[amyjlf]

I just bought a used Selmer Bundy II alto for my daughter who has never played sax before. She plays flute, clarinet, piano, trumpet and now wants to learn sax. Her teacher wants her to use a Selmer C* that costs over $100 but before I spend that I would like to know if anyone can suggest a temporary cheap mouthpiece that is somewhat comparable....cheap = under $30.00. This will only be temporary but I don't want the Selmer to be incredibly different when and if she sticks with this and has to get the Selmer.

Thanks!
Amy

 

[Dave Dolson]

Amy: Welcome to SOTW.

I don't know what's in YOUR wallet, but I urge you not to go on the cheap for a mouthpiece. The only OTHER thing that is important besides having a leak-free saxophone is a good mouthpiece. Rarely do they come cheap.

You may be able to find a used Selmer C* here in the SALES section,on eBay, or in a local store that deals in saxophones. But her teacher made a good recommendation (not that a C* is going to work for everyone - there is no one-piece-fits-all).

Other brands to consider would be a Meyer, JodyJazz, Morgan (just to name a few) but they are all going to cost you some bucks. Well worth it in my opinion. DAVE

 

[Jonathan C.]

I would have to agree with Dave, do not go with a cheap mouthpiece, and do not go with a horn that is not leak free. Since it will become very fustrating for your daughter to try and learn on something that she can't play.
A Used mouthpiece is a very good option. Often you can get one for around your price range. But it can't have very much damage to it. I woud suggest posting a want ad in the market place, and you can get a mouthpiece here for probably a very good price.

Other moutphieces that I would recomend
Meyer 6M
Runyon Custom 6
Selmer S80 C**

You need to stay in the smaller end of the moutphiece range or middle. Since she is getting started her mouth will not be able to take a huge mouthpiece.
I would also suggest getting started a lesser strength reed. Probably this is something that her private lesson teacher has already told her though.

 

[amyjlf]

thanks

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I will try the used Selmer route as that is really what her teacher wants.

Happy Music to You

 

[Pete Thomas]

Yamaha 4C is quite cheap and very very good. I've also recently tried a Hite premiere and found that also to be good.

 

[HOUSTON NONET]

RUNYON MODEL 22 WITH 5 TIP-- great for beginner
SELMER SOLOIST C** CLASSIC
BRILHART EBOLIN 3 OR 3* FOR THE $$ AMAZINGLY GOOD

 

[BobbyC]

Was there no mouth piece included with the sax when you bought it?
Maybe something decent was already in the case with the horn.

I'm going to MENTION that the Rico Royal Graftonite A3 is available for under $20 and would be the least open and darkest version of that mouthpiece which MIGHT work for a beginner but will probably be a brighter sound than the C*.

I really don't want to go against the recommendations of a teacher but perhaps you could ask the teacher about that piece.

 

[Bluesblaster]

Hi Amyjlf

Welcome to the forum. Lots of great folks with lots of experience and willing to share their knowlege and advice. I'm not one of them mind you, I've only been playing a few months myself.

But in my limited experience I do know about the pitfalls of a crummy mouthpiece. When I bought my sax I just took whatever mouthpiece the store threw in the case. I have no idea what it is. It has no markings at all. I was having a terrible time reaching any note requiring the octave key. My teacher advised that I get a better mouthpiece.

I got a Yamaha 5C for $29.00 and it made a world of difference. After a minute or so with the Yamaha I was able to play right up the scale. If you can afford better then by all means go for the best your budget will allow. As I progress I am sure that I will eventually go for a better mouthpiece to further refine my tone, but for a beginner on a short budget the Yamaha is working for me.

Good Luck!

 

[gary]

I'm going to MENTION that the Rico Royal Graftonite A3 is available for under $20 and would be the least open and darkest version of that mouthpiece which MIGHT work for a beginner but will probably be a brighter sound than the C*.

I agree. BIG bang for the buck in this mpc; around $17.00 or $18.00 from www.wwbw.com I believe. Also another unsung hero is the humble little Morgan Protone which, I think, comes in at a little under $40.00.

 

[saintsday]

I would second the advice of a Morgan Pro Tone. Another very good mouthpiece for even less is one of these: http://www.music123.com/David-Hite-117-Premiere-Alto-Sax-Mouthpiece-462424-i1143179.Music123

 

[Pinnman]

Selmer S80s can be tricky for beginners. Some will master the air flow, others not. My suggestion (and there are plenty of good ones above) would be a Rousseau Classic or New Classic in a 4 or 4R opening. They do go well on the Bundy II, by the way.