The scoops on that chamber even scoop into the side walls! Cool looking design. I think that baffle style is really effective. Short shelf or clamshell baffle maybe. Looks very interesting and sounds wonderful

 

More versatile than the GAIA 3?

 

I don't think it is any more versatile than the Gaia 3 which I also have. The difference to me is that the Gaia 3 is brighter and more spread. The Lakshmi seems darker and more focused to me. The tone seems thicker and more hearty to me if that makes sense.

 

Such an amazing design and perfect machining as always is the case with Theo’s pieces.

Great review, Steve. And great playing!

 

I'm on the DURGA 5 now, loving it.

 

The Durga 5 is a beast!

 

Is it supposed to replace the Ambika, then?

 

I haven't heard that but you would have to ask Theo about that. I think it is a totally different design than the Ambika and has it's own thing going on........

 

Theo keeps pushing the envelope, a good thing IMHO.

 

GAS GAS GAS GAS

 

Right? I haven't had a GAS attack in a couple years, but I feel one coming on now.

 

Really impressed by the unique design here. This definitely has some really cool things you can visibly see, on top of that unique baffle design with the chamber stepping into the lower baffle, combined with the upper step baffle. Here's what I was seeing that seems really intriguing (Steve, I stole your photos - hope thats okay! I can remove them and just talk about them if you want)

The sidewall has a sort of tunnel built into it that slowly widens down towards the chamber.

The sidewall tunnel leads to a hollowed out sidewall to expand the chamber even further. That chamber must be pretty massive!

Chamber narrows from the extra large to a medium size.

Fascinating! I've not seen a design like that before, thought others may care to see it as well.

 

Really impressed by the unique design here. This definitely has some really cool things you can visibly see, on top of that unique baffle design with the chamber stepping into the lower baffle, combined with the upper step baffle. Here's what I was seeing that seems really intriguing (Steve, I stole your photos - hope thats okay! I can remove them and just talk about them if you want)

The sidewall has a sort of tunnel built into it that slowly widens down towards the chamber.

View attachment 129194

The sidewall tunnel leads to a hollowed out sidewall to expand the chamber even further. That chamber must be pretty massive!
View attachment 129193

Chamber narrows from the extra large to a medium size.
View attachment 129192

Fascinating! I've not seen a design like that before, thought others may care to see it as well.

It is very rare to find a new mouthpiece design shape not seen in past designs. This appear to be one.

That said, I think adding material on the interior sides or corners can have the same effect as adding material to the baffle. With experiment, two different looking interiors can sound the same.

 

Nice back yard.

 

Very nice review and congrats for the new mouthpiece.

While the design seems very different, soundwise it seems quite similar to the classic from 10Mfan no?

 

It's hard to say without having the two mouthpieces here to play side by side. You guys who listen to my clips probably know better than I do. I never listen to my own clips after I post them......... I can't really remember without listening to the clips.........

 

Shelf baffles seem to be my favorite shape. I’ve only seen the idea in EB STMs and some of the early 80s STMs. I’ve always wished they’d bring it back.
Too bad he won’t put an actual bite plate on his mouthpieces.

 

Shelf baffles seem to be my favorite shape. I’ve only seen the idea in EB STMs and some of the early 80s STMs. I’ve always wished they’d bring it back.
Too bad he won’t put an actual bite plate on his mouthpieces.

What do you mean? There is a bite plate on the Theo Wanne metal mouthpieces…….


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I ordered one. I’m such a sucker for nose ring images on sax mouthpieces.

 

I wonder if a hard rubber version is in the works.

 

Yes, it’s just been launched, no longer as a limited edition : LAKSHMI Tenor Mouthpiece - Theo Wanne

 

I've played a GAIA exclusively for three years, patch is fine. Depends on how much you bite into the mouthpiece.

 

The Ambika is darker than TWs other offerings, but the company’s overall leaning seems to be towards a brighter sound.

For a “large chamber, low baffle piece” the Ambika was brighter and less complex sounding than the Links, Morgans, Marmadukes, Francois Louis’, GetaSax Reso, Meyers, Bergs, Alexander…. Hell… even a Rico Graftonite A7 is warmer.

In fact, the only piece I’ve tried that was brighter than an Ambika is the Dukoff LD7 I bought here. But even the LD7 has more to like (in articulation, presence and sheer fun) than the TW piece.

I wonder what material TW uses for their hard rubber pieces as (to me) it just feels like plastic.

 

The Ambika is darker than TWs other offerings, but the company’s overall leaning seems to be towards a brighter sound.

For a “large chamber, low baffle piece” the Ambika was brighter and less complex sounding than the Links, Morgans, Marmadukes, Francois Louis’, GetaSax Reso, Meyers, Bergs, Alexander…. Hell… even a Rico Graftonite A7 is warmer.

In fact, the only piece I’ve tried that was brighter than an Ambika is the Dukoff LD7 I bought here. But even the LD7 has more to like (in articulation, presence and sheer fun) than the TW piece.

I wonder what material TW uses for their hard rubber pieces as (to me) it just feels like plastic.

Huh. So I get that Theo’s mpc aren’t a good match for you, but I find your comparison of a rico graftonite to be warmer than the Ambika a little hard to believe. To each their own I guess.

 

Sure thing. Just my experience.

 

(I have a Gaia 3 rubber alto, and I don’t disagree with you on the material. Something about the material does feel different to me as well).

 

I need to add that I really value your reviews Steve. They’re informative and a joy to read.

They also keep the GAS light burning!

 

This one is very tempting. My style of mouthpiece, dead on. Coming from Theo, we know the expertise and quality are top notch. GA$$$-y indeed.

 

I was getting GAS till I saw the price New. Just gotta wait until they come up on the used marked

 

I was getting GAS till I saw the price New . Just gotta wait until they come up on the used marked

Well, I’m not selling mine that is for sure………

 

Me think if this sounds & performs in the Otto-Link realm than surely the Matt Marantz and SK Origin pieces are serious contenders among otrhers? ? ? ?

 

Possibly, I haven't had a chance to review either of those so can't speak about those. I imagine those pieces are more like great Otto Links in design as the baffles and chambers look more traditional. I do think the Lakshmi has it's own unique approach to that sound with a unique set of benefits to the way it plays and sounds.

I have a number of great playing metal Otto Links in my collection and usually when I review a mouthpiece that is similar in the way it plays and sounds to one I already have, I will sell the new one. I have reviewed a number of great pieces that blow like great Otto Links and sold them because I already have some great Otto Links....... The Lakshmi, in my mind, offers a set of unique attributes that are different enough from a great playing metal Otto Link that I can't see myself selling the Lakshmi. The top two attributes for me are the focus and core of tone that this piece delivers and the second one is the thickness and husky tone it delivers. My Otto Links deliver these in a variety of balances but the Lakshmi delivers them in what seems to me a perfect balance.

 

I had a MKVI similar to yours, matte silver.

 

Gosh, I just bought the Ambika few weeks ago.....XDD

 

So did I. Personally, I don't think Lakshmi & Ambika are at all similar.

 

His prices are ridiculous.

 

They really are. Especially given the ‘hard rubber’ pieces do not share the same physical characteristics as HR Bergs, Gerbers, 10Ms, Links, Meyers or any other HR piece I’m aware of. What material are they using?

I did shell out for a Baritone Durga, as the reviews are all stellar. I sold it months later.

 

Placed my order for one today, cautiously stoked.

 

I just ordered an amazing mouthpiece, but it was not a TW.

 

What was it ?