Yet, if you look at the history of many well-known mouthpiece brands, you’ll notice something interesting: a large number of the people who designed them were not saxophonists.

Many of the classic models we still see today were created by toolmakers, engineers, or craftsmen who had a strong technical background, but little to no real experience actually playing the instrument. In the past, some of these makers worked closely with professional saxophonists to test and refine their designs. That collaboration helped. But over time, many of those original relationships disappeared.

What often remains is a process of copying, adjusting, and reinterpreting existing models. One maker studies another’s work, makes small modifications, and releases a “new” design. Another maker does the same. After several generations of this, we end up with mouthpieces that are variations of variations — pieces that carry forward both the good decisions and the compromises of the original designs.

The problem is that a mouthpiece is not just geometry. It is an interface between a person’s body, their air, their embouchure, and the instrument. When someone designs without that direct experience, they are forced to rely on second-hand information. They can measure, they can calculate, they can follow tradition — but they are guessing about how the piece will actually feel and respond in a real playing situation.

This doesn’t mean every mouthpiece made by a non-saxophonist is bad. Some are excellent. But it does mean their understanding is necessarily limited. They are working from the outside in.

I see things differently because I approach mouthpiece making from the inside out.

Before I ever shaped a single piece of material, I spent decades as a working saxophonist. I know what it feels like when a mouthpiece fights you in the low register. I know the frustration of fighting for control in the altissimo. I know how a small change in the facing can completely change the way you approach a phrase. That experience is not something I read in a book or learned from someone else’s design. It comes from thousands of hours of actually playing.

When I sculpt a mouthpiece, I’m not trying to improve on an existing model. I’m trying to solve a problem for a specific player — often problems I’ve faced myself. That changes the entire process. The decisions I make are guided by direct, physical knowledge of what it means to play the saxophone, not just by tradition or by what has been done before.

There is still a lot to discover about the saxophone and its sound. But I believe the most meaningful discoveries will come from people who understand the instrument not only as an object to be optimized, but as something they have lived with for years.

The post Why Most Saxophone Mouthpiece Makers Aren’t Saxophonists appeared first on Mouthpieces by Giovani Tramontin.

Saxophone Tryout Day with Giovani Tramontin

Last Sunday, the picturesque town of Novara was abuzz with the sounds of saxophones as over 30 professional saxophonists gathered for a special tryout day hosted by Giovani Tramontin of Tramontin Sax. The event was a unique opportunity for these musicians to test out the latest line of saxophone mouthpieces crafted by Tramontin, known for their innovative design and exceptional performance. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as the saxophonists, each with their own style and preferences, prepared to put these new creations to the test.

The day began with an introduction by Giovani Tramontin, who shared his journey and the meticulous process behind the creation of his mouthpieces. His passion for the craft was evident, and it set the tone for what was to come. As the musicians started trying out the mouthpieces, the room quickly filled with a symphony of notes, each player exploring the range and capabilities of the new designs. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many saxophonists expressing their amazement at the quality and versatility of the mouthpieces.

One of the standout testimonials from the day came from Massimo Mantovani, a seasoned saxophonist who had always preferred metal mouthpieces. “Last Sunday, I attended a presentation meeting of a new line of saxophone mouthpieces by the Tramontin company in Cureggio. Since I have always preferred metal mouthpieces for the sax, I participated with curiosity at first. However, as soon as I started trying out these creations, my fellow saxophonists and I were all pleasantly surprised and impressed by the performance of these mouthpieces. Quality in every aspect: sound projection, roundness, ease of emission,” he shared. Mantovani’s experience was echoed by many others who found the mouthpieces to be both innovative and highly functional.

Quote – “As I started trying out these creations, my fellow saxophonists and I were all pleasantly surprised”

Mimmo Valente

The highlight of the event was the hands-on testing session, where saxophonists could truly experience the mouthpieces in a live setting. Mantovani continued, “In the end, I purchased an alto sax mouthpiece with a special blend that also looks beautiful in the dark because it becomes fluorescent, but with truly impressive performance. On Tuesday, I tested it in a pop/rock setting, and all my fellow musicians were impressed by the volume of sound it produced despite their amplified volumes.” This practical application demonstrated the mouthpiece’s adaptability and power, solidifying its place as a top choice for professional musicians.

As the day concluded, there was a palpable sense of excitement and satisfaction among the attendees. Giovani Tramontin’s dedication to his craft and his ability to create mouthpieces that meet the diverse needs of saxophonists were clearly appreciated. The event not only showcased the exceptional quality of Tramontin’s mouthpieces but also fostered a sense of community among the musicians. Mantovani’s final words encapsulated the sentiment of the day: “Without taking anything away from other products on the market, I recommend my fellow saxophonists to try these truly superb creations.” It was a day of discovery, music, and shared passion, leaving everyone eager for the next innovation from Tramontin Sax.

Would you like Tramontin to do a demonstration in your city?

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