[bvhoyweg]

Is there a mouthpiece everybody should have? Or at least should have tried playing?

After reading I believed it was Otto Link. But then I read the reviews on Nefertiti’s website where he states he never really liked an Otto Link unless it was worked on. (I don’t know any resurfacer here in Belgium)

I did read about Syos, making a mouthpiece by your requirements. Even for beginners. How could I possibly explain what I want? I don’t know.

I have the Selmer S80 C* C** D. I don’t really like them.

I have several Graftonites, and I like the B5, B7, A5. I tried the Metalite M5 last year, and I did not like the buzzing sound it gave me (which I also noticed in the Graftonite C5)

Yesterday I tried the Metalite M9, after reading some raving reviews of people going from the M5 and M7 to the M9. I followed recommendation to use a softer reed because of the larger opening (Used a Rico Royal 2).

No buzzing tone (like the M5 gave me), a bit brighter than what I’m used to. All notes, low to high, come without hesitation (called response, yes?). What a volume. If I’m not careful, I chase everybody out of the house. I am the sole tenor sax in the (starter) band. When playing loud I sometimes overblow the Graftonite I’m using. This will not be a problem with this one.

I noticed the ‘playing in tune’ problem, related to the large opening. So I will have to play some more to see if it is really a problem for me. I think I will spend some time with this mouthpiece.

I like the Graftonite serie, because it allows me to experiment with a range of parameters at a cheap price. And now I also like the Metalite, for the same reason (I did get a whole set Metalite and graftonite second hand). Not all mouthpiece are the same. The combination with the reed seems also to be important.

How do I proceed to find the holy mouthpiece: The one and only?

Going to a shop and try several: I don’t think this is possible locally. Most shops only stock the more common Yamaha and Selmer.

Should I start buying second hand? Selling them again when I don’t like them? Where do I start?
I was eyeballing an Otto Link long body STM 8, but at 370€ (including transport) this is hardly a bargain. (The photos show the gold plating was gone, the piece was worn, so it seemed to be played a lot, a good sign). When selling it again I will lose for sure some money on it.

Do the more expensive mouthpieces play so much better? With a better tone?
Which ones should I really try to educate myself about what I want/need?

Or are there no rules? Should I try whatever I can lay my hands on? This sounds more like a case of GAS fever...
Maybe I should stick with my set of Graftonite/Metalite? The complete set did cost me less than most other single mouthpieces will cost.

Bart

 

[Scott E]

It does sound like you have a case of GAS. If that keeps you playing and excited for the next big thing, no problem. The truth (for me) is that the mouthpiece is a tool that either makes it easier or more difficult to produce the tone you're trying to produce. Mouthpieces of drastically different parameters (very wide tip opening, high baffle, very small chamber vs very narrow tip opening, no baffle, very large chamber) will significantly alter the projection and ease of production of your sound but you will still sound like you.

At the stage you seem to be at, it's best to pick one mouthpiece that can play all styles and stick with it. Doing so will allow you to get comfortable producing a consistent tone over the range of the instrument, and you'll only have to worry about reed selection and keeping the saxophone leak free.

Historically, common tenor mouthpiece choices include the Otto Link Super Tone Master (metal), Otto Link Tone Edge (hard rubber), Berg Larsen (metal), and for concert band the Selmer S80 various openings (from C* to D typically). The metalite and grafonite are excellent mouthpieces for their price points and I have nothing bad to say about them. There are many new options for mouthpieces, most of which are derivations of the above mouthpieces. The bespoke mouthpiece makers also have completely original mouthpieces that are fabulous.

My strategy has been to try as many mouthpieces as possible in stores, buy and resell new mouthpieces, but ultimately settle on one (or at most two mouthpieces) per saxophone. I favor new mouthpieces over used and when I've tried bespoke mouthpieces, I tend towards completely original designs. Good luck!

 

[Scotssax]

If I was you and in your position I would buy either a Vandoren V16 hard rubber or a D'addario Select Jazz mouthpiece and stick with it. They are both excellent mouthpieces that are very consistent, both are capable of playing nice and softly as well as getting funky and loud when you want and they are reasonably priced.

 

[2phunkey4u]

Is there a mouthpiece everybody should have? Or at least should have tried playing?

Everybody should have one mouthpiece they can play well on in combination with their horn and most reeds of the preferred make. Everything beyond that is extra. What they should have tried depends on what they want to go for, but it usually starts out with a middle-of-the-road design kind of thing. I like to have three mouthpieces: one for classical, one paint-peeler, and one for everything else in between (which is the most for me). Others cover all bases with only one mouthpieces just fine. I could, too, but I prefer it the other way.

How could I possibly explain what I want? I don't know.

It takes time to develop taste. Listen to a lot of music, find out what your favorite styles and who your favorite players are. Try to emulate those with the gear you have (assuming your gear and your playing ability is in good order) and take it from there.

If I was you and in your position I would buy either a Vandoren V16 hard rubber or a D'addario Select Jazz mouthpiece and stick with it. They are both excellent mouthpieces that are very consistent, both are capable of playing nice and softly as well as getting funky and loud when you want and they are reasonably priced.

Those are good examples of a bread and butter middle-of-the-road design kind of thing.

 

[Wonko]

I went shopping for a new mouthpiece last year, and the shopkeeper had about 8 mouthpieces laid out for me that might suit my purpose. I could try them out in his soundproof cabin.
After about an hour I had decided that the HR Otto link was best for me. Still quite pleased with it.
Maybe you could get over there to try some pieces that would suit you? It's in Gent, that would be about one hour by train from Leuven.
https://blazersenblazers.be/nl/onze-winkel

 

[1saxman]

'Maybe I should stick with my set of Graftonite/Metalite? The complete set did cost me less than most other single mouthpieces will cost.'

Sounds like you are having fun with them, particularly the M9. You can simply play softer on it to control the volume as you develop the tone on it you are looking for. Usually an open mouthpiece like that is not recommended for inexperienced players, but players are so variable in what they can handle that you can't try to make it a rule.
Another thing; having a group of inexpensive mouthpieces gives you lots of possibilities for having some you definitely don't like re-faced to customize them for what you're looking for.
The attention you pay to 'what you SHOULD play' depends entirely on whether or not you wish to join a 'school of thought' on certain types of jazz or 'legitimate' playing. If you see your sax playing as being more free and unrestricted, definitely go with what you like. In the final analysis, it's what you play that counts, not the equipment you used to do it.

 

[Dr G]

I was eyeballing an Otto Link long body STM 8, but at 370€ (including transport) this is hardly a bargain. (The photos show the gold plating was gone, the piece was worn, so it seemed to be played a lot, a good sign).

Please don't believe the myth that wear is a good sign. The only thing you know is that it looks worn. That wear could similarly apply to critical portions of the facing, and it may need to be refaced to play well. Then you would be out the cost of refacing, AND have a piece that is no longer "original".

 

[Saxaholic]

Bart,

You will find that every sax player has different tastes. Your trash might be someone else's holy grail.

Go to a couple of stores to check out whatever mouthpieces you can. We all have our own preferences; you'll need to find what works best for you.

What I will say, is dont get obsessed over the mouthpiece thing. Time spent playing and practicing is far more valuable for tone than a new mouthpiece.

Best of luck!

- Saxaholic

 

[Grumps]

Should I start buying second hand? Selling them again when I don't like them? Where do I start?

Yes. And you can do it right here. When I came here many years ago I started trying different mouthpieces until I found the right match. I did so by trading pieces I had that I didn't use for ones I thought would work better; and I did these trades with other members here on the site. If something doesn't work out, you move it for the value paid. One important caveat is NEVER trade for a refaced mouthpiece. Refacing nearly always reduces the value of a mouthpiece and you'll likely be taking on someone else's problem; and you will have a hard time unloading a refaced mouthpiece.

I also wouldn't buy into this notion that mouthpieces need to be refaced. Simply buy and/or trade for quality mouthpieces from quality makers. Vandoren is one, and you likely won't break the bank giving them a go. Otto Links are more inconsistent, but when you reface the metal ones you leave exposed brass and that's not for everyone. So I would avoid them, as well as the folks that tell you that you HAVE TO play one on tenor.

 

[JayeLID]

Is there a mouthpiece everybody should have? Or at least should have tried playing?

Yes.

Except I've got the only one.

And I won't share....

 

[JayeLID]

Maybe I should stick with my set of Graftonite/Metalite? The complete set did cost me less than most other single mouthpieces will cost.

If you are the type of person inclined to hammer in a nail with a rock (as opposed to using a hammer)....then the Ricos are a fine choice for a sax mouthpiece.

But given that is your setup...your quest will be quite easy and you will be quite successful in it. Because, anything will sound and play better than one of those.

I was next gonna put a wink smilie and write 'but seriously'...except then I realized, I am dead serious. Put those in a drawer ...and buy a real mouthpiece.

On top of which, they aren't dirt cheap anymore really....one can actually buy a Bari Esprit (far superior mouthpiece) for cheaper than a Graftonite now.

OK...so not to seem curmudgeonly ...........

If your experience has been Ricos....then you CAN start out sticking with budget-priced 'pieces which will still be far, far better than those. Won't set you back much $ either:

Bari Esprit
Hite Premier
Fobes Debut
Brilhart Ebolin
George Bundy Signature

No...none are "Grail" pieces....but if your goal is to experience what different mouthpieces can DO....then those are good, inexpensive, and respectable choices. And you can easily get 3 of them for under $100. You would likely end up keeping at least 1...probably 2, actually.

Might be a better starting point than going shopping for vintage 'grail' pieces.

OR IF you insisted on spending $100+ per mouthpiece, again you need not go vintage, just go with some tried-and-true contemporary ones....very popular ones:

Meyer Rubber
Link Tone Edge
Vandoren V16
Jody Jazz

...yes, 'common' and not very 'exciting' to discuss in a 'what's the best mouthpiece' sorta conversation....but they are consistent and reliable and folks like 'em.

Many new mouthpieces can be bought with a return policy, too; sometimes with a small restock fee charged (but what's the big deal with THAT, it's like a small fee for getting a chance to try one...). And if no return policy, pretty easy to turn a new, once-or-twice-played 'piece for 70% of what you bought it for.

IMHO, either above alternative would be a better starting point if venturing into these waters. And it's quite likely (unless, again the person really WANTS to start sliding down the slippery slope and has the budget to embark on such a digression) that either alternative will lead you to a really happy place.

Best of luck.

 

[JayeLID]

I went shopping for a new mouthpiece last year, and the shopkeeper had about 8 mouthpieces laid out for me that might suit my purpose.

Go to a couple of stores to check out whatever mouthpieces you can.

Always the best method....no store will likely have a half-dozen mouthpieces on your particular radar....an maybe none of the store mouthpieces will suit you.... but you now have had an automatic (and free) testing experience and you will take some impressions away from it which will guide you...

 

[MLucky]

Finding your mouthpiece is almost inevitably a trial and error process, but I wouldn't say there are "no rules."

I think most experienced players and teachers would agree that beginning-to-intermediate players are usually best off with a "middle of the road" mouthpiece: something flexible that doesn't impose a particular sound on the player. Or to put it another way, no big baffles, no huge or overly narrow chambers, medium-size tip openings. The reason for this is that it literally takes years to get to the point where you have a specific sense of how you want to sound and the chops to approximate that sound, so you don't want to start off with something that pushes you in a particular direction. Best to work on fundamentals, listen intently to the players you admire, and let your sound evolve for a couple years. At that point, you might have enough experience and insight to know if your mouthpiece is holding you back, and you can look at different options that might help achieve the sound you want.

A lot of people will say "get a Link and work with that for a few years," and to some degree I agree. The trouble with Links is that the quality control on their current models isn't the best, and buying vintage is very expensive and also chancy. You could get piece that needs refacing and, due to relative lack of experience, not know it, and wind up really frustrated.

Of the mass-produced, relatively inexpensive mps out there that I'm familiar with, Vandoren Optimum and Jody Jazz HR are pretty good. I'd get one of those, and then in a couple years think about upgrading to something from 10mfan or Philtone. (Everything those guys make is great, and they're very reasonable for the level of quality you're getting.) My two cents! Good luck.

 

[Tranechaser]

The road goes on forever and the mouthpiece search never ends.....

 

[Dr G]

The road goes on forever and the mouthpiece search never ends.....

- Robert Earl Keen's brother?

 

[Nefertiti]

Is there a mouthpiece everybody should have? Or at least should have tried playing?

After reading I believed it was Otto Link. But then I read the reviews on Nefertiti's website where he states he never really liked an Otto Link unless it was worked on. (I don't know any resurfacer here in Belgium)

I did read about Syos, making a mouthpiece by your requirements. Even for beginners. How could I possibly explain what I want? I don't know.

I have the Selmer S80 C* C** D. I don't really like them.

I have several Graftonites, and I like the B5, B7, A5. I tried the Metalite M5 last year, and I did not like the buzzing sound it gave me (which I also noticed in the Graftonite C5)

Yesterday I tried the Metalite M9, after reading some raving reviews of people going from the M5 and M7 to the M9. I followed recommendation to use a softer reed because of the larger opening (Used a Rico Royal 2).

No buzzing tone (like the M5 gave me), a bit brighter than what I'm used to. All notes, low to high, come without hesitation (called response, yes?). What a volume. If I'm not careful, I chase everybody out of the house. I am the sole tenor sax in the (starter) band. When playing loud I sometimes overblow the Graftonite I'm using. This will not be a problem with this one.

I noticed the 'playing in tune' problem, related to the large opening. So I will have to play some more to see if it is really a problem for me. I think I will spend some time with this mouthpiece.

I like the Graftonite serie, because it allows me to experiment with a range of parameters at a cheap price. And now I also like the Metalite, for the same reason (I did get a whole set Metalite and graftonite second hand). Not all mouthpiece are the same. The combination with the reed seems also to be important.

How do I proceed to find the holy mouthpiece: The one and only?

Going to a shop and try several: I don't think this is possible locally. Most shops only stock the more common Yamaha and Selmer.

Should I start buying second hand? Selling them again when I don't like them? Where do I start?
I was eyeballing an Otto Link long body STM 8, but at 370€ (including transport) this is hardly a bargain. (The photos show the gold plating was gone, the piece was worn, so it seemed to be played a lot, a good sign). When selling it again I will lose for sure some money on it.

Do the more expensive mouthpieces play so much better? With a better tone?
Which ones should I really try to educate myself about what I want/need?

Or are there no rules? Should I try whatever I can lay my hands on? This sounds more like a case of GAS fever...
Maybe I should stick with my set of Graftonite/Metalite? The complete set did cost me less than most other single mouthpieces will cost.

Bart

How long have you been playing for?

 

[Arundo Donax]

If you are the type of person inclined to hammer in a nail with a rock (as opposed to using a hammer)....then the Ricos are a fine choice for a sax mouthpiece.
...

Interesting comment. I've had no luck with mine. Ten years ago I bought a B5, thinking it would be a good general purpose mouthpiece. I couldn't play it: couldn't get notes in tune, couldn't play high notes, lots of resistance. I tried reeds from 1.5 to 3, plus synthetic, and nothing worked. Somehow I still think the problem is me and not the mouthpiece.

 

[HeavyWeather77]

Nefertiti's question is key. So is "what kind of music are you trying to play" unless I missed that earlier. I'm guessing it's jazz/rock/funk/pop if we're dealing with Graftonites and Metalites.

And if that's the case, I'd strongly second the recommendation to get a Vandoren mouthpiece. They're consistent, high quality, and not crazy expensive. If I were in OP's shoes, I'd get a Vandoren Java (NOT Jumbo) T75 on eBay or Reverb or whatever, start with a gentle reed like a 2.5, and spend a ton of time working with it. That mouthpiece will allow you to sound like anything or anyone if you spend enough time to dial it in: not because it's the greatest mouthpiece ever made, but just because it's a decent, serviceable, middle-of-the-road piece that will sound better as YOU sound better (as obvious as that may sound).

Or, if OP's in Belgium, just grab a bag of money and head over to see Francois Louis, why not? (I'm mostly joking, but if I were in Belgium and I had a bag of money that's exactly what I would do...)

 

[Sigmund451]

Just go to southern France

but yes...the options are nearly unlimited and people need a lot more information to begin to steer you in anything but a random direction

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

Just go to southern France

but yes...the options are nearly unlimited and people need a lot more information to begin to steer you in anything but a random direction

Don't the mouthpieces grow on trees there?