I'm pretty confused by the description. They're trying to say that pre-molded blanks are better than pure bar stock? That's simply not true, and any mouthpiece maker worth his salt can tell you that.
"In our experience, mouthpieces made from molded and baked hard rubber have a unique character that you don't find in those made from bar stock. Each one comes out of the oven with its own personality."
LOL!
I read that as: "Molded blanks have a lower quality rubber and cheaper process, so that's why we're making them this way. Each mouthpiece will have a bigger spec variance, so there won't be much consistency between each mouthpiece, and they'll play differently as a result."
They follow up with this: "The tonal color varies, though they are generally just on the brighter side of neutral."
Of course it varies; you can't guarantee any kind of bore or chamber consistency with how it's made.
It's a good thing there's some hand finishing involved; at least the rails and tip will hopefully come close (although they look a little thick for my tastes.) Same can't be said for chamber, bore, baffle, beak, and body measurements.
I'm sorry, but at least advertise it with some truth and not smoke and mirrors. Pure rubber bar stock is denser and of higher quality than molded blanks; this has always been the case. However, rubber bar rod stock is a much more expensive material, and the machining itself is very expensive, hence it cuts into the makers profits, which is why most don't do it that way. Molded blanks use lower quality rubber, are less accurate, and are cheaper to produce. Pure rubber bar rod stock is of higher quality, is more resonant, and much more consistent.
The mouthpiece might be great, and I hope it plays great. But I've lost some respect for Tenor Madness trying to advertise something that isn't true. If they said "We're using molded blanks because it's more cost effective and we think it still sounds great" then THAT'S FINE. But don't say "molded blanks have a personality and a unique character you won't find in bar rod stock."
"Don't buy gold jewelry; buy plated jewelry because it is unique and has a personality." :faceinpalm:
- Saxaholic