Drake - David Sanborn Master Series - Alto Metal Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece that David Sanborn plays!

"In 2013 David invited me to meet after his concert in San Antonio Texas. David expressed his need for a mouthpiece that could replace the mouthpiece he played for many years. From this initial meeting I began making prototype mouthpieces for David to try, and within several months we landed on a design that David liked. Not only liked, but a mouthpiece that could be his number one piece. In 2014 Dave switched and began playing exclusively on his Drake mouthpiece.

Several years have passed since then, and now David and I have decided to offer this mouthpiece as the David Sanborn model."

Each Sanborn Signature mouthpiece is precision-milled from virgin brass rod stock, then extensively hand-worked and finished by Aaron Drake. Aaron’s dedication to his craft and attention to detail ensure that each mouthpiece is an exact reproduction of David Sanborn’s own. The result is the harmonious combination of a rich core sound, with a precise, instant attack and; ultimate projection. David calls this moment and quality “the point”. This is the pure impact of the sound before rippling into space.

The mouthpieces are plated in sterling silver for an elegant, satin-like finish.

Features

• Material: Silver plated brass

• Made In: USA

• Chamber: Small

• Baffle: Long

• Ligature: Signature Drake ligature; Rovner leather ligature

• Recommended for: Professional Players

Staff review

I have just had 15 minutes on this new model from Aaron, and right from the first note I knew this was an absolute beast of a mouthpiece.  For me it has a killer blend of fullness and raw bright power that is dripping with lashings of Sanborn deliciousness.  Pick your favourite Sanborn piece, give it hell for leather, and you will be rewarded with that unique sound.  This piece requires you to split your top F# and G - if you don't, the audience will complain.  Okay, so let's get this in perspective, this mouthpiece should not be your first choice if playing second alto in a Big Band, particularly if you are playing Basie and music in this style.  But it could be used if you are sitting on the lead chair where the style is more Gordon Goodwin-esque.  And if you're on a pop gig...what can I say, this is the baby for you.  Jim Cheek