing of his replies, but I will vouch for the quality of Walter's work. I have a very nice K13 mouthpiece I got from him a couple of years ago. Beautiful tone and I really can't fault it.
Just keep trying. He may just be out of town for a couple of days. Your patience will have its reward!
Jeff
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2009-11-09 04:43
I echo the comments above. I have a K13 that is very nice. Walter recommended it for me. I also found him to be very responsive, but I think as time goes on he gets busier. It's worth the wait.
Leonard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2009-11-09 12:53
I unfortunately don't like Kaspar style mouthpieces.
That being said, Walter's an amazing mouthpiece maker and he does some great work. I have bugged him time and time again for one of his old chedevilles, but I guess he doesn't have any blanks left. If you don't mind a Kaspar style (which many people are happy with), he's got great ones.
If you've never TRIED a Kaspar style, try it. You may like it.
Alexi
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Author: William
Date: 2009-11-09 15:06
I play a Grabner CX_BS on my Buffet Prestige bass clarinet and love it. He is a master craftsman......and a pretty good player as well. Walter knows when he's "got it right" and he will not rest until you are satisfied as well. Also, he is a busy person so give him a little time to get back to you.
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Author: Ryan25
Date: 2009-11-09 15:55
Walter makes really good mouthpieces and is a dynamo at customer service. If there is a delay on his end, then there is always a reason. Good things come to those who wait!
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Author: gwie
Date: 2009-11-09 20:50
I've been playing on two of his K11 pieces for some years now. Love'em! I find with his mouthpieces I have more control over the kind of tone color I can produce over a wider dynamic range (compared to the other mouthpieces I tried over a period of half a year in a massive mouthpiece safari some time ago).
I use Vandoren V12 4.5 reeds and a Bonade inverted ligature.
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Author: bmcgar ★2017
Date: 2009-11-10 04:06
As has been pointed out before, Walter's operation consists of Walter.
He gets swamped sometimes, and unlike the rest of us, he even takes a few days off now and again or has to travel for his business, so sometimes responses lag.
Hang in there, and he'll respond.
(His new K11*s are killer mouthpieces, btw.)
B.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2009-11-10 04:54
I've never tried one, but have never heard someone speak ill of them. If someone wants to send me a free demo, I'll check it out and let y'all know.
I have a friend who plays a bass clarinet set up by Walter, and he raves about the instrument. And it sounds magnificient.
So the best advice is give him a call (phone # is on his web site), and try a few of his mpc's... Then let us know what you think. He has a steller reputation.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2009-11-11 01:53
Interesting -
I have no voice mails or open e-mails from anyone named Ben Smith.
Ben - if you are out there, try harder, you are not getting through!!!!
I was busy all day Friday and Saturday, preparing for, and being a part of "Clarinet Connections" arranged by Rose Sperazza, professor of clarinet at Northeastern Illinois University.
Had a great time, hope I saw some of you there.
Walter Grabner
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