Morgan Dry Martini Model 18 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
Morgan Dry Martini Model 18 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
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The Morgan Dry Martini Model 18 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece was created for players seeking the warm, sweet and distinctive sound associated with Paul Desmond. Based on the M.C. Gregory 4A-18 mouthpiece used by Desmond, the Dry Martini Model 18 combines a large chamber with a traditional design that produces a rich, smooth tone with exceptional warmth and character.
The Dry Martini was developed by longtime Morgan craftsman Erik Greiffenhagen, who has spent decades studying, restoring and recreating vintage Gregory mouthpieces. After Morgan acquired several original M.C. Gregory mouthpiece molds and cores—including an original Model 18 alto core—Erik combined his experience with careful study of the original tooling to develop the Morgan Dry Martini.
The original 18-4 (.063") model follows the M.C. Gregory facing and chamber combination associated with Paul Desmond. Morgan also offers 18-5 (.070") and 18-6 (.075") tip openings for players who prefer a more open facing while retaining the Model 18's large-chamber character. Each Dry Martini is individually hand-finished by Morgan craftsmen in the USA.
Features
- Large chamber based on the classic M.C. Gregory Model 18 design
- Designed to capture the warm, sweet alto sound associated with Paul Desmond
- Traditional West Coast tone with a rich, smooth core
- Original 18-4 (.063") configuration based on Desmond's M.C. Gregory 4A-18
- Also available in 18-5 (.070") and 18-6 (.075") tip openings
- Rovner Light ligature and cap included
- Individually hand-finished in the USA
The Paul Desmond Sound
“I think I had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to sound like a dry martini.” — Paul Desmond
Paul Desmond's remarkably smooth, lyrical alto sound remains one of the most recognizable voices in jazz. His M.C. Gregory 4A-18 mouthpiece paired a relatively small .063" tip opening with a large Model 18 chamber. The Morgan Dry Martini Model 18 was developed around that same basic configuration for players seeking the warmth, sweetness and effortless character associated with Desmond's sound.
Learn more about the history of the Morgan Dry Martini and its connection to Paul Desmond’s M.C. Gregory mouthpiece.
Model 18 vs. Model 16
The Dry Martini Model 18 has a larger chamber than the Model 16, producing a warmer, sweeter and more spacious traditional alto sound. The smaller-chamber Model 16 has a little more focus, edge and projection. Players specifically seeking the classic Paul Desmond sound will generally gravitate toward the Model 18, while players wanting the Dry Martini character with additional presence may prefer the Model 16.
Hear the Dry Martini Model 18
Hear the Morgan Dry Martini Model 18 and explore in-depth demonstrations and reviews of its classic large-chamber alto sound.
“Read Steve Neff’s review of the Morgan Dry Martini Model 18.”
Try It Risk-free
Free USA shipping! Try your Morgan Dry Martini 18 mouthpiece for 10 days. Shipping time does not count toward the trial period. If it isn't right for you, simply return it for a refund, less a $20 restocking fee for U.S. customers or $25 for international customers.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
With few exceptions, Morgan mouthpiece products are not available in retail stores. Because we deal directly with you, we can afford to keep our prices low and customer service high.
We offer a 10-day trial that starts the day you receive your shipment. So, you can play the mouthpieces without distraction in your preferred setting.
Purchase up to 3 mouthpieces in different models or sizes for side-by-side trial. Keep what you love and if you are not satisfied, return for a refund the mouthpiece(s) in the original packaging in new clean unmarked condition.
- We ship free in the USA on orders over $200! International orders ship Fedex Economy for $42.
- Use a tooth patch on each mouthpiece to prevent bite marks/scratches. Kindly remove tooth patches prior to returning mouthpieces.
- For returns, use a ship service of your choice such as US Postal Service or UPS. Send to:
8511 B Refugee Rd.
Pickerington, OH 43147
Telephone: +1 (614) 920-0713 (call or text)
RESTOCK or EXCHANGE FEE:
- If you purchase 1 mouthpiece and return it, there is a $20 restock fee if the item is valued under $499.00. Purchases valued over $500.00 are subject to a restock fee of $25.
- If you purchase multiple mouthpieces, keep at least one and return the others, there is a flat $25 restock fee for USA customers.
- If you purchase multiple and return all for refund, a restock fee of $20 may apply to each mouthpiece, depending on condition upon return. This applies to both USA and International orders. Kindly remove tooth patches prior to returning them.
- If you want to purchase a mouthpiece but exchange it for a different model or size, please contact us by email with your order info to discuss options. There is a $7.50 charge to cover the return shipping cost on exchanges.
Care Instructions
Care Instructions
Clean with 3:1 water/vinegar ratio and buff with soft cloth. Do not immerse mouthpieces containing cork. Use spray bottle with solution, avoiding cork area and dry and buff with soft cotton cloth.
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Free USA Shipping on orders $200+.
We offer free standard USPS shipping on orders over $200. We use Fedex on International orders for a shipping fee of $42. We limit the number of mouthpieces per order to 3 (since they are handmade).
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Hassle-Free Exchanges
We know if can be difficult getting the right mouthpiece on the first try. We're happy to exchange models/sizes to suit your needs. A $7.50 return shipping charge applies when we ship your new item. Other charges may apply based on price variances in the mouthpiece(s) being exchanged. A waiting period may apply depending on availability of exchanged model.
Fantastic mouthpiece!! I've only had it for a couple of days so am still trying out different reeds but it plays beautifully. The intonation is superb! I've never seen so many consistent green lights on my tuner!! And I haven't really changed my embouchure at all - it just plays in tune without much effort. I absolutely LOVE this mouthpiece!!
I have been looking for the sound of the great Paul Desmond for many years and finally I'm getting close thanks to this mouthpiece. It just awesome!
The Morgan Dry Martini 18 mouthpiece sounds absolutely fantastic on my Buescher 400. The tone is rich and full of character. I'm extremely happy with it. Thank you!
GREAT mouthpiece! Sounds so clean.
Hello,
I have ordered a Dry Martini 18-6 recently in the hope of going toward a cool jazz tone and remaining in a 6 tip opening were I feel good. In fact, I am going slowing toward that goal but it is by itself a very good mouthpiece.
Well done and so easy to play!
This mouthpiece is my new preferred mouthpiece!
Thanks!