[TooSaxy]

What is the difference between these two mouthpieces? I have a student who played an S80 and loved it, but wants to buy a S90 because it is cheaper... -.-... anyway, I would appreciate some opinions on these two mouthpieces. Thank you very much

 

[Dave Dolson]

I think tip-opening is crucial. I played S-80's for years (until the Super Session hit the market) but I always used the widest openings. The ones like C* and D didn't work for me. DAVE

 

[Agent27]

S90 has a round chamber, S80 has a square chamber. Many players don't like the square chamber.

 

[thejoyofsax]

Looking down into my S80 and S90 side by side, they both have square chambers. The Selmer Larry Teal has the round chamber. The Soloist model has the arch, I believe.

The only visual difference on the outside is that the S90 has a longer table. If I were to speculate, I'd say that the S90 has a larger chamber than the S80. I get a much more full, deep sound especially in the low register when I play it. Listeners noticed a big difference between the two, even after a few notes. I highly recommend the S90, even after playing the S80 for the last five years.

 

[Jonathan C.]

On Alto I have only used the
S80 C**, Meyer 7M, and Runyon Custom 6.
I found the S80 C** is really hard to project with, it had alot of resistance on the piece, with my usual set up and that was wierd. I would get her to try out the pieces side by side.

 

[CountSpatula]

Looking down into my S80 and S90 side by side, they both have square chambers. The Selmer Larry Teal has the round chamber. The Soloist model has the arch, I believe.

The only visual difference on the outside is that the S90 has a longer table. If I were to speculate, I'd say that the S90 has a larger chamber than the S80. I get a much more full, deep sound especially in the low register when I play it. Listeners noticed a big difference between the two, even after a few notes. I highly recommend the S90, even after playing the S80 for the last five years.

I agree with this. I use to use an S80 C* for a few years and my Professor let me try out his S90 (his main mouthpiece). It had just a bit more darker...fuller tone to it compared to the S80...

 

[gary]

How's the response/reaction to articulation in the S90 vs S80? Thanks.

 

[stevesklar]

the S90 has a larger square chamber than the S80. BUT I had two S80s and one of them had a larger chamber than the other (go figure)

I also think the S90 has a longer facing - something like 22mm and the S80 was something like 20 - but correct me if i'm wrong. The S90 comes in fewer tip openings than the S80 but still provides ample choices

 

[thejoyofsax]

How's the response/reaction to articulation in the S90 vs S80? Thanks.

Actually, I have to say that the 80 wins that round. If my 90 has been sitting a couple of minutes (say I explain something to a student and then go to play an example phrase for them) it takes a second for it to kick back in again. Once you get it to peak moisture it's fine, but I might be nervous playing it for an orchestral gig, let's say. While that could be more of an "old reed" issue, it seems like the one major drawback I've found.