9 Tips on Buying a New Sax Mouthpiece
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- Опубликовано: 6 июл 2024
- #bettersax #saxophone #mouthpiece
Jay Metcalf shares tips on buying a new saxophone mouthpiece to help you make a more informed decision.
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MOUTHPIECES USED IN THIS VIDEO:
**D'Adarrio Select Jazz Tenor 7
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**Vandoren V16 Metal 7 med. chamber
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SAXOPHONE ACCESSORIES:
**Saxholder Harness
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**Vandoren Mouthpiece Patches
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**D'Adarrio Select Jazz Tenor Sax Reeds filed 3M
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**Rigotti Gold Jazz Tenor Sax Reeds 3 Strong
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*** Be careful when purchasing mouthpieces online if you plan on returning them. You must carefully read the return policy since many online retailers make exceptions for mouthpieces.
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How could someone dislike this video? That just boggles my mind! All these tips are 110% legit, objective, and most of all - useful! Thank you, Better Sax, for making this video and sharing it with everyone!
Excellent video. I've just bought an D'addario Select Jazz D6M and played it for the first time for two hours. I always use cork grease but the MP still went on very tight. When I twisted off the MP it removed 1/3rd of the neck cork with it. My previous MP was a Selmer S80 C** and that fitted on pretty tight but the inside of the MP was very smooth so it never damaged the cork. On inspection I found the D'addario MP very rough on the inside and using a piece of very fine Emery paper turned around a 15mm tube I polished the inside until it was smooth and shiney. It's a shame that I didn't inspect the inside of the MP before I played it, because that would have saved my neck-cork. So here's the warning guys: Always check the inside of a new MP before fitting it on your sax!!!
Good advice on using a new reed with a new mouthpiece. I bought a mouthpiece the other day and was using the reeds that I had been playing on with my Selmer S90 without much success. I then tried a fresh reed and that made all the difference.
On alto, I use a Meyer 5M (6 tip I believe) with Vandoren Traditional 3 reeds, and on baritone (my main horn) I use a metal Yanigasawa 7 mouthpiece with Rico Jazz Select reeds, size 3 soft.
I really appreciate these videos and hope you keep on doing what you’re doing. It’s pretty inspriring for a young saxophonist like myself to see sax players doing so well in this day and age.
Thank for your thoughts and suggestions. I use a tenor Otto Link Vintage Hard Rubber 7* ($200) and I always use a 2.5 reed of many different brands, but found the Rico Royals the best for me. I just recently bought a Synthetic reed 2.25 and the sound improvement was amazing! I don't believe I will ever go back to cane reeds.
Makes good sense what you say!...good advice....like what you play. Thank you!
I used to play on an Otto Link Super Tonemaster N.Y. edition 7.5 mouthpiece with Vandoren V21 reeds, but I recently changed it for a Dave Guardala Crescent hand finitions mouthpiece with either Vndoren V21 2.5 reeds, Rico Royals 3 reeds or, what I feel the best match, 2.5 rigotti gold jazz medium reeds. It helps me to have much more larger dynamics (in thé fortissimo as in the piano) and it allows me clear overtones too. It feels great.
i have been play the mouthpiece that come with the saxophone and I haven't had an doubts with it
On Tnr, a Meyer 6 M (medium chamber & lay) with a 2 1/2 reed (Rico Royal), with the old fashioned 2 screw ligature on a Mark VI Selmer (which I bought NEW in 1970). This set up is as comfortable as a favorite pair of shoes, & it is flexible in tone color. You are right, Tone comes from what you HEAR & how you shape it. You explain things better than I can, but I reckon that if you're comfortable you can put in the PRACTICE. The "gear" only makes it easier to play when you already know what you want. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. We never stop learning. All the best to you.
Thanks Deryck.
Excellent presentation 👏👏👏 I found the Jody Jazz #8 and the Runyon custom spoiler #6 work great for style playing on my 1923 Conn New Wonder Series 1....in you conclusion, it’s was best summarized ... thank you 😎🌈🌺🤙🏽
I bought a saxophone "Jean Paul" tenor it came with a mouthpiece and I bought a Yamaha 4c but I dropped the sax and the mouthpiece chipped so I now need a new one so I put the stock mouthpiece on and I don't like it at all to me to fat but sound quality sounds the same to me although I am new to playing saxophone almost a year now and finally I am able to read music and write the notes down but some songs I just read the sheet. Thanks for all your information I will look for online retailer with s trial period and get three try them out and send back what I don't like. By the way I did bring the sax to the shop and it is all better just knocked a spring off and dented a pad cover and cracked the mouthpiece. Thank you Pete
Thanks for making and sharing this. I hadn't considered the factor of trying the mouthpiece at home or your practice studio since that's what you're used to hearing. Great thought! I've played a Berg Larsen for years because I like the sound, but I don't feel completely comfortable in the low register with it, so I'm considering something else. It's also very bright, and I'm open to something with a warmer tone.
I recommended it to someone else earlier in this thread, so I'll say it again here: try the Morgan Jazz. I played a Berg Larsen 95/1/M for years, and, for me. the Morgan simply outplays it.
I use a Theo Wanne Gaia 2 in 7* and the reeds that works for me is a Legere signature 2 reed in synthetic and a Vandoren green java #2 in cane. Theo makes great mouthpieces. For soprano, I use a Theo Wanne Durga 3 in a 7 opening and D’iddario #2 medium jazz select cane reed and Legere signature #2 in synthetic reeds. What works for me may not work for you, so always experiment with different reeds. Always wash your mouthpiece after playing to prevent calcium buildup. And always store your mouthpiece in a safe location. Always bring at least 2 mouthpieces to a gig.
Good advice, thanks! I want to echo Tip #5, use new reeds! I think the reed begins to conform to the shape of the mouthpiece in just a few minutes. So, I suggest to only play a minute or two, then try mouthpiece #2, repeat, etc.
I guess there was not a question in there! I think I answered it! I have 4 mouthpieces and I think I decided to stay with what I have! if I can't play with what I have I should not play. love your site and videos ! Vinny
Thank you so much. I will stop picking your brains now as you are probably busy X. But thanks for the videos they really help especially as I'm teaching myself. Wish my budget would stretch to a few lessons So please keep the videos coming x
Hank mobley phrase! Happy new year!
I'm a somewhat intermediate sax player and I do everything there is possible in high school band, marching, pep, jazz, symphonic, etc. I've used a Meyer 6m for marching, pep, and jazz and it works great. The past year I used vandoren java strength 3 reeds on it, and it works great for marching and pep, but I'm going to try softer reeds for jazz so I can have better dynamic range. I use a selmer e for symphonic and it gives me a darker tone that I wouldn't get on my meyer. I also happen to have an old, used ottolink tone edge 6* in my case that i haven't really played on, but I plan to test it out.
Thanks for the comment.
Aye i love the remember solo
I play a S80 C* with a 2.5 reed Ricco Royal held by a standard Selmer ligature, upgraded to a Meyer 6M with a 3 Ricco Royal held by a Rovner Eddie Danielo ligature.
Today, based on your video abd those of Stantawn Kendrick & Chez Taylor, I treated myself to a Selmer Soloist D (slightly bigger tip opening) with a 2.5 Ricco Royal (opted for a softer one because of the bigger opening) held in place by a new Vandoren M/O ligature and man what a difference! Exercised for nearly one hour but didn't feel like stopping.
Thanks for your methodology and your many tips Jay which gave me the courage to start playing again after 11 years break
Thierry, fantastic to hear that. I'm happy for you!
Thierry Martin ml MN
Thierry Martin sex
Thierry Martin
I've really liked finding your channel. I played from grade school through college jazz band and almost never since. I enjoy seeing lots of new topics and lots of familiar ones.
One thing I'm interested in is the mechanics of the mouthpiece. I had several and all I know is there was a lot of lore about mouth pieces, but I had no idea what the numbers on them meant, the sizes, and what makes one better or worse. I know my teacher really wanted me to buy a Caraval mouthpiece with that new fangled rovner ligature. The mouth piece was supposedly hand tuned. I liked that Caraval, but I didn't know why it was supposed to be better than my selmer C* mouthpiece.
So sorry, I meant Caravan mouth piece.
Yeah !!! Hank Mobley Soul Station's first track .... Irving Berlin's 'Remember' .... nice tune for tenor sax!!
Man u always on with the good knowledge..thanks
Really liking a Otto Link 6 ToneMaster
with 2.5 Vandoren ZZ on a 1970s Conn 10M tenor ..nice full responsive R&B tone ..love your videos & have suscribed. Horn was a repadded Ebay purcahase. Thanks much!
+Bruce K sounds like a great setup.
I actually have been using the same as Thierry for Alto but a Berg Rubber and Jody Jazz 7 DV Metal depending on what the gig requires
Super tip,thanks buddy
It's implied with the "Tip 8: Long Trial Period," and your choice of test material, but I feel it's so important to test a mouthpiece on music that is controlled and structured. Sometimes a piece that really sings or screams with your hottest licks can utterly fail when placed in a controlled situation, say middle harmony of a sax soli or in a ballad. If you can't take a piece out of the store or don't have a long trial period, test it on something like a Ferling etude. If a jazz mouthpiece can't hack something that controlled or exposed, chances are, it will give you fatigue, response, or intonation problems down the road. I have a screaming Morgan 7E that I have actually played classical gigs on because the piece is made well enough for me to play with that precision.
Another great video (I'm slowly catching up), I like best the tip about "a long trial period". Any piece of equipment is a bit of a challenge, easy to give up too soon
What would be interesting to me is a discussion / comparison about the anatomy of a mouth pieces that the expected effects. For example, do they have different lengths and internal diameters and why?
Thank you for your video, it is very usefull!
I will not buy a new mouthpiece for now) But I really wish to)
I have a few questions to you: is it really the best way to perform sax with a new reed? Because you will never know is it good one or not really good. It will not be too late on the stage, is it?
what do you think about leather holder for the reeds? Can it change the sound?
Okay, here is what works for me and what I use. Tenor, a 1960 metal FL Otto Link 8* w/a Silver Selmer ligature either a Queens or Rico 2.5 reed. I sometimes use a Legere Studio Cut 2.5 for practice or teaching to save my cane reeds for gigs etc. My tenor is a Selmer Mk VI 214,xxx. Alto, a late 1960's White Brilhart Tonaln 3* mpc, no serial #. I use a LaVoz med-hard reed w/an old Rovner ligature. My horn is a Cannonball Big Bell Series w/the vintage or bare brass finish. The horn looks like it was made in 1940 or earlier. One note about the old Brilhart facings. Tommy Newsom (yes that guy from the J.Carson Show) told me that the stamped # was inaccurate. That the facings were at least 1 - 2 sizes bigger than stamped. Okay both of these setups work really great for me. To be honest both of these setups I kind of fell into. The Link I bought for $50 from a retired Army Band guy. The Brilhart was in the lucky box at my 1st Navy Band. The Supply guy just let me have it for free, off the books. Good luck on your search. You might find a vintage mpc at a repair shop if the guy gets a horn from a flea market, a lady who is selling her husbands old horn etc. Sometimes they will break up the set and sell you the old Link, Brilhart or whatever that is in the case.
Thank you 👍
Being new to the sax, do you eventually develop an ear for the sounds that you get from these mouthpieces? Because they almost sound the same to me.Thanx in advance
awesome thoughts etc
Hi, Jim. I enjoy your UTube presence and clarity in the things you say. What is you opinion about the Selmer c-star mouthpiece for an alto sax? Or do you recommend something else that is not outrageously expensive but gives a sweet sound?
Hi..
Hard to give advice on a mouthpiece ...as what works for one doesn’t work for another...
Practice and long tones works the best..
I use a slant link 7* from the 70’s ..on a tenor Ref 54.. Selmer..non lacquered...
Gives me a great sound...but that’s the sound l want.. maybe not for someone else ..
Great work ..keep it up..
From one teacher to another..
Very useful, thank you. I am currently using a Yamaha 6CM mouthpiece with a Vandooren Optimum ligature and Ligere 2.75 synthetic reed on a Yamaha AS280. I am considering upgrading the mouthpiece, possibly to an Aizen Jazzmaster or a Drake. Do you have any opinions about those makes of mouthpieces?
Im a bari sax player and im looking for a new mouthpiece. Ive been playing for a year or so and am really getting into jazz. I hear that metal mouthpieces are very good for bringing out bright tone color, and this video helps. I currently use a standard 5c rubber yamaha mouthpiece. I have one other that came with my jupiter horn, but I am not a fan. What price range should I be searching for? Im currently trying to keep it to under $200.
I use Meyer 6M with size 3 ZZ's on YTS 875 and I use a Link Tone Master with size 3 V16's on a SA80 Series II alto. NOt too happy with the tenor setup. But that horn needs work so i can't be too judemental on the mouthpiece setup. lol. i do love the sound i get from zz reeds though. A1.
I use Meyer 6 M on Tenor. 2.50 reed. It works for me on every gig. From R&R to "cool Jazz" this set-up is flexible. HEAR the sound & your TOUNGE will make the shape to play it. TONE = Long note practice + tounge-shape.
I played a lot through high school and college then gave it up. 20+ years later I picked up a Yamaha student model and relearning. The Yamaha 4C that came with it is going to be overwhelmed soon. I get what you are talking about only checking 3 mpcs at a time. Works if you are comparing a Jazz Select 7C against a Meyer 7M or the like. But, what if you didn't know if a 5M is what you need or a 6M or some other size variation. I'm getting some chops back but I don't practice 4 to 5 hrs a day like I did back then. It will be more like a half hour a few times a week. Any suggestions. Maybe play different sizes on a "safe" mpc like a Meyer or a Jazz Select or is there a guesstimate formula for selecting a tip opening size? I almost considered getting a 5C Yamaha to feel what it was like. But, it will all depend on finding a reed that makes it happy too. If I ever reasonably close to the level I was at I would love to play with the local university's summer jazz ensemble and also the community band. So, I need a basic mpc that makes the all around playability better. Definitely not looking for a wild child screamer of a mouthpiec :-). Thoughts?
I play a C* Selmer soloist on my alto with a L'egere Signature 2.5 or Rico Royal 2.5, on Tenor I am using a Vandoren Optimum TL3 with a L'egere Sig 2.5
I’ve been playing for about a decade. Started on the USA Selmer for both alto and tenor, then went through a music uni and went through the standard ‘you gotta get a pro horn, a pro mp etc’. Which I did. I stuck with the 62 silver for both because it gave me much sought after individuality in look and sound. Probably just ego crap although I’d never buy anything less than a 62 nowadays. I’m poor, so the Paris Selmers and JK’s are out of bounds. I’m making the story longer then need be. By offchance I had the most recent teacher telling me how she just likes the stock 4C and plays that. It was my budget ballpark so I stuck a 2 1/2 reserve on tenor and select jazz 2 medium on alto. It was fun. Other then not being able to reach the upper dynamics, I don’t gig these days so I don’t need to, the 4c gives me joy that the pro mp’s didn’t. It’s plastic, so a lot less lifespan, but it’s $50.00 in aus. Immediately before the 4c I played a Beechler Bellite. Great pop mp for gigs but otherwise too loud. And I can play soft, but why have a Beechler then. Here I am using that word again. Fun. For a lack of a better term. That’s what 4c’s given me. Fun. And it could be psychiatric(psychological), but I’m a student on this mp. No pressure. I play it for a lovely sound, not use chops to get a good sound. And I can buy 12 of them for the price of one Beechler. There’s my lifespan. I really do type too much.
Stop self censoring. You're an artist, this is about the craft. All data is good data
Jay - can you do a video that explains different tone descriptions like 'dark', 'bright', 'warm', etc., hopefully with examples....? (low intermediate player)
I am going to ask a question concerning Reeds, this is only my opinion, however, I love the Legere Signature Series reed! I am relatively a new player so I am not an endorser of them at all, I play the Theo wanne Durga 3 HR, Alto Sax MP Tip 6, anyway, I am going to stay with this and work with it because I have spent too much money on Mouthpieces to try to search for the holy trail and the holy trail is not out there! Vinny
Can a student saxophone benefit from a mouthpiece upgrade as well? I was considering the jumbo java a45 with the optimum ligature annd Vandoren v16 #3 reeds.
I have a used YAS-23, thank you EBay and Meyer Music in Wisconsin...
I'm lazy and cheap, so 4C mouthpiece and Legere reed. 2.5. I guessed when i bought it, lol.
I like your red javas best, tho.
I think you should keep the horn and reed consistent to be able to tell the difference.
Took your advice, getting sax lessons thru a good, high-endy music school out here. Cache of a known school, hopefully cheaper and more real-world theory/playing advice over a whole ton of stuff that's boring and i never use :)
They also have neighborhood band stuff, even for zero experience, which will PROBABLY be a gold mine of phenomenal uses and info, without the huge expense of a degree. I just sent you an email the other day on which school, so i can send the link if you know anyone out here who would benefit from that.
I think it's 30/yr (yup, read that right) for college students, like 200.00 if you aren't.
I play a Otto link 7* super tone master on tenor but I want a link for alto and soprano because I want a darker sound and a brighter sound on baritone sax like the Jody jazz jet.
I use a Vandoren v16 A5 medium chamber mouthpiece a 3.5 zz vandoren reed and a rovner the dark ligature and a buffet crampon evette sax.
I started playing the alto saxophone about 3 and a half months ago and I just went into high school and it’s pretty difficult and jazz band is also pretty difficult, is there a difference between what ligature I use and how do I do the swing thing with certain parts, like on our jazz band music we have a improve part and at the start it’s just like a scale but my director tells us to swing it and I have no idea how to do it
What would be the best dadarrio select jazz mouthpiece to get for a Alto saxophone? I have a Yamaha YAS-280.
I used to have a selmer VI long time ago I still regret selling it. It was an incredible horn .
Why’d you sell it???
Hi X great helpful videos I've just started playing soprano sax never played a sax before but love it. It's a cheap sax I have to admit as my budget is low and I am struggling with correct mouthpiece I have a Yamaha 4c with a vandoren 1.5 reed as I'm a beginner I thought the soft reed and small tip opening will be right for me. But still get some squeaking especially on the g. As my budget is low can you recommend a beginners alternative please. Oh and I have just downloaded that tonal energy app you recommend see if that will help with my embrouche thanx
Hey, soprano saxophone is challenging especially for beginners. Squeaking is common for beginners too. Most important thing for you to do is make sure you are setting up your reed very carefully. Watch my video on this and follow the instructions. Your Yamaha 4c mouthpiece is a very good choice and you should stick with that for a while. Get yourself some #2 and 2.5 reeds as well. You may be ready to move up already. If not, you will use them later. 1.5s are very soft.
Squeaks can also be a result of mistakenly touching the palm keys when trying to play other notes, so pay careful attention to your finger position.
Good luck.
I’m currently playing a metal Otto link STM 7* with a Vandoren java jazz unfiled strength 3 reed on my tenor, I enjoy the playability and the sound but I’m looking for a new mouthpiece with a darker sound and more overtones for a nice smooth sound in the lower range of the horn. Are there any mouthpieces you might suggest to achieve that type of tone quality? Thanks, Thomas
Francois Loius Ligature as well
Hi! I would like to know a litle more about Vandoren Jumbo Java T97 mouthpiece. I don't have found enough information about this vintage Vandoren mouthpiece as so far, the appropriate reed and ligature to be used on this very expressive tenor sax mouthpiece type. Thank you for your attention.
André Dantas
Intermediate Sax Player
Country: Brazil
Are most cheap mouthpieces that come with the saxophone 3C? I've been playing on it awhile starting to move up reeds. Wonder what mouthpiece I should upgrade to as a transitional mouthpiece.
Have you played with any Syos mouthpiece? Are they any good?
Good day my namei is john and i have been following you for awhile.permit me to thank you for the info.i play the tenor sax and am not to happy with my sound i will like to change the mouth piece can you recommend a good mouth piece not to expensive about a 100 or below.thank you.and what's the best reed to go with that mouthpiece ,presently im using a rico m7. I use to use the original mouthpiece the sax came with my problem with the rico m7. Is when i put on the reed there is this space on top of the mouthpiece between the reed and the mouth piece .and it does not sit flat on the mouthpiece. By the way i do spend alot of time practicing ,because as you have said you can have the most expensive mouthpiece ,but if you not putting the time in the instrument you will not get the quality sound you looking for. Thank you john
I know it's been awhile, but what was your final thoughts on the D'addario D7M?
Been using a Zhenghao C-7 Chinese mouthpiece,
Thinking of changing,
Never heard of that one, but you are probably due for something different.
Hi, what’s your opinion on Ponzol mouthpiece? Not much info about them on RUclips. Brass vs stainless steel?!
I have to mouthpieces one is a selmer c * and the other is a Selmer soloist d defacing Royal Rico number 2 and 1/2 read and both have Rovner dark ligatures I have two saxophones one is an old Bundy tenor and the other is a p Mauriat pmxt 66rul I'm a beginner
just practicing long tones I like the selmer soloist d a little better
then my c * but both sound great
+chriss1152 Stick with what feels best to you. The D is more open and should be slightly easier to play.
Another great video Jay. Do you have two or three alternative mouthpeices that you could recommend. I am currently been using a Ysmaha 4C. I have noticed that with a specific mouthpeice there are different sizes/shapes depending on the tip opening. Is there a range a beginner should limit themselves tor? or its just a case of trying them out?
Abi, Good question! If you're a beginner, the Yamaha 4C is a good choice and can work well for you for a long time. Best to stick with something that is very middle of the road, (not too open or closed) until you have advanced further and want to be more specific with the sound and style you are playing. Trying different reeds is also important.
I just started playing my saxophone again for the first time in nearly 20 years. My wife had mine fixed up and bought the parts I needed to get it up and running again. I bought an inexpensive student mouthpiece to start playing again with a Rico strength 3 reed. I was surprised how well I could still play. When should I upgrade my mouthpiece? I have a new ligature coming in a couple days since all the music store had was a real cheap one.
me too....so 2 years later, how is it going? My embouchure is foof! Using an old Martin mpc that came with my old tenor! Tried my bergs, could not play for more than 30 minutes without my jaw clamping up..finally dug out and H Couf J9*S with serious baffle, and it seemed to wake the horn up...
Love the Dextor Gordon line you played!! From Second Balcony Jump??
Yeah, I was transcribing that one at the time.
Yep, I transcribed the same line :)
@@bettersax
I play a Jody Jazz Jet 6 with a Vandoren red java 3
Thank you for your reply. I've installed the app with the tuner and it's great But set it to soprano sax and bflat but a lot of the notes arnt what I'm playing is that me and being inexperienced or is it that my sax was very cheap X
As I said, soprano is challenging and playing it in tune takes time and lots of practice. Very soft reeds make it easy to get a sound, but offer little control over that sound. Don't worry too much about the intonation yet. Concentrate on learning the notes and fingerings, and getting a pleasing tone.
Anyone know local music shops in Indianapolis that allow you to test and have a good selection?
Can you please do a video of mouthpiece sizes...and purpose...since i’m complete new.b ,,excuse my ignorance
Which ones give you darker sounds?
I play on a Vandoren V16 T7 and Vandoren V16 size 3 reeds. I was wondering how you like the metal V16. The sound I am looking for is a lush vintage jazz sound, but I just wanted to see how you like them both since you’ve played on them for a little bit. Thank you!
I played the metal Vandoren V16 for a year at least. I like it, just am more in a hard rubber vibe these days. You can definitely get a nice classic jazz tenor sound with that one.
So Jay, what is your decision regarding the D'Addario Jazz Select? I think you sound better on it than on the V16 metal ... BTW, I just bought a Yanagisawa TWO10, very cool horn. I wonder how it compares to a T880?
+Marc Vanden Eynden I took it to my gig that night and couldn't really subtone at all so that threw me off and since I was doing gigs all summer, I stuck with the Vandoren which I was more comfortable with. It's true that it does sound good in the video when I listen back. Congrats on the new horn! I have a TWO10U on the way from Japan, so when it arrives, I'll be doing a comparison video for sure.
A tip I have is always have 2 good but slightly different mouthpieces it stops you keep hunting for a new mp everytime you get frustrated with your sound. just play the other piece and get some perspective on the main piece and ghent pros and cons
2 or 10... haha
Just to add that shops in a lot of countries (e.g, South Korea, where I live) won't let you try mouth pieces out. You try it, you buy it.
What mouthpiece would be good between Meyer 6m, Otto Link 6*, Vandoren V16, or Vandoren Jumbo Java A45, D'addario select jazz 6m, jodyjazz Jet 6m for alto saxophone? I am looking to play jazz and want the mouthpiece to give a nice sound and not be too bright.
Have you watched my video on alto mouthpieces? I talk about a few of the ones on your list. I would recommend the D'addario, but it's best if you try them yourself and decide.
Hi Jay, So what is your preferred piece Metal or rubber ? I started out on Selmer C* (alto) but I bought a beechler belite metal (sop) which I play great but I have a arb for my alto just cannot play it to sound ok. What I like with the metal M/piece, is that there are so much smaller in my mouth which I love. so I am in the hunt for a metal piece which is smaller and give a sound like the older type of jazz sound. I have being listening to the Berg Larson/ Lawton & Selmer jazz metal on F# due to now I play a soloist F. Any help would much appreciated
Valley, I played on a Vandoren Metal V16 T7 for a while and like it very much. I prefer hard rubber mouthpieces though.
How long after starting to learn (obviously depending on level of growth) would you recommend trying new mouthpieces?
I got a second hand mouthpiece with my sax, and it sounds nice but would like to try and metal mouthpiece :)
Hi how are you? :D I believe once you are an intermediate player is a good time to start. Make sure you’ve played hours and hours on your current one before you decide to switch, since it might just be you, not the piece. 😃😃
I am really finding your reviews very detailed. Thanks for your effort. :) As a fresh saxophonist, I noticed here (as you are filming this very closely to your mouth) a lot of jaw movements. Is that somehow related to intonation correction of tones? The reason that I am asking is bcs I am having a lot of problems with intonation, some tones are highly out of tune and now I am thinking that this movement is related to that "intonation correction". I don't know if you are able to respond here, but it will mean a lot to me if you do so. Thanks a lot and keep up the good work. :D
Lazar Todic yes! More advanced players know that opening your jaw makes your sound flatter and tightening your jaw makes it sharper. If you think you’re able to play notes and rhythms accurately well, then the next thing to learn is mouth adjustments to get each note in tune.
could you do one for buying a new saxophone?
Good idea for a video. Will add it to the list.
@@bettersax hello. I love your vids.
I have a question about what tone I should be going for when playing with a backtrack, I will be playing and singing solo to a lot of sinatra, Kurt elling and sam butera/louis prima songs. I feel like the sax used by sam may be quite different then what I hear in Sinatra’s music but that may just be a style difference and I’m not good at hearing that. In my situation should I be looking for a brighter tone mouthpiece or darker? I have no preference at the moment.
I absolutely love Sam Butera. Go for the tone of your favorite players. Try playing along with the recordings and matching your sound as much as possible. Over time, you will develop your own sound, but with a nice influence. I recommend going for something more middle of the road so you have options. I like mouthpieces that can play any style pretty well.
Better Sax thank you!!
As an alto player, I personally prefer a darker, more velvet like sound over that bright jazzy sound. That's why I have an S80 C*, which as a pretty small tip opening, coupled it with Vandoren V12 3.5 reeds. Perfect combination for a very deep, dark, classical sound.
I just got a Conn 10M. I bought a Meyer G facing, 5* tip. It seems to be a medium chamber, from what little I know about it. I found that to not have it play sharp I have to pull the MP out until only a half inch is left on the neck cork. I'm told that 10M's like a large chamber MP and the reason for pulling it out is effectively making a larger chamber. I have a cheap plastic Yamaha MP that plays in tune with the MP half way on the neck cork. Do you have any recommendations for a mouthpiece for my 10M ?
David, watch my videos on alto and tenor sax mouthpiece recommendations. Lots of ideas in there.
I've seen this before. I watched it again. Very informative. It makes the point that you don't need to spend $600 to get a good MP. However my question remains unanswered. I've been commiserating with folks at Sax on the web about this. Conn 10m's tend to play sharp unless you have a MP with a lot of chamber volume. So say many guys. This has been my experience as well. I was wondering if you've had experience with the 10M and could recommend a piece for it. I'm leaning toward a Link or a Morgan.
Morgan Jazz. Great mouthpiece.
Any advice on the Claude Lackey mouthpiece?
I would like a free blowing mouthpiece but a little more versatile I was trying to figure out the difference between a 4*3 versus 5*3? My playing are more focused on soloing, church, weddings, nursing homes. I don’t do gigs and bands anymore.
Hi there --- I'm just starting to play tenor again after 30 year - I have a Martin Searchlight and it came with a Selmer mouthpiece which is so worn I can't make out any other marks - It's ok for now but I don't want to get into any long term bad habits so I'm ready to look into purchasing a new one - - the nearby store may let me try out a few as you suggest - but the shop owner is more of a string instrument type person - could you suggest a few standards to to give me a starting point --- I like a warm - low sound which is why I love my tenor ---- thanks ~~JE
oh I'm using #2 Vandoren reeds --- working my way up to 2 1/2 ---
Jane, you should start out with some mouthpieces that are not too open. They will be easier to play and give you more of a warm sound. Anything that feels good to you is fine, but mouthpieces made by vandoren, are easy to find and fairly priced. They also are fairly easy to resell down the line. This is a very helpful chart for reference: www.vandoren-en.com/file/144757/
hi . whow you call that small piece that you use to flat the reeds??
That's a ReedGeek. I've got a video about how to use it coming next week.
What do you use for flattening the reed on its bottom?
+ben landro that's called a reedgeek. work's great
I did the big big mistake to buy a mouthpice that is beutifule, but is a #8 tenor sax and is so dificult to play it takes a lost of air
evrey thing you say not to do i did it, So any thing that I can do ?? I realy want to keep this mouthspice ( Ivan Meyer from Brazil ) heand make
Your only real option is to go for a softer reed to ease the blowing resistance. The only issue this may cause is that with a wide tip opening and a soft reed its quite tricky to keep in tune; especially in the upper register.
Hello. Been enjoying your channel & would like to ask a question. I am a longtime Alto player, but just acquired my first Tenor & it is consistently sharp with the Rico M7 that I am using. Logic is telling me to lengthen the horn so I was thinking long shank mouthpiece. Some vintage seller suggested a large round chamber piece. I could really use some advice from a credible source. What can I do to get my intonation in check? Thank You!
You can always pull your mouthpiece out a little further but you most likely need to loosen up your embouchure.
@@bettersax I have to back the mouthpiece off all the way so it is barely hanging on to get close to pitch. Had to applied heat to the cork to expand it & that helped to a certain degree, but that's no way to live.
This is why I lean toward it being an equipment issue. If my embouchure were any looser I would be playing nothing. ; )
So if the sound is all down to you why so many mouth piece options ?
Good question Grant. Different mouthpiece designs help you get the sound you're after more easily. Sometimes we want to change the sound a bit depending on the style we are playing in. And purely for the fun of playing on different mouthpieces. Also, the sound is never all down. I work on it everyday.
$$$?
Selmer S90 and Van Doren #3
solid setup.
You had a video on how to properly put on a mouthpiece. Now I can’t find it. Can you please guide me to it?
Thanks 🙂
+soulmusic here's the link: ruclips.net/video/lHq4mLzS_DQ/видео.html
What was that tool to scrape Reed?
That's the Reed Geek tool.
Norberto (Brazil) soloist sax mouthpieces tenor & alto
With daddario filed 3m reeds
I would like to hear somebody's ideas on reed gap. I'm getting a Theo Wayne slant Sig 2. And I could get 6,7, or 8. I'm going to get the 8, because that is what the other guy likes. But I would like to know what to expect. I tried at my local music store and they don't have anything open as far as an 8. He did say that metric goes up to 1 through 10. So, I dunno.
That's an expensive mouthpiece to invest in before knowing what size is right for you. What the other guy likes might be very different from what YOU like. Maybe you should choose from what is available for you to try at the store...
expensive ... TRUE. But I think I am going to need to try. I got a metal mouthpiece a couple years past. It wasn't exactly cheap, $150. And it was so bright, and hard to play the lower register. That I just hate it, and it mainly stays in the case. But this mouthpiece would go the other direction, I think. With a big baffle and a wide #7 reed gap. I'm thinking it would be a lot darker and play in the low tones easier. I looking at the Theo Wayne Slant Sig 2 #7 at $370. In your own eyes, what to YOU think?
You can get a Vandoren V16 and the new D'addario 7 that I play in this video. order from amazon, use a patch on both, and send them back if you don't like them. Or keep them both and get a nice ligature for less than the Wanne piece. Honestly, it takes years of playing at a high level to appreciate the subtle differences of custom mouthpieces. More expensive does not always mean better either.
7:14 was that from a gordon solo
Question.... Im playing a Dukoff D8 right now... 0.085 tip opnening. I make it sound just with 2' reed. I fI try to play 2 1/2 is too difficult. Now Im gonna buy a Beechler custom bellite. But Beechler 7 has the same tip opnening that dukoff d8 0.085. And I have a lot of reeds 2 1/2. Do you recommend me to buy Beechler 6 better?. Thanks for help.
Andres,
Don't buy your mouthpiece to match your reeds! Also tip opening is not the only thing that affects what strength of reed works best. There is also the facing curve and other factors to take into account. You can't know what reed is best until you've tried them. Also, reed strength varies a lot from one brand to the next. Try some other brands of reeds. If you are not using your 2 1/2 reeds anymore, keep them, you will surely use them on another mouthpiece in the future. Good Luck.
So I notice your jaw moving back and forth during play. Is there a video explaining embouchure changes throughout the scale? Thanks.
+Robyn C check out my embouchure tutorial video ruclips.net/video/woQ00Zx-OoY/видео.html My jaw movement in this video is from the articulations in the bebop phrasing.
Thanks Jay, although I've watched that one a few times now it doesn't actually go into jaw movement. I appreciate that as a beginner I should concentrate on my embouchure solely encompassing the mouthpiece, but I can't help but ask for more information. I've also seen flute players doing jaw movements.
BTW ... love your video tutorials, very informative, thank you!
I am a total beginner. On tenor. Can't afford to go trying all kinds of mouthpieces at $100 an up each. But I am convinced mouthpieces can be a whole game changer. How? Why? Because I got one of those cheap Alto saxes. It blows so much easier all across the range.
That's just got to be the mouthpiece, doesn't it? So I'll be looking for some others to try.
I did get one other with the tenor when I got it but it doesn't make any difference. No easier, no harder. Sound no better. Made me think don't bother about playing with mouthpieces.
And a sax video somewhere said new beginners should just concentrate on getting started, don't fuss with mouthpieces.
But jesus, if I'd started with this alto i would have progressed at twice the speed or more.
That wouldn't be just because it's an alto because I'm not talking about the whole playing thing I'm just talking about how easy the thing speaks and from low to high.
Have massive problems on low with the tenor.
So maybe I'm wrong but I'm now thinking mouthpieces can make a total difference.
it's because of air, on tenor it's harder to push air compared to alto because of the size difference between the two, the same amount of air doesn't go as far on tenor
Hmmm...There is one problem with buy and try , the money you spend on it. There are a lot of types and sizes of mouthpieces from different brands and we can not try all , if I'll order 3 random mouthpieces and all will not fit ? So I'll need to buy more and more till i get the one I've looking for.
Same in reeds.
There are so many types and brands and sizes, its like looking for a a needle in the sand.
m
Of course