[J.Max]

I have often heard that Mr. Rascher said that he was opposed to the "new" smaller chambered mouthpieces being used for classical music. Now, I understand that he said this in lessons, master classes, etc, but I have also heard that he wrote an article about this or gave a speech. I've never been able to find any concrete info about this, so does anyone have any information about where/when this happened, or was it just a philosophy that he espoused?

 

[Kevin]

Rascher has written about this at least several times in different articles. I can give you more specifics about where you can find these after I get home tonight. I can give you one specific one right now, though. In the October, 1954 issue of The Instrumentalist, he has an article entitled "Thoughts About the Saxophone Mouthpiece".

 

[J.Max]

Ah, that's probably the one I was thinking of...any chance of a scan? I've actually never read this.

 

[Kevin]

Sure...drop me an email and I can send it later tonight.

[email protected]

 

[Joe Petrof]

Hello Kevin, would you please sent me a copy of Rascher's "Thought About the Saxophone Mouthpiece". I am considering a Rascher mpc, what lig is recommended? Thanks, Joe Petrof

Email: [email protected]

 

[Rackety Sax]

A metal two-screw with the screws on top. At least I believe that's what Rascher used.

 

[Joe Petrof]

Rascher Lig

Yes Sir, I am sure it was a metal ligature, was it an inverted or just an ordinary one that he turned around?

I talked to Sharon at Classic she had the Rascher but no lig with it, so I am trying to find out what one will fit.

 

[Rackety Sax]

A standard metal lig should fit. Rascher's was just a regular lig turned upside down, I believe. Larry Gwozdz talks about asking Rascher about his upside down lig when Rascher played at his school (junior or high school) years ago. You can find the story on the web, probably on the dornpub website.

 

[Kevin]

A rovner lig fits Rascher mpc's just fine. That's what a lot of people (including myself) use. I really only know of a couple people that use an inverted metal lig anymore.

 

[kingsaxello]

Rascher used an original Buescher ligature and simply turned it upside-down. I have recently acquired an original silver Buescher ligature and I really like it. Whether or not you believe that material affects tone, I noticed a better, freer resonance with this lig than with my Rovner Mk. III. Also, I think it's cool to try to play on all-original equipment! All I need now for my Buescher is an original silver end-plug!