So... what is it that we do, exactly?

  · 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 for stable, repeatable reed interface

Before & After:  Vandoren Tenor Jumbo Java

Respect to Ms. Lazarus...

Mouthpieces with their original facing (and not significantly damaged) can almost 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 discuss the appropriate plan of action.

“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.

The service fee for customization is based upon the time required to achieve the desired results

The greatest factors affecting the cost of a project include base material, initial condition, and extent of modification (tip opening, damage repair, etc.)

Most projects run between $100-$150

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

Mouthpiece refacing is 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. You may find optimal results with different reeds or as your embouchure adjusts.

  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.

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 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.

  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 will likely be more expensive).