Mouthpiece-itis

I work in a brass and woodwind shop, and often I get people coming into the store to try out mouthpieces. We have a pretty wide selection of them. However, and this is especially true with younger players, there is way too much emphasis on finding the perfect mouthpiece. Why? because it does not exist. The same people keep coming into the shop, trying out one mouthpiece after another, and still complain that none of them are any good. Here's what I think. Of course the right mouthpiece is important. however, if after having tried every mouthpiece out there, and you still aren't happy, then I suggest that 1) You really have no solid conception of the sound you want, or you want to sound exactly like your saxophone idol, which BTW will never happen, and you shouldn't want it to happen, and 2) rather than try every mouthpiece out there, spend more time practicing your horn, and also keep your horn well-maintained. There are no magic bullets. You buy the best horn and accessories you can afford, then just practice and play, and cut out all the other crap.

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