How many mouthpieces do you really need?
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- Опубликовано: 24 авг 2024
- Here is a list of what I believe are the essential must have types of mouthpieces. I am still investigating the Chinese brands so they were left off of this list.
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Hey Adrien, your approach is exactly the same that I use with great success. Everything you say here
works. I use the mouthpiece that came with the horn as a base that i check in on to get my embouchure
back to normal after playing too many other pieces. I have everything you have here except my high end
pieces are different .I play in so many different musical and acoustical situations, that one mouthpiece is not enough.
I have been playing professionally since 18 and i am now 74. I value your contribution highly, thank you!
I agree with what you said about playing on the mouthpiece that came with your sax, mostly. I started on a cheap Chinese alto and it had a mediocre mouthpiece so while you can get a good mouthpiece with the saxm some don't come with great mouthpieces. I think it was supposed to be a plastic copy of a Selmer C* or Yamaha has it had a square chamber, but when I played it the intonation wasn't great. When I upgraded and got my Yamaha alto and the Yamaha 4C that was a different story, played it until I found the sound wasn't what I was after, but it lasted me months of playing before I upgraded and sold it.
I have a minor physical limitation of a slightly short lower jaw so it's taken me awhile to find a mouthpiece/reed/ligature combination that works with my mouth/jaw shape and can give me an ease of playing without an airy sound and isn't too dark or too bright sounding. I have also found getting the right reeds a little tricky as I find reeds that are labelled freeblowing, give me a buzzy sound at the strength I can play or an airy sound with the strength I can't so I need a little resistance in the reed, but not too much.
I have tested several mouthpieces before settling on 3 currently. I now have a Selmer S80 C** with a Francois Louis Ultimate Ligature. I find the narrower tip easy to play and get a good dark sound on, but after 15-20 minutes I get fatigue on it and can't play on it for long, but I like the tone I get. I use Legere Studio Cut reeds but may need slightly more freeblowing reeds to counter the fatigue I get. I tried Legere Signature reeds but couldn't get the response I was after and tested 4 different strength reeds on it.
I had to get another mouthpiece that gave me the same ease of playing but without the fatigue so fast. I bought a Yamaha 7C as I thought that might give me the ease of playing.while I am looking for another mouthpiece and ligature. I found the 7C really easy to play with the Francois Louis ligature, but on any reed I tried, I got a bit of a buzz in the sound so don't play on it at the moment as I don't like the buzz I get.
I used to use a JodyJazz HR* 6M but found the tip a little wide and got more of an airy sound so don't use it at the moment. I recently got the HR* in a 5M tip. I play on it with a Rovner dark ligature. I can play on the 5M and don't get fatigue anywhere near as fast. I can play for 30-40 minutes before needing a break from playing compared to the 15-20 minutes on the Selmer S80, It also feels the most comfortable for me to play on out of all the mouthpieces I have used so far and it is my favourite of all around mouthpieces. It is not too dark or too bright with a very slight edge and good projecting which I really like.
My only issue with it at the moment is that I am getting a very slight airy sound on the reed strength I can play on it, and find low notes a little hard to get out. I use Legere Studio cut reeds on it, but they are a bit too bright sounding on it and I think the Rovner ligature is adding resistance and dampening the sound too much for me and making the low notes harder to get out and will need to find a better, more freeblowing ligature and darker sounding reeds with the same resistance as the Studio Cut.
I'll echo the sentiment on trying the mouthpiece that came with your instrument.
I recently play tested JK Alto Shadow. I drove 9 hours each way to try one out. I'd played the Baritone version and loved it, but it was out of budget, but it made me curious about the Alto as that was a possibility price wise, but I still wasn't going to buy one blind so I drove the 9 hours each way. Whilst I was testing it out the salesman suggested I try out the mouthpiece it comes with because he suggested it was actually really good, and I actually liked it more than my own. I didn't have the budget at the time to buy it, but I knew when I did I was unlikely to have the time to make the trip, so at least this way I could mail order one when I did have the budget with confidence knowing I'd already play tested one. Fast forward a couple of months and I found a second hand JK Alto Shadow locally, however it didn't come with the mouthpiece. I bought the sax and have asked the store to see if they can source the stock mouthpiece it comes with as I'd love to have one for it.
Also the first instrument I learnt was clarinet and this was before the days of RUclips to tell me that I could have a hundred different mouthpieces. I really knew nothing and it was only after 5 years of learning at school did the teacher suggest that it was probably time to upgrade my mouthpiece to improve my sound. He brought in several for myself and another student to play test and I was surprised how much of a difference changing the mouthpiece made. Suffice to say we found one that improved my sound significantly and the amusing part was it was the cheapest of the selection he brought in. To get a similar sound the other student needed a different mouthpiece.
I really like the idea of having a wider tip opening of your same piece to adjust to a softening reed! I think the late great michael brecker may have done this because I recall seeing a picture posted of his cabinet of various equipment and among the boxes of reeds and tuners etc. he had about 10-16 of the same guardala mouthpiece in there by what I could tell! Dan Higgins 1st call sax player in LA he has played on hundreds of recordings and films (check out his interview on JoffeWoodwinds channel) He also advocates the method of switching reeds instead of mouthpieces based on the various musical situations you might be placed in. Food for thought.
Thanks for the info. I'll look into Dan Higgins
I have had two on my tenor in 60 years, am a pro. Soprano and alto, I've never found one that is "perfect."
Thank you very much for your teaching....! I played the M5 Rico Royal for years...now C5....Rico Royal
Love the content, I’ve been playing tenor sax for about 8.5 years at my school and I don’t regret switching to tenor from alto, keep up the great work
I am 76, play tenir since my 12 yo and I have 1 mouthpiece it has no number on it, just Made in Slovakia, A guy from a marching band gave it to me . I tried soo many Otto Link, Wanna, Berg Larsen etc… but nothing can beat what i have.
Recently got a Beechler Bellite for my alto and the thing absolutly ZINGS on the high notes especially. I'm not sure what to call it but it gets this great squeak or squeal on some high notes that actually adds to the flavor of the note. The Beechlers aren't cheap but well worth the ride you'll pay to go on with one.
I've gone the other way now, from having a bag full of mouthpieces to just the one. This is a personal thing of course, but as I play in a wide variety of settings, from Afrobeat to Zydeco, I've found that reed options to hand combined with an approach that lets the music tell you what to play, one mouthpiece can cover all the bases if you're really familiar with it.
And to all Sirvalorsaxites: Peace, and have a brilliant 2020! 🎄🎄🎄
Thanks!!! You Too!!
Zydeco? Where are you from?
@@alexandermelton8066 Scotland 👍
Merry Christmas And a happy New EyarMr. S.
And Thanks for All. Cheers
Thanks Merry Xmas
I really love the sound of Otto Link style mouthpieces on my tenor (e.g., V16 T6), but even the closest tip opening on these are too big for me ☹️
esplic according to the nozzle that cane uses
I just got a Tone Edge 7 to replace my metal Super Tone Master 8 and I actually like it enough that I’m thinking of selling both the STM and the Jumbo Java I’ve been using the past few months. I love the big fat sound I can get with the Tone Edge and that the low range still pops. There’s so much variation yet still so much consistency. As an oboist I have really loved trying out different mouthpieces for various saxes. I’m happy with how tenor sounds and feels now, but i still need a new piece for my soprano. I’m not in love with the sound I’m getting with the Yamaha 6C I got. Thinking of trying out a Selmer s90 because I absolutely love the sound that Marcus Strickland gets on soprano.
The mouthpiece that came with my horn had a table that wasnt very flat and buying a metalite just saved me a bunch of grief. After sanding the table i really like the sound of the mp just that i can never find a reed that works with it
If you go by the guitarist's train thought, you really never have enough. Seriously I have an Arnold Morgan Katana 7 and a Morgan Excaliber 8 L. Both are a .100 tip. The Morgan gives me that vintage link sound and the AM is for brighter sounds.
yamaha custom 5c, jody jazz dv, and vandoren optimum for me
I am afraid that I am going the other way. Seems that I have started a mouthpiece collection. I know that only hard work will improve playing, but I like gadgets so what can I do? Btw. I have a Rico Metalite M5 for alto, and I think it is way too bright, almost screaming.
I'll be getting another one for alto also
Kirk Whalum plays a Jody jazz hr. I’m looking for a Datta. Do you prefer the datta or the jumbo java? Just curious
The metal Datta is one of my all time favorite mouthpieces. I only sold mine because the tip opening was way too open for me. It was a nine. Too bad they don't make them anymore. I have seen some on Ebay though. Every year I ask the Theo Wanne company are they remaking it just for good measure and they always tell me to buy a $750 Shiva which is nothing like it. I prefer the metal over almost everything else I have reviewed
I really appreciate the insight bro, I reached out on the saxophonist page on Facebook and was able to buy one hard rubber for 200. I know I’ve been talking about Jody jazz for a while but even the jumbo Java makes me feel like I was riding a bike with training wheels all this time. That Jumbo Java is the real deal!! Can’t wait to get on that datta! I do a lot of guitar transcriptions on my channel and I need something that helps me play very precise. Thanks a lot for the input, always appreciated
How many mouthpieces one really needs? 365. One for each day in the year. :-)
40 is a lot ! I’ve been playing over 50 years and probably never owned more then 10 ! I played the same Link for over 35 years! I would need a different piece for playing Classical, another for jazz/big band abs and maybe one other for an R & B or fusion playing (I don’t actually play R & B or fusion, but used to play in Latin band where I played a Dukoff)
Nice, I'm downsizing though
I don’t know if you know this but I have a friend who is a nurse and she is a doctor
A mouthpiece is a piece of metal, plastic and hard rubber. Either it fits you or it don’t. Is there a relationship between the price and quality?
Mostly yes. Keep in mind, we might grow to like something later that we didn't like initially. Amazon has a great return policy so it's easy to return something that doesn't fit the sound you are going for.
Have you played Ted Klum pieces? I finish them. Hand facing takes years to become great at. The reason some 1000 dollar mouthpieces cost that much is because the amount of time and skill that goes into making them really is worth more like 3000.
I got 6 mouth pieces non of them more than 50 $ I got 2 chinese metal , one used cracked Selmer s 80 and modify by myself , but I uses only 2 of it one selmer 80( modify ) and plastic big sound one.
"Offensive to everyone" lmao I love the sound of Dukoff's so much, those and Berg's have definitely become my favorite general tones. I think from early childhood the opening themes of SNL, and Roseanne played a big role in that lol; bc we never had much sax music on around the house, outside of Kenny G--who is a great player, but not so much my thing.
I love those show intros and they are a big reason that I like making show theme videos
Dukoff D8 for my MARK VI ALTO 144382 is WORTH THE CASH 💰 I use DUKOFF D8 on my Tenor and Soprano playing but I’m A TRUE ALTO MAN BABY!
Greetings from Trinidad 🇹🇹,
Can you recommend a few more metal mouthpieces for smooth jazz.
I recently bought a tenor and I love it and currently only have one mouthpiece(Rico B5).
I’d like to keep my budget within $300, even if used.
Thanks✌️
I'm a huge fan of Diogo Pinheiro. Brasilian sax guy that endorses Ever-Ton pieces. I don't know how much they cost though. A lot of smooth jazz players seem to be moving to Jody Jazz pieces so maybe a used one could be in that price range
Sirvalorsax hey man thanks for the recc.
However I got an almost new SR tech Pro for less than that $300. I figured if I don’t like it I shouldn’t have any trouble reselling it.
I’m new to tenor so it’s the first mpc I’m purchasing.
It would take some time to ship, would appreciate your thoughts on it ✌️
I need 25 mouthpieces but only play one....oh well.
Hey Adrien,
I love your playing and your channel. My favourite piece you play is the Wood Stone. I was thinking of buying one. Would you mind commenting on the similarities and differences between it and your Otto Modern Vintage HR piece, which I also like a lot? I know the tip openings are quite different. I would be looking at getting a 7 in either and I can try out a few individual Otto pieces semi-locally. Also, do you remember what reed you had on the Wood Stone.
Cheers,
Joel
I feel like the Wood Stone is what Otto Link was trying to do but at a much cheaper price point. They aren't even in the same ballpark as far as I'm concerned. You pay more for the Ishimori but it is well worth it and that's why it is one of my top tier pieces. I'll do a comparison review of these two pieces pretty soon
Thanks. I was thinking in terms of timbre and general playing characteristics. I figured they wouldn’t be in the same ballpark in terms of quality. I have a beautiful Gabriel Vatavu piece on alto. A new vintage Meyer New York would be a suitable cheap backup but the quality is light years away from the GV piece.
The comparison video would be interesting, although the difference in quality will always less evident when a good player works hard to play as well as possible on the lesser piece. To me, effortlessness (not meaning lack of resistance) is a sign of a great piece.
So I’ve been on my modern Otto link tone edge for a few years now, and I’m looking for a change in my set up. I’ve been checking out a lot of mouthpieces, and I’ve finally settled on the Modern Otto Link Super Tone Master, but I’m an indecisive person and can’t decided on a tip opening. My Tone edge is a 6, if I wanted my super tone master to have a tad more resistance, which tip opening would you recommend? Sorry for the long comment lol.
I would make sure that I know the return policy of whoever the seller is and get a 6* and a 7. Return the one that you don't like. Usually there is a restocking fee and a cleaning fee
La mejor que le he oído a usted es simpre las vandoren v16 de metal..
it is still my #1 mouthpiece
Es mi boquilla numero uno
@@Sirvalorsax Ok! pues no la cambie jamas, le suena very good le suena con mucho aire y un brillo muy bonito, nada que ver con otra que suenan mas inertes.. saludos!!
You should try messaging yibuy directly on AliExpress. They have their products on there too
I'll look into it. Thanks
Are we in some kind of cult??? I love your videos. God bless. Bill - UK
Thanks
I recently got an otto link super tone master 6* and i’m having a lot of trouble with high notes. i can sub tone low notes well and all the way up to about a octave G. After that i have to change my embouchure to try and get out the high notes and they sound pretty bad. I use daddario select jazz 3M reeds filled.
For someone new to extending their range, you may find the 6* a little small for a tip opening on an Otto Link. This is my preferred tip opening size for most of my mouthpieces. Releasing the pressure off the mouthpieces will allow the reed to continue to oscillate as we play higher. I talk about this in my How to get started with Altissimo video
You need to get with Ken Berry, Saxscape.com, I always end up back on one of his pieces. His Slant, Hudson, FatCat are all real keepers at the 105 - 110 size are all great players and really in tune. Only the Jody Jazz DV series is as in tune from my experiences. Ken's pieces are a bit more reed friendly. His sax sound concepts are excellent. Good job on all the testing. It provides a lot of value to your community.
Great video! I’ve been using metalite M5 I play the blues. I’m looking for something to peel paint off the wall. Any suggestions?
What about the JodyJazz Jet? It will give you a big bright projecting sound.
What's the difference between alto sax mouthpiece size 6 and 7....and which should I get if I'm an intermediate player 🤔
Depends on how long you've been playing for. I dont know about tenor but im an intermediate on alto and I find the 7 too difficult to play on. If this translates to tenor I would definently recommend 6.
What mouthpiece/s do you usually play on alto?
I've been using the Cannonball mouthpiece that came with my Cannonball Vintage Reborn alto. I sold that horn but kept the mouthpiece
1
Merry Christmas bro!! Lovin’ the channel!! but, I’m telling ya mayne the JodyJazz Giant is PHENOMENAL!! It’s actually a metal piece. I switched to the Giant because I’ve been transcribe a lot of guitar solos. Check out some of my vids. The Giant is no joke!!
I know a couple of guys that play them and they love them. I think they are aluminum. I'll look into reviewing one if I can.
Merry Xmas!!
I don’t mind the sound of the Giant but the feel of it in the mouth is very off putting to me.
Joel Mollenhauer SAME HERE!! Believe it or not, I bought it and LOVED how it sounded and responded but I thought it felt weird so I sold it on eBay. Listening to a recording of myself playing it, I realized that I made a mistake so I bought it again. Took about a month get used to it but Now it plays like a dream! I feel happy just to play it! To me it’s the best of both worlds in a hidden treasure. My sound is way more dynamic and it cuts like a mutha!! I played a wedding a couple weeks ago and everybody was freaking out whenever I soloed (more than usual lol 😂) turns out that the soundman never turned on my microphone. The Giant is nothing to sleep on!
How many mouthpieces does a sax player need is the same as asking a guitar player how many guitars a guitar player needs. One more.
LOL
N
If the mouthpiece sounds good I would need 2 online for spare, that is what I think
lol
Syos mouthpiece review???
Plus 1 on the Syos review request, I am seriously considering purchasing one and I'd love to hear your opinion.
I want to see how much they cost. Anything more than $200 seems like a lot of money for plastic. They are my #1 requested video though so I'll see what I can do.
I have a SYOS that I bought in Paris for $200 and it is fantastic. Compares with my Lamberson SB7 and the Francois Louis 285. None of these are r&b pieces.
@@Osnosis I always wondered what they were changing for these pieces
Sirvalorsax There are also 10% discounts at some of the reviewer websites. I tried a soprano mpc, but it was on their sopranino, and I just couldn’t translate. Next time I might bring my soprano with me. Chad LB uses one now; he turned me on to the D’Addario before he switched to the SYOS.