[bcalvanese]

Now that my obsession with sax's is over and I settled on my P. Maurait PMXA-67R Alto, and am sending back the other saxes (Yamaha YTS-26, Yamaha YAS-26) so I will stop obsessing about sax's, I now am on to my next obsession.

What mouthpiece and reed combination to use. My P. Mautait came with what seems to be a cheap plastic mouthpiece that seems to be pretty hard to play even with a number 2 reed. I know the Yamaha C4 mouthpiece is good so I ordered and Yamaha C5 mouthpiece. I also ordered a Vandoren A17 V5 mouthpiece.

It's kinda confusing all the different measurements with the opening size and the length and stuff so any advice would be appreciated.

As far as reeds go I have a pretty good selection ranging from 2.5 to 3.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BigBen23]

Jody Jazz is good if your going for a rock n roll sound the Jody Jazz Jet with 5 or 6 opening would be good.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I know the Yamaha C4 mouthpiece is good so I ordered and Yamaha C5 mouthpiece. I also ordered a Vandoren A17 V5 mouthpiece.

It's kinda confusing all the different measurements with the opening size and the length and stuff so any advice would be appreciated.

That really is plenty for now. Tip opening sizes and even the measurement themselves can be irrelavent across different brands. For example a 70 thou on one brand can spend like an 80 thou on another, depending on the curve length. So don't worry about that but I think it's not a bad idea for a beginner to buy a few (some people will disagree). But in these times you can't exact;y go to a shop and try them out.

I could give you a recommendation, but it is incredibly subjective which is why I didn't actually do reviews (they are more or less meaningless for mouthpieces) when i did all the mouthpiece comparisons. Just soundclips of the same small phrase.

 

[lydian]

As a beginner, you don't yet have the skills to judge, choose or control one mouthpiece versus another. As Pete said, you've already got all the equipment you need to start. Learn the basics, develop your ideal sound, practice for a year, then come back. Of the pieces you ordered, keep the one that's the easiest for you to play right now.

You're a 15 year old with a learner's permit asking what kind of sports car to buy. Learn how to drive first.

 

[Pete Thomas]

As a beginner, you don't yet have the skills to judge, choose or control one mouthpiece versus another. As Pete said, you've already got all the equipment you need to start.

Yes, I meant to say (again) one of my mantras which is that the time to upgrade mouthpieces is when you have the confidence to know what is wrong with what you have and the ability to test play and make your own decisions. As opposed to getting a mouthpiece just because someone else recommended it. It may be right for them but not for you.

Note that I design and produce mouthpieces, but the last thing i will do is recommend you buy one (much as I would love to). Get a bit more experience first so you can get beyond the hype that is out there.

 

[lesacks]

. I know the Yamaha C4 mouthpiece is good so I ordered and Yamaha C5 mouthpiece. I also ordered a Vandoren A17 V5 Mouthpiece.

I know I'm on the slow side, but.... The most I've done, over six years, is buy a 4C, 5C and 6C; and a small variety of reeds. That's to understand the mix of tip openings and reed strengths, ceteris paribus.... My only conclusion, so far, is; I'm not that fussed. Maybe I'll try something a little more advanced, one day, but I reckon that'll have to wait till I'm in a shop with a test room.

 

[bcalvanese]

Jody Jazz is good if your going for a rock n roll sound the Jody Jazz Jet with 5 or 6 opening would be good.

Can it play mellow too?

thanks

 

[bcalvanese]

That really is plenty for now. Tip opening sizes and even the measurement themselves can be irrelavent across different brands. For example a 70 thou on one brand can spend like an 80 thou on another, depending on the curve length. So don't worry about that but I think it's not a bad idea for a beginner to buy a few (some people will disagree). But in these times you can't exact;y go to a shop and try them out.

I could give you a recommendation, but it is incredibly subjective which is why I didn't actually do reviews (they are more or less meaningless for mouthpieces) when i did all the mouthpiece comparisons. Just soundclips of the same small phrase.

What is "thou"?

thanks

 

[J-Moen]

I played on a selmer bundy II with a cheap plastic blank for 5 years before I upgraded anything. Just get a couple cheap mouthpieces like the 4C and the Vandoren, figure which you like best and practice.

At the end of the day, spending money won't make you better, so practice practice practice.

 

[bcalvanese]

As a beginner, you don't yet have the skills to judge, choose or control one mouthpiece versus another. As Pete said, you've already got all the equipment you need to start. Learn the basics, develop your ideal sound, practice for a year, then come back. Of the pieces you ordered, keep the one that's the easiest for you to play right now.

You're a 15 year old with a learner's permit asking what kind of sports car to buy. Learn how to drive first.

The one that came with my P. Mauriat is noticeably harder to play than the 4C I had with my Yamaha YAS-26 (which I liked a lot), and that is why I ordered the 5C. I ordered the other one because it had a small tip opening and I thought that was better for beginners.

I know I'm a beginner, but I would not compare myself to a 15 year old with a permit. I recently had an on lines lesson with a teacher and was told my embouchure was pretty good, and I can hit every note up to the high F# most of the time now.

Was just looking for a little input on what mouthpieces would be good for a beginner as well as a little more advanced.

thanks

 

[bcalvanese]

I know I'm on the slow side, but.... The most I've done, over six years, is buy a 4C, 5C and 6C; and a small variety of reeds. That's to understand the mix of tip openings and reed strengths, ceteris paribus.... My only conclusion, so far, is; I'm not that fussed. Maybe I'll try something a little more advanced, one day, but I reckon that'll have to wait till I'm in a shop with a test room.

I really like the 4C and ordered the 5C because I found one in stock. Don't think I'm quite ready for a 6 yet.

thanks

 

[bcalvanese]

I played on a selmer bundy II with a cheap plastic blank for 5 years before I upgraded anything. Just get a couple cheap mouthpieces like the 4C and the Vandoren, figure which you like best and practice.

At the end of the day, spending money won't make you better, so practice practice practice.

I understand it wont make me better, but playing on a mouthpiece that sounds good and is easy to play will make me want to practice more, and that will make me play better...

thanks

 

[J-Moen]

I understand it wont make me better, but playing on a mouthpiece that sounds good and is easy to play will make me want to practice more, and that will make me play better...

thanks

Yes, but you will develop a stronger embouchure and a more unique sound over time, and later on, this will be a good time to buy a much better mouthpiece that you can get to suit your needs (just not now). This is why you shouldn't invest in anything over the top. you've already got two of the best beginner pieces with the 4C or Vandoren V5. My first mouthpiece upgrade with my Mauriat was to a Vandoren Optimum medium chamber, which worked well and let me practice for a few more years before I started the mouthpiece journey. Reeds are also simple, find some that work well. I always used Rico orange box reeds that my school provided, but I then upgraded to Vandoren Green Java 2.5s.

If either the Vandoren or the Yamaha make it easy to play and you enjoy it already, you should not be wasting too much time worrying about mouthpieces. Invest some of this money in learning material, such as The Jazz Theory Book, by Mark Levine.

 

[J-Moen]

I understand it wont make me better, but playing on a mouthpiece that sounds good and is easy to play will make me want to practice more, and that will make me play better...

thanks

Yes, but you will develop a stronger embouchure and a more unique sound over time, and later on, this will be a good time to buy a much better mouthpiece that you can get to suit your needs (just not now). This is why you shouldn't invest in anything over the top. you've already got two of the best beginner pieces with the 4C or Vandoren V5. My first mouthpiece upgrade with my Mauriat was to a Vandoren Optimum medium chamber, which worked well and let me practice for a few more years before I started the mouthpiece journey. Reeds are also simple, find some that work well. I always used Rico orange box reeds that my school provided, but I then upgraded to Vandoren Green Java 2.5s.

If either the Vandoren or the Yamaha make it easy to play and you enjoy it already, you should not be wasting too much time worrying about mouthpieces. Invest some of this money in learning material, such as The Jazz Theory Book, by Mark Levine.

 

[Dr G]

Can it play mellow too?

thanks

No, you have to do that.

 

[bcalvanese]

Yes, but you will develop a stronger embouchure and a more unique sound over time, and later on, this will be a good time to buy a much better mouthpiece that you can get to suit your needs (just not now). This is why you shouldn't invest in anything over the top. you've already got two of the best beginner pieces with the 4C or Vandoren V5. My first mouthpiece upgrade with my Mauriat was to a Vandoren Optimum medium chamber, which worked well and let me practice for a few more years before I started the mouthpiece journey. Reeds are also simple, find some that work well. I always used Rico orange box reeds that my school provided, but I then upgraded to Vandoren Green Java 2.5s.

If either the Vandoren or the Yamaha make it easy to play and you enjoy it already, you should not be wasting too much time worrying about mouthpieces. Invest some of this money in learning material, such as The Jazz Theory Book, by Mark Levine.

So the 5C and V5 should be good then.

thanks

 

[bcalvanese]

No, you have to do that.

That was very helpful.

thanks

 

[Reet McVouty]

Now that my obsession with sax's is over and I settled on my P. Maurait PMXA-67R Alto, and am sending back the other saxes (Yamaha YTS-26, Yamaha YAS-26) so I will stop obsessing about sax's, I now am on to my next obsession.

What mouthpiece and reed combination to use. My P. Mautait came with what seems to be a cheap plastic mouthpiece that seems to be pretty hard to play even with a number 2 reed. I know the Yamaha C4 mouthpiece is good so I ordered and Yamaha C5 mouthpiece. I also ordered a Vandoren A17 V5 mouthpiece.

It's kinda confusing all the different measurements with the opening size and the length and stuff so any advice would be appreciated.

As far as reeds go I have a pretty good selection ranging from 2.5 to 3.

Thanks in advance.

Bob, I want to first inform you that your obsession with saxophones is not over, not by a long shot. It's just cooled off for now. Within a few months your saxophone lust will once again rear it's ugly head and you'll be once again trying and buying.

Mouthpieces. Don't listen to anyone about what brand of mouthpiece to buy. Just because a mouthpiece plays well for one person it doesn't mean it will play well for you. First and foremost you need to figure out what YOUR sound is. Most of us do this by identifying with another player that we really like their sound, then just put on their music and try to sound like them. And don't get fooled by their equipment. For example getting David Sanborn's horn and mouthpiece will not necessarily help you sound like him. But, you can buy a mouthpiece that will help facilitate the sound you seek by understanding what attributes create the sound you get out of a mouthpiece. If you go to Theo Wanne's website https://theowanne.com/ to the resources section and read up on all the mouthpiece attributes and how they contribute to the sound of the mouthpiece then you will be better informed when selecting a new mouthpiece. And, you can then shop any brand as those attributes work the same no matter what brand. Good luck with your next obsession.

 

[bcalvanese]

Bob, I want to first inform you that your obsession with saxophones is not over, not by a long shot. It's just cooled off for now. Within a few months your saxophone lust will once again rear it's ugly head and you'll be once again trying and buying.

Mouthpieces. Don't listen to anyone about what brand of mouthpiece to buy. Just because a mouthpiece plays well for one person it doesn't mean it will play well for you. First and foremost you need to figure out what YOUR sound is. Most of us do this by identifying with another player that we really like their sound, then just put on their music and try to sound like them. And don't get fooled by their equipment. For example getting David Sanborn's horn and mouthpiece will not necessarily help you sound like him. But, you can buy a mouthpiece that will help facilitate the sound you seek by understanding what attributes create the sound you get out of a mouthpiece. If you go to Theo Wanne's website https://theowanne.com/ to the resources section and read up on all the mouthpiece attributes and how they contribute to the sound of the mouthpiece then you will be better informed when selecting a new mouthpiece. And, you can then shop any brand as those attributes work the same no matter what brand. Good luck with your next obsession.

Thank you very much for that link. It is very helpful to have all that information in one place.

And you are probably right about my obsession...hahaha

 

[BigBen23]

Can it play mellow too?

thanks

In short Yes but any mouthpiece or saxophone is dependent upon you for "the sound".