[Jorns Bergenson]

I recently bought a couple of rolls of polyurethane protective tape (aka "helicopter tape") to use as mouthpiece patches. The rolls I bought had no brand name, but I've seen others made by 3M (product number 8671). To me, the patches I've made feel about as tough and thick as the Yamaha patches I have used.

A 1-meter roll can make over 50 patches if you use a single layer. A bargain at around $7 a roll. I haven't got much mileage on them yet, about 20 hours of play time on alto, tenor and double that on soprano. So far, they've held up very well.

I do a lot of refacing work, and over the years, I've always looked to an inexpensive way to protect mouthpieces from teeth marks. Up until now, I've tried different types of patch materials without the best results, but these look promising so far.

Credit for this find goes to Morgan Fry, who brought it up on MojoBari's mouthpiece refacing Yahoo group. Thanks Morgan!

- Jorns

 

[Jorns Bergenson]

Almost 4 months of playing and I haven't had to replace one yet. I've got fairly even, smooth front teeth but I still can't believe that this stuff has held up as well as expensive patches I've used before.

Anyone else tried it?

 

[milandro]

before using something like that (I do I use teflon tape) ask the technical sheet to make sure that the adhesive is harmless

 

[Pete Thomas]

before using something like that (I do I use teflon tape) ask the technical sheet to make sure that the adhesive is harmless

I think it would be at your own risk:

This product, when used under reasonable conditions and in accordance with the 3M directions for use, should not present a health hazard. However, use or processing of the product in a manner not in accordance with the product's directions for use may affect the performance of the product and may present potential health and safety hazards.


 

[milandro]

yes, that would be a general disclaimer but on the tech sheet it says what kind of adhesive is used and that you can look up or ask the company that makes the adhesive it the adhesive is toxic or not

 

[Isle of Jazz]

Realistically, how much non-water soluble adhesive would even come in contact with your mouth? Unless you put the tape on upside down (which is unrealistic) isn't the adhesive sealed between the plastic fabric and the beak? Do players normally spend a lot of time licking their mouthpiece patches — I don't think my tongue has ever touched the biteplate on any of my mouthpieces, nor does the patch get much saliva contact.

 

[milandro]

Still. Always better make an informed choice that an uniformed one......

 

[Jorns Bergenson]

Having just spent good money on a pack of mouthpiece patches I'm annoyed that I didn't think of this! Down to the hardware store tomorrow to get a roll of tape.

Thanks!

I've tried a few different types of tape from the hardware store, but nothing off the shelf was tough enough. I've only found "helicopter tape" on-line.

 

[JL]

"Inexpensive mpc patch material."

I've never seen any expensive patch material. About 2 years ago, I bought a packet of 4 patches for maybe $4, I put one on my mpc, and it's still on there. I still have the other 3 patches. Maybe in about 10 or 15 years I'll have to get some more...

 

[Jorns Bergenson]

"Inexpensive mpc patch material."

I've never seen any expensive patch material. About 2 years ago, I bought a packet of 4 patches for maybe $4, I put one on my mpc, and it's still on there. I still have the other 3 patches. Maybe in about 10 or 15 years I'll have to get some more...

JL, obviously you do not have a need for this sort of thing, but some folks besides myself just might.

As I stated in the original post, I do a lot of refacing work and testing of mouthpieces. I usually need 10 or more patches every month. And, I don't have just one mouthpiece. I play on around 12 mouthpieces between all my horns (nino, C-sop, soprano, alto, C-mel, tenor, bari, bass with separate setups for classical/jazz/rock on some of them). Also, I have a modest collection of vintage pieces, and they all need to be protected.

For the cost of one package of four Yamaha patches, I can buy enough material for 50 patches. Plus, I like the material better than any of the patches I've tried over the years.

 

[JL]

JL, obviously you do not have a need for this sort of thing, but some folks besides myself just might.

As I stated in the original post, I do a lot of refacing work and testing of mouthpieces. I usually need 10 or more patches every month.

For the cost of one package of four Yamaha patches, I can buy enough material for 50 patches. Plus, I like the material better than any of the patches I've tried over the years.

That makes total sense. I wonder how many people really need so many patches? But for those who do, your solution makes sense. I don't remember the brand name for the ones I use, but they work great. They are clear and not very thick, but seem to last forever.

 

[Sigmund451]

You would be amazed at the number of pieces I see that have nearly been chewed through. Some people cut through the patch material as well. Jaws are very powerful and some people have sharp teeth.

 

[milandro]

yes, I’ve seen my fair share of deeply indented mouthpieces. I need to use a patch, If I don’t, I put an mark on a mouthpiece in seconds. The teflon tape that I use is both thin and hard, so it protects the mouthpiece but doesn’t absorbs too many vibrations ..........those which go to my head :bluewink: and make me believe I can play saxophone

 

[fusion1]

is the teflon tape the same stuff like plumbers tape? the white teflon tape? seems way too thin to prevent denting bite plates or HR pieces.

 

[ErikJon]

.
Thank you, Jorns!

I knew that somebody out there would be clever enough to come up with a homemade solution.

It reminds me of the day when I was told that ordinary lip balm would double as cork grease. I felt like a dummy that day.

Do you think you could find and post a link to the exact same no-name-brand helictopter tape that you bought that day?
.