Category 2 – Gene Ammons • Dexter Gordon • All-Around Masterpiece

 

The Robusto is the tenor mouthpiece I designed for myself.

 

My intention was: If I could only own one tenor mouthpiece, this would be it. So that’s what I created.

 

The Robusto sits squarely in the center of the 10MFAN tenor lineup, offering what I believe is the perfect balance of warmth, body, punch, edge, projection, and versatility. It combines the richness and depth of traditional tenor sounds with enough power, sizzle, and modern flexibility to handle virtually any musical situation.

 

I often refer to it as the “Early Babbitt Slayer”,  for all you Link players.

 

The sound immediately brings to mind the classic Gene Ammons and Dexter Gordon concept—fat, warm, broad, and full-bodied—but with a wider tonal palette and more flexibility than the vintage mouthpieces in this category, that inspired generations of players.

 

The Robusto emphasizes the midrange in a beautiful way. It has tremendous body and richness, producing a huge sound that feels substantial and powerful without becoming overly bright or aggressive. There is warmth in the foundation of the sound, but there is also edge, punch, and sparkle available whenever you decide to push it.

 

Compared to The Classic and Celebration, the Robusto offers noticeably more power, projection, brightness, and top-end sizzle. Yet I would never describe it as a bright mouthpiece. It’s enjoyed my players who love Links and Berg’s and even metal pieces like the Guardala Brecker models.  

It occupies that magical middle ground where warmth and brilliance coexist.

 

This is where the Robusto truly shines.

 

One moment it can deliver a classic hard-bop New York tenor sound full of depth and authority. The next, it can move effortlessly into a more contemporary jazz voice with added edge, projection, and excitement.

There is tremendous room to let loose with this mouthpiece.

One of the unique aspects of the Robusto is how the sound opens up in the palm keys. While The Classic and Celebration retain a warmer, fatter character throughout the upper register, the Robusto was intentionally designed to “release” the sound as you go up high. The result is a more open, energetic upper register with additional punch and brilliance when you need to cut through a band or project over a larger ensemble.

 

Sound Characteristics:

—Fat, warm, full-bodied tenor sound

—Rich midrange focus

—More punch and projection than my Category 1 models

—Beautiful balance of warmth and edge

—Excellent dynamic range

—Powerful palm keys that open up naturally

—Added sizzle and brilliance when pushed

—Classic hard-bop character with modern flexibility

—Huge tonal palette

 

The Robusto was designed to be the most versatile tenor mouthpiece in my lineup.

It sits directly between warm and punchy, allowing players to comfortably explore both worlds without feeling locked into either one.m

 

DESIGN:

—Large chamber

—Straight sidewalls

—Beautiful medium-length baffle

—Floor drop behind the baffle for added complexity and projection

—Balanced resistance and response

—Broad dynamic range