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 the information so we can promptly address 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.
Mouthpieces made of every conventional material are serviced
Hard Rubber, Brass, Stainless Steel, Sterling Silver, Plastic, Wood, Crystal, composites.
Why might I consider a customized mouthpiece?
- You are lacking desired tone and control despite having your saxophone serviced or trying different reeds.
- You are experiencing too much resistance or your embouchure becomes tired too quickly.
- It is requiring too much effort for you to obtain the desired sound.
- You need a mouthpiece which provides more versatility in tone and dynamics.
- You need a backup for your primary piece. Many times, the "backup" becomes the favorite!
- You find that only a few reeds out of a box work on your setup. A properly refaced piece will SAVE you money as every reed won’t have to be “perfect” to work for you.
- 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!
Can you duplicate my favorite mouthpiece?
Maybe.
There are subtle, sometimes immeasurable aspects to a mouthpiece that can’t be perfectly duplicated. Even machine-cut mouthpieces have some level of variation. Exact duplication can’t be promised, though a very close replica can likely be accommodated. It might turn out exactly how you wanted - I just can't make any promises.
Are there any risks?
I can't control the condition of the mouthpiece before it is sent to me - therefore, I do not take responsibility for inherent flaws exposed during the course of any mouthpiece work. I have never seen a mouthpiece damaged during shipping.
I've never cracked nor chipped a mouthpiece that wasn't already beginning to crack or chip.
If the integrity of the mouthpiece is at risk, I will stop the reface immediately and consult with you regarding possible courses of action.
While I would love to work with you on your project, 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 your objectives. I will consult with you if I feel this may be an issue.
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. Mouthpiece refacing is extremely tedious and time-consuming when done correctly.
When you receive your customized mouthpiece, plan on taking at least two weeks playing the piece daily to give yourself a chance to adapt to it. Slightly different reeds or embouchure may be needed once the piece has been "freed-up". After this period, 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. Any requests which redirect my approach to the tip opening or baffle may carry some additional expense, but at a greatly 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 here...
Most work comes to me via word-of-mouth and referral from player to player. Refacing is very personal and intimate in nature. Building and maintaining trust is central to what I do - 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 custom mouthpiece work.
The saxophone needs to be free of any pad leaks.
Be sure you have a technician you trust - overblowing like a powerhouse is NOT the proper way to play-test a horn. Addressing pad leaks often resolves any playability issues.
The neck cork needs to be undamaged and sealing tightly against the inside of the mouthpiece at the very tip of the neck.
Perform the provided client assessment thoroughly. 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: A customized mouthpiece 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 is try to fix it yourself! It takes a very high degree of accuracy and skill to modify mouthpieces correctly. It is as much art and craft as it is science. It is always more work to undo mistakes than it is to simply improve an original piece. Repairing a maladjusted mouthpiece takes longer and is therefore more expensive. I don't perform miracles, though I do have clients who would testify otherwise.
Any mouthpieces for sale? Pictures of prior refacing work?
Mouthpieces for sale (many having been customized) can be seen here...
All EZmpc.com content is subject to change without notice.