All profits from the sale of PPTs is donated to charity
I was looking for a mouthpiece that could give me a different, more characterful sound on tenor saxophone, so I started to experiment with altering mouthpieces. I liked a Vandoren Jumbo Java but found the baffle too severe giving too much of a constant edge to the sound, likewise I have always liked some of the Berg Larsens but found them a bit inconsistent. Most of my early attempts at working on a mouthpiece were pretty awful, as this is something best left to the mouthpiece experts. However I sent one of my efforts off to top UK mouthpiece manufacturer and refacer Edward Pillinger, who developed this into something rather special.
My concept behind the sound is a mouthpiece that can deliver very fat warm almost vintage sound, but also a more modern sound with nice sparkly edge, sometimes both at once. I was after a really versatile mouthpiece that could deliver lush subtone for vintage jazz as well as screaming harmonics for rock and R & B. I find that a lot of jazz mouthpieces are either too bright altogether (e.g. Vandoren Jumbo Java) or too warm (Otto Link), or else they really need to be pushed too much to get some edge.
With the PPT mouthpiece I find that there is a combination of warmth and darkness but with an edge that need not not get overbearing when played really loud (unless you want it too). I found that many of the mouthpieces that can give you a warm or dark subtone seem to wimp out when you really push them to the limits. This is a great jazz or rock mouthpiece
The 9* (125) is quite a specialised mouthpiece for experienced players and suits medium soft reeds. It is very loud and full bodied without being edgy or buzzy. Once you can control this it is an extraordinary weapon for any saxophonist. I use one of these for recording and live work.
The 8* (117) is very slightly brighter and very smooth but still with lots of mellow "body" - I find it works exceptionally well for funk, smooth jazz and pop, but still very versatile. Note the tip is very slightly wider than a normal 8*, but is no harder to play. Probably a bit easier if anything.
The 7* (105) is an ideal intermediate/pro mouthpiece, very easy blowing with a response reminiscent of a classic slant signature Otto Link, but with a much more focussed character and a nicer defined edge to the sound. If you are upgrading from a student mouthpiece it is recommended that you start off with medium soft reeds.
All PPT mouthpieces are now made from Onyxite, a resin/stone composite material specially developed and tested by Ed Pillinger for maximum durability, tonal and playing response. These materials have passed strict UK and EU tests for non-toxicity. The shank ring is solid unlacquered brass, it will age with an "antique " patina, but can be very easily polished back to shiny shine with a silver cloth. The mouthpiece has a baffle with no rollover and less pronounced "bullet" shape than a Berg Larsen and is rounded off and polished. Each mouthpiece is hand finished by Ed Pillinger and play tested. These are not made from imported blanks but are hand built from start to finish.
For a while now my preference has been for softer reeds than I used to use. However, very often people find that soft reeds (although they make low notes easier) can sometimes make it difficult to play with a warm or dark sound when you want to or to play loud and high. The PPT is designed to work well over the entire range with soft or medium reeds without sounding thin and to give exceptionally wide dynamic range. I have found that a wide tip opening and medium soft reeds such as Rico 2.5 or Jazz Select 2M work very well for me.
£165 to UK/EUROPE (inc postage). £175 Rest of the world inc postage.
As these are hand finished and play tested mouthpieces, delivery times may fluctuate. Currently we are getting orders out within 3 - 7 weeks. No money is paid until manufacture of your mouthpiece has actually commenced
Ligature & cap not included. (Many standard 2-screw type will fit as well as a Rovner EVO-5 E-2R)
Other tip sizes and facings may be possible, but can only be returned at the company’s discretion. To discuss custom made mouthpieces please use the contact form and supply your telephone number. Custom mouthpieces may take a lot longer to deliver.
