[MattTheCat]

Hi everyone!

I'm a bari player and have been for a long time. I just picked sax back up seriously in my free time and it's all coming back to me quickly, minus my embouchure but in due time

I've saved quite a bit for an alto and I'm going to keep saving until I can pick up a pro horn. I want to take my time once I get to that point and try a whole bunch, which of course will require a mouthpiece.

Obviously I don't have a horn to try mouthpieces with. I'm guessing that I need to make a best guess at a comfortable tip opening and reed strength. I currently play a Jody Jazz Jet 7 on my bari with a Legere Signature 2.5. This is a .110" tip. I'm leaning towards a Jody Jazz Jet or HR* for my alto piece.

What would you do in this situation? How do I choose a comfortable tip opening without a horn?

 

[motteatoj]

I would start with a 5. Try around a 2.5M Rigotti gold or equiv strength, or start a step softer until you get comfortable on the alto.

 

[1saxman]

If you do that you'll be buying another mouthpiece in 6 weeks. You're playing a fairly open piece on bari so why not go with a 7 on alto? it won't take you long to find the reed for it.

 

[Tenor Mattness]

Perhaps it would help to transition into alto by moving from bari to tenor. Then stop.

 

[MattTheCat]

If you do that you'll be buying another mouthpiece in 6 weeks. You're playing a fairly open piece on bari so why not go with a 7 on alto? it won't take you long to find the reed for it.

My first thought was to shoot for a similar "ratio" of openness between horns, if you will. So this sounds like a good idea. I don't want to end up with something too closed and it appears to be hard to go "too open" on alto relative to how open my bari piece is.

 

[MattTheCat]

Perhaps it would help to transition into alto by moving from bari to tenor. Then stop.

Haha, I do want to add a tenor one day.

 

[LostConn]

My first thought was to shoot for a similar "ratio" of openness between horns, if you will. So this sounds like a good idea. I don't want to end up with something too closed and it appears to be hard to go "too open" on alto relative to how open my bari piece is.

Alto mouthpieces are relatively cheap, especially compared to baritone pieces. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you can readily afford to test. I suggest trying 2-3 different tip openings of the same or similar mouthpieces. Used pieces, if you can find them, and you probably can, because alto mouthpieces are also pretty plentiful. Then either borrow a horn or try one out at a shop (when the shops reopen). Just take your mouthpiece candidates with you. You could also rely on a shop's inventory for both the horn and the mouthpieces, but my approach would enable you to test exactly the mouthpieces you want to. Plus, you could disinfect to your heart's content.

 

[MattTheCat]

Alto mouthpieces are relatively cheap, especially compared to baritone pieces. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you can readily afford to test. I suggest trying 2-3 different tip openings of the same or similar mouthpieces. Used pieces, if you can find them, and you probably can, because alto mouthpieces are also pretty plentiful. Then either borrow a horn or try one out at a shop (when the shops reopen). Just take your mouthpiece candidates with you. You could also rely on a shop's inventory for both the horn and the mouthpieces, but my approach would enable you to test exactly the mouthpieces you want to. Plus, you could disinfect to your heart's content.

Agreed, I always get a few different sizes when I have bought bari pieces. I will order them and bring them to the store when I try some saxes.

 

[turf3]

If you need a reasonable quality alto piece, to try out horns with, of similar general openness to your bari piece, buy a Meyer 7, med. chamber. Suitable for every style except the delicate classical stuff. You'll not outgrow it, and even if you later move to another piece as your main one, you'll want to keep it around for some applications.

For full disclosure: I've been primarily a bari player for over 35 years. My second main horn is alto, having done considerable lead work in big bands as well as small group work, and my main alto piece is a Meyer 7 for probably the last 20+ years.

I think a garden variety Meyer piece will run you around $150 brand new.

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

If you are thinking about starting on a Jody Jazz alto mouthpiece, do not start with the high baffle Jet. Start with the HR*. Or you could get a Meyer 7, medium chamber like turf3 said. Those choices will be easier to play initially.

 

[MattTheCat]

If you are thinking about starting on a Jody Jazz alto mouthpiece, do not start with the high baffle Jet. Start with the HR*. Or you could get a Meyer 7, medium chamber like turf3 said. Those choices will be easier to play initially.

I think the HR* is the more likely option. I love my Jet on bari because I can cut super hard with it which is my preferred bari sound, but on alto I want to be a little less punchy.

 

[MattTheCat]

If you need a reasonable quality alto piece, to try out horns with, of similar general openness to your bari piece, buy a Meyer 7, med. chamber. Suitable for every style except the delicate classical stuff. You'll not outgrow it, and even if you later move to another piece as your main one, you'll want to keep it around for some applications.

For full disclosure: I've been primarily a bari player for over 35 years. My second main horn is alto, having done considerable lead work in big bands as well as small group work, and my main alto piece is a Meyer 7 for probably the last 20+ years.

I think a garden variety Meyer piece will run you around $150 brand new.

Thanks for the suggestion! I know my local shop keeps Meyers in stock so that will be something to try.