10mfan Merlot 7* Hard Rubber Tenor Mouthpiece

In early fall 2013 there was a big hype on Sax on the web forum regarding the latest line of mouthpieces coming from Mark Sepinuck (aka 10mfan). So many players jumped to try them out and almost all were uniquely trilled with the playability of the pieces. I decided I wanted to try them too. I contacted Mark and I bought Merlot 7* piece for 385$ plus 45$ global express mail shipping on September 16, 2013. The mouthpiece arrived a few days later and I gave it a try.

I expected a 'wow' effect based on the numerous reviews. However, I did not get it. It took me several days to adjust to it. The mouthpiece was very well made, easy to blow, easy to control, altissimo great, subtones great. One quickly stops thinking about the mouthpiece but how to play it. However, the sound was not to my liking. I was going for darker, warm sound and I did get this. But it was too dry. I wanted it sweeter, mallower. Talked to Mark and was advised to try different reeds. I first tried it with Gonzalez reeds. Did not like the sound. Tried it with my usual Hemke's reeds, Rico Jazz Select reeds and the sound was still too dry - with RJS even too dark. I then opened my reed case and picked Vandoren Jazz - reed I have not used in ages and I got the best results with it. With Vandoren, I could live with Merlot's sound. I played this setup for about a month before I picked my Otto Link double ring from the box. It was then obvious that Link was my choice and I never tried Merlot again after that.

There are numerous examples of players using Merlot on youtube, as well as a very nice review on Steve Neffs site.

I sold it on December 31, 2013, for 320$ to Bob in Jerusalem, Israel. Good luck!

I bought this one directly from Mark. Please, check his web site at 10mfan.