EZ@EZmpc.com

Refacing includes:

  • Customize/Balance the facing curve
  • Optimize the baffle for proper venting and tone quality
  • Match the rails to your reed profile
  • Modify the tip opening slightly, if desired
  • Flatten the table

Mouthpieces with their original facing (and not significantly damaged) can always be refaced successfully. Mouthpieces previously refaced can sometimes be reworked. If the target outcome can’t be achieved for any reason, I will consult with you directly to determine the appropriate plan of action.

Service Fee:

  • $100-$150 for Hard Rubber, Plastic, Wood
  • $150-$200 for Brass
  • $200-$250 for Dukoff/Saxworks
  • $250-$400 for Stainless Steel

15% discount for lots of 3 or more.

Other services (additional fees apply):

  • Significant tip opening changes
  • Significant baffle modification
  • Cosmetic repair
  • Biteplate repair
  • Beak shaping
  • Chip and crack repair
  • Shank bore reduction on metal mouthpieces – providing a tighter fit on the neck

NOTE: Cosmetic work is intended to improve the appearance – not necessarily make the piece “like new” (though that may very well be the outcome!) Some damage may still be partially visible after repair.

Services NOT available:

  • Shank crack repair
  • Re-plating
  • Modification of original trademarks/facing markings
  • Performing miracles. Some pieces are essentially beyond repair

What kinds of mouthpieces do you work on?

Saxophone mouthpieces exclusively – 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?

  • “I mostly like how my mouthpiece performs, except for…”
  • You are lacking desired tone and control despite trying different reeds.
  • You are experiencing too much resistance or embouchure becomes tired quickly.
  • It is requiring too much effort for you to obtain the desired sound.
  • You need a mouthpiece which provides more versatility in tone or dynamics.
  • You need a backup for your favorite piece. Often 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 open that you didn’t 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 – mitigating risk and ensuring 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 – no refunds. 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 the approach to the project may carry some additional (but reduced) expense.

Can all players benefit from refacing?

Yes!  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! It can be particularly beneficial for players new to the instrument to have an efficient playing mouthpiece while their embouchure is developing and while they are focused on developing other skills. Most clients approach me via word-of-mouth and referral from other players. Refacing is very personal and intimate in nature – I value these relationships first and foremost. 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”.

What should I 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 many 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 your own assessment very thoroughly.  Try different reeds or reed strengths and note what gets better/worse. The more observations you make, the better I can serve you.  Have another player try your setup to get a second opinion – get a third opinion! Have them try the following:

  1. Your mouthpiece on their horn
  2. Their mouthpiece on your horn
  3. Your mouthpiece on your horn

Identify any common 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 time and (more importantly) your performance time more constructive and free from equipment related distractions.

What should I NOT do before having my mouthpiece refaced?

The worst thing you could do before sending your mouthpiece is attempt 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 could be more expensive).

Final thoughts…

I don’t perform miracles, though I have a few clients who might testify otherwise 🙂