[Save Trees]

Hello all! I plan on purchasing a new mouthpiece this weekend, but I'm stuck between two choices. I was a bit reluctant to make a thread, but I really could use the help to make this choice.
I'm set on a Vandoren Optimum mouthpiece, but I can't decide between either a tl3 or tl4. If it's any assistance I am playing on an S80 right now. I believe that the tl3 is only slightly bigger in tip opening than the s80, and the tl4 is I think maybe .90 something.
Again, if it's any help I usually use size 3 Vandoren traditionals and sometimes 3.5. I really like v12's, but the 3's are bit too hard for me so I plan on buying a few boxes of 2.5's when I order my mouthpiece.
Thank you for reading!

 

[Peterogping]

The TL3 is 1,76 mm = .069". The TL 4 is 1,95 mm = .077" If the s80 is a C*, it is around .071".
The Vandoren brochure says that the TL3 has a medium/Short facing and "Roundness, depth and precision", while the TL4 has a medium facing length and a "richer timbre than the TL3".
The Vandoren Optimum is "The favorite of classical saxophonists" according to the same brochure.
You are welcome to call me on 4818 4574 if you wish to know more about different facing lengths etc.. I am Danish, live north of Copenhagen and have a certain amount of experience with saxophone mouthpieces.

 

[Save Trees]

Thank you very much for the actual measurements! Yes, I did mean a c*.

Now I still need to decide between the two. I'm looking to have a classical sound, and it seems that most people choose the tl3. Does the smaller tip opening contribute to a better sound? I also wonder if the tl4 would still have "Roundness, depth and precision" while simultaneously having the "richer timbre".

One last thing, would the .77 opening be much different than the .71 opening of the c*?

 

[MojoBari]

The Selmer C* is a good size for alto sax to build a foundation and to play classical sax literature (with harder reeds). From this many recommend a C* for tenor sax too. But the equivalent size on tenor is more like a Selmer D (~.079") in my opinion (and many others too). So I would lean towards the TL4 in a Vandoren.

The tip opening difference is not huge. You can most likely compensate with reed strength choice to use either mouthpiece.

 

[Save Trees]

Thank you very much MojoBari! What size reed would you suggest if I chose the tl4?

I plan to use v12's again so I figure a 2.5 like I was going to, but I would like to know what your thoughts are.

 

[bruce bailey]

I also think the C* is too closed. If I were to use a Selmer, it would be an E or more open. I would go with the Vandoren.

 

[MojoBari]

Reed choice is a trial and error thing. The reed needs to be soft enough that you can play low notes softly and stiff enough that you can play high notes loudly without the reed closing off. Making sure the sax is leak free also helps with the low note response. A 2.5 is a good place to start.

 

[Nefertiti]

The TL3 is 1,76 mm = .069". The TL 4 is 1,95 mm = .077" If the s80 is a C*, it is around .071".
The Vandoren brochure says that the TL3 has a medium/Short facing and "Roundness, depth and precision", while the TL4 has a medium facing length and a "richer timbre than the TL3".
The Vandoren Optimum is "The favorite of classical saxophonists" according to the same brochure.
You are welcome to call me on 4818 4574 if you wish to know more about different facing lengths etc.. I am Danish, live north of Copenhagen and have a certain amount of experience with saxophone mouthpieces.

Usually a shorter facing curve will make a reed feel harder. A longer facing curve makes a reed feel softer. That's been my experience. If the TL3 has a shorter facing curve I wouldn't be surprised if a reed feels the same or a little harder than the C*.

 

[Save Trees]

Is the smaller tip opening mouthpiece, the Tl3, more desirable for classical playing?

 

[CarlHeanerd]

I found a TL3 to be a welcome change from playing various S80s, (some refaced) and Rascher mouthpieces. It has the best response of all the tenor classical pieces I've tried, bar none. It does play different from an S80 though. Read my review here: http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showth...NO-COMMENTS)&p=1676636&viewfull=1#post1676636

Try both the TL3 and TL4 if you can. Also consider the T20. I personally found it too dark, but different strokes different folks.

What ligature are you currently using? If it is a Rovner, I recommend switching away. Regarding tip opening, use what just works. Don't go with "intended voices" or whatever. If it plays well, that's what matters. This especially applies to Vandoren designs; unlike some competitors, they generally know what they're doing and every piece plays well.