CNC MACHINING

Currently I'm using a 4-axis CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine, programmed by a combination of 3D modeling software, custom code generation software, and hard-coded programming. Basically.... each part of the mouthpiece requires a different strategy to optimize time and precision, and getting that balance right takes a long time. Right now I'm optimizing everything for maximum performance (tone, articulation, projection, and reed-friendliness) and later will be concentrating on aesthetic qualities (surface finish). CNC programming time is expensive so I have to make choices about performance vs. aesthetics.... I'm emphasizing performance for now, since that's what the player experiences when he plays, and is what the listener hears... it's the most important of the emotional considerations in the engineering of the pieces.

In addition to the machining, I take into consideration the hand finishing that will be required for each piece. Some parts of the piece geometry will require more hand finishing than others, and quality must be maintained in each step of the crafting process.