Theo Wanne LAKSHMI Metal Mouthpiece - Alto Saxophone

The traditional vintage alto sound taken into the modern world!

There are few greater sources of knowledge regarding vintage saxophone mouthpieces than Theo Wanne.  And this makes him well placed to take those classic mouthpieces of old - he owns many - and re-imagine them for the modern-day sax player.  It's well known that old vintage pieces have that fat, lush and warm sound, but where they are usually lacking is the ability to project.  The Lakshmi addresses this problem.  It takes on the sound of the traditional Meyer but has additional core and projection built in. 

When trying to understand how Theo produces such flexible-sounding and well-balanced mouthpieces we must look at the technology.  Their state-of-the-art CNC machines can produce internal mouthpiece geometry beyond the norm; the Lakshmi utilises the Large-Stadium-Chamber which is essentially a combination of True-Large Chamber sections and Medium Chamber sections and designed in a 'stadium' shape, optimising the depth of sound but retaining a sweetness at the same time.  Added to this the Lakshmi also employs an Elongated roll-over baffle with those famous shark-gill grooves added to give the mouthpiece even more aerodynamic efficiency and ease of blowing.

Available in both hard rubber and metal depending on your preference.  The hard rubber piece gives a slightly more covered sound, whereas the metal piece radiates a few more upper partials to give a bolder sound when pushed.

Features

• Material: Brass and 24K Gold Plate

• Made In: USA

• Chamber: Large-Stadium-Chamber™

• Baffle: Elongated Roll-Over Baffle

• Ligature: 24 Carat Gold Plated Liberty Ligature

• Recommended for: Jazz, Funk, R&B, Smooth Jazz, Pop,

Staff Review

As in the Hard Rubber version, the metal Lakshmi has that pleasant edge and buzz that sits nicely on top of a phenomenal core sound.  Like all Theo pieces the playing experience is one of effortlessness; there is so much technology that goes into each mouthpiece, with everything geared towards efficiency of aerodynamics.  It really makes playing this piece a joy.  Overall I find the metal Lakshmi just gives a wider array of harmonics than the HR version so when pushed you have a little more power at your disposal. - Jim Cheek