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<\/p>\nThis is a review of the Stan Getz Legend Series tenor saxophone mouthpiece.\u00a0 This mouthpiece I’m trying today is an exact copy of the actual mouthpiece that Stan Getz used at the end of his career.\u00a0 The copy is so exact that it even has slight teeth marks in it where Stan used to put his teeth on the mouthpiece…………now that is exact!\u00a0 ( If you look at the picture below you can see the slight indentation)<\/p>\n
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Here is what is posted on the Drake website about the Stan Getz mouthpieces:<\/p>\n
This new model is born from a very special collaboration.\u00a0 Below you will find the story of its making, and images. Available tip openings – 5* (.085″) (Stan’s original), 6* (.095″), 7* (.105″)<\/p>\n “If you like an instrument that sings, play the saxophone. At its best it’s like the human voice.” ~ Stan Getz<\/p>\n Since 1995 I have spoken to so many people about a mouthpiece project, but for one reason or another, it never seemed right. In fact, this project simply could not move forward until I had found The Best people- a select few who posses the knowledge, craftsmanship, intelligence, integrity and heart that could measure up to the high standards set by my father. With Aaron Drake of Drake Mouthpieces and Les Silver of RS Berkeley Musical Instruments, I have found The Best; and, at long last, I am now proud to introduce the Stan Getz Signature Mouthpiece.\u00a0 Thanks to Aaron Drake’s unique methods and painstaking craftsmanship, the Stan Getz Signature Mouthpiece is an exact replica of the one Stan played exclusively, heard on his last recordings, including People Time, Serenity and Anniversary, Apasionado and Bossas & Ballads. While it is an exact replica of Stan’s original vintage mouthpiece, As you can read, Bev Getz (Stan’s daughter) was personally involved in the development of this mouthpiece which I think is pretty cool.<\/p>\n The mouthpiece tip opening that I am trying today is the 5* (.085 tip).\u00a0 I usually don’t play an opening that small but I was very curious to see what a mouthpiece that Stan Getz played would play like.\u00a0 I put a Vandoren Java 3 1\/2 reed on and gave it a blow.<\/p>\n
\nIn order to achieve the greatest amount of detail in the copying of Stan’s original mouthpiece, these pieces are made from our specially formulated\u00a0vintage resin material.\u00a0\u00a0Details like\u00a0Stan’s faint teeth impressions can be found on the 5* and 6* models only, and will not interfere in any way\u00a0with your unique\u00a0physiology and approach to playing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/public.neffmusic.com\/GetzBaffle.jpg\")
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\n(right down to the teeth marks, et al), Mr. Drake has improved on it- not only utilizing his experience as a saxophonist, but also his expertise in crafting lovingly hand made mouthpieces- all made right here in America, using tools and materials only produced
\nin the United States.\u00a0 Something that gave Stan an enormous amount of joy and one of his passions, was helping the younger generations of musicians to discover the world of music and sound.\u00a0 Of course he especially loved it when a young saxophonist would ask for advice on achieving a sound, technique, equipment, practicing, improvisation, etc. He truly loved interacting with the younger crop of musicians beginning their journey. By bringing his mouthpiece back to life (so to speak), I know he would feel honored that he was possibly, in some very small way, contributing to the endeavors and artistry of saxophonists around the globe, at the beginning, middle or seasoned part of their creative walk.\u00a0 I would like to thank my friend, trumpeter Rich Szabo for the introduction to Les Silver of RS Berkeley Musical Instruments and for intuitively knowing that his lifelong friend, Les was the very man that I had been looking for all these years to help me get my dream out of the clouds! Also, my deepest thanks to Les Silver and of course Aaron Drake for making my dream a reality!\u00a0 I am so pleased to be introducing this Stan Getz Signature Mouthpiece as
\npart of the “Legends Series.” I hope it will bring you closer to your playing goals.
\nStan would truly love that!
\nBev Getz
\nJuly 15, 2010<\/p>\n<\/div>\n