Why does a mouthpiece shut down? The causes are known and they are fixable. An amateur player wants to know why his highly regarded alto mouthpiece just “shuts down” suddenly while he is playing. The responses, all well intentioned, … Read More
Check your own mouthpiece for problems. If you want to really “know something” about your mouthpiece, here is a simple and safe way to find out. It will not affect your mouthpiece if you do it as I instruct in … Read More
Learn the truth about mouthpieces and intonation. There are two types of “experts” on how to improve as a saxophonist. The first type declares that ALL problems are solved only by practicing. In other words, the problem is “always you”. … Read More
A lot of mouthpiece problems originate here- on the table. Sometimes it is easy to spot, as with this high-end soprano mouthpiece from one of the well-known makers. Look at the picture. What do you see? Well, you see the … Read More
There are a very few things that go into making a truly well balanced soprano mouthpiece, and here they are: A table that allows the reed to rest firmly in place A facing curve that allows the reed to vibrate … Read More
Out of tune mouthpiece. Can there be such a thing? Well, yes. I know because I have actually “tuned” mouthpieces for players. And if you asked me 4 years ago, I wouldn’t have automatically answered yes, but I have … Read More
There’s a good reason that most players experience lots of problems on soprano: the mouthpiece they play is awful. It’s not the design that is awful. It is the simple fact that commercial mouthpiece makers don’t take the time to … Read More