Are these sorts of scratches on the table normal?

543 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by swperry1, 18 d ago

bread

Discussion Starter · 19 d ago

Hello!
I recently purchased a Drake Classic Bebop mouthpiece as I search for an alto (I'm a tenor player) as it was specifically recommended to me and it really appealed to me.
It has these scratches and that mark and I don't think it affects playability, but I'm not 100% sure since I'm not really experienced yet on alto.
Is this normal? Should I exchange it?
Thank you!

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Sigmund451

· #2 · 19 d ago

Its not something I would sell as new. Perhaps a blemished model but it wont change how it plays. The pits look like air bubbles in the molding process and the scratches look like some rough handling.

If you got it from an online shop it was likely played a number of times or it was sold and returned. Id ask for a modest discount

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bread

Discussion Starter · #3 · 19 d ago

Thanks for the info. I purchased it from Sweetwater. The bubbles didn't surprise me as I saw them in the images and on other Drake models. I'll be going around and trying altos soon so I might not have time for an exchange, but I might get in touch with them. Thanks!

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1saxman

· #4 · 18 d ago

If you like it, don't mess with it. It's more important to have a mouthpiece you love than it is to have a few more dollars or a cosmetically perfect mouthpiece. Mouthpieces are not created 'equal' and when you stumble across a good one, you keep it the way it is unless there's some kind of terrible cosmetic issue that you just can't live with.

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Jive Dadson

· #5 · 18 d ago

bread said:
Hello!
I recently purchased a Drake Classic Bebop mouthpiece as I search for an alto (I'm a tenor player) as it was specifically recommended to me and it really appealed to me.
It has these scratches and that mark and I don't think it affects playability, but I'm not 100% sure since I'm not really experienced yet on alto.
Is this normal? Should I exchange it?
Thank you!
View attachment 153576

The fact that the scratches are deep and not parallel to the body make me suspect that the piece was (re)finished inexpertly. I would pass on it.

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allenlowe

· #6 · 18 d ago

bread said:
Thanks for the info. I purchased it from Sweetwater. The bubbles didn't surprise me as I saw them in the images and on other Drake models. I'll be going around and trying altos soon so I might not have time for an exchange, but I might get in touch with them. Thanks!

Sweetwater is the best retailer I have ever dealt with on everything from purchases to returns. I would talk to your sales person there.

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swperry1

· #7 · 18 d ago

allenlowe said:
Sweetwater is the best retailer I have ever dealt with on everything from purchases to returns. I would talk to your sales person there.

I agree.

How long have you had it? I’m surprised they haven’t called you yet to make sure you’re enjoying your new gear.

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bread

Discussion Starter · #8 · 18 d ago

About a week. I think the phone number they have for me might be outdated..

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bread

Discussion Starter · #9 · 18 d ago

Also I accidentally scuffed it on the back (not visible in photo) and would feel bad about returning it. I really like the piece, worst case I'll buy another eventually I suppose.
The scratches just add character, right?

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swperry1

· #10 · 18 d ago

bread said:
Also I accidentally scuffed it on the back (not visible in photo) and would feel bad about returning it. I really like the piece, worst case I'll buy another eventually I suppose.
The scratches just add character, right?

Those scratches are cosmetic and, as others have said, won’t impact the playability. If you like it just keep it and enjoy.

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