[Shmazzy]

For the past few years I've been playing on a Jody Jazz student mouthpiece (do they have one of those? I didn't see it on the site) and it's about time I upgraded. I don't really know much about mouthpieces as I am just starting to finally immerse myself in the world of sax (after 5 years lol) but I've heard that meyer's are pretty good. I'm not in the market for a metal mouthpiece by the way. Any advice would be appreciated. (I am aware that ultimatley the only way I'll be able to decide is to try them out myself but I just need this as a starting point. Wow, that was longer than I intended it to be.

 

[Master.America]

As it's inevitable that someone will say it anyway, I might as well start off the list of replies with... why not a metal mouthpiece? Give everything a shot, leave no stone unturned--no matter what material it's made out of. Only then will you know which mouthpiece is right for you.

Of the mouthpieces I've played so far (and I must admit, the list would be short), my favorites (and the ones I've stuck to) are the Otto Link STM (a new one) and a Berg SMS (new, but hasn't been refaced or modified)--both metal mouthpieces. I've tried HR and plastic mouthpieces, but couldn't find anything I liked in them. That said, I like the link and the berg for the contrast, and that's what works for me.

 

[HOUSTON NONET]

GET A KESSLER-- THIS MODEL
http://www.kesslermusic.com/html/mps/OL7Pro/OL7Pro.htm
HAND FINISHED
PLAYS GREAT
REASONABLE PRICE
AND MONEY BACK IF DON'T LIKE IT
STAY AWAY FROM OVER PRICED TWEEKED LINKS, HIGH BAFFLE MPCS, AND ANY SELLER THAT DOES NOT GIVE A TRIAL PERIOD

 

[Zvanen]

mouthpieces are a very personal thing, try as many as you can and you will find the one that fits u well. my personal choice on tenor is a Link stm 8.

 

[Jolle]

I am aware that ultimatley the only way I'll be able to decide is to try them out myself but I just need this as a starting point.

Good point. Pretty sure that if everybody lists his tip, you have to try out the complete stock of three big music stores though

Serious, I second master.america : try everything possible. Don't try mpc that are very cheap though, specially with the metal ones. You're bound to be dissatisfied I found out myself.

BergLarsen is my main choice (I have two of them). I also have a Selmer Goldentone, and it's very good but not my style.

Meyer are (very) good mouthpieces. tried them on soprano, and loved them. Don't know for tenor,but heard good comments. BergLarsen hard rubber are great mouthpieces (tried one, but I stick with my metal one for the bright edge).

Something to consider : I particularly like BergLarsen hard rubber and metal pieces because they have a "smaller" feel : I don't have such a big mouth (my mom would disagree though). The slim form of these mouthpieces feel more natural for me and thus makes them easier to play. Plus they're great tonewise, but I play mainly ska. I love subtoning too, but I like a "roar" in my sax.

edit : BergLarsen stainless steel are controversial pieces. You either love them or you hate them. They have a very specific sound.

 

[Giganova]

Ahhh, welcome to the life-long search for the "perfect" mouthpiece. Be prepared that from now on, 90% of your brain's neurons will be solely devoted to thinking about this issue 24/7, which will affect your personal & professional life to the point where all you wanna do is find the "holy grail of all mouthpieces"!

 

[Giganova]

On a more serious note, I think you should try to think about your sound concept first. Once you know how you would like to sound, read the tons of threads here on this board again and try out a few mouthpieces that could get you there. For example, it wouldn't make any sense to get a Larsen, Berg, or Guardala if you want to sound like Webster or Gordon.

 

[patseguin]

I've not delved into Tenor yet, but my teacher loves his Guardala piece. He also played a Dukoff for a long time. He's told me before that when I get into Tenor, start on a metal Link.

 

[HOUSTON NONET]

Since you have justed you started "serious" study, try to develpoe your air stream and neck control by using a low baffle ("link like") mpc. Etablishing your ability to control the overtone series/exercises with low baffle is best.
Of the following players which ones uses/used a high Baffle mpc
Lovano
Bergonzi
Garzone
Rich Perry
Joshua Redman
Michael Brecker
Bob Berg
Bob Sheppard
Ralph Moore (Jay Leno)
Joel Frahm
Dexter Gordon
George Coleman
Johnny Griffin
Joe Henderson
Walt Weiskoff
Eric Alexander
Chris Potter

 

[HOUSTON NONET]

Answer-- Brecker but only AFTER he had throat injury-- needed to modify his approach. I liked his tone better in the lates 70's when he used a Link

 

[bruce bailey]

Link HR, vintage Brilhart, Morgan.

 

[Dr G]

Rich Perry and Joe Henderson were more often seen and heard playing Selmer mouthpieces - Airflow and Soloist.

In the bigger picture, I agree - learn to play a Link or Link-style and you'll have the tools to develop, control, and shape your sound. Even if you later opt to play a high baffle peashooter (no prejudice here ), your sound will benefit from the lessons learned on the small/no baffle, medium/large chambered mouthpiece.

 

[bruce bailey]

If you are OK with a .085" tip, try a Morgan Protone or a BARI Esprit for inexpensive starters. Very similar to a Link.

 

[Leon]

Since you have justed you started "serious" study, try to develpoe your air stream and neck control by using a low baffle ("link like") mpc. Etablishing your ability to control the overtone series/exercises with low baffle is best.
Of the following players which ones uses/used a high Baffle mpc
Lovano
Bergonzi
Garzone
Rich Perry
Joshua Redman
Michael Brecker
Bob Berg
Bob Sheppard
Ralph Moore (Jay Leno)
Joel Frahm
Dexter Gordon
George Coleman
Johnny Griffin
Joe Henderson
Walt Weiskoff
Eric Alexander
Chris Potter

All those guys played low baffle pieces? Even Bob Berg? His sound suggests a baffled piece and I would be surprised if otherwise. Anyway, I wonder how many Link players use a baffle, home-made or othewise, in their Links, either consistently or occassionally? Might be the subject of another poll?