Why choose a handmade Mouthpiece?

In a world saturated with standardized industrial products, choosing a handmade saxophone mouthpiece means choosing a personal sound, authenticity, and demanding traditional craftsmanship. At Les Becs d’Autan, each mouthpiece is designed, shaped, listened to, and adjusted to reveal the full richness of your playing.

Standard Mouthpiece vs. handmade Mouthpiece
What are the real differences?

Most mouthpieces sold commercially are injection-molded or industrially machined, sometimes with little or no quality control. They are often designed to suit the masses at an attractive price, with wider manufacturing tolerances, mechanical finishes, and no individual adjustment for each piece.

👉 Result: a “practical” mouthpiece, often neutral, rigid, or lacking expressiveness.

A handcrafted mouthpiece, on the other hand, is worked with precision and then adjusted with the sensitivity and experience of the craftsman. Every millimeter, every curve, and every contact surface plays a role in the tone, intonation, attack, and flexibility of your playing.

At Les Becs d’Autan, a 100% artisanal and acoustic process

I handcraft each mouthpiece myself in my workshop in southwestern France.

Here’s what makes my mouthpieces different:

• Carefully selected materials (high-copper solid brass, natural German ebonite of the highest quality in the world).

• Extremely precise initial machining

• manual finishing work on the facing, chamber, and exterior of the mouthpiece.

• real-world playing tests for each mouthpiece with my saxophone.

• adjustments possible according to your playing style or reference mouthpiece

It’s a true dialogue between the musician and the craftsman.

Like the relationship between a luthier or bow maker and a violinist.

A saxophonist is not a machine: their teeth, breath, air column, muscles, and expectations are unique. Your mouthpiece should be too.

Custom sound: more than a luxury, a revelation

A well-adjusted handmade mouthpiece doesn’t just make playing “easier.” It transforms your relationship with the instrument:

✅Less effort to project

✅More nuances available in all registers

✅A sound that “responds” to your intention

✅A more direct connection between your breath and the tone

And most importantly: an identifiable and personal sonic signature.

Many musicians who try my mouthpieces talk about a before-and-after experience. Some rediscover the joy of playing. Others finally find “their sound,” the one they’ve been searching for for years.

What my customers say:

“Magnificent and meticulous craftsmanship. What an incredible mouthpiece! I highly recommend this wonderful artist who does world-class work.” Ian Hendrickson-Smith

“After discussing with Philippe and looking for an ultra-versatile mouthpiece, I received a Florida 8 (110), a pure marvel. Unmatched homogeneity—where internationally renowned mouthpieces tighten in the high register, the Florida from Les Becs d’Autan is simply incredible. It maintains warmth, a slight brilliance without ever being aggressive, and an exceptional sound width. Subtones and harmonics are effortlessly easy. A wide sonic palette depending on the reeds you use, everything works perfectly, not to mention the exceptional finish. Kudos to this French craftsman.” Sébastien Trognon

Why this choice is strategic for you…

Choosing a handcrafted mouthpiece is an investment in your sound.

It’s about standing out, asserting your musical identity, and feeling the comfort of playing with a mouthpiece tailored for you by a specialized craftsman.

This also naturally justifies the higher price: you’re not paying for a mold, but for a unique piece, meticulously adjusted over several hours for you, designed to last, evolve with you, and carry your voice.

Want to try?

You can discover my models here:

Philippe