Mouthpieces Faxx Mouthpieces

[muzza]

Just noticed my local music shop is now stocking a Faxx Alto Mouthpiece. It is advertised as an affordable copy of a Meyer. Has anyone tried one, use or can comment on Faxx mouthpieces?

Thanks

 

[Greg Strange]

Just noticed my local music shop is now stocking a Faxx Alto Mouthpiece. It is advertised as an affordable copy of a Meyer. Has anyone tried one, use or can comment on Faxx mouthpieces?

Thanks

I assume you are referring to the ones for sale at Music Services for $85.00?

I've never heard of them but there appears to be quite a bit of information on the interweb...

http://www.musicservices.co.nz/images/manufacturers/faxx.pdf

including some "YouTube" demos.

I would suggest popping into Music Services and giving the mouthpiece a play test.

One thing I've noticed about Music Services prices for the Selmer (Paris) Alto Soloist mouthpieces is they are a lot cheaper than KBB in Auckland who charge (like a wounded bull!) $495.00 and Music Services the price is $225.00...what's that about (?) - it amazes me the prices we get charged in NZ and the difference in pricing...

Happy honkin'

Greg S.

 

[muzza]

Yes that’s the one. I thought a few here enjoy comparing mouthpieces and rate some of the cheaper ones so wondered if they had come across these.

I am planning a trip to see them with saxophones in need of servicing and to try some stuff out. There range has expanded so will be interesting comparing the different pieces.

Left field question: Do you know anything about Wrae Duncan, he services saxophone in Wellington.

Cheers
Murray

 

[Another Colin]

I haven't tried one, but I have read great feedback re faxx trombone mouthpieces.

 

[Greg Strange]

Yes that’s the one. I thought a few here enjoy comparing mouthpieces and rate some of the cheaper ones so wondered if they had come across these.

I am planning a trip to see them with saxophones in need of servicing and to try some stuff out. There range has expanded so will be interesting comparing the different pieces.

Left field question: Do you know anything about Wrae Duncan, he services saxophone in Wellington.

Cheers
Murray

Hi Murray,

Unfortunately I don't much about wind instrument repair people in the Wellywood area - I quick search of the interweb indicates a person with the same name is a member of the Wellington Beekeeper's Association ...:shocked:

Maybe contact somebody at the Jazz School and see if anybody there has had dealings with this person - you don't want to get "stung" 🙂)) ( I couldn't resist that)

Greg S.

 

[muzza]

Thanks Greg. I do have a conact at NZSM so will check with them.

 

[Morgan Fry]

Decent small chambered alto piece. Smaller chamber than the Meyer, better quality rubber. Not sure about the facings on them TBH but worth a try and good quality for the price.

 

[muzza]

Thanks for your replies.

By good luck yesterday, I was able to try briefly a Faxx, Otto Link and Meyer 6m. Unfortunately no time to try the Jody Jazz and waiting on size of the Faxx and Otto Link, as I didn't look at the time.

I used a La Vos 2m reed and Rovner Ligature. I am not qualified to review equipment, so these are only me observations.

First I tried the Faxx and wow, what a great sound my saxophone made. Kicked my Hite out of the water and the person I was with took a double take to check it was me playing. It played louder, cleaner and crisper than Hite, however still retaining a rich core sound. The high notes sounded fuller than when I play the Hite.

Next was the Otto Link then Meyer. Both sound ok with the Otto a little breathy. I think because I notice my teeth marks on the Faxx mouthpiece protector. I loosed my embouchure so not the mark the others, which would not have them playing their best.

However, with the Otto and Meyer are 2 and 3 times the cost of a Faxx, the Faxx won me over and on my Christmas list.

If you ever come across Faxx Mouthpieces, they are worth trying.

 

[muzza]

A very interesting morning spent at my local music store trying alto mouthpieces. With my particular interest, seeing if my first impression of Faxx was right. I quickly learnt there is a big difference in sound and playability between makes and facing sizes at my stage in development.

The selecting was not huge and not all sizes available. But enough for me and I was able to try Vandoren v5 and v16, Meyer G, Otto Link and Faxx. Still no Jody Jazz HR. Anyway to cut a long story short I discovered

- Meyer 6 size facing I played well on. The larger sizes I could not control and ended up playing very loud or not at all.

- I liked the sound of Meyer G and Otto Links.

- The Otto Links 6, was the easiest to play high notes on. The alternate high (altissimo) E, F, F# all played easily and were not thin. I was even able to get G. Which I only get occasionally.

- I discovered the Faxx I played was a 6 and out of store on trail. I tried the 5 and 7, both ok but they didn't have the same wow factor I got playing the 6.

Fingers crossed the 6 is returned. Then one final comparison with the Meyer G and Otto Links.

 

[old git]

Wasn't there a Welsh guy who wandered around the Benny Hill Show, okay I was young and stupid then rather than old and stupid, saying "Give then the Faxx boys, give them the Faxx."?

Should the manufacturers care to use this clip, cut me in for ten per cent.