High Quality 1 piece castings in specially selected Brass or Bronze, nickel then rhodium plated
Inspired by the respect everyone at TKMP has for the inimitable Long Tall Dexter, this design is a tribute to the great Blue Note era of Dex. The Hollywood LTD Model is created from a lost wax casting of a modified vintage West Coast 1940’s era mouthpiece and features the deep, round, robust tone that Dex was famous for. Confidential sources report that this piece features the exact Long Tall facing measured from the very mouthpiece of the Long Tall one himself. The Hollywood LTD Model is handcrafted from one piece castings in high quality brass or bronze and plated in nickel / rhodium.
High Quality 1 piece castings in specially selected Brass or Bronze, nickel then rhodium plated
Ted Klum is proud to announce the long awaited release of the handcrafted London Model Baritone saxophone mouthpiece. This classic Baritone Model is created from a lost wax casting of a vintage British hard rubber baritone favorite done TK style! The core geometry of this piece, based on the London classic, has been a favorite of baritone saxophone players for decades and provides a powerful centered tone with great projection in all registers. It features the renowned TK ease of playability in all registers and possesses a classic quality of tone on both Bb and Low A Baritones. The London Model is cast in one piece using high quality solid brass or bronze and plated in nickel / rhodium.
Handcrafted, High Quality 1 piece castings in 92.5% pure Solid Sterling Silver, selected Brass with Nickel then Rhodium plated and selected Bronze with Nickel then Rhodium plated
The VersiTone™ Handcrafted Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece is a limited edition, special production model cast in Silver, Brass and Bronze from the popular VersiTone™ Acoustimer geometry. This model is an improvement of the ever-popular "medium chamber" hard rubber alto design based on modifications gleaned from 25 years of refacing and improving this medium chamber design. The VersiTone geometry cast in metal provides an alto piece with unprecedented weight (172.5 grams of sterling silver -150 grams of brass or bronze) which results in a unique and powerful tonal quality. The added weight of these mouthpieces also creates a degree of control and enhanced overall projection unparalleled in any conventional mouthpiece. The VersiTone™ design is perfect for both solo and section work, providing excellent intonation and possessing a powerful core at all dynamic ranges.
Note: The VersiTone™ Handcrafted Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece does not have a bite plate. Rubber mouthpiece patches are provided with each mouthpiece.
I have been playing the limited edition VersiTone™ Handcrafted alto mouthpiece (in bronze) for about 3 months now. Initially what struck me, in spite of the fact that it is a metal mouthpiece, was how at home I was with the way it played…instantaneously! The bronze gives my sound this beautiful ring in the middle range and responded exactly the way I like - even in all registers, great dynamic range, and beautiful control in the high register (not thin or shrill). I have used this mouthpiece in all different situations - lead alto, 2nd alto, small horn section, sax quartet, solo and in the studio - Extremely Versatile!!! Words can't really do this mouthpiece justice. It needs to be played to find out how special it is.
I don't want to this to sound like some hollow endorsement. I just want to make sure I am able to put across how much I dig this piece. For the record, this mouthpiece is ridiculous! Blows anything away I have ever played on alto…
Marc Phaneuf
New !!
VersiTone™
Acoustimax
Mouthpiece for Alto Saxophone
Hand finished, Molded Resin Alto Mouthpiece - signed and serial numbered
December, 2010: Ted Klum Mouthpieces, L.L.C., of Little Falls, New Jersey, U.S.A., introduces the new Acoustimax Composite product line for alto saxophone which features the world's first high-performance medical grade polymer composite mouthpiece based on an innovative design and material combination.
"In developing our latest product line, we set out to do something truly unique in terms of both the geometry and the material for this mouthpiece, something which has the capacity to evolve the state-of-the art, from both the vintage mouthpieces of yesterday and those offered today. The Acoustimax Composite product line which we now present is the result of that effort." Frank Klum, VP and Director of Product Development, Ted Klum Mouthpieces, L.L.C.
Superior Performance and Intonation
The Acoustimax Composite material in conjunction with the Clear-Core and Conical Sidewalls features results in a mouthpiece with extraordinary projection, power, and warmth, and most strikingly: superior intonation. The Acoustimax Composite is considered by many to be the 'easiest to play in-tune' alto mouthpiece ever produced!
Design Innovation
Acoustimax Composite Clear-Core refers to the transition area from the chamber to the bore. Rather than being implemented as an abrupt lip or shelf, the Clear-Core transition area is a series of gently swept curves, carefully shaped to maximize the acoustical performance. The Conical Sidewall design enhances the acoustical integrity of the conical design of the entire saxophone, thereby optimizing performance and projection of sound.
Advanced Manufacturing and Hand-Finishing Craftsmanship - Made in USA
Acoustimax Composite mouthpieces are created using advanced, high temperature injection molding under extreme pressure for exceptional strength and consistency, followed by a series of precision CNC machining operations. Post-machining hand-finishing and inspection ensure optimal table and facing curve dimensions. Laser engraved serial numbering, inlaid acrylic ink, and final inspection complete the process. All manufacturing and finishing are done exclusively in the USA.
"Having owned the most coveted vintage/handmade saxophone mouthpieces - I now exclusively play my Ted Klum Acoustimax Composite and have since sold my alto mouthpiece collection. Ted has made considerable improvements and advances to the future of the saxophone mouthpiece. This is how a mouthpiece should play, period." Nick Morgan -Saxophonist, Toronto.
State-of-the-Art Material
The acoustical properties of a wide range of the most advanced polymers currently available were studied in the development of Acoustimax Composite. The result was the discovery of an extraordinary material for this application. Acoustimax Composite has significant benefits in addition to its acoustical properties:
Unprecedented strength and durability. The Acoustimax
base polymer has been used as a replacement for brass in
other applications, yet does not dent or tarnish like brass.
Acoustimax is tough! Drop test results have shown that
the common problems of broken or chipped mouthpiece
tips and cracked shanks are virtually eliminated.
Extreme resistance to temperature, weather, and chemicals. The Acoustimax Composite base polymer is an exceptionally stable material formulated to endure extreme temperatures, including medical sterilization. Testing of Acoustimax Composite has included boiling, freezing, extended exposure to sunlight and various harsh cleansers, all with no adverse effects! Ted Klum Mouthpieces however recommends cleaning only with mild soap and warm water or commercially available mouthpiece sanitizing solutions.
The highest level of material biocompatibility ever for a saxophone mouthpiece. Made from a medical grade polymer base which has achieved both US-FDA certification for food contact, and USP Class VI certification in other applications.
The Acoustimax Composite is currently offered for alto saxophone in four sizes at exclusive retailers and online:
Hand finished, Molded Resin Alto Mouthpiece - signed and serial numbered
Our Resin VersiToneô Model Alto mouthpieces are improvements of the ever popular "medium chamber" hard rubber alto design based on modifications gleaned from 25 years of refacing and improving this medium chamber design. The VersiToneô design is perfect for both solo and section work and provides excellent intonation as well as possessing a powerful core at all dynamic ranges. The baffle - chamber relationship offers the sought after "perfect balance" of edge and warmth that has made so many customers praise these modifications.
The Ted Klum Mouthpieces Resin line is created from a low volume manufacturing process utilizing an FDA approved base resin compounded with our proprietary filler which has been developed specifically for our mouthpieces. This material has been formulated with proven ingredients based on the criteria of both specific resonant properties as well as bio-compatibility. Our Resin VersiToneô Model Alto mouthpieces are designed using 3D modeling software based on our improvements to the most popular designs of the best vintage mouthpieces that have been sought after and coveted for many years. The price is reflective of both the manufacturing process and the materials and the fact that each one is hand finished, signed and serial numbered by Ted Klum as well.
New !!
FocusTone™
Precision
Mouthpiece for Tenor Saxophone
Gold or Rodium Plated Brass
- Black Bite Plate -
Hand finished, CNC machined in 1 piece from high quality Brass, Nickel then Gold or Rhodium plated
The Precision Model is CNC machined in one piece from high quality extruded bar stock brass to the dimensions of our popular "Standard Model Focustone V.5" geometry. Although "final hand finished" it is machined and polished to an unprecedented degree of accuracy and consistency. Based on the same design as the popular Handcrafted Focustone, the Precision Model has similar tonal characteristics and playability but with a slightly heavier weight from the machined rather than cast manufacturing process. The Precision Model represents the apex of Ted's concepts embodied in the very best of today's manufacturing technology.
The Precision Model is the modern day evolution of the classic medium large chamber tenor saxophone design. Inspired by a generation of musicians whose sound could fill the room, it features a large, robust sound with plenty of presence.
Superior facing curve and internal geometry results in an ease of response typically unavailable in even the finest examples of sought after vintage pieces.
Finished to the highest standards on the market, drawing from years of finishing high end vintage pieces and the finest hand crafted lost-wax castings.
High quality Gold/Rhodium plating provides a much more durable finish than the typical gold-flash plating that easily wears away.
The Precision model which is produced from the same design as the signature line of handcrafted pieces, allows players access to Ted Klum's world famous workmanship and design prowess at a reduced price. This result is the product of significant effort and investment in the finest machining today's technology has to offer.
Hand finished, CNC machined in 1 piece from high quality brass, nickel then rhodium plated
The fifth version of the FocusTone, the "Standard Model", is CNC machined in ONE PIECE from high quality extruded bar stock brass as opposed to being cast. It was designed to replicate all the qualities of my very best handcrafted cast FocusTone but with a consistency that only CNC machining could provide. This model owes special acknowledgment to CAD designer Jimmy Nagase whose artistic, intuitive approach proved to be the perfect embodiment of my concepts and is truly the brilliance of this design. The Standard Model is still hand finished but is machined to the degree that less time is required and a higher level of geometric consistency is achieved. The traditional solid black bite plate distinguishes it from the handcrafted model but otherwise it is aesthetically similar.
SOLD OUT and Discontinued. This Model has been replaced with our PRECISION MODEL.
The Standard Model V.5 is machined from extruded Brass bar stock while the Handcrafted Model V.6 is cast from Brass pellets. They are 2 different brasses and extruded Brass is pure and consistent while the cast brass can be tempered, hardened, annealed and prone to porosity, fire scale, etc. They are both currently created from the same design file however the Standard Model turns out a bit heavier and slightly larger due to the lack of any shrinkage from the casting process and less outer finishing work required. The difference in sound is due mostly to the final hand finishing and varies more in the Handcrafted Model since the consistency of the Standard Model is greater. We've only recently started selling the Standard Model and so far more people are choosing the Standard Model when comparing the two side by side.
FocusTone™
Acoustimer
Mouthpiece for Tenor Saxophone
Hand finished, Molded Resin Tenor Mouthpiece - signed and serial numbered
Our Resin FocusToneô Acoustimer Model Tenor mouthpiece is an adaptation of the FocusToneô Standard Model core geometry designed for the thicker walled, larger bodied, resin or hard rubber shape. This core is considered to be a large chamber and possesses a deep, broad tone, while maintaining plenty of power and edge with the resonant quality of the specially compounded material.
The Ted Klum Mouthpieces Resin line is created from a low volume manufacturing process utilizing an FDA approved base resin compounded with our proprietary filler which has been developed specifically for our mouthpieces. This material has been formulated with proven ingredients based on the criteria of both specific resonant properties as well as bio-compatibility. Our Resin FocusToneô Acoustimer Model Tenor mouthpieces are designed using 3D modeling software based on our improvements to the most popular designs of the best vintage mouthpieces that have been sought after and coveted for many years. The price is reflective of both the manufacturing process and the materials and the fact that each one is hand finished, signed and serial numbered by Ted Klum as well.
The FocusTone™ model Tenor saxophone mouthpiece is a medium large chamber metal mouthpiece created from a traditionally inspired original design. It is intended to be a modern variation or evolution of the great vintage metal mouthpieces that were essential to so many of the great influential jazz tenor sounds such as those of Dexter Gordon and John Coltrane.
The design although not revolutionary, distinguishes itself by virtue of a bit more "focus" and power in the sound than its popular predecessors. This commonly requested attribute along with its traditional, large chamber sound and high standard of precision hand finishing, provides for a sound and playability that sets it apart in this day and age of mass production.
Solid Sterling Silver
- Red Bite Plate -
Rhodium Plated Brass
- Green Bite Plate -
Rhodium Plated Bronze
- Blue Bite Plate -
High Quality 1 piece castings in 92.5% pure silver
High Quality 1 piece castings in specially selected brass, nickel then rhodium plated
High Quality 1 piece castings in specially selected bronze, nickel then rhodium plated
The heavier, denser sterling silver produces a darker, warmer sound while retaining a brilliant top end. This metal resonates at a lower frequency than brass and often requires a little time for your playing to "tune in" to the resonance in order to achieve the potential of the sterling silver sound. Online Store
The rhodium plated brass produces an extremely vibrant, present sound which resonates at a frequency which most of us are familiar with from the great vintage brass mouthpieces of the 40's, 50's and 60's. This combination has yielded excellent results and is expected to be the most popular. Online Store
The rhodium plated bronze has a slightly darker resonance than the brass however the overall tonal quality is very similar in character to that of the brass. Online Store
The Ted Klum Mouthpieces Resin line is created from a low volume manufacturing process utilizing an FDA approved base resin compounded with our proprietary filler which has been developed specifically for our mouthpieces. This material has been formulated with proven ingredients based on the criteria of both specific resonant properties as well as bio-compatibility. Our Resin FocusTone™ Acoustimer Model Tenor mouthpieces are designed using 3D modeling software based on our improvements to the most popular designs of the best vintage mouthpieces that have been sought after and coveted for many years. The price is reflective of both the manufacturing process and the materials and the fact that each one is hand finished, signed and serial numbered by Ted Klum as well.
What is the FocusTone™ Handcrafted?
The FocusTone™ model Tenor saxophone mouthpiece is a medium large chamber metal mouthpiece created from a traditionally inspired original design. It is intended to be a modern variation or evolution of the great vintage metal mouthpieces that were essential to so many of the great influential jazz tenor sounds such as those of Dexter Gordon and John Coltrane.
The design although not revolutionary, distinguishes itself by virtue of a bit more "focus" and power in the sound than its popular predecessors. This commonly requested attribute along with its traditional, large chamber sound and high standard of precision hand finishing, provides for a sound and playability that sets it apart in this day and age of mass production.
Unsurpassed intonation sets the new market standard for alto mouthpieces
Superior response and playability from ultimate facing curve and Clear Core geometry
Extremely tough and durable; crack and chip resistant
Increased dynamic range from ppp (pianissimo) to fff (fortissimo)
Included accessories: cap, ligature, pouch, bite-pad
