Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

Today, I am excited to review the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage model tenor saxophone mouthpiece in a 8* (.115) tip opening.  I recently reviewed the Les Becs d’Autan Florida tenor sax mouthpiece which I was very impressed with, so am doubly excited to try these recreations of some of the most iconic tenor saxophone mouthpieces that the renowned Michael Brecker played on.

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

I received an email from Philippe at Les Becs d’Autan where he described the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 and MB1 Pilgrimage model tenor saxophone mouthpieces:

“In June, I’ll be releasing two metal tenor saxophone mouthpiece models:

After reading these descriptions, how could I say “No thanks” to reviewing these MB1 and MB1 Pilgrimage model tenor saxophone mouthpieces by Les Becs d’Autan?  I was so excited……

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

The Les Becs d’Autan MB1 and MB1 Pilgrimage model tenor saxophone mouthpieces arrived about 4-6 weeks later.  The mouthpieces looked beautiful upon opening the box.  The MB1 tenor sax mouthpieces were well protected in the packaging it made the journey from France to the USA in.  There was no ligature included so I had to rummage through my ligature box to find a Guardala sized mouthpiece ligature which are not always easy to find but I did finally find one at the bottom of my box of ligatures.

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 and MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpieces Side By Side with more Pink Bite Plates

The gold plating on the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage model tenor saxophone mouthpiece looks thick, shiny, rich and excellently done.  The marbled ebony bite plate looks beautiful and exquisitely crafted.  Philippe at LBD (Les Becs d’Autan) describes the colored marble bite plate as pink/green and he posted photos of that pink/green bite plate on social media quite a bit (you can see one of these photos above).

I have to be honest in writing that I was not a big fan of that pink/green color mix.  For some reason, it reminded me of Willy Wonka or one of those color swirled lollipops you got at the fair when you were a kid.   It turns out that I am lucky that both of the MB1 mouthpieces I received have more of a purple/green mix of color in the bite plate (seen in the photo below) which I like much better.  You definitely want to put a clear mouthpiece patch over this bite plate so you can see that cool colored marble design.

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece (I love this color bite plate much more than the pink but if you dig pink, you be you…….)

On first inspection, the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece looks very similar in baffle design to my Liu Shizhao Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece that I reviewed in 2016.  This was supposedly and theoretically a copy of Michael Brecker’s Pilgrimage era Guardala tenor saxophone mouthpiece as well.   There is a difference in the chamber size between the two mouthpieces as the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage looks to have a slightly larger chamber and the side walls are scooped out more extensively than on the Liu Shizhao Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece. The bottom of the MB1 Pilgrimage mouthpiece window is also larger and wider than the Liu Shizhao Pilgrimage mouthpiece window. These differences prove to me that these are two different mouthpieces in design.

To be clear, the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece is not an exact copy of Michael Brecker’s altered Guardala mouthpiece that he played on his last Pilgrimage album before he died but more a well researched approximation of what Philippe imagines that mouthpiece could or might have been like from much research and examining original handmade Guardala mouthpieces.

Here is a quote from Philippe on the subject:  “Reproducing this unique mouthpiece was a real technical challenge, a work of precision, patience… and passion… It took in-depth analysis of the few archives available, cross-referencing of testimonials, and lengthy experimentation to find exactly the precise settings for this extraordinary mouthpiece.”-Philippe (Les Becs d’Autan mouthpieces)

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece (looks like the gold is different shades but that is just because of fingerprints and oil from my dirty hands)

The tip rails and side rails look thin, even and precise as you would see on a Guardala tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  The tip rail curve is very close in shape to the reed tip curves of the BSS (Boston Sax Shop) tenor saxophone reeds I used on this mouthpiece.  I detected no issues in regard to mouthpiece suction (when performing the mouthpiece suction test) or in reed response.

The table looks flat and even and the window looks similar if not exactly the same shape and size as a Guardala metal tenor saxophone mouthpiece window although it has been many years since I had an actual Guardala tenor sax mouthpiece sitting on my desk to compare so I’m basing this on my long term memory.

The inside of the MB1 Pilgrimage mouthpiece side rails are straight near the tip and are scooped out as they get closer to the medium large sized chamber. The chamber looks comparable in size to a metal Otto Link Florida mouthpiece chamber to my eye, maybe a tad smaller but it looks close side by side.  The roof of the chamber underneath the table is nice and thin as well.  When looking into the chamber from the tip of the mouthpiece, you can see a ridge where the bore starts at the back of the chamber area which is a sign that the chamber is slightly larger than the bore of the mouthpiece.

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

The baffle is long, flat and very even and symmetric from side to side.  The baffle travels at an angle from the tip at a gradual decline and has a long gentle curve to it as it heads down to the chamber area.  The bottom of that baffle area as it enters the chamber looks to be scooped out a bit to produce a larger chamber area before it reaches the bore entrance.

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

Philippe included a letter with the first Les Becs d’Autan tenor sax mouthpiece he sent me and I’ve included a portion of it below just to convey his obvious passion and heart when it comes to making Les Becs d’Autan saxophone mouthpieces.

“Hi Steve,

As you know, I’ve been following your reviews closely for several years now, and I must say they’ve often inspired me. Your precise and honest look at the material is a real reference for saxophonists. That’s why I’d love to get your opinion on this mouthpiece through a review.

As a passionate French craftsman, this mouthpiece represents the culmination of many hours of work and a love for detail and the history of the saxophone.  My aim, over and above creating a high-performance mouthpiece, is to offer musicians real emotions with a genuine hand-crafted replica of a legendary model that is increasingly expensive and increasingly rare, for a much more affordable price.  I hope that it will capture your interest, and that of your community of saxophonists.”-Philippe (Les Becs d’Autan website)

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

Here is how the Les Becs d’Autan website describes the new MB1 Pilgrimage model tenor saxophone mouthpiece (I have included the paragraph about the regular MB1 model as well as I will be reviewing that mouthpiece next):

“We are proud to present two new metal mouthpieces for the tenor saxophone, designed for musicians in search of an iconic sound, steeped in history, and resolutely focused on contemporary expressivity.

MB1:  The MB1 is a faithful reproduction of the legendary numbered Dave Guardala tenor saxophone mouthpieces from the ’80s, which are now impossible to find or overprice on the second-hand market (over $2,000 for an original in good condition). Every detail of the design has been rigorously recreated: the internal and external geometry, the weight, the precision of the original “Dave Guardala” facing curve found on a vintage model in perfect condition, the interior and exterior finish…

The mouthpiece bite plate is made from premium natural German ebonite, a more refined and durable material than the pink resin used on the original Guardala mouthpiece models.

The goal was to create a truly unique model, not just a copy. The bite plate colors pay tribute to Dave Guardala and Michael Brecker. After discussions with saxophonists, the album cover of Return of the Brecker Brothers (1992) became a major source of inspiration.

The pink recalls the original handmade Guardala mouthpieces, while the pink and green marbled pattern immerses you in the “Brecker jazz-fusion universe” of the ’80s and ’90s, symbolizing the connection between Brecker’s career and Guardala’s work.

The result? A powerful, incisive mouthpiece with a sharp, electric sound, designed for modern playing and big stages, while respecting the soul of the original models that marked the history of the tenor saxophone.

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

MB1 – Pilgrimage (the mouthpiece I am reviewing here): Michael Brecker’s legendary last breath recreated ( Gold on photos)

 The MB1 – Pilgrimage is a rare and precious reproduction of Michael Brecker’s last mouthpiece, heard on his posthumous masterpiece, the Pilgrimage album. This model was never mass-produced. It was a one-off, specially modified for him from an original MB1 tenor saxophone mouthpiece.

At his request, this mouthpiece’s step baffle had been considerably softened and lengthened into a long roll-over, a major transformation that profoundly transformed the mouthpiece’s sonic character:

– the attack becomes softer, more vocal

– the sound gains in warmth, density and expressiveness

– Projection remains powerful, but is more controlled and broader.

– It gains in versatility and malleability

Reproducing this unique mouthpiece was a real technical challenge, a work of precision, patience… and passion… It took in-depth analysis of the few archives available, cross-referencing of testimonials, and lengthy experimentation to find exactly the precise settings for this extraordinary mouthpiece.

The facing is also an “original Dave Guardala” curve, more long. For the record, this curve combined with a .117 opening (between 8* and 9) is, in my opinion, the best choice for those who want a mouthpiece set as close as possible to what Michael Brecker played. Of course, you can order this mouthpiece in other tip openings.

The MB1 – Pilgrimage is not just a mouthpiece inspired by Michael Brecker.  It’s a respectful and meticulous attempt to revive his last sound, the one he chose to end a lifetime of sound research and musical demands. It’s also a collector’s item for any saxophonist attached to the living history of his instrument.

Each MB1 and MB1-Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece is meticulously crafted in our workshop in France to reproduce the feeling, response and timbre of the original models, down to the smallest detail.

The MB1 mouthpieces are sold as new, already hand-refinished in the traditional manner by Philippe, checked and tested before dispatch, guaranteeing the highest level of finish and playability to recreate the magic of these emblematic mouthpieces while ensuring modern manufacturing consistency. The marbled bite plate is made of the highest quality natural German ebonite in the world.

Treat yourself to an exceptional musical experience with the superior craftsmanship and sound of Les Becs d’Autan mouthpieces.“-Les Becs d’Autan website

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

I was very much looking forward to play testing the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece and I have to say that I was not disappointed.   The MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece played effortlessly with a 2 1/2 tenor saxophone reed.   For me, the 2 1/2 reed strength was the perfect strength of reed for the MB1 Pilgrimage 8* (.115) tip opening.  The reed didn’t feel too soft, nor too hard, but just right.

I have to admit that it has been a long time since I played a tenor sax mouthpiece with a .115 tip opening and I was nervous it would feel too large for my tastes.  This was not the case at all!  I played the MB1 Pilgrimage mouthpiece and then the regular MB1 mouthpiece for about 6 hours yesterday without any problems or fatigue at all.

The Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece played great with the first BSS (Boston Sax Shop) Silver Box 2 1/2 reed I put on it and I used that same reed for the MB1 Pilgrimage sound clips below as well as the regular MB1 mouthpiece sound clips I will be posting later in that separate review.

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

As I was wetting my reed to play the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor sax mouthpiece,  I  wondered how bright the Pilgrimage mouthpiece would sound.  I was a worried as I looked at that high rollover baffle that it was going to be way too bright for my tastes.  Again, I was pleasantly surprised.

The tone of the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece had a very focused compact core to the sound. The kind of core that in my experience can cut through nicely when playing into a mic with a band.  In my experience, that core sound makes it so much easier to hear myself in stage monitors even when the band is really loud.

The MB1 Pilgrimage tenor sax mouthpiece was nowhere near as bright as I thought it would be.  At softer to medium volumes the tone was actually pretty flexible and adaptable as you can hear in the sound clips below.  The tone still has a bit of brightness and edge that pops out at times even at those lower dynamics but I could see myself still being able to play a jazz set or cocktail hour with no problem on the MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece.

When playing with full volume, the MB1 Pilgrimage tenor mouthpiece would get quite a bit louder and brighter.  At times I would experience some unwanted edge in the tone as well which I am usually not a fan of unless I am looking for more edge.  I have found that with mouthpieces with these types of baffles, I can control the edge by letting more of my air fill up in my throat area and oral chamber.  It seems to fatten up and fill out the tone a bit more for me.  I find this technique especially useful in the palm key notes of the saxophone that can tend to get thin sounding on me with high baffle tenor sax mouthpieces if I don’t do use this technique.

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

I found the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece to give me a similar volume as I would typically get from a great Guardala MB type of tenor sax mouthpiece.   Where a Guardala Studio tenor sax mouthpiece might have a volume increase because of the added brightness and shelf baffle, the Pilgrimage has close to the same volume available but with less brightness in the tone and more of a fat and full tone in my opinion.

On my volume scale, a great Guardala style tenor sax mouthpiece with a shelf baffle usually gives my a 10 out of 10 for volume.   I would say the LBD MB1 Pilgrimage tenor mouthpiece comes in just under that at a 9 for volume.  The majority of tenor saxophone mouthpieces I review I classify as a 7-8 volume level so this 9 rating for the MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece is a respectable volume.  In fact, at times when recording,  I had to be careful when pushing the Pilgrimage mouthpiece to full volume as I feared pushing the recording into the red and the sound clipping.  I believe this happened a few times in the recording where I was playing with maximum volume.

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

The articulation on the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece was clean and precise and I found I could tongue fast for repeated notes I was able to articulate jazz lines at a fast tempo easily. The range of the saxophone was smooth and even from note to note making fast lines really fun to play.

The intonation on the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece was excellent which really surprised me.  Usually high baffled mouthpieces would be way sharper in the midrange of my SBA tenor saxophone (D, Eb, E) and although these notes were their usual sharpness, they were not as bad as I had anticipated them to be.   I think this speaks to Philippe really doing a great job in balancing the size of the chamber with the height of the baffle.  I had no problems bringing those sharp notes down a little bit to be more in-tune and I have no doubt that if I played the LBD MB1 Pilgrimage tenor sax mouthpiece for more than a few hours and could get more used to it, it would be easy to dial in the intonation even more perfectly.

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

The altissimo register on the MB1 Pilgrimage tenor sax mouthpiece was effortless and all the notes in that higher register responded easily.  I recorded one clip below in the altissimo range of the tenor saxophone and you can hear how easily the MB1 Pilgrimage mouthpiece performs up in that range of the tenor saxophone.  The altissimo notes were easy to produce and manipulate with bends and other expressive devices.

The low register of the saxophone sounded great as well.  Although the low notes didn’t have that thick and lush low note resonance an Otto Link tenor saxophone mouthpiece can give them,  the notes were full and round within that core focused sound I described earlier in the review.  My approach to bringing more lushness to those low notes is by the magic of sub-tones. I love sub-toning on high baffle tenor mouthpieces because it allows those low notes to become more rich, dense and lush sounding and the Les Becs d’Autan Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece performed great in that regard.

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

I’ve included three sets of sound clips for you to check out.  The first two are the same sound clip but the first one has reverb added and the second one is a dry recording (no reverb added).  The sound clip was recorded using a BSS (Boston Sax Shop) #2 1/2 Silver Box tenor saxophone reed.  It is a recording of my usual lines, licks and various melodies I play in every mouthpiece review so that you can compare the various sections of the clip to other mouthpieces on my website.

I will write, for the record, that I enjoy recordings of high baffled mouthpiece immeasurable more with some light reverb added to the mix.   Not enough that is sounds sappy, but just enough so it sounds like Michael Brecker playing in a big hall.   I can’t help but think of the old Brecker Brothers Live in Barcelona VHS tape from the 90’s that had Michael and Randy Brecker warming up in the hall they were about to play in.  Michael Brecker’s sound just resonated around the room with a natural reverb that sounded killer.  If you haven’t seen that video, check it out.

Lastly, the third sound clip is a clip of mainly altissimo lines with some reverb added to the mix so you can hear how the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece performs in the altissimo range of the saxophone in that more aggressive bluesy style of playing.

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

In my opinion, the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece is a terrific tenor sax mouthpiece for those of you looking for a tenor saxophone mouthpiece that is inspired by that classic Michael Brecker tenor sound of the 2000’s.  The Pilgrimage tenor sax mouthpiece definitely calls back to Michael Brecker’s tenor sound on his last recording of his Pilgrimage album.  A fatter and slightly warmer Brecker sound that is still able to be powerfully commanding in a way Michael Brecker was famous for.

The body and design of this mouthpiece is in the Guardala style but the true test is how the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece performs for the player.   The LBD MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece is a beautifully crafted mouthpiece that in my mind captures or at least comes darn close to that amazing sound quality that Michael Brecker was so famous for.

Philippe at Les Becs d’Autan did an absolutely incredible job creating this tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  His artistry and craftsmanship are evident from his work.  I am looking forward to seeing more of his mouthpiece work in the future.

If you like the sound and look of the Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece, you can find them at the Les Becs d’Autan website.

If you try a Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage tenor saxophone mouthpiece or have any thoughts, comments or questions on this review,  I would love to hear what you think in the comments below.  Thanks,   Steve

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Boston Sax Shop 2 1/2 Silver Box Reed-Reverb Added

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Boston Sax Shop 2 1/2 Silver Box Reed-Dry Recording with no Reverb

Les Becs d’Autan MB1 Pilgrimage Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Boston Sax Shop 2 1/2 Silver Box Reed-Altissimo Clip with Reverb Added