Frequently Asked Questions

Please take a look at the sections below to find the answers you’re looking for. 

Have additional questions? please don’t hesitate to contact us!

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1. General Questions

What is your Return Policy?

MACSAX offers a no questions asked return policy (less any shipping costs). 

 

All metal mouthpieces will be delivered with a bite plate patch and Rovner ligature. We ask that you leave the bite plate patch on and only use the Rovner fabric ligature so that the piece will still be in new condition when returned.

 

For hard rubber mouthpieces, we will include a bite patch to protect the beak in case you decide to return it.

 

Please notify us within 10 days of receiving the piece with your intent to return. If you simply feel you need a different tip opening we will exchange at no cost.

2. Product Feature Questions

Why the Copper Band?

We will admit, when we first added the copper band  to the shank of our mouthpieces we did it because of the looks cool. However, after extensive testing we have found that adding a copper ring has some major performance benefits as well. 

 

When compared to a standard hard rubber mouthpiece the copper band mouthpieces add more color, body, and fullness to the sound. The difference has frequently been described as a bell like or ringing quality with more depth in the sound. Furthermore, it is something players and listeners not only hear but feel, as it makes the sound more resonant. The copper band also helps to make the sound more consistent across the range of the horn.

 

In addition to the sound benefits, the copper band also leads to a more focused and controlled sound. It also seems to help notes “slot” in better. Some have even said it helped them feel more connected to their instrument.

 

We think the copper ring adds something extra to the mouthpiece that all players can benefit from and recommend players make the upgrade to the copper ring. As Ferris Bueller would say “If you have the means, I highly recommend it.”

Why Lava Marbled Ebonite? 

Like the Copper band, the Lava marbled ebonite was originally selected to look cool but like the copper band, the marbled ebonite had some unanticipated performance benefits. Interestingly, the lava ebonite is 17-18% more dense than standard black ebonite resulting in a noticeable difference in weight. The extra mass has a similar effect on the sound as the copper ring does resulting in a more focused  and colorful sound. 

Why Versa-X Ligature?

Howdy yall! Today I want to talk to you about one of our favorite ligatures at MACSAX particularly for classical saxophone; the versa-X. We offer the versa-x as an optional addon for all of our hard rubber classical mouthpieces and a versa-x comes standard with every Opuntia Classical alto mouthpiece as well. We selected this ligature as an option for our classical mouthpieces for a number of reasons but the biggest reason is for its versatility.

 

For classical saxophone, having a dark and focused sound is incredibly important, and with the flaps on top of the cradle it is a warm and dark ligature. This, by the way is the cradle and these are the flaps. Rovner tells me this ligature, with the flaps over the cradle as it is now, is their darkest ligature. But that dark sound doesn’t come with a lack of responsiveness that oftentimes comes with darker ligatures. Even with the flaps over the cradle this ligature is very responsive. This makes it great for ensemble playing when blending your sound is so important.

 

However, sometimes you want a richer, more brilliant sound such as when playing solos or concertos. In those instances, you can just pop these flaps under the cradle, like so, and now your reed is directly contacting the cradle.  This change adds a bit of brilliance to your sound and it also seems to make the reed just a little more responsive which is great

3. Choosing a Mouthpiece

Which Classical Mouthpiece is the Darkest?

 

Darkest                                           Brightest

 

Bluebonnet > Lotus > Opuntia > Castilleja      -         ALTO

 

Amaryllis                                                               -        TENOR 

 

                        Orchid                                           -        BARI

Which Jazz Mouthpiece is Best for Me?

ALTO

Habañero: The Habañero is the alto sax version of the Jalapeño mouthpiece so it is perfect for Funk, Rock 'n Roll, Salsa, or any gig that requires you to stand out and soar above the band. 

Houston: The Houston is the alto version of the Dallas, so it is a responsive, freeblowing jazz mouthpiece that delivers a punchy projecting sound while still allowing for easy blending in any performance situation.

 

TENOR 

SOCO: The SOCO is our most straight ahead piece. It is perfect for a small jazz combo or cocktail band settings. 

Queso: The Queso is our middle of the ground universal mouthpiece. If you play a bit of everything, the Queso provides that flexibility to blend in with a big band sax section or stand out in the crowd during a rock gig. 

Jalapeño: The Jalapeño is our brightest mouthpiece that is perfect for Funk, Rock 'n Roll, Salsa, or any gig that requires you to stand out and soar above the band. 

Dallas: The Dallas tenor is a responsive, freeblowing jazz tenor mouthpiece that delivers a punchy projecting sound while still allowing for easy blending in any performance situation.

 

BARI

Fort Worth: The Fort Worth is made of hard rubber, which gives it a more rounded, full sound while still being powerful. Great for big band ensembles and a more traditional style.

 

Rattler: The Rattler, plated with Rhodium, has an edgy, widely spread sound that is sure to cut through for a more modern sounding tone.

 

Lonestar: The Lonestar may just be one of the easiest jazz bari mouthpieces you will ever play. Freeblowing and efficient, the Lonestar is great for the big band and ensemble playing when you need to blend, but still need power to cut through in a solo.