Matt Vashlishan Biography

Matt Vashlishan is a multi-woodwind instrumentalist from the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. He holds a DMA in Saxophone Performance from the University of Miami, a MM in Saxophone Performance from William Paterson University, and a BM of Jazz and Contemporary Media from the Eastman School of Music. Matt is currently the Director of the University Jazz Ensemble at East Stroudsburg University, as well as the University's Jazz Program Coordinator of the Al Cohn Memorial Jazz Collection and editor of The Note.

Matt is an active sideman, most notably with David Liebman's Expansions Quintet. He directs the Water Gap Jazz Orchestra (previously the Phil Woods COTA Festival Orchestra) in Delaware Water Gap, PA, which is a professional large jazz ensemble comprised of local and international professionals.

Matt leads his own small group projects as well, performing original music with musicians such as Phil Markowitz, Ian Froman, Vic Juris, and others.

Matt is a skilled instrumentalist with professional ability to perform alto and soprano saxes, piccolo, flute, alto flute, clarinet, and the Akai EWI (electric wind instrument). He composes original music for small and large jazz ensembles, as well as writing arrangements for these groups.

Matt uses a Selmer alto sax, Yanagisawa soprano sax, Drake mouthpieces, D’Addario Hemke reeds and insteument cables, and BG France ligatures.

Sax Gadgets Information

About Sax Gadgets

Conceived in June 2012 originally under the name SaxPlugs.com, Sax Gadgets was created by saxophonist Matt Vashlishan. Interested in many different activities besides music, Matt quickly found an interest in woodworking and immediately began experimenting with creating different types of saxophone plugs. He can best be described as an "equipment person" who is always interested in a new horn, mouthpiece, ligature, or any type of accessory. Matt feels the exotic wooden end plug adds beautiful contrast to the metal saxophone body. In addition to end plugs, Sax Gadgets was started in 2018 to officially begin producing new and interesting products to enhance the saxophone playing experience.

The Original Sax Plugs

Sax Plugs are obviously reminiscent of the old Selmer plugs that accompanied all the vintage horns. This concept remained un-tapped on a large scale until Matt began experimenting with exotic woods and various designs.

Plug Fit

To ensure a proper fit, Sax Plugs are made with Selmer and Yamaha in mind. However, the cork can be sanded to accommodate nearly every model saxophone. Apply a small amount of cork grease to the cork and rub it in. After this application, the cork will form to the size of the horn and last a very long time. If needed, any repair man can sand the cork further. If you are interested in a particular size, please email using the contact page the exact inner diameter of the tenon receiver in 1/1000 inch.

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