EZmpc.com - Custom Saxophone Mouthpieces

Frequently Asked Questions

I've spent countless hours responding to the questions below.  Please take some time to read through everything here (and on the rest of the website) so we can promptly advance towards the important matter at hand - maximizing the performance of your mouthpiece!
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What different kinds of mouthpieces do you work on?
EZmpc.com is exclusively for saxophone mouthpieces - every size from sopranino to bass.  First person to send me a soprillo mouthpiece piece gets it refaced for free!

Mouthpieces made of every conventional material are serviced:
Hard Rubber, Brass, Stainless Steel, Sterling Silver, Plastic, Wood,
Crystal, composites.
 

Why would I consider having my mouthpiece customized?
Difficulty playing your current piece - too much effort to get the desired sound, embouchure tiring too quickly.
You need something that plays, feels, or sounds different than your current setup.
You need something new as you are transitioning from concert band to jazz band - or vice versa.
You need a backup for your primary piece.  Often, the client's "backup" becomes their primary piece!
More reeds will be playable straight from the box. 
A properly refaced piece will SAVE you money.
You want to spend less time fussing with your setup and more time PLAYING IT!
Refacing a mouthpiece is the ultimate in recycling!  Beware… your carbon footprint will increase because your improved setup will be so much more free-blowing...  :)
It's fun to try new things!  You don't have to be on a mission for the Holy Grail to enjoy a masterfully refaced mouthpiece.  Doors can be opened that you didn't even know exist.  Explore!


What do you do when you reface a mouthpiece?
Review refacing services here...

How long will it take to do the reface?
Turnaround times are strictly unpredictable - this means "I don't know!"  Premium services are available if a specific timeframe is needed.  The workload for refacing services is unpredictable and very fluid.  I can't predict in advance exactly how long it will be before the piece is returned.  I advise that you send me pieces that you can live without for some undetermined period of time.  Otherwise, select a premium service with your quote request.  Any wait you experience will be worth the end result!

Can you duplicate my favorite mouthpiece?

Maybe.  There are subtle, sometimes immeasurable aspects to mouthpieces that can not be perfectly duplicated without performing a cast/mold (a service I do not offer at this time).  Exact duplication can not be promised, though a "darn-near" replica can likely be accommodated.  It might turn out close enough or "right on the money" - I just can't make any promises.

Are there any risks?

I've never cracked nor chipped a mouthpiece that wasn't already beginning to crack or chip.  I will not take responsibility for inherent flaws that expose themselves during the course of the reface.  I can't control the condition of the mouthpiece before it is sent to me.  If the integrity of the mouthpiece is at risk, I will stop the reface immediately and consult with you regarding possible courses of action.  A mouthpiece has never been damaged while en route.  Only one package has ever been lost - due to a fluke error by a Post Office worker.  (Always check the receipt to be sure the customs form number appears on it - otherwise it didn't get scanned and enters Postal Purgatory!)  If your performance career is over should the piece be lost in the mail - please don't send it to me!  Mouthpieces that have been refaced previously - whether by a hack, a pro, or a professional hack - may not have enough material left to meet the client's objectives.

 

I will leverage my expertise to your advantage to mitigate risk
and ensure you get the best possible performance out of your mouthpiece.

 

Is there a guarantee?
Every reface comes with a 100% guarantee that my best effort will be applied to each and every project.

When you receive your newly refaced piece, plan on taking at least two weeks playing the piece daily to give yourself a chance to adapt to it.  Sometimes slightly different reeds or embouchure are needed once the piece has been "freed-up".  After working with the new piece for a couple of weeks, do another client-assessment and contact me with any remaining concerns.  In most circumstances, I will offer to tweak the piece for only the cost of return shipping if you feel something needs to be further addressed.  Changing your mind on tip opening or baffle design, for example, will carry some additional expense but at a reduced cost.


Do you do refacing work for any famous players?  Testimonials?
I've worked on mouthpieces for professional recording artists as well as players brand new to the instrument - and saxophonists of every skill level in between!  Testimonials found here...  Most of my work comes to me via word-of-mouth and referral from player to player.  Refacing is very personal - even intimate in nature.  Building and maintaining trust is central to what I do, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with new clients as much as I am happy to hear back from my "regulars".

 

Is there anything I should do before having my mouthpiece refaced?
Only if your horn is set up properly will you experience the full benefit of a reface.  Ensure your horn is in good repair before doing the client-assessment.  The saxophone needs to be free of any pad leaks.  With a three foot long rope light in a dark room, you can determine for yourself if there are any pad leaks that need to be attended to.  Make note of where the leaks are and have your technician repair them.  There can be other mechanical issues which prevent a horn from performing it's best, but pad leaks are something any player has the capability of identifying.  The neck cork needs to be undamaged and sealing tightly against the shank bore of the mouthpiece at the tip of the neck.  Try different reeds or reed strengths and note what gets better/worse.  This is important to share with me later.  Have another player try your setup to get a second opinion - get a third opinion, even.  Have them try your mouthpiece on their horn, their piece on your horn, your piece on your horn.  See if there are any common factors to performance issues.  A private instructor can help ensure any performance issues are not "operator error".

 

NOTE:  Refacing is not a replacement for diligent practice and proper instruction - however, a proper setup will make your practice and (more importantly) your performance time more free and constructive.

Anything I shouldn't do before having my mouthpiece refaced?
The absolute worst thing you could do prior to sending your mouthpiece to me is to try to fix it yourself!  It is always more work to undo mistakes than it is to simply improve an original piece.  Repairing a maladjusted piece takes longer and is therefore more expensive.  I don't perform miracles, though I do have clients who would testify otherwise ;)


Do you have a waiting list?
There is no waiting list.  The flow of work is too dynamic to manage a waiting list.  I have hundreds of mouthpieces to prepare for direct purchase, so there is never a "slow time".  I do take breaks occasionally, so it sometimes takes a bit longer than usual to answer requests and emails.  Your patience is always appreciated.

Projects are worked in a first-in/first-out fashion (for the most part).  The sooner you send your piece, the sooner you will have it back.  It's as simple as that! 
Start the process NOW!


Any mouthpieces for sale?  Pictures of prior refacing work?
Mouthpieces for sale (many having been customized) can be seen here...

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