JodyJazz has announced the introduction of its Hand-Hammered HH Tenor model in regular Gold finish. Originally launched in 2022, the JodyJazz HH Tenor model (patent pending) was the world’s first hand-hammered saxophone mouthpiece. Only available initially as a limited edition run of 300 pieces in Rose Gold finish, the mouthpieces very quickly all sold out. Owing to the success and popularity of the design, the company is now making the HH Tenor available again as a standard offering in its line, but in regular Gold plate.
Hand-hammering is the ancient art of working brass and bronze alloys to manipulate their sonic characteristics, which cymbal makers have been using for centuries. Hand-hammered cymbals are renowned and much prized for their dark, complex, rich, and warm overtones. To apply hand-hammering to metal mouthpieces, JodyJazz sought out the expertise of Paul Francis, one of the world’s foremost experts in the art of hand-hammering cymbals. Hammering the bell brass mouthpiece blanks results in mouthpieces with uniquely warm and complex tonal characteristics. To enhance the unique tonal characteristics and response of the hammered brass, JodyJazz also developed an all-new internal design and facing curve.
“Hammering the brass compresses it and makes it stronger,” says Jody Espina, President and Founder of JodyJazz Inc. “The harder the material, the easier it rings out and sustains. You need less energy to get it to resonate than a softer,
un-hammered piece of brass. Everyone who has played the mouthpiece says the hammering makes it sweeter sounding,” he continued. “Together with its combination of a round chamber and straight side walls the new HH Tenor delivers a truly unique combination of warm beautiful sound with power and fullness.”
The HH Tenor models feature another design innovation which JodyJazz is calling the “Patch Bay”. This is a recessed, shallow basin in the beak of the mouthpiece that allows for the easy and comfortable placement of a clear protector patch. JodyJazz will be shipping the new HH Tenor mouthpiece with one of their ‘Perfect Patch’ mouthpiece cushions already affixed in the patch bay and then another larger clear patch over the top.
The new Hand-Hammered HH Tenor mouthpieces in regular Gold finish are available in 6*, 7* and 8* tip openings. A matching Hand-Hammered POWER RING in regular Gold is also available, for purchase separately.
For more information visit JodyJazz.com
