FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY SAXOPHONIST

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 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 ring 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 and the technology required were and are extremely expensive.

Q. Do you offer any special student or professional discounts?

A. Yes. you should call the main office to receive specific details concerning discounts and special promotions.

Q. Does Sugal Mouthpieces manufacturer any custom made mouthpieces for students or professionals?

A. Yes, in fact every mouthpiece we produce is a custom made order.

Q. How can I try your mouthpiece to see if it is for me?

A. Contact your local music store to see if they have any mouthpieces in stock for you to try. We maintain a list of SUGAL dealers on the INTERNET.

Q. Can we order a SUGAL mouthpiece directly from the SUGAL factory.

A. If your local music store or dealer does not carry the SUGAL line or you do not find a SUGAL mouthpiece that you like from your dealer 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 is custom made to order, we do not offer any refunds. We will however, exchange the mouthpiece a maximum of three times in order to satisfy the customer.

Q Why are your rails heavier than 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.

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, La Voz, and 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 (I) are dark with no edge or a slight edge. This is also true of our new KW I and II

and the 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 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 Sugal so we can customize the piece exactly.

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 Color 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 as we usually try to give an additional discount on all our overseas custom made orders. In fact, we have sold custom made mouthpieces to Switzerland, Sweden, Holland, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand South Africa and Israel, to name a few.

NOTE: These are just some of the questions we have answered over the years. 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!