Team LOTUS

The answer is simple. After observing players over a long period, we've concluded that aiming for an intonation somewhere in between these two is best for almost everyone. The new second-generation mouthpiece is best described as a "forgiving plus model." We're sure you'll love it.

・More detailed explanation
Those familiar with the first-generation mouthpiece will know that it was offered in two types: Standard and Plus models. This allowed players to choose the intonation and targeting method for the low and high registers that best suited their preferences.

This is an attempt to perfectly resolve the problems of all players, regardless of their technique, especially their physical tension.
After three years of customer feedback and our own continuous playing tests and research, we have discovered the "sweet spot" that provides the optimal playing feel for almost everyone.

This sweet spot is where the notes of the harmonic series (especially the octaves) are perfectly harmonized, while simultaneously giving you the freedom to easily shift the pitch up or down by ±7 cents.
For example, when playing the third note of a chord, it might be better to play it slightly lower...
Or, when you need to match the (slightly questionable) intonation of your fellow singers for the sake of an ensemble...

This flexibility is extremely important.
The standard model mouthpiece had a slight handicap to make it more appealing to players who were accustomed to the traditional compressed intonation and didn't want to change their playing style.
On the other hand, the Plus model is designed to aim for very low pitches in the high range (it's almost like "holding down" the notes). This encourages a superior approach regardless of body tension or alignment, but as a trade-off, if you're not careful, it often results in a "sharp sound."

With the second-generation mouthpiece, we aimed for the perfect middle ground between these two configurations, redesigning it to best be described as a "forgiving plus model." It offers ease of playing and the flexibility to freely control the sound.
We conducted extensive playtesting with players of all skill levels regarding this new intonation setting, and the results are undeniably clear.
Both beginners and advanced players have experienced superior intonation in actual performances using this mouthpiece. That's why we were able to confidently focus on a single intonation setting. We are confident that the second-generation LOTUS mouthpiece will enable even better pitch-balanced playing than ever before.

Currently, we do not offer custom rims or copies. While this may be possible in the future, the time and cost involved mean we cannot dedicate ourselves to it at the moment.
Please try the mouthpiece as it is. If you still think the rim shape needs to be changed, please let us know. If many people have the same request, we may be able to suggest a solution.
*Compared to the first generation, the XL & L cups have a modified rim contour, resulting in slightly improved bite on the rim.

Currently, we do not offer custom throat sizes. Before concluding that the throat size is not right for you, we recommend trying the default setting first. While several parameters determine the feel of a mouthpiece, the throat size is only one of them.
- The shape of the throat, front and back
• Throat length
- General shape of the back bore
- Gap between the mouthpiece and the instrument
All of these factors affect resistance and airflow.
We conducted extensive playtesting with a wide range of players, from superheroes to beginners. We confirmed the best feel and sound for players of all levels, and then determined the precisely calculated shape and exquisite balance for each cup.
While there are always exceptions, in our current stage of development, maintaining reasonable production and affordability requires focusing on the 99% of people who find the feel and performance of these designs absolutely appealing.
Please rest assured. The LOTUS mouthpiece does not have an extremely large throat, so it will not restrict your breath. Even if the throat size feels a little strange at first, we are confident that you will like it after trying it for a while.

Our flugelhorn mouthpieces use a large shank (Yamaha shank).
We plan to offer a wider variety of shanks in the future. We are currently planning to offer two types: small (Bach) shanks and French (Kenon) shanks, and we will prioritize production based on demand.

Using the fourth valve is very easy. The rotary valve is more comfortable than the fourth piston valve, and the use of the left thumb becomes natural very quickly.

For practice, start by playing your favorite scale studies. Make sure to play them in the pedal register. Choose simple patterns and repeat them many times to get used to them. Also, bridge the gap between the pedal register and other registers. Try playing long scales and arpeggios from bottom to top and top to bottom. This is a very good exercise, and it should become more enjoyable as you play more notes.

In terms of musical repertoire, you can draw endless inspiration from pieces written for instruments like the clarinet and cello. There are many wonderful concertos and sonatas among them. For jazz players, the alto saxophone can play all the notes in its range, and it can also cover much of the tenor saxophone's range.

For jazz players, starting with alto saxophone solos is a great idea. Alto sax solos are usually in the normal range, except for the addition of pedal notes F, E, and Eb. The Charlie Parker Omni-Book is an excellent starting point. And don't forget to check out the tenor saxophone solos too!

Our mouthpieces are as easy to use as plugging them in! You'll immediately feel the upgrade. But we also have tips to help you not only unlock the full potential of your mouthpiece, but also to play even better.