Bobby Dukoff

Bobby Dukoff was a big band saxophone player during the swing era when he looked for ways of improving his own sound.  While working for the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Bobby began playing his own mouthpiece, which showcased his style.  Soon other musicians were asking for the mouthpiece and the Bobby Dukoff Mouthpiece Company was formed.  Bobby hired Nicolas Hernandez to work in the shop and soon Bobby taught the trade to Nic, who became president of the company in the early 2000s.  Bobby suffered a stroke before his NAMM Oral History scheduled interview in March 2012.

Jeanne Dukoff married the swing saxophonist and mouthpiece maker Bobby Dukoff.  Bobby suffered a stroke just before his scheduled NAMM Oral History interview and in true “Bobby Dukoff Spirit” Mrs. Dukoff rose to the occasion, sitting alongside her husband and answering the questions for him.  Sadly, Bobby passed a month later on May 3, 2012.  Thanks to Mrs. Dukoff, some of his stories have been captured for future generations of saxophone students, players and fans.  

Nicolas Hernandez played professional guitar when he met Bobby Dukoff in the early 1990s.  The famed saxophonist and mouthpiece maker took Nic under his wing and taught him the trade.  Nic’s skills as a craftsman were a perfect fit with Bobby and not only did the two become great business partners, but life-long friends.  When Bobby suffered a stroke, Nic took over the company and continues to produce the high quality products the company is well known and well respected for.

Craig Richard is a professional saxophonist who has played with the likes of Kenny G and was hired by Bobby Dukoff Mouthpiece Company’s president, Nic Hernandez, as product specialist.  Within that role Craig studies the many mouthpieces both past and present to determine sound quality.  He plays the product to review the models and to provide his views on improvements and merit.  Bobby was scheduled to be interviewed for his NAMM Oral History interview but suffered a stroke before hand.  However, Craig, Nic Hernandez and his family as well as Bobby’s wife, sat around Mr.