Repair and refacing

“Refacing” includes:

• Measurement, analysis and calculation of a new curve
• Making a perfectly flat table
• Creating a new facing curve (precision to 1/100th of a mm)
• Precise adjustment of the tip opening (to 1/100th of a mm)
• Adjustment of the side and top rails
• Adjustment of the roof, wall, window, and baffle
• Inspection, testing, cleaning and polishing

Each refaced mouthpiece is signed with the initials “LBA” and with the exact opening of your mouthpiece in thousandths of an inch.
This is done with a discreet stamping (1.5 mm) on the side of the mouthpiece along the table. (Example: “LBA 085”).

Please make sure to clean your saxophone mouthpiece before sending it to us.
Simply with white vinegar and cold water. Hot water may discolor ebonite.

Saxophone mouthpiece refacing: restoring voice, breath and comfort

Too often underestimated, the care given to the mouthpiece is just as important as that given to the instrument, if not more.
Mass-produced mouthpieces are made without passing through the hands of a “refacer craftsman” to check and finely adjust them. Many “vintage” mouthpieces suffer from wear and damage over time, even invisible to the naked eye.
At some point, a mouthpiece may no longer follow your playing: “hollow” notes, unreliable attacks, squeaks, quick fatigue, lack of intonation or power, dependence on “miracle” reeds, difficult low register. You blow… and the music doesn’t come out as you want. That’s often when saxophone mouthpiece refacing changes everything: restoring freedom and ease to the mouthpiece.

Refacing, in practice

The facing is the curvature of the mouthpiece that allows the reed to vibrate. In saxophone mouthpiece refacing, I rebalance several things: table (flatness and seal), rails (symmetry and thickness), opening, roof, window, baffle, surface finish… A single wrong dimension and the mouthpiece no longer works properly. The goal is simple: healthy vibration, immediate response, a homogeneous tone and controlled projection.

My approach: artisanal, precise, demanding

I work by hand, with precision tools and a rigorous protocol. The ideal curve is first calculated on a computer, adapted to each client’s request to meet individual needs, then reproduced on your mouthpiece to 1/100th of a millimeter. Each piece is played, tested, and adjusted until the perfect balance is found between response, expressiveness and comfort. Nothing industrial or magical here: it’s a one-to-one dialogue between your mouthpiece and my workbench.

What you will feel after your mouthpiece is refaced

Easier blowing, low notes that open up, high notes that sing, a clear attack without harshness. The tone gains body, vibrato comes naturally, fatigue decreases. A consistent response, no more squeaks, better reed compatibility. In rehearsal and concert, the mouthpiece follows your intention instead of holding you back.

A living tradition, an assumed know-how

From Coleman Hawkins to Michael Brecker, many saxophonists worked with their craftsman to shape their voice, their mouthpiece. I follow in this lineage: listening, measuring, testing, with the desire to return a mouthpiece that inspires. My role is to remove the obstacles so you only think about the music.

Having my mouthpiece refaced

Tell me about your playing style (reed, instrument, repertoire, level) and what you want to feel. I will propose one or more solutions, a timeframe, and above all an audible result: a mouthpiece that responds, breathes, and reflects you.

Which mouthpieces can be refaced?

The vast majority of metal and ebonite mouthpieces (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone), new or vintage, for all styles (classical, jazz, rock, fusion…), all levels. Only exceptions: certain “hollow” 3D-printed models or honeycomb structures. On metal mouthpieces, the removed material locally erases the plating; gold/silver replating is possible if you want a perfect cosmetic finish. Nothing changes aesthetically for ebonite.

And if I’m looking for a “new sound”?

Saxophone mouthpiece refacing restores life and comfort to your current setup. If you want to explore a different sound world, I also design new hand-refaced mouthpieces, with selected materials and geometries inspired by great vintage models, for a different signature sound, ready to play.