Avel Sound Concept offers full saxophone mouthpiece refacing and modifications with a choice of Radial (free blowing, “modern” sound) curves or Elliptical (more resistance, “vintage” feel/sound, resistance can be dialed-in to a certain extent), thick/thin tip rail & side rails, short/medium/long facing length, etc.
Please state your preferences (if any) and provide a description of your set-up (saxophone brand/model, reed brand/model/strength, etc. when contacting me.
My facing curves are computer generated to perfectly match your chosen tip opening and facing length. I can accommodate any facing length and tip opening combination you prefer. The resulting facing curve will be a perfect match for the best possible playing experience. No guess work here. I play test all mouthpieces before I send them back to you.
This process involves a lot of communication to fully understand your playing style, your goals, your expectations and the problems your are experiencing with your set-up.
Please read the Terms & Conditions
Standard Refacing
*Standard Refacing includes the following:
- Testing & Evaluation
- Tip opening/closing of no more than 0.010″
- Table correction
- Rail balancing (thickness, curve, etc.)
- Tip reshaping
- Tip rail thinning/thickening
- Minor baffle adjustments
- Minor chamber/window/throat adjustments
NB: I no longer work on Stainless Steel or Bronze mouthpieces
Guarantee
If you are not satisfied with the work, you can return the mouthpiece for one free adjustment session, you will only need to cover shipping charges both ways.
Turnaround Time
My current turnaround time is approximately 2 weeks upon receiving your mouthpiece. This is subject to change according to workload and the number of mouthpieces you send in one box.
Recommendation
I do not recommend to send your main piece for refacing unless it has been damaged. If it is your main mouthpiece it’s because you like its sound and the way it plays so refacing may change that. If you insist, I would work on your main piece but please be aware that it may no longer play the same.
My recommendation is to send your second, third, etc. pieces for refacing and make them better. In turns they may even become your main pieces!
Misconception
I am not a magician!
Refacing work is not a “silver bullet” that will make you play better. It is a service that makes sure you have the best tools for your art. Refacing will never replace hours of shedding!
If I don’t find anything wrong with your mouthpiece, I will not push to do any work on it. Likewise, if I find something wrong but I think it will have no impact on sound or playability, I will let you know and you can decide for yourself if you want to go ahead with the work.
Consultation
For consultation at my workshop, I recommend that you bring your saxophone, ligature and reed together with your mouthpiece. Hearing you play with your set-up helps me identify potential issues.
I do not provide service on the spot. Refacing takes time and requires concentration. You will need to return to collect your mouthpiece or I can send it back to you by postal or courier service at your own cost.
Mouthpiece Makers & Shop Owners
I also offer bulk hand facing/refacing service for Mouthpiece Makers and Shop Owners who require hand facing and hand finishing work on their line of mouthpieces.
Get in touch by email to discuss commercial terms.