Saxophone Forum


by sofian444
(7 posts)
18 years ago

Mouthpieces

I am 15 and have played tenor sax for two years now in my high school band. This year I started playing 1st tenor in our jazz band and 2nd chair in Wind Ensemble, and i really have to get a new mouthpiece. i use a yamaha 4c on a cannonball big bell tenor with vandoren's java reeds (2 1/2) and i have NO IDEA as to what type of mouthpiece i should buy. a local musician told me that the reason why my sound was becoming messed up was becuase my current mouthpiece was too closed, and that i should try an otto link 7*. i dont know anything about mouthpieces. honestly i dont know what the 7 means, but i think its the size. What do you look for when you buy a mouthpiece? Whats the difference between metal and resin? What kind of mouthpiece should i buy if i play jazz and classical? any help would be much appreciated.

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  1. by sofian444
    (7 posts)

    18 years ago

    Re: Mouthpieces

    i forgot to say i was looking to spend $100 or less.

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  2. by johnsonfromwisconsin
    (767 posts)

    18 years ago

    Re: Mouthpieces

    7* on an Otto Link refers to the tip opening (amount of space between a straight new reed and the tip of the mouthpiece) There is a guide for comparative tip openings (different mpc makers use different designations) here: www.mouthpieceheaven.com/content/tips_Tenor-Chart.htm From what I understand, the Yamaha may be around .74 of an opening?? larger tips generally give you more volume, which is necessary for jazz/swing or as a soloist in concert settings, but you might find you have to drop to a softer reed than with the 4C If you're looking for a mpc for both classical and swing I don't happen to have a suggestion in your pricerange. The closest I could personally recommend is a Soloist at around $120. Not my personal choice at mouthpiece, but it's decent I find for both types of playing. Generally you are looking for a mpc that lets you create the sound you're after first, then you test it for response by trying a few pieces in different openings. When you find one you like, you buy it. Be wary of mpcs that squeek or chirp or produce intonation issues. You shouldn't give a mouthpiece any excuses when auditioning them. Find the one you like best and take it home.

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  3. by MarkLavelle
    (300 posts)

    18 years ago

    Re: Mouthpieces

    I've only been playing a year myself, but I chipped my Yamaha 4C early on and replaced it with a 5C and noticed an improvement immediately. Under $30 from most on line stores, and you don't need a new ligature...

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