Backun Global
TM Vocalise Alto Saxophone Mouthpieces
Designed for McAllister by Hawkins. Crafted by Backun.
A fresh take on classical tradition.
It takes a lot to break from tradition. The first ever mouthpiece series by renowned saxophone artist, Timothy McAllister, and legendary mouthpiece craftsperson, Richard Hawkins, is nothing short of groundbreaking. Together with the advanced design and manufacturing capabilities of Backun, Vocalise Saxophone Mouthpieces provide classical artists with an elevated foundation on which to perform today’s advanced and challenging literature. A new generation of mouthpieces for the next generation of artists.
Models
Vocalise TM1
A close facing mouthpiece with faster response, the TM1 provides artists with a more direct and focused tone across all registers. Artists seeking enhanced flexibility and clean articulation will appreciate the tonal clarity that the TM1 delivers.
Tip opening = 1.44mm.
If You've Played: Selmer S90 series (170), Selmer S80 series (C/C*), Selmer Concept, Vandoren AL3, Rousseau Classic.
Reed Pairings: Vandoren Classic 3 1/2 or 4, Vandoren V12 3 or 3 1/2, D’Addario Reserve 3.5, Legere Signature 3.50 or 3.75.
Vocalise TM2
An open facing mouthpiece that yields a warmer, more robust response that projects incredibly well in larger symphonic settings. Artists will benefit from the core sound of the TM2, which remains consistent at higher volumes, while possessing the ability to float pianissimos with great stability.
Tip opening = 1.53mm.
If You've Played: Selmer S90 series (190), Selmer Claude Delangle Model, Vandoren AP3.
Reed Pairings: Vandoren Classic 3, Vandoren V12 2 1/2 or 3, D’Addario Reserve 3.0 or 3.0+, Legere Signature 3.00 or 3.25.
Product Reviews
United StatesPhenomenal mouthpiece!
I expected a great mouthpiece from this collaboration, and it far and away exceeded my expectations! This is a truly phenomenal mouthpiece. The ease, response and consistency in all registers on a variety of reeds made it so I did not want to stop playing. I wish there were more stars to give. I can’t wait for the tenor version!
CanadaAmazing!
I really love the warmth, flexibility and consistent response the TM1 & TM2 provides in all registers. Me and my students all really love how it feels and plays. These mouthpieces are a great development for future serious saxophonists who are looking to upgrade to a professional mouthpiece. Many of my students & I have made the switch to TM mouthpieces and enjoying them! TIna ****, saxophone instructor at Vancouver Academy of Music & TIna **** Music Studio, Vancouver, BC
United StatesJust wow!
Perhaps the most important saxophone innovation of this century is the new Vocalise saxophone mouthpiece. Giving ease and clarity throughout the entire extended range of the saxophone allowing the artist to focus on interpretation rather than tonal production. Bravo!
United StatesLove It!
I really love the core sound, consistent response across registers, and flexibility of the TM2. Joe Girard of the Sinta Quartet and professor in Columbus, GA
United StatesWhat I've Always Been Searching For
The TM1 is what I’ve always been searching for in a classical mouthpiece! It has a remarkable depth of color and consistency throughout the entire range of the instrument and features a comfortable expansiveness in the shorter notes right underneath the break. For me, it is a synthesis of many of the positive attributes I’ve appreciated in other mouthpieces but plays much more comfortably than any mouthpiece I’ve had previously. I feel like I suddenly don’t have to accommodate the mouthpiece’s tendencies in different registers and can simply project the sound I imagine! It has immediately become my new mouthpiece. It is a joy to play – I can’t put it down!
United StatesThe new Vocalise TM1 and TM2 mouthpieces from Backun are the highest quality mouthpieces available to the modern classical saxophonist. This is not a fluke but rather the result of the highest level of artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation from the inimitable trio of Timothy McAllister, Richard Hawkins, and Backun Musical Services. With the TM2, I have a mouthpiece that enables more of my reeds to function consistently as performance reeds, a quick and resonant response in all registers, and a tonal palette that allows for great depth and warmth while maintaining timbral purity and roundness at all dynamics. Any serious student of the instrument should have these in their case as they are the perfect pairing with synthetic or cane reeds. Rather than just a new mouthpiece, this line represents a great step forward in our instrument's development - Dan Graser; Sinta Quartet, Grand Valley State, author of "Chops" series