British saxophonist Dan Forshaw is known for his deep, spiritual approach to jazz and his vast influence as a performer, educator, and scholar. A lecturer at the University of Cambridge and founder of Sax.coach, his passion for John Coltrane and rich ballad playing have earned him recognition worldwide. As a vlogger, he has shared over 700 videos with millions of views, constantly exploring the nuances of saxophone sound.
Back in 2019, Dan released his first Syos Signature mouthpiece, a tenor piece that quickly gained a reputation as one of the darkest on the market. But after years of gigging in different settings—from jazz clubs to cathedral concerts—Dan began to crave something just a little more focused, with a touch more bite, while keeping his signature warmth.
Together with Syos, Dan developed the 2025 version of his signature mouthpiece. We made subtle but powerful adjustments: the baffle was slightly raised to add focus and edge, and the chamber was enlarged to preserve the signature darkness. The result? A mouthpiece that cuts when you need it to, but still keeps its soul intact.
In his video shot at the Syos workshop, Dan reveals how this upgrade came to life. He shares how he tested multiple prototypes—one slightly brighter, one darker—and ultimately landed on a balanced version that delivered just the right amount of edge without sacrificing his tone. The video also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the 3D printing process and our design philosophy: every artist deserves a mouthpiece as unique as their sound.
In another recent video, Dan plays his new mouthpiece live at Saffron Hall, showcasing its tone on a tribute to Lester Young and Billie Holiday. Even in a stripped-down setting, the piece retains its mellow warmth, proving that the redesign didn’t compromise its core identity—only enhanced it.
Ready to try the evolution of Dan’s sound? You can order the new Dan Forshaw Signature tenor mouthpiece here.
