Mouthpieces

Collection of woodwind mouthpieces

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My Rates:

There is a fee of $65 (per mouthpiece) for the initial assessment.


This is where I measure the tip opening, facing curve and dimensions studying the mouthpiece looking for natural wear or flaws in craftsmanship. Should we decide to make adjustments, the $65 fee is applied towards the cost of any work you have done.

Standard reface:

$375.00 – Solid Silver or Bronze
$325.00
– Brass or wood
$250.00 – Hard rubber

Common Question: “What is a reface?

Answer: Checking that the table is perfectly flat. Measuring the facing curve to make sure it’s balanced and even, and mathematically proportionate to the tip opening (your choice of short, medium, or long facing lengths.)   Finding any bumps or imperfections in the facing curve, and smoothing them out, to create the best surface for the reed to vibrate against. Trimming/cutting the tip, beak, and the tip & side rails so that they are both even and symmetrical.  Finishing the baffle profile behind the tip rial.   Basically the mouthpiece refacing process checks for any inherent flaws and corrects them, so that the mouthpiece blows even throughout all registers, is reed friendly and projects with ease without sounding bright, shrill or edgy.

**A lot of folks have asked me if I will shape the tip of their mouthpiece to the reeds they play.  Since putting this site up, I neglected to mention that this is an integral part of the reface process.  This is not a problem at all.  I keep a variety of reeds on-hand, but on the off chance you play a brand I don’t have, simply send a couple with your mouthpiece and I’ll happily shape the tip to fit them.**

 


 

$100 per/hour for all other procedures and/or custom modifications:

  • Finishing rough blanks
  • Opening/closing a mouthpiece, or changing the tip measurement.
    (For example, the procedure of opening a mouthpiece from a small tip opening like an Otto Link 4 into an 8 is timed at $100 per hour in addition to the reface process)
  • Adjusting the baffle profile to get the desired projection, and sound quality.
  • Table Reconstruction, and/or reshaping the sides of a mouthpiece

  • Chamber expansion

  • Fixing a cracked or chipped hard rubber piece

  • Custom epoxy work (Baffle inserts, repaired chipped Tips, etc)

If you think your mouthpiece needs anything listed above, or has “special needs,” simply write me an email, and ask me a question.

 


 

  • The $65 initial assessment fee is required up-front.
  • Payment is required up-front for custom orders.
  • I DO NOT do “rush jobs,” and/or promise to meet any set deadlines.
  • Payment for all services rendered must be made immediately after the job has been completed.  No mouthpiece will be returned with an open or unpaid balance.
  • The customer is responsible for the return shipping costs

 


 

I prefer my customers mail their mouthpieces to me. I can take anywhere from 4 – 10 hours refacing, perfecting and play-checking a mouthpiece. I do not like to rush the play-checking period either, as a player’s impression of a mouthpiece can change over time.

 I don’t make a habit of working on player’s main #1 mouthpieces; that is a recipe for disaster…  I prefer to attempt to work with a piece someone is not happy with, and turn it into a good back up, (or even better) the new #1.

Although I do prefer all work mailed to me… I do offer in-person consultation.

Customers

"Hey Adam, the new Guardala still feels great. We really work well together and I think you understand this stuff far better than anyone I've ever met. I also think we are in the right direction. We have lots to do. I really hope to see you soon and continue our work. Let's stay in close touch. Your friend and mouthpiece soulmate,"
"legit and very good-HE CAN PLAY!!!"
Dave Liebman
"I've been playing the hell out of my new 'Niewood' customized mouthpiece. There was a period of transition but now I can't even imagine why it took so long for me to switch from my other mouthpiece. My articulation and attack had to be modified for sure but sonically speaking, I'm able to hear characteristics in my tone that had always escaped me before. I've always contended that if you can hear everything, you can play anything. Thanks again."
Greg Osby
"Adam's work is excellent. He has really paid attention to detail in reproducing the specs and craftsmanship of the older rubber Otto Links. Frankly, I was quite taken aback. He also did some work on one of my old links and it plays better than it ever did before."
Mark Turner
"Adam did some work on an old metal Otto Link for me, and it's by far the best Link I've ever owned. It totally sings from top to bottom, with a perfect mix of richness and clarity. Truly great craftsmanship, highly recommended."
Chris Potter
"Adam brings a high level of care and attention to detail to his work. His pursuit of this delicate craft is a response to the many inconsistencies in modern mouthpiece manufacturing. As a player, he knows what to look and listen for... Using vintage models, and through extensive practice and study, Adam is able to make fine adjustments to both metal and rubber mouthpieces."
Chris Cheek
"I have learned a great deal about mouthpieces from my friend, Adam Niewood. I would recommend him without reservation to anyone looking to have work done on their mouthpiece. He is the rare combination of great player and great mouthpiece craftsman, and he has worked on both my soprano and tenor mouthpieces with fantastic results."
John Ellis
mouthpiece tools on a workbench