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

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 before buying?

Each mouthpiece is handcrafted and customized to your specific requirements. Because of this unique, custom-made character, we are unfortunately unable to accept returns or exchanges. We do our utmost to meet your expectations perfectly.

But we’ll help you make the right choice!
We provide:
Sound test videos to hear each mouthpiece in a real-life situation
Comparisons between models (brightness, projection, warmth…)
Personalized advice if you’re hesitating between several openings or styles

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, or if you’d like some personalized advice before finalizing your order!