Rast Vs. Grabner Kasper models

[Benny]

Has anyone played both of these, if so, what were your thoughts?
I don't have a chance to try both of them, so I'm hunting for opinions.
Thanks

[dpuckett]

I haven't played the Rast, but I have played the Grabner K13, and it's a really good mouthpiece. I think that Walter Grabner is making some fantastic mouthpieces.

His bass clarinet mouthpieces sound great! Can't wait to get my hands on one of those pieces.

[Benny]

Great! Thanks dpuckett.
The K13 is what I'm looking at. I was thinking of the K14, but the description made it sound like less of a Kasper style mouthpiece.
Has anyone tried the K13 and K14?? I play a Vandoren 5RV lyre at presennt so I don't want a more open facing.

[MM]

Both are very good. Unfortunately I can't compare them well because my Rast is a very close model.

[Roger Aldridge]

I haven't had a chance to try a Rast. However, I've compared Grabner Kaspars to Gregory Smith and Richard Hawkins pieces. Clearly, mouthpieces made by Grabner, Smith, Hawkings, and Behn are superb. It comes down to which one is the better match for one's tonal conception, particular clarinet, etc.

Personally, I prefer Grabner Kaspars to the Gregory Smith and Richard Hawkins mouthpieces I've tried. Between Smith and Hawkins I felt more comfortable with the Hawkins. For me, I really love the dark, ringing sound and thick tonal core I get with a Grabner Kaspar. It's "MY" mouthpiece! With the Smith and Hawkins mouthpieces I didn't experience as strong of a tonal core as I do with a Grabner. I haven't had a chance to try a Grabner Chicago. But, I have a gut feeling that it's along similar lines as a Hawkins.

Comparing the Grabner Kaspars, each one is good. I have the K11, K14, K11e, and K14e models. Talking with Walter, he suggested that I not get a K13 as he said it's close to the K14. For me, the K14 is every bit a Kaspar as a K11. It's wonderfully dark, ringing, and vibrant.

As I've described on another thread, I have two Couesnon Monopole clarinets and they play differently. On my 1960 Couesnon the K11e feels like the best match and the K14 is the best match on my 70's Couesnon. I also like the K11 very much.

Hope this helps.

Roger