Our next step was researching, collecting and testing a whole lot of vintage sax mouthpieces. We picked the cream of the crop from our experience of no less than 2,000 different models. We used a wide range of methods to test the best thoroughly - but frankly, we found that most of them had drawbacks of one kind or another. We weren't fully satisfied with any single model.

And then, finally - after exhausting much time and treasure - we found The One. We took it apart. We put it back together. We scrutinized it to the limits, and then we got to work. The result we reached is the Aizen Sax Mouthpiece. But we were still a long way off...

Materials are the most important factor directly affecting tone quality and timbre. We tried to re-create the Fifties sound using one combination of materials after another, and every time we failed. We found ourselves tempted to give it all up more than once. Getting the timbre right, keeping the mouthpiece easy to control and use, maintaining accuracy of form through the production process - the hurdles we faced were high and plentiful. One by one, we jumped them. We finally found the ideal combination of materials that satisfied all of our requirements.

Here's an unfortunate fact: whatever the model, mass-produced mouthpieces rarely achieve consistent product quality. There are lots of contributing factors - inexperienced quality control staff in production plants is one. Even more pernicious is the way that pumping out product at maximum possible quantities leaves less leeway for meticulous, piece-by-piece checking. As a result, the market is flooded with uneven product, leaving consumers confused and unable to choose the optimal mouthpiece.

With Aizen's thoroughly researched combination of materials and skilled production process, product inconsistencies at the manufacturing stage are kept to an absolute minimum. Before shipping, Aizen Mouthpieces are individually hand-checked and adjusted by thoroughly trained quality control staff. Our customers can rest completely assured of the quality of Aizen products.

A well-made saxophone is a luxuriously crafted instrument. In just the same way, we at Aizen believe that the mouthpiece should also be a feast for the eyes. Musicians using Aizen mouthpieces will be best satisfied with a perfect balance of beauty and usability.

Getting the balance right gave us big problems - until one day, we came across a craftsperson with the exceptional skills required to do the job to Aizen standards. He has the ability to hand-carve patterns on our mouthpieces with perfect accuracy. Thanks to his long-matured talents, every Aizen mouthpiece comes extensively hand-carved - and with level of finish and luxury unprecedented in mouthpiece manufacture.