 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Zacharywest158
Date: 2022-05-06 05:29
Hello all,
I’m hopefully relocating to DC this summer and am wondering if anyone could recommend a good mouthpiece craftsman in the area. I have a few mouthpieces I would like worked on, namely a Borebeck 13 on a Riffault blank that needs some love and attention. Thanks in advance for pointing me in the right direction.
Best,
Zac
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2022-05-07 03:51
Zac,
Around 4 years ago, I made up a list of clarinet mouthpiece refacers. I just went over the list again but I was unable to find anyone close to the D.C. area.
Actually, I wouldn't recommend looking by area, but, by reputation as noted on this BB.
There are specific refacer names which appear over and over again by players who are extremely satisfied with the work that has been done on their mouthpieces.
Without knowing your playing level, i.e., amateur, semi-pro, pro, freelancer, or symphony player, I have no idea as to what level of quality work that you need to have done on your mouthpieces.
If you're looking for the absolute, top quality refacing work, the names most mentioned here on the BB (per my memory) are (in alphabetical order): Brad Behn, Richard Hawkins, Vytas Krass, Lee Livengood, Rick Sayre, David Spiegelthal, and Ramón Wodkowski.
Here is the list which I compiled around 4 years ago: http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=461271&t=461271
Please keep in mind that the prices quoted are from 4 years ago.
Hopefully, others will come forth with refacer names that they have had excellent results done on their mouthpieces.
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Author: Zacharywest158
Date: 2022-05-11 21:56
Hi Dan,
Thanks so much for your reply. I am familiar with some of these men and agree that their work is fantastic. I would prefer the opportunity to sit down and talk about my needs in person, but I do know that refacings by mail are an option. Once again, much appreciate your detailed list!
All the best,
Zac
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2022-05-12 08:02
Hi Zac,
As I thought about what you want to do on a person-to-person basis, I did a little bit more investigating and found out that there were numerous professional orchestras and symphonies in the DC area. I, next, thought about where the clarinetists would possibly go to have their instruments kept in tip top shape. Hopefully, one of the following repair facilities might also know of a refacer who keeps their pro customers mouthpieces also in top shape.
https://www.yellowpages.com/washington-dc/clarinet-repair
Yeah, it may take more than a few phone calls, however, the effort may be very well worth it.
Good luck!
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Author: Musikat
Date: 2022-05-13 07:38
I live in the greater DC area. I'm not sure about refacers, but the two best clarinet techs I know of are Lee Lachman and Wesley Rice. Both work on many professional's instruments, and there are several professional military bands in the area. Rice makes mouthpieces, and lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I don't know if he refaces them but you could reach out and ask.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2022-05-13 17:27
Wes makes the blanks, but someone else does the facing work
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