Our Commitments

The In-House Manufacturing Advantage

We believe that the mouthpiece is the single most important factor in determining the quality of a saxophone's sound. This is why Gottsu is dedicated to handling every step of the process in our own factory—from the careful selection of materials and initial design to the final handcrafted finish.

A Passion for Vintage Mouthpieces

Through our extensive experience in refacing, we have encountered countless mouthpieces. We were particularly moved by the exceptional craftsmanship of vintage mouthpieces from the "Golden Age of Jazz" (1930s–1950s), where the creator's soul is felt in every piece. Inspired by this, Gottsu develops vintage-inspired models with the aim of fusing the essence of that era with the demands of modern music.

The Gottsu Characteristic: The "Singing" Saxophone

We believe the saxophone is an instrument that should sound as if it were a person singing. Therefore, Gottsu mouthpieces are specifically engineered to produce overtone structures that closely resemble the human voice.

Precision in Tip and Side Rails

The thickness of the tip and side rails is just as critical to the tone as the internal chamber shape. At Gottsu, we optimize the rail thickness for every single model. To achieve this, we typically create and test over 100 prototypes for each model, ensuring we adopt only the most appropriate dimensions before a product is finalized.

G-Tune: Our Proprietary Technology

"G-Tune" is a unique adjustment technology developed by Gottsu, where each mouthpiece is meticulously hand-tuned by a master craftsman during the finishing process. This technology is applied to every Gottsu model, achieving a beautiful tone and effortless playability that cannot be found anywhere else. Furthermore, all refacing services provided by Gottsu include G-Tune, marked by the distinctive "G" engraving as a seal of quality.

Intellectual Property Rights held by Gottsu Co., Ltd.

 

更新日：令和 6年１月２4日

特許 登録番号 名称、物品、マーク 登録日 備考
1 特許第7304026号 木管楽器用マウスピース向け音質改善部または音質改善体 令和5年6月28日 PCT/JP2022/36879
2 特許第7418769号 シングルリード向け木管楽器用リガチャー 令和6年1月12日 PCT/JP2023/15254
3 特許第7369944号 長さ調製治具、固定支持治具および長さ調製方法、固
定支持方法		 令和5年10月27日 PCT/JP2023/33449
意匠        
1 意匠登録第1757123号 木管楽器向けリガチャー用押付プレート 令和５年10月31日 秘密意匠
2 意匠登録第1756740号 木管楽器向けリガチャー用押付プレート 令和５年10月25日 秘密意匠
3 意匠登録第1757264号 木管楽器向けリガチャー用押付プレート 令和５年11月2日 秘密意匠
4 意匠登録第1757265号 木管楽器向けリガチャー用ベース部品 令和５年11月2日 秘密意匠
5 意匠登録第1757123号 木管楽器向けリガチャー用押付プレート 令和５年10月31日 秘密意匠
6 意匠登録第1756741号 木管楽器向けリガチャー用ベース部品 令和５年10月25日 秘密意匠
7 意匠登録第1757263号 木管楽器向けリガチャー用押付プレート 令和５年11月2日 秘密意匠
8  意匠登録第1757262号  木管楽器向けリガチャー用押付プレート  令和５年11月2日 秘密意匠
商標        
1 国際商標登録1729229号 　7 令和５年月日 マドリッド国際商標登録
2 商標登録第6694357号 　8 令和5年4月28日  
3 商標登録第6694358号 　7 令和5年4月28日  
 

製作工程

  • Step 1: Rigorous Selection of Materials

    To create an exceptional mouthpiece, selecting the right base material is paramount. At Gottsu, we hand-select the materials for every single model to ensure a perfect foundation.

    Metal Materials

    Gottsu utilizes "Vintage Brass," a material developed through rigorous chemical analysis of 1930s vintage mouthpieces to faithfully recreate the composition and sound of that era. Additionally, our Metal HL 2018 model features a proprietary tin alloy, a unique material developed exclusively by Gottsu.

    Hard Rubber (Ebonite)

    In mouthpiece manufacturing, a material must respond evenly across the entire range of notes rather than reacting only to specific frequencies. Ebonite is the material that best possesses this essential quality. We have sourced and researched ebonite from all over the world, selecting only the finest grades for our products. In particular, the "VI Marble" features a custom-made, Gottsu original ebonite, developed specifically to meet our exacting standards.

  • 今回もご希望通り、パターンは1つに絞り翻訳いたしました。

    「1日8時間、1年かけてプログラミングを習得した」というエピソードは、Gottsuの製品が単なる「機械任せの大量生産」ではなく、**「職人の執念をデジタルに落とし込んだもの」**であることを象徴する非常に魅力的なストーリーですね。

    海外のユーザーにも、その「削り出し（CNC Machining）」へのこだわりと、自社設計だからこそ可能な「細部への精度」が伝わるよう、プロフェッショナルな英語に仕上げました。

    Step 2: Programming & 3D Design

    Gottsu employs a precision "machined from solid stock" (CNC milling) process for both our hard rubber and metal mouthpieces. Every model we produce is designed and programmed from the ground up.

    When we first introduced CNC machinery, I was a complete novice at both design and programming. To bridge that gap, I dedicated eight hours every single day for an entire year to master these skills. Today, our process involves intricate 3D CAD modeling followed by precision milling.

    Because we manage every aspect of production in-house—from the initial aesthetic design to the specific cutting paths the machine takes—we can exercise meticulous control over the finest details of each model. This level of internal oversight is what allows Gottsu to maintain its uncompromising quality.

  • Step 3: The Precision Milling Process

    By utilizing the latest 5-axis machining centers, we are able to craft mouthpieces with unwavering precision, milled from a single, solid rod of ebonite or brass.

    In the pursuit of crafting a superior mouthpiece, the milling process itself is just as critical as the design; the specific way the material is cut can significantly alter the resulting tone, even when the overall design remains the same. Through an extensive process of trial and error—refining both our programming and our machining techniques—the current lineup of Gottsu mouthpieces was finally born.

  • Step 4: Hand-Finishing and Final Artistry

    Following the precision milling process, every single Gottsu mouthpiece undergoes a meticulous finishing process, handled with the utmost care. Under the skilled hands of our master craftsmen, each mouthpiece is transformed into a precision instrument that possesses the aesthetic beauty of a work of art, while delivering exceptional ease of play.

  • Step 5: Final Play-Testing and Quality Inspection

    Following the hand-finishing process, every single mouthpiece is personally play-tested to perform a final quality check. This rigorous validation process ensures that Gottsu continues to provide our customers with high-quality mouthpieces that meet our exacting standards for both playability and tonal excellence.

Our History

The Story Behind Gottsu

The journey began in 1990, when our founder, Masahiko Goto, joined a community band and immersed himself in the joy of performance. Over time, however, he found that commercially available mouthpieces simply couldn't deliver the sound or feel he truly envisioned.

Driven by this dissatisfaction, he began modifying his own mouthpieces, eventually progressing to crafting them entirely from scratch. This relentless pursuit of the perfect tone—by a player, for players—is what ultimately led to the establishment of Gottsu.

Founded

2005

The Origin of the Name "Gottsu"

The name "Gottsu" is derived from the founder Masahiko Goto’s nickname during his youth.

 

Tip Opening