FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What is the difference between an 18KT Gold Plated Mouthpiece and your Copper Mouthpiece?
A. Their is no difference, they are both heavy gold plated (18KT) except the base material we refer to in 18KT gold plated is usually brass. We also plate our pure copper mouthpieces with 18KT heavy gold.
Q What is the major difference between the Copper and the Brass mouthpieces you manufacturer?
A. All mouthpieces made of brass have strong overtones (or a nasal ring) that make them sound a bit brittle. In a way you could compare it with the overtones you hear on a piano when you play a chord, a sort of after ring. The copper material eliminates most of the harsh nasal rings by absorbing the overtones.
Q. Why are the SUGAL mouthpieces so expensive?
A. The equipment we utilize to manufacture a mouthpiece is called Computer Numerical Controlled machining center. The initial cost of the equipment cost more that $250,000.00 and the computer technology we must maintain daily are extremely expensive.
We produce unlike other manufacturers all our mouthpieces in house. All our mouthpieces are produced with the latest computer technology and on the latest CNC machining centers
Q. Does Sugal Mouthpieces manufacturer any custom made mouthpieces for students or professionals?
A. Yes, in the past ten years we have become a custom factory. Every mouthpiece we produce is a custom made to a players specifications.
Q. How can I try your mouthpiece to see if it is for me?
A. In the past you would contact your local music store to see if they have any mouthpieces in stock for you to try. Today, we are factory direct and suggest you give us a call.
Q. Can we order a SUGAL mouthpiece directly from the SUGAL factory.
A. It is highly probably your local music store or dealer does not carry the SUGAL line any longer. However if you need a SUGAL mouthpiece we would be happy to manufacturer a mouthpiece to your exact specifications.
Q What if I order a Sugal mouthpiece direct and find I do not like the mouthpiece, what is your policy?
A. As every mouthpiece we sell today is custom made to order, we do not offer any refunds. We will however, exchange within seven to ten days the mouthpiece a maximum of three times in order to satisfy the customer.
Q Why are some of the rails heavier than others as well as most other mouthpieces?
A. Our concept is that thin rails generates a thin sound. Thick rails allow the reed to vibrate and generate a "fatter" or thicker sound sound. That being said the Super Gonz has heavier rails while the KW models are slighly thinner.
Q Your rails tend to flair out rather than in as do some other popular brands. What is the concept behind "flared out" rails?
A. We contend that when rails "flair" in, it causes the mouthpiece to become stuffy. Our rails "flair" out and allow the mouthpiece to play clearer throughout the full range of the instrument.
Q What reeds play the best with a SUGAL mouthpiece?
A. After extensive testing of all the different brands on the market we have found Rico Royal, Rico Select, La Voz, Rigotti Gold and some Hemke reeds play the best on all our mouthpiece models.
Q What is the reed to tip opening relationship?
A. The larger the tip opening the softer the reed should be; or the smaller the tip opening the harder the reed..... i.e. a 6* mouthpiece (tenor) would normally use a harder reed like a 3 or 3 1/2, while a 8* mouthpiece would normally use a softer reed like a 2 1/2 strength reed.
Q. The mouthpiece I presently use is causing me the chirp a lot, what could be causing this problem?
A. Their are a number of reasons why you may be chirping. One for example could be the reed to tip relationship. You could be playing on a reed that is to soft. Try a slightly stronger reed. Another explanation is that some players use a double embouchure and tend to press and force the reed to close up. You may be just squeezing your embouchure to tight, relax especially on trying to play those high notes.
Q What is different about the Granadilla Wood saxophone mouthpieces you make and will they last?
A. The wood mouthpieces offer the player a dry warm centered sound. The mouthpiece is very powerful in volume, very articulate and responsive. We have sold hundreds of tenor, soprano and alto mouthpieces made from Granadilla wood and never had a problem. The only thing is that it must be kept clean.
Q Does the Granadilla wood mouthpiece change in cold or hot weather?
A. All our wood mouthpieces are treated with a mild safe household cooking oil to prevent contracting of the wood. After extensive field testing we have found that their were no changes, either in the short or long term.
Q What is the difference between a model one(I) and a model two(II)?
A. Basically all the models with a one SG (I) are dark with no edge or a slight edge. This is also true of our new KW I and II
The model two (II) are bright with a lot of edge. The one (I) is excellent for straight ahead jazz, while the two (II) is great for playing R &B, Gospel music and against amplified instruments such as electric guitars.
Q. How long does it take to get a custom made mouthpiece made?
A. Our usual delivery is about six - seven weeks.
Q. When I order a custom mouthpiece directly should I send a check first?
A. No, please call and speak with Gary so we can customize the piece exactly. We accept most major credit cards, pay pal, and wire transfers.
Q. Can I select a mouthpiece at your factory?
A. The chances of you finding an ideal mouthpiece in stock are very slim. We prefer to manufacturer the mouthpiece for you from start to finish.
Q I live in Holland, can I order a custom mouthpiece directly from your factory.
A. Yes, It is worth the phone call or email us what you require. We will answer within twenty four hours. a In fact, we have sold custom made mouthpieces to Switzerland, Sweden, Holland, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand South Africa and Israel, just to name a few.
NOTE: These are just some of the questions we have tried to answer. If you are seriously considering a SUGAL mouthpiece, I am sure you will have some of your very own questions that will need a reply. Who knows, perhaps, one day we'll add your question to the Frequently Asked INTERNET Saxophone questions. So please lets hear from you!
