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    NEW! The Drake David Sanborn VR Masters Series Mouthpiece for Alto Saxophone 

    Background

    David Sanborn came to prominence in the 1980's and has since been a major influence on the Pop, Contemporary, Jazz, R&B and Crossover genres. His distinctive tone on the alto saxophone is unmistakable. Sanborn's sound is the reason why he is one of the most successful and prolific saxophone players of recent times.  

    David commissioned Aaron to make him a custom mouthpiece that would measure up to his exacting standards and deliver winning performances; whether on stage or in the studio. The Aaron Drake David Sanborn Signature model has exceeded expectations.

    After the successful launch of the metal version, Drake and Sanborn continued to consult, seeking the next evolution of this mouthpiece, to provide unparalleled playing comfort and new possibilities in the sound. The result is the new Sanborn VR Masters Series model.   

    Design

    This mouthpiece features a unique three-tier baffle design, with a medium, venturi chamber. It is made from Drake's proprietary Vintage Resin material, which is not available anywhere else on the market. 

    This special mouthpiece is offered in three tip-openings: 6 (.080"), 7 (.085") and 8 (.090"). David Sanborn plays the 8 tip-opening. 

    Sound

    The mouthpiece features a very immediate response and precise attack, with just the right amount of resistance to develop rich tonal color and allow total freedom of expression. It is exceptionally free blowing and allows the player to employ a complete range of dynamics, from the bottom to the top of the instrument. It is a powerful, projective mouthpiece, with impeccable intonation and a lush core sound. The full, rich sound presented by the Drake Sanborn Signature mouthpiece far surpasses that of other high-baffle, "power mouthpieces". The Vintage Resin version provides unparalleled playing comfort, incredible projection, evenness of scale and a rich spectrum of tonal characteristics. 

    "This new Vintage Resin really feels like home to me. It is an extraordinary mouthpiece, with full spectrum tone. The intonation is incredibly precise.  It is like nothing I've played before.  It is incredibly free-blowing and full. A joy to play." 

    - David Sanborn 

    Details 

    Each mouthpiece is meticulously hand crafted by Aaron Drake. Your purchase includes our innovative Drake Quad Rail Ligature - which allows the reed to vibrate with freedom for ultimate flexibility in shaping your sound.  In addition, you will also receive a Rovner L - 1M — flexible ligature. 

    Shipped with a Drake branded mouthpiece cap, plush drawstring pouch and plastic carrying case.

    Shipping

    Shipping of this mouthpiece is complimentary within the Continental USA. 

    Express International shipping is available as an option at check-out. All purchasers will be notified over email when their particular mouthpiece ships, along with any tracking information, if applicable. 

  • After a 7 year hiatus from making metal mouthpieces we are happy to announce several new models starting with the “Studio Jazz” alto model. 

    This mouthpiece is an original design which features a rollover baffle and a medium chamber.  The baffle and floor contour are specifically calibrated to offer flexibility with outstanding control and projection.   The versatility of this design enables each player to create their own sound.  Wether you are playing lead alto, R&B, or funk, you will find this mouthpiece can deliver!

    Each mouthpiece is hand faced and hand finished by master craftsman Aaron Drake. These mouthpieces are milled from brass and sterling silver plated.

    Each mouthpiece includes both a Drake Quad Point Ring ligature and a Rovner ligature, a Drake cap, 3 addition mouthpiece patches as well as a velvet pouch and carry case.  

    You will receive an email with delivery information when your mouthpiece ships.
    Shipping is free in the Continental US.
    USPS Express International shipping is $65.00 (added at check out)
  • This mouthpiece design embodies the acoustic design characteristics of the bebop era.  Charlie Parker and Sonny Stitt immediately come to mind when you play the Bebop Classic.  Features include a rollover baffle, flat internal side walls, an elongated window and a medium chamber.  The attack is immediate and crisp, and the core sound is direct and full.  Each mouthpiece is hand crafted by Aaron Drake from our innovative Vintage Resin material and
    includes our double rail ligature, cap, mouthpiece bag and carrying case.
    Each mouthpiece is handmade to order by Aaron Drake.
    You will receive an email with delivery information when your mouthpiece ships.
    Shipping is free in the US.
    USPS Express International shipping is $65.00 (added at check out)
  • Drake Resonance Chamber Mouthpieces

    In 1990, Aaron Drake released the world’s first professional quality ceramic saxophone mouthpiece. This represents the most remarkable mouthpiece innovation in over half a century. Drake’s Resonance Chambers represent an evolutionary leap forward in the development of woodwind mouthpieces and their tonal characteristics.

    Ceramic Resonance Chamber Mouthpieces incorporate Drake’s own proprietary ceramic material into the chamber of the Vintage Resin mouthpiece. This embedded ceramic “ring” is exposed inside of the mouthpiece. The resulting change to the density of the mouthpiece adds new depth and richness to the sound. The way the air travels over the ceramic material contributes to warmth and vibrancy, while maintaining a strong core fundamental tone. The round, full sound of the Ceramic Resonance Chamber Mouthpiece is consistent over the full range of the instrument. The response is instantaneous and the intonation is perfect.

    This is an excellent choice for R&B, funk, or contemporary jazz settings. Featuring a longer step type baffle, this design has great projection. 

    - Includes Drake Ligature, cap, velvet pouch and storage case 

    Each mouthpiece is handmade to order by Aaron Drake.
    You will receive an email with delivery information when your mouthpiece ships.
    Shipping is free in the Continental US.
    USPS Express International shipping is $65.00 (added at check out)
  • Drake Resonance Chamber Mouthpieces

    In 1990, Aaron Drake released the world's first professional quality ceramic saxophone mouthpiece. This represents the most remarkable mouthpiece innovation in over half a century. Drake's Resonance Chambers represent an evolutionary leap forward in the development of woodwind mouthpieces and their tonal characteristics.

    Ceramic Resonance Chamber Mouthpieces incorporate Drake's own proprietary ceramic material into the chamber of the Vintage Resin mouthpiece. This embedded ceramic "ring" is exposed inside of the mouthpiece. The resulting change to the density of the mouthpiece adds new depth and richness to the sound. The way the air travels over the ceramic material contributes to warmth and vibrancy, while maintaining a strong core fundamental tone. The round, full sound of the Ceramic Resonance Chamber Mouthpiece is consistent over the full range of the instrument. The response is instantaneous and the intonation is perfect.

    - Includes Drake Ligature, cap, velvet pouch and storage case 

    Each mouthpiece is handmade to order by Aaron Drake.
    You will receive an email with delivery information when your mouthpiece ships.
    Shipping is free in the Continental US.
    USPS Express International shipping is $65.00 (added at check out)
  • Drake Resonance Chamber Mouthpieces

    In 1990, Aaron Drake released the world’s first professional quality ceramic saxophone mouthpiece. This represents the most remarkable mouthpiece innovation in over half a century. Drake’s Resonance Chambers represent an evolutionary leap forward in the development of woodwind mouthpieces and their tonal characteristics.

    The combination of innovative resonant materials has been the hallmark of Drake Mouthpieces since the introduction of our ceramic saxophone mouthpieces in 1990.

    Brass Resonance Chamber Mouthpieces encapsulate an exposed brass ring into the Vintage Resin mouthpiece. The result of combining these two materials is a broader spectrum of overtones than with brass or hard rubber mouthpieces. The Brass Resonance Chamber model outweighs the corresponding standard mouthpiece by approximately 30%. This added mass creates unbelievable amounts of resonance, harmonics and projection.

    The Brass Resonance Mouthpieces offer a robust, husky tone with plenty of harmonics in the sound. It is somewhat more "spread" than the Ceramic version. It has impeccable intonation and presents consistent tonal characteristics over the entire range of the horn. This unique configuration also allows easier access to the altissimo register.

    All Drake Resonance Chamber Mouthpieces are uniquely handmade. Each piece is play-tested and balanced up to altissimo double F and beyond.

    - Includes Drake Double Rail vintage resin Ligature, cap and case
    Each mouthpiece is handmade to order by Aaron Drake.
    You will receive an email with delivery information when your mouthpiece ships.
    Shipping is free in the Continental US.
    USPS Express International shipping is $65.00 (added at check out)
  • Contemporary Alto  VRCA

    This is an excellent choice for R&B, funk, or contemporary jazz settings.  Featuring a longer step type baffle, this design has great projection.

    - Includes Drake Ligature, cap, velvet pouch and storage case
    Each mouthpiece is handmade to order by Aaron Drake.
    You will receive an email with delivery information when your mouthpiece ships.
    Shipping is free in the Continental US.
    USPS Express International shipping is $65.00 (added at check out)
  • Jazz Alto

    $295.00
    Jazz Alto  VRJA You will find this model offers great projection.  The rollover baffle and carefully calculated floor slope promote an optimal projection.  Just the right amount of undercutting on the side walls with a medium chamber. - Includes Drake Ligature, cap, velvet pouch and storage case
    Each mouthpiece is handmade to order by Aaron Drake.
    You will receive an email with delivery information when your mouthpiece ships.
    Shipping is free in the Continental US.
    USPS Express International shipping is $65.00 (added at check out)
  • This mouthpiece is the product of a very special project in collaboration with the Phil Woods estate. This mouthpiece is a near identical replica of the mouthpiece that Phil Woods played for over 40 years.  The essential geometry of the mouthpiece is identical to Phil's mouthpiece, and it has the great characteristic vibe of one of the greatest alto saxophone sounds the world has ever known! There is a comfortable level of resistance balanced with a freeness and ease of play through the range of the alto.  A true experience to play and explore its potentials.
    Each Phil Woods Mouthpiece is Handcrafted by Aaron Drake and is finished with a serial number.
    Each mouthpiece includes a Drake Quad Point ligature and Drake Branded cap, velvet pouch and carry case
    These mouthpieces are designed for a "universal" ligature fitment and most standard HR Alto ligatures will fit
    You will receive an email with delivery information when your mouthpiece ships.
    Shipping is free in the Continental US.
    USPS Express International shipping is $65.00 (added at check out)
  •   .

    In 2014 David commissioned Aaron to make him a custom mouthpiece that would measure up to his exacting standards and deliver winning performances; whether on stage or in the studio. The Aaron Drake David Sanborn Signature model has exceeded expectations. 

    Each Sanborn model mouthpiece is precision-milled and meticulously hand-finished to be an exact reproduction of David’s own Drake mouthpiece, which he has been performing exclusively with since 2014. 


    Design

    This Aaron Drake design was accomplished in direct consultation with David Sanborn, and influenced by several of Drake’s earlier designs. It is also inspired by some of Sanborn’s most beloved vintage mouthpieces. The result is a mouthpiece that helped to write the next chapter in Sanborn’s sound, and can now help you write your own story. 


    Process

     Each piece is hand-crafted. After milling, there is extensive hand work on the blank. The chamber, baffle and facing are all hand worked and finished to exacting tolerances. The result is a mouthpiece that offers total consistency with impeccable artistry.  


    Specifics

    The Sanborn model incorporates a three-tiered baffle design with a medium, Venturi chamber. It is available in three tip-openings: 6 (.080"), 7 (.085") and 8 (.090"). All of the mouthpiece and baffle contour ratios are adjusted for each tip opening to ensure total consistency in feel.  

    David Sanborn personally plays the number 8 tip opening.


    Sound

    The mouthpiece features a very immediate response and precise attack, with just the right amount of resistance to develop rich tonal color and allow total freedom of expression. It is exceptionally free blowing and allows the player to employ a complete range of dynamics, from the bottom to the top of the instrument. It is a powerful, projective mouthpiece, with impeccable intonation and a lush core sound. The full, rich sound presented by the Drake Sanborn Signature mouthpiece far surpasses that of other high-baffle, "power mouthpieces".  

    Each mouthpiece has a satin finished that is sterling silver plated and engraved with a unique serial number.  Limited Production.  Includes the Drake "Quad-Point" ligature, Drake Cap, Rovner Ligature, Velvet pouch, and Carry Case

    About the Drake "Quad-Point" Ligature

    The Drake “Quad Point” ligature is custom designed for the new David Sanborn mouthpiece to sit near the end of the table, Dave’s signature placement. This ligature position allows full reed fiber activation and maximizes resonance and responsiveness. The Quad Point refers to 4 touch points on the reed. Tested and approved by David Sanborn.

    David Sanborn Mouthpiece Development History

    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.

    You will receive an email with delivery information when your mouthpiece ships.
    Shipping is free in the Continental US.
    USPS Express International shipping is $65.00 (added at check out)
     
  • We have designed this exciting new model to embody the characteristics of the great vintage NY Meyers with the added control and response qualities that Drake has become known for.  The rollover baffle transitions to a gradual floor slope that delivers the air column at a carefully calibrated angle to give maximum projection and depth of tone.  The medium "venturi" type chamber also contributes to a controlled evenness  of timbre through the registers.  The beak angle and body dimensions have also been design for optimal embouchure comfort and beauty. Made from Drake Vintage Resin.  -Includes Drake Ligature, cap and case
    Each mouthpiece is handmade to order by Aaron Drake.
    You will receive an email with delivery information when your mouthpiece ships.
    Shipping is free in the Continental US.
    USPS Express International shipping is $65.00 (added at check out)
       

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