[/about:sax]

Hey, so I was just looking for a new good cheap #9 mpc for jazz (no more than $90) and came across these. Can you please tell me what you think on them? Thank you!

https://www.amazon.com/Yibuy-Saxoph...9&qid=1587404900&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-3

https://www.amazon.com/Yibuy-Mouthp...9&qid=1587404900&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-2

If you have any metal mpc suggestions please let me know as well. Thank You!

 

[J-Moen]

These are made in China, and very poorly constructed. I wouldn't invest any money in them. There is a very good chance they come out with uneven rails, tips, and table, which will make the mouthpiece play awful.

If you want a jazz mouthpiece, it doesn't have to be Metal. An Otto Link Tone Edge in HR is a great jazz piece, but would love to know more what sound you'd like before recommending.

 

[SaxBass55]

I suggest that you try before you buy. Your setup (mouthpiece/reed/ligature combinations) is personal based on the sounjd and style that you like, how the setup relates to your embouchure and anatomy, the resistance that enjoy when playing, the feel of the mouthpiece to you, etc.
If you are in an area with access to stores that have a variety to try, consider going in with your horn and trying what they have. Read reviews (the ones on your Amazon link reference black stains from the provided too small ligature).
Consider taking some time reading and listening to this wonderful "go to" resource for reviews (from Nefertiti, a SOTW member):
https://www.neffmusic.com/blog/mouthpiece-review-list/
You may talk to some of the mouthpiece designers/producers who post on SOTW.
Consider though that their (and the stores) that provide you with expertise/opportunity to buy may charge more than Amazon. It's my opinion that they are providing knowledge and experience that have value, so should be paid. Nefertiti (Steve Neff), has taken the time and energy to donate a starting resource to you on that website that I mentioned.
If you don't have access to stores with options, after you research a number of online stores will let you purchase and return mouthpieces to give you the opportunity to try several. With the pandemic that may not be as widespread an option as before.
I hope that you find something that you love!

 

[turf3]

Hey, so I was just looking for a new good cheap #9 mpc for jazz (no more than $90) and came across these. Can you please tell me what you think on them? Thank you!

https://www.amazon.com/Yibuy-Saxoph...9&qid=1587404900&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-3

https://www.amazon.com/Yibuy-Mouthp...9&qid=1587404900&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-2

If you have any metal mpc suggestions please let me know as well. Thank You!

Soprano? Alto? Tenor? Baritone? Bass? Whose "#9" facing size are you referencing? What's your current equipment and what are you trying to achieve that you can't now? Do you even exist, or are you just a bot?

 

[mijderf]

On a whim, my friend and I both bought the 2nd listed tenor Yibuy piece. Shockingly they played rather well for both of us. However it has a fairly bright tone, so you may not want to use it for jazz. Before I would recommend a sub $90 tenor piece for you, I would need to know what you play now, and why you think it is not a jazz piece.

 

[/about:sax]

Soprano? Alto? Tenor? Baritone? Bass? Whose "#9" facing size are you referencing? What's your current equipment and what are you trying to achieve that you can't now? Do you even exist, or are you just a bot?

@turf3 no, i'm not a bot, but I thought the fact that this thread was under the tenor mouthpieces was pretty self explanatory, meaning I play tenor. As far as equipment, I have a plastic mp, and have been using it for a year.

 

[/about:sax]

On a whim, my friend and I both bought the 2nd listed tenor Yibuy piece. Shockingly they played rather well for both of us. However it has a fairly bright tone, so you may not want to use it for jazz. Before I would recommend a sub $90 tenor piece for you, I would need to know what you play now, and why you think it is not a jazz piece.

mijderf, I have been using a Yamaha 4C Standard Series, which came with the instrument, but I am told that I should get a step up, and I want a bright tone. The Yamaha 4C Standard has a very dark tone, and I want something that is bright.

 

[/about:sax]

These are made in China, and very poorly constructed. I wouldn't invest any money in them. There is a very good chance they come out with uneven rails, tips, and table, which will make the mouthpiece play awful.

If you want a jazz mouthpiece, it doesn't have to be Metal. An Otto Link Tone Edge in HR is a great jazz piece, but would love to know more what sound you'd like before recommending.

I would like a bright sound, particularly one that has great flexibility and that I could use for jazz

 

[J-Moen]

I would like a bright sound, particularly one that has great flexibility and that I could use for jazz

Well, there are options in your price ranged, specifically on the used side. You may be able to come buy a used Jody Jazz Jet for tenor near your price range. They come new for 199, This is a HR piece, but it will play very bright.

If you really want a great all around bright jazz piece, you should save up for the Jody Jazz DV, which is metal and a great mouthpiece.However, This is nearly $600 new, 3-400 used.

If you are looking for something a little less bright and under $100, I'd recommend a used D'Addario Select Jazz Medium or small chamber, which is also $200 new but could be in your range for under $100 used. Be sure to watch ebay and reverb.com for used deals.

If you really can't find anything under 100 and just want a bright loud mouthpiece, go buy a Metalite. Definitely in your price range new.

 

[mijderf]

I would like a bright sound, particularly one that has great flexibility and that I could use for jazz

Well, bright it is, but flexible? Not for me. It was bright, bright, and if I really focused on playing it dark...it was bright! Seems like a used Jumbo Java tenor piece, or other used Vandoren might hit your price point, and might fit your tonal requirements a little better.

 

[J-Moen]

Well, bright it is, but flexible? Not for me. It was bright, bright, and if I really focused on playing it dark...it was bright! Seems like a used Jumbo Java tenor piece, or other used Vandoren might hit your price point, and might fit your tonal requirements a little better.

+1, I forgot they were in the price range, been seeing too many vintage blue ones lately lol.

 

[mijderf]

Well, there are options in your price ranged, specifically on the used side. You may be able to come buy a used Jody Jazz Jet for tenor near your price range. They come new for 199, This is a HR piece, but it will play very bright.

If you are looking for something a little less bright and under $100, I'd recommend a used D'Addario Select Jazz Medium or small chamber, which is also $200 new. If you really can't find anything under 100 and just want a bright loud mouthpiece, go buy a Metalite. Be sure to watch ebay and reverb.com for used deals.

+1
I forgot about a used Jody Jazz Jet, this might be just what he is looking for. But he will have to buy outside of SOTW since he is a new member and does not have Marketplace access yet.

 

[/about:sax]

Do you guys know a reliable site where I can get used mouthpieces?

 

[J-Moen]

Do you guys know a reliable site where I can get used mouthpieces?

PM Woodwinds (pmwoodwinds.com) has a decent selection. Reverb is pretty good as well. You can also check other more local shops with an online presence, for me it's Sax Alley.

 

[Jazz House]

Maybe try a Rico Metallite mouthpiece. These produce a fairly bright sound and come in a range of tip openings. If you've been on a 4C for ages, you might not want something too huge in opening. Also, they fit within your price range.

Also, I would consider getting a more middle of the road mouthpiece and experimenting with reeds. This can make the sound significantly brighter.

 

[Eulipion2]

Bright, powerful, and cheap screams Metalite. It was mentioned above, and I agree. I find them to be incredibly flexible. Depending on the experience level of the OP I'm not sure a screamer is the way to go, but you certainly couldn't do better than a Metalite at that price point. Plenty loud and bright, but can be tamed with a little practice.

Any particular reason you want a bright piece? And do you have an example of the "bright" sound you'd like to achieve? While there are certainly better options available, the Yamaha 4C is a great all-around piece that's plenty bright for straight ahead/bebop/big band. Who told you you should get a step-up mouthpiece, and did they have any recommendations for you?

 

[Hassles]

I've heard it mentioned here that the Vandorren A45 is not only loud but bright and used won't break the bank. I agree with comments about about the 4C being bright enough. You'ver had advice about trying new reeds - +1 from me for that recommendation.

 

[Hassles]

plenty of reed options to explore for both dark or bright outcomes and this would be a great affordable place to begin.

 

[Eulipion2]

Reeds are a great place to start. And in addition to the Metalites, there's also the Graftonite line. They feature a rollover baffle instead of the Metalite's wedge, and come in three different chamber sizes. I've had the best luck with the "B" chamber. I find the "C" chamber brighter than the Metalite, but less punchy.

Both Metalites and Graftonites can be found for around $25-30 new, and often under $20 used.

 

[turf3]

OP, if you're looking for a "step up" from a 4C Yamaha I would recommend a good quality standard mouthpiece. For tenor I'd recommend Otto Link New Vintage in HR, Meyer (probably about a 6, if you're coming from a 4), or one of the medium baffle Vandorens in HR. Brilhart Ebolins don't appear to be made any more but they're all over the used market.

You mention a #9 mouthpiece; if you're thinking in Otto Link sizing, that's going to be too big - I've been playing 40+ years and I'd have to really work to get dynamic control from something like that. Even #9 Meyer (smaller than a #9 Link) would be bigger than I'm playing, as my main tenor piece is a #8 Meyer.

The elcheapo Rico Graftonites and Metalites work OK for some players but I think you'll be better served by something that helps you develop a quality tone; those Rico pieces can get really thin and shrill, especially the Metalites.

If money is short I most certainly wouldn't throw it down the "mystery object from China" hole.