Choosing a mouthpiece is a significant step for the saxophonist… One that will greatly influence their playing technique. The options offered by manufacturers generally cover a wide range of setups, designed to satisfy all musicians.
A mouthpiece “that suits me”!
The choice of a mouthpiece is often, first and foremost, a matter of morphology. It will depend on the musical choices of the player, but above all, on their level of dexterity with the instrument!
The “golden rule” before making any equipment decision is to try it out in-store whenever possible…
What does it look like?
The saxophone mouthpiece consists of several parts (see diagram below).
The table is the flat surface where the reed is placed, ending at the front with the tip opening. The window (or aperture) is the open part of the table called the chamber, which extends into the bore.
The “back” of the chamber is called the baffle.
The underside of the mouthpiece is known as the beak.
The “classic” ebonite mouthpiece
The most common mouthpieces are made of ebonite. This material was invented in the mid-19th century by the GoodYear brothers. It is derived from rubber. Fun fact: bowling balls are also made of it!
It’s the ideal mouthpiece for beginners, usually chosen with a small tip opening for easy sound production. Thanks to the variety of its features (tip opening, chamber size, baffle shape), it remains a favorite among experienced saxophonists, who can opt for more personalized setups to achieve a unique sound.
Take for instance the .072 mouthpiece by Bari.
The resin mouthpiece
Resin mouthpieces have earned their place among saxophonists. They are usually made from phenolic resin, which makes for an easy-to-play mouthpiece without too much effort.
Yamaha equips its student instruments with the 4C (such as the AS4C for alto saxophone), an excellent compromise for learning.
Selmer also markets the Seles Prologue mouthpiece made from thermoplastic polymer for alto sax, while the Californian manufacturer SR Technologies offers several models in polycarbonate.
The metal mouthpiece
Opting for a metal mouthpiece is usually preferred by players looking for a crisp, responsive attack. The mouth feel can be somewhat unsettling, making it a poor choice for beginners as their first mouthpiece.
Metal mouthpieces typically offer a wider tip opening, which is highly appreciated in jazz. Still, their tonal variety makes them suitable for many styles, including classical music.
The crystal mouthpiece
They are beautiful—but also very fragile! Definitely not recommended for beginners. The mouth feel is surprising at first, but becomes pleasant over time. They also offer absolute stability over the years.
They are hygienic, since you only need to rinse them with water. The sound is round and full at soft dynamics, while producing a rich timbre when played loudly.
Brands
Instrument makers are naturally best placed to offer mouthpieces to complement their instruments.
Selmer and its sub-brand Seles, Yamaha, and Yanagisawa all boast extensive catalogues with many models and features.
Vandoren, the renowned reed manufacturer, also offers a wide range of models.
Meyer mouthpieces are made in the United States, in Indiana, by JJ Babbit, the same company behind Otto Link, especially famous for its jazzy metal mouthpieces.
Also in the U.S., D’Addario – Rico manufactures in New York State a series of mouthpieces widely appreciated by jazz players.
In France, Brancher produces ebonite and metal models, as well as an ebony mouthpiece handcrafted in Saône-et-Loire.
Other noteworthy brands include Guardala, Jody Jazz, and SR Technologies.
