August 9, 2010

saxscape is under construction*

Until the new site launches please check out my ebay auctions

Limited quantities of NEW mouthpieces are available via online retailer:
sax-ccessories.com

mp3 of Nick Franciosa playing the SL .108
(The SL is based on the Otto Link Slant Signature, and the Freddie Gregory Mark II)

visit the old site for historical purposes only:
pro series
   nf model   classic models   quotes   about

I am redoing the pro series and custom series pieces as we speak. When my machines and I come to some sort of agreement, I will make announcements and add video and audio samples here so you can check out what I've been working on.

CURRENT MODELS (BRIGHT TO DARK): (updated 8/9/10)

Downtown - Inspired by the famous Dave Guardala Mike Brecker I mouthpiece. High baffle for loud and bright playing. Still lets you play over the range of the horn evenly. Medium-large chamber for a compact focused sound. This is my tribute to my first great influence and hero, Michael Brecker. I made some changes to the geometry so that it now does pretty much everything the Downtown Studio used to do.

Naima - Inspired by John Coltrane's sound, which he got with a Link with a built-up baffle. This piece seems to get the same kind of vibe. Currently my favorite piece for gigging and recording. The Naima has enough overlap with the NF that we decided to discontinue the NF, although it is still available as a custom order. mp3 sample of Naima  (KB playing live)

SL - Inspired by the Otto Link Slant Signature hard rubber piece, and the Freddie Gregory Mark II. Bright tone, and flexible due to the high rollover baffle.mp3 sample of SL (Nick Franciosa playing in studio)

KB - Inspired by the great Link 7 and 7* metal pieces. It has a slight rollover baffle, not as much as the Naima, just enough for great projection, with scooped sidewalls and a large chamber. Currently the favorite piece of myself and Nick Franciosa. It gets that great fat Link sound without the tubbiness from the typical uneven rails on a stock Link. Cool sound like Kenny Brooks. Sound samples on the way.

Fat Cat - (formerly known as the Dark II) Thick even sound from the bottom thru the palm keys, and great altissimo. Mouthpiece of choice of Michael Blake. It has a fair amount of resistance. Fat, flexible, expressive sound, inspired by the Otto Link Reso-Chamber design. mp3 sample (KB playing in a studio)

Xtra Dark - Inspired by Selmer hard rubber pieces, currently played by Jimmy Greene. Almost no baffle, introspective sound. mp3 sample (Jimmy Greene playing live at Smoke)


Saxscape mouthpieces are designed and made by obsessive sax player / engineer / artisan / technicians, near the New York City metro area. The facing curves are optimized for response, tone, and reed-friendliness.

coming soon:

lots of cool videos, audio samples, photos

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not all models on this site are available

please contact me for model availability and delivery times

thanks, ken

ken@saxscape.com     570-350-5843

 

* I'm working out computerized machining processes, which for the most part don't affect the sound or response of the pieces, but you might see some differences in surface finish. There are also differences in tip rail thickness and some baffle dimensions where I'm trying out different ideas. Most of these experiments result in a piece that plays well but has a more individual unique sound to it because of the custom geometry. Some door stops are created during this process but they don't leave the shop. The pro pieces utilize a more hand finished and time intensive process that ensures accuracy to very exact dimensions. All qualifying pieces are play tested to Saxscape standards before leaving the shop.

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