[Wylocson]

I've been playing sax for five years now, and bari for two. I'm looking for a new mouthpiece, as mine is a simple plastic student model. I'm having trouble finding help online on my own, as I don't understand all the information being thrown at me, and I can't make too much sense of the mouthpiece review thread due to the fact that it's just like having a ton of names thrown at me.

Here's what I'm going for
-fast, easy response in any dynamic
-ability to play well in any dynamic
-ability to play really really loudly
-ability to play overtones
-dark, warm, growly sound
-usable for both classic and jazz

I use Vandoren(blue box) 3 1/2 reeds(sometimes 3s). I can play with very good air support, so that shouldn't be a problem. I was leaning towards the brass plated mouthpieces. Any help, tips, etc. is appreciated.

Also, what do the numbers signify in mouthpiece names(eg 6, 6*, 7, etc.)?

Thanks,

-Wylocson

 

[EZ]

Your list of requirements probably requires more than one mouthpiece. For example, "ability to play really really loudly" usually goes along with a more open tip which isn't necessarily what you want for classical playing which is better suited with a more closed tip opening.

The numbers on the facing signify the tip opening. So for classical playing, you might be suited with a 5 or 6 facing but you might need an 8 facing to get the loud jazz sound you are after.

It IS difficult to know where to start. My recommendation is to find a music store that you can try mouthpieces or find a mouthpiece seller that allows returns or trade-ins so you can trial some different things before committing to any one (or two) mouthpieces.

It is a journey, so be patient. Good Luck.

- Ed

 

[artstove]

I'm with EZ (who knows what he is talking about). Mouthpieces are personal, so there is no substitute for trying them yourself.

 

[bruce bailey]

I also agree that you may need more than one mouthpiece. I just sold both of my baris and the mouthpieces I would use would be a plain Yamaha 5C and for edge, a Morgan Protone which is a very well made mouthpiece for a good price. I can sell the pair for $75. Try anything you can find! The Rico Metalite is also a very good mouthpiece for most situations but not too good for classical as it has quite a bit of edge in the sound. Consider:
Runyon
Berg
Meyer
Link

 

[EsbSpecial]

I snagged a Link Tone Edge 6* HR and holy crap do I like it. I haven't taken the STM out of my mouthpiece drawer since.

The STM just seems too "blatty" to me. Very capable of being loud, not a bad tone but just too much of something.

If you want to go crazy loud, I had a metal RIA 8 about 14 years ago that let me outblow trumpet sections on bari. Somehow I got a pretty good tone out of it - don't really hear much regarding them, though.

 

[Koen88]

if you want to get crazy loud, try a Rico Metalite M11 or M!! as I like to call it.

And Maybe some reviews from steve Neff wil help you on your way. http://www.neffmusic.com/blog/category/mouthpiece-reviews/