Today, I am reviewing a new tenor saxophone mouthpiece from 10mFan sax mouthpieces. This is a generation II Ultem Robusto 7** orange tenor saxophone mouthpiece. (Yes, I wrote “orange”!) I reviewed a first generation hard rubber Robusto 7** tenor sax mouthpiece a few years ago that I still have in my collection of favorite tenor saxophone mouthpieces so I was very curious to try these new Ultem generation II 10mFan Robusto tenor sax mouthpieces as well.
Although this review is of a Robusto tenor mouthpiece made of Ultem, Mark at 10mFan.com still offers his German bar stock hard rubber versions of all his mouthpieces as well. The hard rubber mouthpieces ($375) can be ordered at 10mFan.com and because the Ultem mouthpieces ($299) are limited edition, you have to contact Mark to special order one of these.
The new 10mFan Robusto tenor saxophone mouthpiece I am reviewing today is made of Ultem. If you are like me, you have no idea what that is and might be starting to Google it. Let me save you some time: “Ultem, is a semi-transparent high strength plastic material that can operate in high service temperature environments. Ultem is so resilient to abuse and outside forces that it is used for the production of aircraft components.”
Although resilient and tough, Ultem is also beautiful to the eye. It has a semi-transparent orange color to it as you can see by looking at the photos below. (I think some of the photos are really cool as you can see the green of the grass and leaves through the semi-transparent mouthpiece)
10mFan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
I asked Mark Sepinuck about his new Generation II 10mFan Robusto tenor saxophone mouthpieces and this is what he wrote:
“The new Generation ll pieces are simply better than I ever thought possible. I have a new craftsman who has transformed these great designs and taken them to a new and exciting place. I am a big believer in customer feedback, so I appreciate all of the feedback I have received, because that has truly made these pieces into something very special.
The 10mFan Ultem Robusto tenor saxophone mouthpiece came in a well packaged box. Inside, amidst the packaging was a clear tube. Inside the tube, was a velvet looking bag with gold trim that protected the Robusto saxophone mouthpiece while shipping.
As I took the sax mouthpiece out of the velvet bag, I could see the orange semi-transparent color of it shine out. It has the usual 10mFan engraving that is on all of the 10mFan mouthpiece but the orange glow and transparency really catch your eye. The more light is around, the more the orange colors light up. It is pretty cool!
10mFan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
The new 10mFan Robusto sax mouthpiece has the traditional three rings on the shank that all of the 10mFan saxophone mouthpieces have. It also has “10mFan” and “ROBUSTO” engraved on the top of the mouthpiece. On the bottom corners of the mouthpiece next to the table is engraved “U.S.A.” and “7**”.
As you can see in the picture below, the table, rails and tip look flat and even. The baffle is a slightly curved side to side baffle that extends about an inch into the mouthpiece before it runs into a curved edge. After the edge, the baffle then declines into the chamber at a greater angle. The length of this declined slope has a curved side to side baffle also.
The side walls are slightly carved out on each side as they lead into the medium large sized chamber.
The material is really cool looking like I mentioned before. Where it is thicker, it has more of an orange glow to it. Where it is thinner, like at the tip, you can see right through the mouthpiece to see the color in the background. Everything about the 10mFan Ultem Robusto mouthpiece looks well proportioned and balanced.
10mFan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
So how does the new Generation II Robusto 7** saxophone mouthpiece in Ultem play and sound? Well, first of all, it has a warmer sound than the baffle would make you think. The tone is focused and direct but has a warmth and fullness to it that is beautiful. I start the clip out with a little bit of the melody of ‘Round Midnight and I think it handles the depth of timbre and tone incredibly. The tone is focused and full of character in my opinion.
After the ‘Round Midnight segment, I run into a few faster jazz lines like I usually play in my reviews. The Ultem Robuto sax mouthpiece is smooth and even throughout the range of the horn and the fast lines are easy to play smoothly. The intonation is great and the range of the horn from the bottom to the top is clear and easy to play.
10mFan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
I play a bunch of jazz lines including “Moose the Mooche” and a slow “Donna Lee” (which I try to play in all of my sound clips as a way to compare the different clips). At the end, I play a variety of jazz lines including a short rendition of rhythm changes and some bluesy lines.
Throughout the entire sound clip, I feel like the 10mFan Ultem Robusto tenor sax mouthpiece retains a warmth and smoothness to the tone without clipping into a tone with edge which is really nice in my opinion.
10mFan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
The second clip is just the first clip with some added reverb added to the clip. Recently, I like adding a few clips with reverb as many listeners don’t have a full understanding of how a sax mouthpiece might sound in the studio with some added reverb added to it.
The third clip is just a short soft recording of me playing a ballad called “If I Should Lose You” which is one of my favorite ballads. I don’t get very far into it but at least you can hear how the 10mFan Robusto Ultem sax mouthpiece performs at softer volumes for me. I felt like the Ultem Robusto had a beautiful delicate lightness to the tone at these softer volumes.
10mFan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
Lastly, I include two clips of a “Louder, Bluesy, Funky, Altissimo Lines” sound clip for those of you interested in that kind of playing. The Ultem Robusto tenor sax mouthpiece sounds great on the louder altissimo lines. The tone is clear and vibrant while still being thick and full and the intonation seems really locked in to my ears.
How does the 10mFan Ultem Robusto perform with these types of lines? I think it sounds great! It has a great focus and core to the sound that I loved. It also had a lot of volume and power to it when you pushed it without getting too bright and edgy sounding. At the same time, the tone has enough highs and brightness in those lines to carry the sound through the mix when playing a solo.
10mFan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
If you like the sound and look of the 10mfan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece, you can order one of them from Mark Sepinuck at connsaxman@comcast.net.
These mouthpieces are not available on the website to be ordered one at a time, as they are being made on a limited “as-made” basis. Mark is asking that players who want one, just contact him letting him know whats on your wishlist, and when he gets a large enough group of that same size and model requested, he will do a run of those. The price is only $299 which is a great price for a tenor sax mouthpiece of this calibre that is an all original design and hand finished.
Mark has made it clear that he wants players of all levels to get into his mouthpiece designs, so he has priced them at this great price. He has also lowered his regular prices on his German bar stock hard rubber mouthpieces for all players. If you are interested in any of the new Generation II 10mFan mouthpieces at these new lower prices you can check out his site at 10mFan.com.
If you have played or end up playing a 10mFan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece or have any other thoughts or comments about this review, I would love to hear what you think in the comments below. Thanks, Steve
*To hear the most detail from these clips it is best to listen to them from a computer with nice audio speakers or headphones rather than from an iPhone or laptop speakers. It makes a world of difference!
Audio Player10mFan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Rigotti Gold 3 Light Reed-Jazz Lines-Dry Recording (No Reverb)
Audio Player10mFan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Rigotti Gold 3 Light Reed-Jazz Lines with some Reverb Added
Audio Player10mFan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Rigotti Gold 3 Light Reed-Soft Ballad-Dry Recording (No Reverb)
Audio Player10mFan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Rigotti Gold 3 Light Reed-Louder, Bluesy, Funky, Altissimo Lines with some Reverb Added
Audio Player10mFan Generation II Robusto Ultem Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Rigotti Gold 3 Light Reed-Louder, Bluesy, Funky, Altissimo Lines-Dry Recording (No Reverb)
Disclosure: I received the sample mouthpiece reviewed above for free in the hope that I would try it and perhaps review it on my blog. Regardless, I only review sax mouthpieces that I enjoy playing and believe will be good for other saxophone players to try also. Steve
Thank you, Steve for your great review. You sound fantastic, and I am always appreciative for all you do for the saxophone community. Keep up the great work.
All the best,
Mark
Thanks, Steve! I’m curious- Did you try any other reeds than your “standard for comparison” Rigotti Gold, in particular the Boston Sax Shop reeds?
Karl, I didn’t try the BSS reeds on it yet. Steve
Steve, thank you for this review (and countless others!). Would you be so kind to compare chamber sizes of Gaia and Robusto? It seems they accomplish similar sound via different routes.
Paul, the Gaia looks to be a larger chamber as it is scooped our more in the bottom of the chamber. Steve
beautiful warm sound with some bite and character, that doesn’t make it too bright. Ultem is that what Ted Klum Calls Amber?
dammmmm this a a sweet MP i think it might be one of the best it sounds awesome and is friggen beautiful
How does this compare to the 1st generation Robusto? Is it a pretty similar vibe?
Oscar,
As for the differences, the new Generation ll tenor pieces have a tighter core and an exceptional balance with the frequencies. They also have a beautiful fullness and smoothness to the tone and are very even blowing top to bottom. The first Robusto wasn’t as tight or even in comparison, and didn’t have as much warmth to the sound.
Also, I am no longer using Eric Falcon and players across the board, including me, are loving these facing curves far more. The side rails and tip rails are no longer super thin like Eric had them. For me the pieces are really refined now and blow super easy from very soft to very loud.
They’ve got all the power but the parameters of the sound are tighter, which really dials everything in.
The feedback I have received so far with all of my updated models, has been outstanding.
Listening to customer feedback has truly paid off because the pieces are absolutely at their peak right now.
Does this mean that the original Robustos won’t be available after they have been sold?
Sorry that’s not very clear, I meant to say will the hard rubber versions continue being made in the same form or will they be discontinued?
Jim, From what I understand, the new hard rubber versions are Generation II mouthpieces. They have a different facing curve and slightly wider rails. The first edition of these mouthpieces will no longer be made so if you want one of those you would have to find one on the used market. I haven’t played a Generation II hard rubber piece yet but this Ultem piece played really great for me. I would imagine the hard rubber pieces are equally as great! Steve
Jim,
Al of my models have been updated so they are at their absolute peak. They are all Generation ll models.
All of the models are available in hard rubber and they are better than ever.
We also now offer all these models in the orange Ultem material. If you have any questions about anything feel free to email me.
All the best, Mark
Thanks Mark and Steve, that’s good information. I’m in the UK so we are a bit behind the curve in terms of availability. I’ve been planning on trying a Robusto so will have to decide whether I try what is currently available locally or wait a while. I currently play an RPC with a similar baffle and it looks like the Robusto may be a good match for what I want.
Best wishes,
Jim
Thanks Mark & Steve – love the sound of this mpc and now have one on order. Can’t wait to try it!
Brandon
What does this mouthpiece look like on the horn?
I never had anyone ask me that before. It looks like an orange semi-transparent mouthpiece on your sax. I’m not sure what more of an answer you are looking for?
OK, so the question is, for Steve or Mark, why would someone opt for Ultem? I’ve read comments that they are a little darker than the HR models, but I’m not seeing any real descriptions about tonal differences, or even a difference in how they feel or play. Since we have a choice, we should know why to choose one over the other. Is it just looks?
I’m thinking about a Black Widow, so it’s hard to translate “darker” as applied to that type of piece. I know a lot of this is subjective, but there must be a reason that Mark has gone to all the trouble to offer Ultem.
Thanks,
Lincoln
I had one of the first generation Robustos, and although I liked its versatility and power, it was a little too buzzy for me, and a little too spread. I recently tried a generation II Ultem Robusto, and I could not be more pleased. For me, this is just the right balance of light vs dark, spread vs focus, not as buzzy as Gen I but with all the power and versatility. Like a lot of people, I’ve been looking (and looking) for a piece that can “do it all,” and I think I might finally have found it. I’d be curious to try the metal Gen II, or maybe a larger tip size in the HR, but I think I’m going to be playing some form of the Gen II Robusto for a long, long time.
Well found Steve,
it seems to me that I liked best the previous model of the 10 M Fan Robusto for tenor, more; but I can only compare it with your review of the model in Ultem, because you have not compared the first model you have in the collection of Robusto with the new model II generation in hard rubber … It would be very useful if you would compare the model in hard rubber I generation with that II generation in hard rubber.
Did I understand right that the new models have a longer facing than the first ones? If yes, unfortunately, for my embouchure, I prefer medium facing …, I dare say the medium short facing!
Do you think that paying more they would make me a “custom” old model with a 0.081 tip opening? In your opinion the Robusto, old or new model, how is tiring to play with the same tip opening, compared to a modern Meyer hard rubber? Is the “good” resistance, resistance that I like, offered by the Robusto, lower, in your opinion, or higher than that of a modern Meyer for tenor?
Of course, in order to verify these impressions it would be necessary to try them both in person, but it is not possible.
Thanks for an opinion and a review of comparison between Robusto hard rubber I generation and hard rubber II generation.
Giuseppe.
Hello Steve,
I think it is a good idea to compare the Robusto first generation in HR, that I like, with the Robusto second generation in HR, so we can know the difference between the two models in HR: we have a your review of rhe Robusto first generation in HR that we can compare with your review of the second generation in Ultem: this does’nt seems to me to allow to know well the difference between the two models in HR , because they are different materials!
Thank you for another eventual, kind, new review,
Susy.
Hi Susy, I hear what you are asking for but this really is more up to Mark at 10mFan mouthpieces than me. I am willing to review mouthpieces that I am asked to review or that are sent to me but I no longer purchase mouthpieces like I did in the early days just because of how much money I lost doing that. Mark usually reaches out to me to do a review when he wants to. Hopefully sometime in the future. Steve
Dear Mr. Steve,
following my other comment, I would like to specify that, moreover, not only the material between HR I generation and the model in Ultem is different but, as the review shows, the shape of the new model is also different! And, therefore, I imagine, for all these differences, also the sound between them…
Sincerely,
Susy.
Thanks for the reply. I think your judgment is more objective than that of who the mouthpieces sells them, with all respect for the objectivity of the craftsmens: but to every mother, as they say, her baby looks more beautiful! And then, I don’t think mouthpieces craftsmens can compare with the incredible ability you have among the various mouthpieces! On their websites there are specimens of various artists but not real “comparisons”.
Sorry for my request, I thought that the mouthpieces to try would send them to you for free on trial!
Thanks, however, for what you do for the saxophonists, and I hope that in the future you happen to make the comparison in question, maybe Mark sends you the new Robusto to compare!
Best wishes for your helpful and nice webside which I continue to follow with interest!
Susy.
I would encourage any of you who have questions about my mouthpieces, to just contact me directly. I read some of this stuff here and it’s puzzling at best,. Nobody can tell you more about these mouthpieces than I can, and I will give you accurate information. I read one of the comments here that someone asked if the facings were longer on the second generation pieces, and they are NOT.
The first generation facings were longer.
Someone also commented that the shape looked different between the generation one and two and they are NOT. The outside body is the same exact shape.
Instead of publicly posting comments that could be confusing for others, it would be really great to just have you guys contact me directly so you can get the right answers for your questions without speculation.
I’m ALWAYS happy to talk with everybody about my mouthpieces.
I hope everyone is staying safe during this crazy year of hours and you can contact me directly through my website. All the best, Mark
http://www.10mfan.com
Kind Mr Mark,
thanks for the clarification.
If I wrote that the shape between the HR model and the Ultem model was different it is because, obviously I was wrong, I had this wrong impression from the photos.
Thanks for letting me know that the shape is the same.
I apologize for any possible confusion that I may have unintentionally caused to other users.
I will contact you directly in the future.
Thank you.
Susy.
Good morning Mr. Sepinuck,
as Susy did I apologize if, unintentionally, with my questions to Steve, I may have created confusion for the others who read, even for my questions about facing; I specify that, however, I did not say that those of the second generation are longer but I only asked for clarification by writing: “… Did I understand right that the new models have a longer facing than the first ones? unfortunately, for my embouchure, I prefer medium facing…, I dare say the medium short facing! … “.
Thank you for having kindly clarified the matter with your comment and, of course, I apologize for any confusion unintentionally created to other readers and, like Susy, I will ask you directly for any information in the future.
With my question to Steve I asked for an audio comparison between the two models in HR, first and second generation, to hear directly the difference between the two “played by the same person” and decide which one I prefer, given that, at the time, at least, on your website the possible comparison between the two models in HR was between different artists and I would have preferred to hear the difference between the two models played by the same artist.
Your mouthpieces are all so good that they create the problem of choice …
Friendliness,
Giuseppe.
Dear Mr. Mark,
with reference to my answer of yesterday regarding your comment, today I was re-reading what I wrote seven months ago; and I remembered that, in addition to the photos, I had read (copy and paste some points from this review below) right here that some things had been changed between the first and the second generation and, for this reason, I had written that the second had a new “shape”; now, perhaps, if you tell me “… Someone also commented that the shape looked different between the generation one and two and they are NOT. The outside body is the same exact shape …”, I think there has been a misunderstanding regarding the use of the word “shape”, and not only of the outside body, which I intended as “shape” and, perhaps, by you as “measure”?
I’m not American and I can make mistakes when writing in English, sorry!
By “shape” I meant differences as a copy paste from this review: “…” The new Generation ll pieces are simply better than I ever thought possible. I have a new craftsman who has transformed these great designs …” (omissis) “… The facing curves are sensational and the feedback so far has been exceptional …” (omissis) “… We have adjusted the side rails and tip rails so they are no longer super thin like they were before. The changes made have allowed the pieces to sound smoother and more even top to bottom …. “.
Reading about these changes, in my March comment, I wrote: “… not only the material between HR I generation and the model in Ultem is different but, as the review shows, the shape of the new model is also different !. .. “.
So I think it was a lexical misunderstanding that created confusion, unintentionally; but the aim was only to know better, via audio, the difference between the two models in sound … Because the important thing, beyond the lexical interpretations, is that your mouthpieces are really excellent and among the best that the handcraft market can offer! This is why I was interested in a audio “side by side” comparison between I and II generation in the same material (therefore in HR) to better verify the difference of the new model; also taking into account the fact that preference is also a matter of subjective taste …
I send you my cordial appreciation for your great excellent work and my best regards.
Susy.
Hello Steve
Bit late on this but I’m interested in your comparison between these and Theo Wanne slant Sig 2.
Very late comment:
Around two years ago, I purchased the exact same Ultem Robusto Tenor 2nd Gen MP reviewed here ( 7**). I think mine sounds a bit less bright than Steve’s recordings. I immediately found this MP to be a pleasure to play. Control is easy and intonation over the entire range is very good. This Robusto model feels just right on my MARK VI. Out of 30 or so tenor MP’s that I have purchased and kept over many years I have a small group of three or four “go to” favorites and this one is possibly the best of that group (my ratings can slightly shift on any given day!). I have never regretted this MP purchase.