You're probably asking yourself what's that all about. I recently bought Sakshama's copies made from casts of a Florida Link and Guardala MBII. Simply, they are killer. If you have been chasing that mythical Florida link and have only been finding those mediocre mpcs which seem to be so prevalent, here's a chance to get a clone/wax copy that is outstanding at less than 1/2-1/3 the going price. A good friend of mine recently paid $1000 for a really fine Florida link and I would put my Sakshama dupe against it in a heartbeat. I feel the same way about his Guardala copies.
I thought I'd share this with forum members because Sakshama's work is worthy of a try. Some of you know me and if not probably recognize my username from a number of mpc FS threads over the last 1 1/2 years or so. Like many, I started trying, buying, selling, swapping, borrowing as many different mpcs as I could get my hands on. At this point it's well over 100, most being alto & tenor. Sakshama is giving a great alternative to buying a vintage mpc that is a killer player and won't break the bank. For those that aesthetically want a perfect "looking" mpc his work lacks a certain finesse of finish, i.e. fitting of bite plates and certain exterior imperfections which in the end have no bearing on playability. The man knows how to apply a facing and for me that's the important part. I've owned a number of "perfect looking pricey" mpcs that I found to be just average players, if they don't play they don't stay.
I didn't know about the scholar aspect, but +1,000,000 for the rest. For me, the Sakshama Zimberoff is the answer to a very long search for a mouthpiece that plays beautifully in all registers and also plays with attitude. You won't find a nicer guy to do business with either.
Thanks Sakshama! (Oh, and don't let it go to your head. )
You're probably asking yourself what's that all about. I recently bought Sakshama's copies made from casts of a Florida Link and Guardala MBII. Simply, they are killer. If you have been chasing that mythical Florida link and have only been finding those mediocre mpcs which seem to be so prevalent, here's a chance to get a clone/wax copy that is outstanding at less than 1/2-1/3 the going price. A good friend of mine recently paid $1000 for a really fine Florida link and I would put my Sakshama dupe against it in a heartbeat. I feel the same way about his Guardala copies.
I thought I'd share this with forum members because Sakshama's work is worthy of a try. Some of you know me and if not probably recognize my username from a number of mpc FS threads over the last 1 1/2 years or so. Like many, I started trying, buying, selling, swapping, borrowing as many different mpcs as I could get my hands on. At this point it's well over 100, most being alto & tenor. Sakshama is giving a great alternative to buying a vintage mpc that is a killer player and won't break the bank. For those that aesthetically want a perfect "looking" mpc his work lacks a certain finesse of finish, i.e. fitting of bite plates and certain exterior imperfections which in the end have no bearing on playability. The man knows how to apply a facing and for me that's the important part. I've owned a number of "perfect looking pricey" mpcs that I found to be just average players, if they don't play they don't stay.
"A Sleeper is Born!" Idolatry of sax? (see closed thread from a couple weeks back :TGNCHK But seriously--perspective, man! It's just a mouthpiece! :bluewink: And don't play $1,000 for no mouthpiece. I don't think even the A-List pros do that.
Agree. I've owned several of his pieces (refaced alto Broadus and a refaced tenor STM) that were both SWINGING pieces. I'm very happy with my mouthpieces these days, but still interested in trying the Custom Z at some point. And, as noted above, he's a heck of a pleasant guy to do a deal with.
The mouthpiece thing can be compared to a wine. Some people are ready to pay whatever it takes for a good vine often much more than a thousand and some are happy with least expensive one. In both cases the purpose is served. Sometimes if you give a good wine to a somebody that has not developed the taste for it he will not appreciate it and of course somebody with a developed taste will not go back to the cheap one. I think there is a plan for everybody and everybody is right from his own perspective.
PS: Sorry I could not stop myself from paraphrasing the Seinfeld joke from the Soup Nazi " No soup for you" in the previous post.
Sakshama
I think mpcs are like women.
Some guys find a good one (or, if they're lucky, great one) and stick w/it (her), loyally, for most of their lives.
Some can never stick with one & go from one to another, on & on, throughout their career. (lives)
Then others, like ME, find a really good one, and pretty stay with it, but "cheat" on it, every once and awhile, just to see what they might be missing, but always seem to return home, year after year
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I feel downright idolatrous every time I play my tenor and my Sakshama Link, which has been my main tenor piece since I picked it up about a year ago. Just a pleasure to play...
(And while I'm at it, since he's around and about in this thread, I've said this before and I'll say it again: on alto my warm fuzzies and idol worship go straight to Phil [Sigmund451] -- ever since I absconded with his Phil-Tone passaround piece a few years back, I've had the pleasure to enjoy his fine work on nearly a daily basis.)
So, at the danger of starting to sound sappy: hats off two cats who've made my life better, and have made it easier for me to express myself! I owe you guys, like, a bunch of beers or something...
I can totally second Kelly's post except my alto Phil-Tone is an actual Meyer refaced by Phil. My Sakshama STM (got My Martin Tenor's piece) is and has been my go to Tenor piece. Now back to shedding.
Tenor Man,
My own cast pieces are from $350 to $375, refaced STM's $235. Check my web page for more info: http://sakshamamouthpieces.com/
And yes, you are welcome.
And I'll do that. I am curious about the Guardalas. What sizes do they come in? Just the original big tips that these usually did, such as .115, etc? Or can you make a Brecker in a .105 for example? If so, I'm curious how you can make a piece smaller than the piece it was cast from.
I would recommend Sakshama's mouthpieces to anyone. I have played his FL Guardala (hope I am saying this right) as well as his Florida Link and they are both fantastic. I get the feeling that he is really trying to produce an excellent product. I think that anyone who tries one will be pleasantly surprised. I was saving up for a Gaia and now I don't think that I have to! It is nice to see him get some good publicity............
+1 on Sakshama's products. I recently received one of his reworked modern STM Links (#8) in a trade and it plays great. It does play brighter with more edge than my Florida Link 7*, but that could be because of the different ligatures I'm playing on each piece. I'm using it on everything except for real loud rock/blues gigs.
Now I'm lusting after one of his Florida copies. I need a few more holiday gigs...........................
BTW, what tip openings do these come in? I couldn't find them listed on the website.
Everyone loves a thong or two on their mouthpieces . Not to make fun of someone who isn't inclined to english, but that is a great choice of words in my opinion.
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