Why doesn't someone "copy" Guardala alto pieces?

[saxmanjack]

Demand for these seems to be there (and I'd buy one). Could be a profitable business opportunity... With all the Link and Meyer copies being produced and sold, apparently mouthpiece design patents are meaningless.

[MojoBari]

There are a number of mouthpieces out there that are inspired by Guardala's designs. None are exact copies, but there is a lot of Meyer/Link "clone" variation too.

Guardala spend a small fortune in legal fees attempting to fight off the early copy cats. I dont think he was real successful. "New" mouthpiece designs are usually combinations or minor variations to previous ideas. Guardala may have been the first to use really thin side rails as part of a product line. But his baffle ideas are not unique. They are just pretty Dukoffs.

[jd]

mojo.. i agree with you! guardala should be defending himself for copying dukoff. look at his early breckers and studios and then look at some dukoffs. id say bobby d should be the one trying to fend off copycats. just my opinion

[jd]

dukoff has a golden opportunity to increase business big time if he would only also offer different metal. brass/steel etc.in addition to his silverite line and made them really nicely finished in gold and silver plated. i think he is missing the boat. i use dukoffs and i think they are great but inconsistant and not really finished beautifully . but when you find a few good ones they are hard to beat. i know if he put out a better finished/looking product he would really increase his business. after you play a dukoff for a while they look terrible but still play. i guess thats what counts.

[MojoBari]

The new Dukoffs I'm seeing are Nickle plated over the Silverite. The facing and chamber are not plated. I dont know how long they have been offered this way, but it may a new standard. If ever I get slow, I'll think about buying a buch as blanks and hand finishing them. The chambers look georgeous hand finished.