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Dave Guardala was famous for producing expensive handmade mouthpieces for sax legends such as Michael Brecker. Along came laser technology which enabled exact replicas to be produced at a lower cost. In tests, professional players failed on every occasion to pick the original from the laser cut models. There was massive demand but due to an alledged fall out within the company production ceased. We've recently had visits from leading UK players Simon Bates (Superking) and Graham Turner (King) both of whom have old & fairly worn handmade Guardala mouthpieces. Their reaction was the same after playing these new ones, " Wow! that's how my mouthpiece used to play!"Guardala never offered a choice of tip openings or publicised their size. The idea was that to achieve the desired result it had to be a set tip opening and that a different opening would change the characteristics. We've measured them so here are the four models in ascending order of brightness: New Crescent = 8, MBII = 8*, King = 9, Superking = 9*Don't be put off if you think they're too open for you as they're so free blowing. I would never play more than a 7 in any other make and I can comfortably play any of them. We recently supplied a Superking to John Long (Head of Music at St Bede's School) and his usual choice is for a 6*.These are arguably the best metal tenor sax mouthpieces ever and sadly are unlikely to be made again so treat yourself and get your lips round one soon!From: Hingley, Simon [mailto:simon.hingley@pera.com] Sent: 19 August 2004 09:09 Subject: Dave Guardala Superking mouthpiece. Just to say thanks for the inspired advice yesterday! I know I came in wanting an ebonite mouthpiece, but the Guardala just felt right straight away. The lighter reed makes a big difference as well. I had a good blow at rehearsal last night, and it was brilliant. Thanks again, Simon Hingley
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