[J-Moen]

Figured I'd share a mouthpiece find I had recently in light of the new forum look. I actually acquired this a little before, but maybe a nice MP story will make others happy

It's one hell of a player and my first Florida no USA! However the table wasn't very smooth so it's off with a refacer to have that bite plate repaired and to make sure the tip/rails/table are all in perfect shape, no modifications planned, just making sure it's playing like it should!

 

[andre251]

I want to hear the story!
Is there a special story about you acquiring such a desirable mouthpiece??

 

[J-Moen]

Well, I'd say It was definitely interesting at least. I was scouring local places for saxophone stuff, specifically mouthpieces. So I met someone out and about pawning some gear and they had a number of mouthpieces. She showed me this beauty! I guess her father was a phenomenal saxophonist, but this and the others had been sitting around for a long while since his passing. She said that she was happy to hear, I played and really wanted to ensure this mouthpiece was still getting used! I offered some money, even though she didn't ask for any, which she accepted and I went home with the beauty!

 

[andre251]

Very cool!!

 

[J-Moen]

Very cool!!

Thanks! I'll be sure to add up more pics on it's return!

 

[J-Moen]

And sound clips

 

[lydian]

Congrats on that find. But I have to say, that tip appears to be in pretty bad shape in those pics. I've had pieces in similar shape that were downright unplayable (squeaks, resistance, etc.). I'd have your refacer work on the tip and rails too. You'll probably be surprised at the improvement.

 

[J-Moen]

Congrats on that find. But I have to say, that tip appears to be in pretty bad shape in those pics. I've had pieces in similar shape that were downright unplayable (squeaks, resistance, etc.). I'd have your refacer work on the tip and rails too. You'll probably be surprised at the improvement.

Oh yeah,the tip rail was very thin, almost non existent as you can see. I'm going to have that checked, and see what the refacer thinks. I will say, none of those issues were present. I tried it with 3 different reed's, one of which was synthetic - no squeaks, resistance, or anything else.

 

[Guto]

Oh yeah,the tip rail was very thin, almost non existent as you can see. I'm going to have that checked, and see what the refacer thinks. I will say, none of those issues were present. I tried it with 3 different reed's, one of which was synthetic - no squeaks, resistance, or anything else.

so, why touch it at all? there is already little left to work with at the tip. I wouldn't touch it. all that matters is how it plays. you have more downside risk in refacing further than upside in my view. FWIW I've bought a double ring from Theo Wanne back in the days when he used to sell vintage. It was very clean and he had refaced it with a very thin tip rail like yours. One of the best link I've ever played.

 

[J-Moen]

so, why touch it at all? there is already little left to work with at the tip. I wouldn't touch it. all that matters is how it plays. you have more downside risk in refacing further than upside in my view. FWIW I've bought a double ring from Theo Wanne back in the days when he used to sell vintage. It was very clean and he had refaced it with a very thin tip rail like yours. One of the best link I've ever played.

I'm just getting a professional opinion on it. If the refacer thinks it's good, then it stays. I'm not worried about it getting worse. The table is rough to the touch and there are some things that look off.

So, no, I'm not risking anything here. Just having it evaluated for accuracy of its original facing, a professional opinion on what it needs or doesn't need, and the bite plate repaired. No action taken unless I say so - but a professional opinion is good to have here.