Team LOTUS

The answer is simple. After observing players over the long term, we concluded that aiming for an intonation somewhere between these two extremes is best for nearly everyone. The new second-generation mouthpiece can best be described as a "forgiving plus model." We're confident you'll love it.

・More detailed explanation
Those familiar with the first-generation mouthpieces will know they were offered in two types: the Standard and the Plus model. This allowed players to choose their preferred approach to intonation and targeting of the low and high registers.

This is an attempt to completely resolve all players' concerns, regardless of their technique or physical tension.
After three years of customer feedback and our own relentless performance testing and research, we have identified the "sweet spot" that delivers the optimal playing feel for almost everyone.

This sweet spot guides you to where the harmonic series (especially the octave) sounds perfectly in tune, 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's better to play it slightly lower...
・Or when playing in an ensemble, you need to match your fellow musicians' (slightly off-key) intonation...

This flexibility is extremely important.
The standard model mouthpiece included a slight handicap to make players who were accustomed to the traditional compressed intonation and didn't want to change their playing technique feel at ease.
On the other hand, the Plus model is designed to aim for a significantly lower pitch in the high register (almost like "holding it down"). It encourages an excellent approach regardless of body tension or alignment, but the trade-off is that it often produces a "sharp sound" if you're not careful.

The second-generation mouthpiece was redesigned to strike the perfect balance between these two configurations, best described as a "forgiving plus model." It offers ease of play and the flexibility to freely control your sound.
We conducted extensive playtesting of this new intonation setting with players of all skill levels, and the results are unequivocally clear.
Both beginners and advanced players experienced excellent intonation during actual performances using this mouthpiece. That's precisely why we could confidently focus on a single intonation setting. We are convinced that the second-generation LOTUS mouthpiece enables performances with superior pitch balance than ever before.

At this time, we do not offer custom rims or copies. While it may become feasible in the future, considering the time and cost involved, we are unable to dedicate ourselves to this endeavor at present.
Please try the mouthpiece as it is. If you still feel the rim shape should be changed, feel free to let us know. If we receive multiple requests for the same adjustment, we should be able to propose a solution.
※Compared to the first generation, the XL and L cups feature a modified rim contour, resulting in slightly improved rim bite.

At this time, we do not offer custom throat sizes. Before deciding that the throat size might not be right for you, we recommend trying the default size first. While multiple parameters determine how a mouthpiece feels when played, the throat is just one of them.
・The shape of the front and back of the throat
・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 players ranging from superheroes to beginners. After confirming the optimal feel and sound for players of every skill level, we determined the precisely calculated shape and exquisite balance for each cup.
Of course, there are always exceptions, but at our stage of development, to maintain rational production and affordable prices, we must focus on the 99% of people who find the feel and performance of these designs absolutely compelling.
Please rest assured. The LOTUS mouthpiece does not have an extremely large throat, so you won't run out of breath. Even if you initially feel uncomfortable with the throat size, I am confident that you will grow to like it after trying it for a while.

Our flugelhorn mouthpieces use a large shank (Yamaha shank).
We plan to offer more shanks in the future. We intend to produce two types: Small (Back) Shanks and French (Kenon) Shanks. We will prioritize production based on demand.

Using the fourth valve is very simple. The rotary action feels more comfortable than the fourth piston, and using your left thumb becomes natural very quickly.

As a practice method, first try playing your favorite scale studies. Make sure to play them within the pedal range. Choose simple patterns and repeat them many times to get comfortable. Also, bridge the gap between the pedal range and other registers. Play long scales or arpeggios from low to high and high to low. This is excellent practice, and it should become more enjoyable as the number of notes increases.

In terms of musical repertoire, one can draw endless inspiration from pieces written for instruments like the clarinet and cello. They offer many wonderful concertos and sonatas. For jazz players, the alto saxophone can play every note within its range. Plus, it can cover much of the tenor saxophone's range as well.

Jazz players, starting with alto sax solos is a great idea. Alto sax solos are usually in the standard range, except for adding the pedal notes F, E, and Eb. The 'Charlie Parker Omni-Book' is perfect for getting started. And don't forget to check out the tenor sax solos too!

Our mouthpiece is just like a plug—simply connect it! You'll immediately feel the upgrade. But beyond unlocking the mouthpiece's full potential, here are some tips for better playing.