The Lowdown on the Best Saxophone Mouthpieces
A saxophone mouthpiece is a piece of equipment that is used to produce sound on the saxophone. The mouthpiece is inserted into the player’s mouth and usually rests on the lower lip.
The material, shape, length, diameter and thickness of a mouthpiece will vary depending on what type of saxophone it is being used for, as well as personal preference.
The 3 Types of Saxophone Mouthpieces and Their Open-Mouth Benefits
Saxophone mouthpieces are made up of three types: closed-mouth, open-mouth, and hybrid. The difference between these mouthpieces is the way in which they are played.
Closed-Mouth: Closed-mouth mouthpieces only allow air to flow through the reed from one side. This allows for a more focused sound but does not allow for a lot of variation in dynamics or tone color.
Open-Mouth: Open-mouth mouthpieces allow air to flow through both sides of the reed, which allows for more variation in tone color and dynamics.
Hybrid: Hybrid saxophone mouthpieces combine features from both the closed and open mouthpiece types, giving them a sound that is focused but not as sharp as those produced with a closed mouthpiece; they also have more tonal variations than an open mouthpiece.
Which are the Top 10 Best Selling Mouthpieces?
A saxophone mouthpiece is a vital part of sound production and without having a good piece of equipment even the best saxophone will suffer from lower quality sound.
The top 10 best selling saxophone Mouthpieces are:
1) Selmer Paris S80 Mouthpiece
The Selmer Paris S80 mouthpiece is a staple among brass players. This mouthpiece is used by many renowned players and has a rich history in the brass world.
2) Otto Link Super Tone Master Mouthpiece
The Otto Link Super Tone Master Mouthpiece was made in the 1930s and has a beak-shaped cup facing. This mouthpiece is used for solo saxophone and jazz. The mouthpiece is considered to be very similar to the Meyer mouthpieces, with a small cup volume.
3) Vandoren SM711 AL3 Optimum Series Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
The Vandoren SM711 AL3 Optimum Series Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece is the ideal mouthpiece for the player who desires a darker, warmer sound. It features a medium round chamber with a narrow baffle, and Vandoren’s Optimum Tip opening which produces a more focused sound.
4) Meyer MR-402-7MM Rubber Alto Sax Mouthpiece
The Meyer MR-402-7MM Rubber Alto Sax Mouthpiece is a mouthpiece that is designed for the professional saxophonist. It features a high quality rubber material that helps to produce a rich and dark tone. The rubber material also helps to dampen overtones and improve intonation on the instrument.
This mouthpiece is available in two different sizes, which are the standard size and the small size. The standard size is recommended for players with larger mouths, while the small size is recommended for players with smaller mouths or who are looking for more of a focus on sound quality rather than volume.
5) Yamaha YTR-6335Z Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
The Yamaha YTR-6335Z Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece is designed to produce a full, rich sound. Yamaha crafts the mouthpiece in three facings: an L4, L5 and L6. The L5 is the most popular and typically plays best with professional musicians.
6) Vandoren V16 Saxophone Mouthpiece
Vandoren mouthpieces are renown for their ability to produce a rich tone and projection. The Vandoren V16 is the company’s flagship model, which is made with a special type of rubber, characterized by its deep sound and extreme flexibility.
7) Yamaha 4C Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
The Yamaha 4C Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece is made of a mouthpiece that is designed to provide a more open and free-blowing sound. The mouthpiece is also designed with a hard rubber lining that is made to provide the player with more control and stability.
This mouthpiece has been designed for the student saxophonist who wants to have more control over their tone. It provides them with an easier time in playing their instrument, as well as better sound quality.
8) Otto Link Super Tone Master II Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
Otto Link Super Tone Master II Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece. The Otto Link Super Tone Master II Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece offers the player a superior quality mouthpiece without breaking the bank. This is a 6M with a .084″ tip opening and 17.5mm table length, built for jazz players who need that extra low end, but don’t want to trade all of their high end to
9) SELMER CONCEPT Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
The SELMER CONCEPT Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece is an innovative mouthpiece that provides the player with a new way to produce a sound. It is designed to allow the player to alter the position of the tongue in their mouth and create a different type of sound.
This mouthpiece works by providing players with more control over their embouchure, which means that they have more control over what kind of sound they want to produce. This also means that players can practice for longer periods of time without getting tired.
The SELMER CONCEPT Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece is made from durable material and has a long lifespan, so it will not need to be replaced for some time after it is purchased.
10) Selmer Paris S80 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
The Selmer Paris S80 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece is one of the most popular mouthpieces out there. It features a medium open chamber and a reed-tightening system that delivers improved articulation and projection.
Best Alto Sax Mouthpieces Buying Guide
If you buy a new saxophone, it almost certainly comes with a mouthpiece. It may not be the best, but it is adequate. It’s stupid not to. It is required to play the saxophone. What has been discussed in this post is what happens when you want or need to replace it. What do you require, what is the best option for you, and how much will it cost?
It should come as no surprise that choosing the right mouthpiece is critical. Consider for a moment what goes into making a note.
What material should you choose?
The material has an impact on playability and, of course, sound. Some alternatives have not been considered, such as crystal, wood, or metal. Plastic mouthpieces are typically advised for beginners, and we examined a few of them. Rubber mouthpieces can be used for both classical and jazz music. We also took into account those on the list.
This is a personal and, in certain situations, practical decision. A warmer tone will be produced using vulcanized rubber or Ebonite. Plastic is durable, but some people think it has a sterile, ‘plastic’ tone. We think it’s not surprising. However, they served an important purpose early on and are still used by some specialists.
Mouthpiece Room
The larger the range, the more difficult it is to produce nice notes. Manufacturers are aware of this, and most starting mouthpieces are constructed with adequate “space.” If you are replacing your mouthpiece, you should be aware of this.
Note Production
The air goes from the musician through the mouthpiece and reed and into the saxophone. Doesn’t it appear to be simple? It isn’t.
The player then transfers your breath to the mouthpiece, where it is converted into a column of air via the “mouthpiece chamber.” The shape of this focused column of air is determined by the “room,” or shape of the mouthpiece. The note is formed when air enters the sax and is propelled forward.
When we put it that way, we can see the impact the mouthpiece can have. If the mouthpiece is poorly constructed or poorly built, you will struggle to get a note.
Price
There is a wide range of prices available. There are some low-cost options as well as some far more expensive options.
Buying the best mouthpiece you can afford will benefit you in the long run.
