Theo Wanne Theo Wanne LAKSHMI Hard Rubber 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: Premium VIntage-Style Hard Rubber

• Made In: USA

• Chamber: Large-Stadium-Chamber™

• Baffle: Elongated Roll-Over Baffle

• Ligature: Enlightened Ligature

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

Staff Review

The Lakshmi Hard Rubber piece is such a joy to play.  Incredibly well balanced with a very strong and pleasant core while having an almost Brilhart-like edge integrated into the overall sound.  Unlike a Brilhart though (vintage or modern) this mouthpiece is SO easy to play.  The technology that goes into all of his mouthpieces allows an effortless playing experience, with extreme efficiency of aerodynamics on hand.  My favourite Theo pieces are the ones that sit in the middle of the warm to bright spectrum, and this is one of them.

Jim Cheek