French Handcrafted
saxophone mouthpieces

At Les Becs d’Autan, we design and refinish saxophone mouthpieces entirely by hand, with a focus on tone, precision and individuality. Made in France, Each piece is crafted to help you unlock the sound that defines you.

Our handcrafted mouthpieces

Florida

Saxophone Tenor

Florida SLANT

Saxophone Tenor

MB1

Saxophone Tenor

Florida

Saxophone Tenor

Florida SLANT

Saxophone Tenor

MB1

Saxophone Tenor

Refacing
& Repair

Your mouthpiece deserves the greatest care

Your favorite mouthpiece deserves the utmost care. The quality of the refacing work done by Les Becs d’Autan has built the reputation of the company and Philippe. Rediscover your mouthpiece, optimized and/or hand-repaired by a craftsman. It’s your chance to restore a worn mouthpiece, change the tip opening, and eliminate all playing and aesthetic flaws… Refacing is about enhancing your mouthpiece’s performance and unlocking its full potential. Effortless playability, expressiveness, and a rich sound are within your reach.

About us

In our workshop in southwestern France, each mouthpiece is meticulously handcrafted by Philippe, a skilled artisan and saxophonist. From vintage restorations to bespoke creations, his craftsmanship sets us apart.
Explore our journey, values, and the passion behind every piece.

Everything you need to know
about saxophone mouthpieces

Behind every saxophone mouthpiece, there’s a story—of sound, emotion, and personal exploration.

On the Les Becs d’Autan blog, discover artist stories, artisan tips, and reviews to help you explore new tones.

Whether you’re a professional, an enthusiast, or a beginner, let yourself be guided and bring new inspiration to your playing!

OUR PARTNERS

They play

Les Becs d'Autan

John BRENNER

Balthazar NATUREL

Samuel MAINGAUD

David SAUZAY

Ricardo IZQUIERDO

Mathieu DONARIER

F.A.Q.

What’s the difference between metal and hard rubber (ebonite) mouthpieces ?

Metal Mouthpieces
Material: Crafted from brass, often gold- or silver-plated.
Sound: Bright, focused, and punchy—perfect for modern jazz, funk, or any genre where you need to stand out in the mix.
Projection: Powerful and effortless, designed to cut through in live performances or ensemble settings.
Feel: Crisp and responsive, with a thinner profile that offers precision in articulation—some describe it as “energetic” or “lively.”

Hard Rubber (Ebonite) Mouthpieces
Material: Made from premium vulcanized hard rubber, warm and smooth to the touch.
Sound: Rich, warm, and nuanced, with a rounded tone and subtle texture—ideal for traditional jazz, classical, or bossa nova.
Projection: Balanced and controlled, delivering a softer, more intimate presence—great for studio work or smaller venues.
Feel: Comfortable and natural in the mouth, with a warmer touch (especially in colder climates) and a slightly cushioned response.

Metal mouthpieces are often preferred by musicians seeking power, brilliance, and precision, while hard rubber mouthpieces appeal for their warmth, roundness, and comfort. It’s not about skill level (beginner vs pro), but rather personal taste and musical style.

At Les Becs d’Autan, we offer both styles with models like the MB1 (metal) and the Florida Slant (hard rubber), each carefully designed to reveal your unique sound.

How to clean and maintain a saxophone mouthpiece ?

Proper maintenance of your mouthpiece is essential to preserve its sound, longevity, and your oral hygiene. Here are some simple and effective tips for artisanal mouthpieces like those from Les Becs d’Autan.

Regular Cleaning (After Each Session)
Rinse with lukewarm water: Run the mouthpiece under lukewarm water (never hot) without scrubbing hard.
Gently brush: Use a soft brush to remove saliva.
Dry thoroughly: Wipe with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid paper towels, as they can scratch the surface.

Deep Cleaning (1–2 Times per Month)
Gentle soak: Soak the mouthpiece for 5–10 minutes in a mixture of lukewarm water and white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water), then rinse thoroughly.
Optional disinfection: If sharing or after long periods of disuse, use a disinfectant spray designed for wind instruments (no alcohol or harsh solvents).

Precautions
Do not use:
A dishwasher
Pure alcohol
Abrasive products
Hot water (can warp or weaken hard rubber)
Avoid:
Drops and impacts, especially for hard rubber mouthpieces or those with a thin tip.

Storage
Always store your mouthpiece in its case or a rigid mouthpiece case, separate from the saxophone. Never leave it on a stand or exposed to direct heat (e.g., in a car, near a radiator, or in sunlight).

A well-maintained mouthpiece retains its acoustic qualities and appearance for years. If your mouthpiece needs a refresh, Les Becs d’Autan offers expert refacing and restoration services.

Can I try a Mouthpiece ?

Yes. You have 10 days from delivery to try your mouthpiece at home under your usual playing conditions. This gives you time to fully assess its comfort, response, and tonal qualities. See our Return Policy.

REVIEWS

         Publié sur Google  
   
   Gerrit Schalkwijk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. For a long time now I have been desperately looking for a mouthpiece that produces the to my taste best and most pleasant sound on my tenor wo-35 yanagisawa and my yanagisawa tenor 992. I literally tested around 16 mouthpieces, also mid range but mostly high end. It took me a felt forever to find my sweet spot. In the course of this journey, which was long without success, I saw a youtube short from Les Becs d'Autan on the Florida metal. That triggered my interest and I started doing some research on Les Becs d'Autan and its sound philosophy. On all of the AI apps I utilized for my research, Philippe's references are excellent and impressive. But then, nothing goes over trying mouthpieces yourself instead of reading about them. The experiment with these mouthpieces turned out to be even better then what I had read about them. I started the experiment with ordering the Florida metal and was hooked after the first 5 minutes testing.... As a consequence I now own and thoroughly enjoy playing three Les Becs d'Autan mouthpieces. A Florida metal, a Hollywood metal as well as an MB1 Pilgrimage metal mouthpiece.

The sound, especially of the Hollywood on my Yani wo35 displays a wonderfully velvety, buttery-smooth creaminess that feels like blowing through honey, though it naturally trades off a bit of that laser-sharp, loud focus when you really want to push it. Playing the Florida metal on my 992 keeps that signature buttery-smooth creaminess but adds a beautiful, underlying sizzle that gives the sound a subtle crispness and projection, without ever becoming harsh. And the MB1 Pilgrimage... a collectors item that gives more projection without ever losing its identity.

I feel that from the sound perspective I have now "arrived". My mouthpiece search has ended.
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   La cerise sur le piano 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. L'accueil téléphonique de Philippe qui se rend très disponible pour des conseils avisés sur le choix du bec est top. J'ai choisi un Florida Slant en espérant développer un son boisé et chaud et la qualité d'émission dans tous les registres de ce bec dépasse mes espérances. Un grand merci Philippe pour la qualité de votre travail.
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   Simon Niblock 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Fantastic service - first class refacing & replacing job - mouthpiece came back better than new! Thank you so much!
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   Sax a la carte Austria 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. The mouthpieces Philippe makes are beautiful to look at, precisely crafted, and comfortable to play. The quality of the mouthpieces is impressive.
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   Jukka Perko 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Les Becs d’ Autan Hollywood is a truly fantastic mouthpiece. Philippe is a good communicator and very helpful. The order was completed on precise timetable! Twelve points out of ten!
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   Stéphane Teyssier 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Travail d'exception sur un refacing d'un bec OTTO LINK acheté en 1990 et refaçé selon mes besoins .
Cahier des charges plus que respecté : Sonorité plus profonde, plus de projection et de clarté .
Un travail d'orfèvre chez ce passionné de musique et ce révélateur de son, recherché par les saxophonistes exigeants !!
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   Tobias 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Great customer service, reasonable waiting time and, above all, amazing quality. I usually play the same mouthpiece for years and years and the Florida will be the one for the years forthcoming.
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   lionel minetti 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. réglage parfait sur bec ébonite de saxophone baryton et un suivie exemplaire
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   Thierry Chillon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Merci a Philippe pour son super travail.
Les becs d'autan rendent la musique plus simple
Bravo
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   jean spalma 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Très bon travail effectuer sur un bec en très mauvais état ,et après un passage au bec d’autan une merveille .Sans  ésiter pour une prochaine fois
  
 
  
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