[samocamo123]

I have been playing alto for about 7 years and recently got a soprano. The mouthpiece that came with it is playable but doesn't seem very high quality and I don't want it to hold me back too much. On alto, I like my (modern) Soloist C* as it has a great classical tone and can be easily pushed to a jazzier, desmond-like tone. Are there any similar playing mouthpieces for soprano (preferably on the cheaper side)? I have been looking as the Bari Esprit, the Yamaha 4C, and Rico Graftonite but I wanted to see what more-experienced soprano players would say. I'm not too opposed to a used mouthpiece either if there is an obviously better choice.

 

[kraslice soprano]

I would definitely go for a traditional choice: they never failed.
On the not-so expensive side the Selmer S80 D or E, as well the Link Tone Edge 6/7 (the Tenney Links are great).
On the not- so-cheap side, one of the Soloists replica available.
I'm sure the Phil Tone is great too, I have not tried one yet.

 

[Eulipion2]

Yamaha 4C is a solid option at a great price. The Rico Graftonite is decent, too, but I prefer the Metalite. Not for classical though. A little more expensive (often under $100), look for a vintage Riffault or Woodwind Co. piece. Quite a bit more expensive ($275,) I really like my Mouthpiece Cafe Espresso (Soloist copy) and Selmer Metal Classic.

 

[bruce bailey]

After about 56 years of soprano playing and dozens of mouthpieces (Vandoren, Selmer, Link, no names) I have settled on the common plastic Yamaha 4C (not the 4CM) and it satisfies all my needs on Bb and C sopranos.

 

[MM]

Yes Yamaha plastic "C" pieces are a good deal and well faced. They are also available in 5C, 6C and in some parts of the world 7C size. The 4C is more likely to be stocked at a local store so it is quite possible you could try out out there but will require a pretty hard reed such as a blue box 3 or 3.5. The tip opening differences between adjacent numbers is pretty small. My advice is a 4C or 5C for starting out.

 

[cymru97]

Another vote for the Yamaha, they are very competent mouthpieces.

I mainly use a hard rubber Yanagisawa these days and they can be had under $100 used. More expensive than your list, but not terribly expensive either. They also seem to be very consistent just like the 4C.

 

[Benny]

4C’s and 5C’s are great on every horn.
If you can’t sound decent on one of them then you need to learn to how to play properly

 

[JayeLID]

I guess before people chime in voting one over another, I always gotta wonder - have folks tried the models in question ?

Only because the Bari Esprit is relatively new...and most folks have never tried one.

IMHO in every way, shape, and form...a Bari Esprit is a far better mouthpiece than a Yama 4 or 5C. They are consistent as far as production, they are very user-friendly...and, ta-daaah...the BIGGIE - they simply produce a far nicer sound than the Yamas do. Wider, lusher, more harmonics are present.

Indeed...no contest. Bari Esprit.

The only instance I would not recommend one on any horn S,A,T is if the horn was a vintage one and somewhat mouthpiece finicky. They tend to blow a bit sharp on some old, classic models....

But on newer horns (and by that I simply mean post '70's or so), not an issue.

Don't get me started on Graftonites and Metalites. Why anyone would ever wanna do that to themselves (and their horn) is still a complete mystery to me.

They do work well if you lose your end plug however, and have to shove something in the receiver to keep your horn steady in the case.....

 

[lostcircuits]

The Bari looks nice but I haven't tried them on my sop yet. Yamahas are fairly decent and consistent and Metalites / Graftonites are, er, paperweights. More expensive pieces but nice are Selmer Super Session and MorganMouthpieces have a sale on their Vintage Soprano MPC which to me is still the standard.

https://www.morganmouthpieces.com/collections/all?page=3

 

[tomsch]

I would say pick up an example of each and pick the one that works best for you. The Morgan has less resistance which is good for some but also will focus on air stream and tuning. The Yamaha "C"s have a little more resistance due to the squeezed throat but also will provide more tuning stability. I do own multiple Yamaha C and CM tip openings as well as a Morgan Vintage so I can only speak to those models but the Bari may also be an option.

 

[cymru97]

Indeed...no contest. Bari Esprit.

Hmm... I've got one, but it didn't trip my switch. Perhaps I need to revisit it.

As I mentioned, I primarily use a Yani hr now, but it might be fun to pit the Esprit and 4C in a head to head!

 

[rzzzzz]

*

 

[bruce bailey]

I was not really impressed with Esprit but it was when WT was making them, perhaps different now. As to the Ricos, I found them too bright, so I stll prefer the Yamahas. I have a 3C mostly for C soprano and the 4C and 5C for different reeds.

 

[Gange]

You can't go wrong with a Vandoren S15. You could also try the Selmer Concept, Vandoren Optimum and Vandoren Profile. I have not tried the Profile on soprano.
Don't let the small tip openings fool you, you can cut through on a soprano if you want to. Also, the smaller opening will help you with the intonation.

 

[Lenny]

I've played the S15 for years but just recently switched to the new Selmer Concept and it is a terrific and easy to play piece.