Best Alto Sax Mouthpieces Under $150

[@iulianvamanu1875]

Finally someone who knows how to explain. I’m a beginner… I don’t know nothing about this stuff, actually just bought my first saxophone . Thank you man for all your advices.

[@philtaska4258]

Restarting sax after 40+ years. Got a Yamaha 5C and Hemke #2 reeds and a Van Doren MO ligature. Thank you for your Better Sax videos. Super helpful!

[@Hammertime1041]

The vandoren v16 6s is actually great I love it. I’m a few years into playing alto sax and need a need mouth piece, this channel is a godsend thank you so much Better Sax!

[@bettersax]

Thank You! I played on that exact piece for many years

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@bettersax I’m sorry I didn’t try one of your suggestions instead .. I decided to try that WCW 56 mk II, supposedly Theo Wanne contributed to the design? The mpc was a little excessively dark to the point of even the direct sound being muffled a bit much, and the playability just wasn’t there ! I tried different styles and strength of reeds, and it just wasn’t up to par. My old Cannonball #5 is actually better in both tone and playability for a mid 50’s vibe, and I think that was just a $50 mpc that Sheryl Laukat just gave me to try, oh maybe around 15 yrs ago. That 56 was supposed to give me about the same tone with better playability, but it didn’t work out. Suffice it to say, I’m sending it back .. I’ll take the restocking hit .. All I can do is keep experimenting.

[@agentmus]

@@shipsahoy1793 okay?

[@spheyuh]

I'm in eighth grade and I recently started playing alto sax in jazz band and I plan to march on alto next year. My band director recommended I get a Meyer 5, so I switched to that and I absolutely love it. It helped my tone quality and I have a wide range of dynamics. It's truly the best decision I've ever made for sax.

[@PentGroove]

Well I'm going to invest in the meyer 5 without trying it on, it's a gamble but it's happening

[@grantkoeller8911]

Meyer 5MM .071" Meyer 6MM .076"

[@PentGroove]

@@grantkoeller8911 use mm

[@grantkoeller8911]

@@PentGroove Millimeter is only used for clarinet mouthpiece tip openings, saxophone tip openings use 1000th of an inch, it's traditional.

[@PentGroove]

@@grantkoeller8911 I've seen only mm measurements when buying mouthpieces so this is new

[@wadestewart5407]

I play a Meyer 6* Medium chamber and have for years and recently bought an Otto Link Super Tone Master 9* and they are night and day from each other - the Otto is dark and full and has an edge if you want it but takes a lot of air and the Meyer 6 is focused and buzzsaw edgy and reaches a much more rock and roll sound!

[@JeffSmith-eq7rr]

Excellent video. I've just bought an D'addario Select Jazz D6M and played it for the first time for two hours. I always use cork grease but the MP still went on very tight. When I twisted off the MP it removed 1/3rd of the neck cork with it. My previous MP was a Selmer S80 C** and that fitted on pretty tight but the inside of the MP was very smooth so it never damaged the cork. On inspection I found the D'addario MP very rough on the inside and using a piece of very fine Emery paper turned around a 15mm tube I polished the inside until it was smooth and shiney. It's a shame that I didn't inspect the inside of the MP before I played it, because that would have saved my neck-cork. So here's the warning guys: Always check the inside of a new MP before fitting it on your sax!!!

[@bettersax]

Jeff, thanks for sharing this. Sounds like you found a good fix. A mouthpiece should already be smooth on the inside, and next time, I'd send it back if it was very rough like you say. My D'addario is a tight fit as well. Have fun playing that beast...

[@nano_nogueira_chorinho]

my first mouthpiece was, in fact, the Yamaha 4C. later, my teacher at the time, suggested a better mouthpiece, so that I would develop my sound more. since then, I have a Meyer 6 medium chamber, which I love. There go 30 years ...

[@furtherdefinitions1]

I've had my Meyer 6 mouthpiece for over 40 years, and it still works for me, never fails. On my Conn 6M, it actually gives it a powerful and flexible tone

[@jimmyb1133]

I like the sound of the Meyer vs the D'addario mp .... I've been using a alto Meyer 6M for years and love it ...

[@jonathanreich1775]

Same!:)

[@skyset_]

Same here! I just got a Meyer 6M and its great!

[@BassRacerx]

i really liked the sound of the meyer 5! I played for years without even knowing that mouthpieces even makes a difference. been using like 10 dollar mouthpieces all this time and never really had any complaints!

[@christiansivak5754]

How cool it must for having the best sax teacher and its your favourite KZbinr

[@jaypettitsax]

I’ve been playing sax for over 7 years now, and I will be studying music education. By far, my Meyer 7 with medium chamber is my favorite mouthpiece. Bigger sound than I’ve gotten out of any of my previous mouthpieces.

[@bettersax]

What were you playing on before?

[@jaypettitsax]

Better Sax I played on some cheap Leblancs (nice beater mouthpieces for marching and pep band) and a Brillhart ebolin (still play on that one). I also have a Berg Larsen metal mouthpiece that is okay, but too edgy for my liking. I’m currently looking for a sweeter sounding mouthpiece with more volume for classical purposes as an upgrade from my ebolin.

[@22cjk22]

I'm playing on a Selmer S80 + given ligature which came with my Seles Axos. Played on the Yamaha 5C with a Bonade inverted lig before that. The S80 has a much darker, complex sound. Took a few practice sessions to adjust, but very comfortable now.

[@Odegda]

1. yamaha 5c 2.Meyer 5 3.Vandoren v16 s6 4. dadario jazz

[@perrysellers9198]

As always, great advice....after years of searching for that perfect mouthpiece that never materialize, listen to his advice. I have tried many many mouthpieces and most don't change my sound. The feeling while playing them, however, does. The effort to produce different notes....high, mid or low "feel" different on different pieces. Music is emotional and feeling is everything. Practice, practice so the emotions come out of any mouth piece.

[@monkeyxx]

[@agatach87]

I began with a Yamaha 4C that came with my sax (yas275), but pretty soon my teacher recommended my Vandoren A35 and holy cow I like it. I’ve actually stuck to it for good seven years now 🎷

[@francistaylor5097]

I've just upgraded to the Select Jazz. I like a closed face so went for the 5. This thing is powerful! My Aristocrat Series 1 sounds amazing.

[@grantkoeller8911]

Facing

[@grantkoeller8911]

Excellent video, as a sax teacher, I totally agree with your choices. I've been playing 50 years now as of 2022, basically on the same set-up, a hard rubber Meyer 7MM, with Vandoren Java green box 3.5. I love the Meyer mouthpiece. It's the real deal.... the v16 is basically a Meyer copy and the D'Addario is a Meyer copy. Why? Because the design of the Meyer is perfect. It has that New York chamber, round, with hollowed out sidewalls, and roll over baffle and flat table, even side rails and nice thin tip rail. The tone is flexible, can be balls to the walls, one second, and pure for classical, the next second. It has the core for playing lead Alto in a high powered big band , and for bebop solo work in a combo. Think, Phil Woods and Cannonball Adderley.

[@bettersax]

Thanks Grant. Harder to find those perfect Meyers these days though. That's why it's great to have the other modern options that are super consistent and affordable.

[@grantkoeller8911]

I tell students to get 3 from Woodwind, (wwbw.com) and keep the best one. They are still making great Meyer's, you just have to test them......

[@bettersax]

That's good advice...

[@martinwatkins1444]

I've been playing for about 6 months, using the Yamaha 4c that came with my sax. A couple of weeks ago I moved up to a Jody Jazz HR 6M and I absolutely love it, although I needed to use a slightly softer reed with the wider tip opening (I'm still at the stage of experimenting with reeds anyway). The JJ cost me £141 (including a nice ligature, cap and pouch) here in the UK, so I guess that might be slightly above the 150 price you set by the time you convert to dollars - it's well worth a try though.

[@grayfox3057]

Martin Watkins I’m in your same situation. I have been playing for 6 months using the 4c. Now I want to purchase a real jazz piece. I did some research, and I figured the 6M had a too big of an opening for a beginner, so I thought it would be better to try the 5M, but now you are making me reconsider that thought process. So, the 6 opening is not giving you any real prohibitive problem? And what about the Meyer? I am torn between the JJ HR (5 or 6) and a Meyer (5 or 6): did you try it before choosing the JJ? Thanks in advance for your answer

[@martinwatkins1444]

Francis S. I haven't had any problems with the 6 tip opening - I did drop back half a grade on reed strength, but now I've been playing the new piece for 2 weeks I want to go slightly harder again. Like you, I considered the Meyer 5, but I couldn't try it out. After reading a lot of reviews and talking to one of the staff at sax.co.uk, I went with the JJ. Apparently they are quite similar but I was swayed by the JJ quality control - every mouthpiece is hand finished and play tested before leaving the factory. I have absolutely no regrets about my decision. Good luck with whatever you choose - you will notice the difference from your 4c.

[@bettersax]

Jody Jazz mouthpieces are great, but as you said, they are out of the price range for this video. I'm planning a video for mouthpieces in the next price range and it will include the JJ HR*

[@bettersax]

Martin, you can't go wrong with any of those choices. You will just have to try a few different reeds to find what works best for you. 2.5 probably good place to start when you go to a bigger tip opening.

[@grayfox3057]

Better Sax This is awesome! Keep up the good content!

[@briandancer7393]

How very true, 'tis the sound and 'passion' for the horn that counts. Without boasting people say I have a very good sound --I'm not a pro. player and play a YAS 62 with a Meyer 6 and D'darrio 2 hard reeds ( when I find a good one ) ....although they are getting much more consistent of late. I'm aged 75 ---loved the horns all my life. Also a keen and busy Bari. player and a YTS 23 tenor. ( I don't talk about my Bari. )

[@arthurschwieger82]

I play a Selmer Super Action 80 Serie II - Paris. It came with a C* that I have never been happy with so it sits in its box. I have been playing a Claude Lakey 5*3 Jazz mouthpiece since the early 90s. It took a little getting use to. I have a Rovner Dark ligature and play Rico Royal 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 and sometimes play a Rico Plasticover 4 when I feel like abusing my lips.

[@XB29SP]

I purchased a Meyer 6 small chamber alto piece back in 1979 after sitting in a music store and trying every Meyer they had. I knew the owner. Happy sounding, popping fun piece to play. I still have it, but have been playing an 8 on tenor so much it felt small and it was an adjustment. Found a Jody Jazz HR* 7 on EBay. I know that new they are just above this price point, but there are used ones out there that fall below. For $95 including shipping this is the best investment I have made for alto, and I will say, for me. I do have an 8 D'addario select for tenor and it is a great piece too, although it does fit snug on the neck cork. A thing others have commented on.

[@DrRocketTurner]

Great training video, as always! I like Ralph Morgan’s mouthpieces in hard rubber, way easy to play! Narrow tip openings best for beginners in my opinion. As a beginner, i was a gear-head and bought a bun CJ with wide tip openings that I couldn’t play for a long while! Wish I’d been a subscriber back then! Excellent work! Rocket 🚀

[@bettersax]

Thanks Rocket! I had a Morgan Excalibur 7 on tenor that I played for a long time and then sold. Wish I kept it.

[@cratecruncher6687]

Absolute beginner here. I bought a Chinese alto sax for about $200 having heard they are pretty good but the mouthpiece supplied are generally hot garbage. I almost got a hernia trying to use the mouthpiece supplied. I bought a Yamaha 4C and some Rico 2.5 reeds off the jungle website and it made a huge difference. The ligature supplied with the horn is fine for now. Would the 5C be better? Oh, who knows... I'm just happy not squeaking or blacking out from hypoxia at this point in my sax adventure!

[@kevindeibert3369]

Yamaha mouthpieces are just fine and I use a 4 or 5C on my curved Soprano. I now play a Vandoren AS 5 + for my Alto but I had used a Wolfe Tayne 7 for about 35 years.

[@jazzie_wolf]

I absolutely love my Meyer, and now I feel vindicated! I have a c* too, but very rarely reach for it as I prefer the darker, full tone compared to the brighter, springy tone.

[@stangetz534]

Since the reed is so important- Maybe you should use the same reed across all mouthpieces you try. For example the blue box 3.5 is way different than a Java red. Also maybe compare same tip sizes.

[@mikemiller376]

I've been playing saxophones of all shapes and sizes for 42 years now! However, I predominantly play Tenor. I play in both a Funk / R&B group and a Concert Band. Playing Tenor in the Concert Band I've used a Meyer 5M, an original 'Long Shank' Selmer Soloist with a C* tip opening and both Yamaha 4 & 5c's. In the Concert Band, I've settled in on the 5c. Also being medium chambered, dimensionally it is the same as an S80 C*. Except at a fraction of the cost! What a lot of people don't realize is that Yamaha makes mouthpieces with multiple tip openings. They run from the 3c up to a 7c. The 6c is the same as a Selmer C** and the 7c is a Selmer D. At 50 bucks, or less per unit, they are a far more economical way to experiment with different tip openings! The current line of Yamaha mouthpieces were designed concurrently with the famed original Purple Logo 62 series. Dr. Eugene Rousseau was on the design team for the 62 series, and therefore helped with the design of these mouthpieces! So basically a new 'Rousseau' mouthpiece for under 50 bucks? Yeah, that's my goto! 🎷

[@kenjett2434]

Back when I played tenor sax back in the 70s I had a mouthpiece that was made in Paris France. Sadly I cannot remember the name of it but it was fantastic. I gave $75 for it in 1976 I expect that would be $200 or more today. If anyone knows the name of any sax mouthpiece makers in Paris I would love to know? I just did some checking and I am sure that my mouthpiece was indeed a Vandoran.

[@iRosati]

was it a metal mouth piece?

[@kenjett2434]

@@iRosati no it wasn't a metal one to be honest I don't recall seeing the metal ones till later. At that time wasn't many big music stores in my area. But the one everyone went to was Gorby's in Charleston WV.

[@klink370]

I purchased a used Conn 14M Shooting Star back in the 60's. In the case with it was a "R. Malerne, Standard, Paris France" mouthpiece. I assume it is the mouthpiece that came with the sax when it was new. It seems to be a beginner mouthpiece rather than anything special.

[@kenjett2434]

@@klink370 I have seen Conn's not to familiar with them. I have only played first a Selmar Eflat alto was switched to a Holton b-flat tenor that was a barely playable school instrument. Then I purchased a pro b-flat tenor King Silver sax now that was a sweet instrument and why I bought a upgrade mouthpiece.

[@DynamixWarePro]

I have used a Yamaha 4C and Rovner dark ligature for about a month on my alto sax since I started playing. I was doing ok with Legere Signature 2 and Rico 2.0 reeds. I recently upgraded to a Meyer 6M, Rovner Versa X ligature and Legere Signature 2 1/4 and D'addario Select Jazz 2.5 reeds and noticed a near instant improvement in my playing. Maybe I needed stronger reeds and that helped. I found that the 6M has a bit of a projecting sound winch I found I could tame a little by altering how the Rovner Versa X ligature was set up and working on my tone. I always use cork grease but found the 6M mouthpiece a bit tight on the neck and it took a little bit off the cork when I removed it, so need to be careful when putting it on and taking it off the neck. I went for it as I wasn't sure what style I wanted to play but didn't want to be restricted at this stage. I would have got the D'addario Select Jazz as I like the sound of it, but the tight fit and the reports that it takes off the cork, made me stay away from it. Hope they fix that in the future.

[@bettersax]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@jorgentofilms]

I am a newbie and have just got one Yamaha 4C mouthpiece. I love it.

[@kareng2281]

Been playing alto sax for 3 weeks, have a brand new Buffet crampon, just got a yamaha 5c and rovner dark ligature and wow what a difference! so much easier and greatly improved tone, was supposed to be putting away until my birthday in a month but not a chance! can't keep struggling with the Buffet mouthpiece and ligature anymore 🙉

[@kporshnev]

Vandoren Jumbo Java A45 was my choice after Yamaha 4C. Very good mouthpiece with bridge.

[@grantkoeller8911]

with a wedge, for rock or smooth jazz,

[@jazzforever7433]

A45 I got mine, very good sound

[@patzicari3604]

Super video.... I started playing a Lakey 7*3 in the 70's, when Claude made me one of his first ones... I used it with the reeds he designed it for... Plasticover and Hempke... After having my VI Alto returned to "stock", I wanted to return to my purer "Desmondie" sound... Luckily, there is the Vandoren Musician's Advisory Studio L.A... Where, with an appointment, you can try their mouthpieces, ligatures, reeds out... I ended up with the V16A8s and Gold M/O Ligature... I DID notice the difference in sound with the different ligature material (Gold or Brass)... however, their inconsistency in their reed strength sent me back to my "ol' reliable" Orange Box Rico #2's... I also switched from the Vandoren mouthpiece Patch to the Theo Wanne "hard" Bite Pad... was getting marks on my new 10mFan Merlot (Tenor)... and gave them a try... like Theo's better... actually prevents tooth marks... So, you have another convert to UNDER $150 ALTO MOUTHPIECES... and happy that I did...

[@bettersax]

Pat, thanks for the feedback. I used to go to the Vandoren studio in New York and try out mouthpieces reeds and ligatures. They have always been very supportive and helpful to musicians. Glad you found a setup that works for what you're looking for at the moment.

[@zozma38]

The mouthpiece pads are new to me. I recently picked up the saxophone again after about 20 years. I got the Jean Paul AS-400. Glad I subbed you as there's information I need to be reminded of as well as stuff I didn't know.

[@NyanPoptartCat]

Same here, back after 20. I know they had patches back in the day, because I used them for a while and then ditched them. I'm still using my school mouthpiece, which has a huge bite groove in it. I blame my sister, the previous owner, for that since it was already there. ;) There is so, so much stuff I had no clue about. Nobody told me mouthpieces mattered this much. I didn't know altissimo on a sax went way, way past the palm keys. Overtones??? "Saxophone lung"?? I never bothered cleaning or swabbing the body and washed out the mouthpiece when it started to get nasty (what kid has time with five minutes to the next class??), and it all sat in my case undisturbed, day after day. Eeeew. I played for six years and feel like a complete beginner again, lol.

[@leowright8016]

I have a vandoren v16 s6. 2.5 vandoren zz reed , love it . Glad to see vandoren in your testing, also Vandoren ligature optima

[@myaccount6784]

Mouthpiece patch= an absolute must!

[@manuelvalencia9407]

Wow! Meyer 5s have gone up in value. I remember back in my university days (around 1992) I was reccommended one by a sax store owner after telling him that I was in the university band, where most of the alto sax players had a more professional sound that I did. He reccommended that Meyer 5, after going from my YAS-23 4c mouthpiece. It was a good mouthpiece, but I wanted to sound more professional. I paid around US$ 60 for it. I still have it and it's still great and so is my 4c. A few years later, I was gifted a Beechler 6 metal mouthpiece (the same one that Dave Koz played on back then). Man! Did my YAS-23 sounded lightyears better or what! I had to tone down my sound because the sound was sooo loud that the next door neighbors could hear it. I really loved the sound from it.

[@ryeen0284]

For the whole time ive played (5th grade through now 11th grade) I was never told why to upgrade my mouthpiece. I wasn't even told a mouthpiece makes a difference until 9th grade and that teacher just said "what mouthpiece do you have?" (yamaha 4c). "Oh you should upgrade to a 5c". Needless to say I never did because why should I upgrade to what sounds like the same thing. This makes a lot of sense as to why she wanted me to upgrade. I wish that I had my middle school teacher during high school as well because that teacher was the best. She was fun and always explained things to us in contrast to my high school teacher who just said "you should do this" never "here's why". BTW the middle school teacher was a sax player in college and still plays - in fact I have played with her since leaving the middle school. The high school teacher learned saxophone (after many other woodwinds) only because she needed to be able to teach it.

[@swibal1]

Mine: Claude Lakey CLA613 Hard Rubber Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece 6x3, the reed is Marca American vintage.

[@grantkoeller8911]

Claude Lakey are plastic....

[@swibal1]

Nop hard rubber!

[@grantkoeller8911]

Claude Lakey Mouthpieces have always been made from plastic

[@jaxonvocana4996]

My lakey mouthpiece sounds pretty dang good and loud for less than $100 without a ligature. Super bright too

[@rinozaurrini359]

I am thinking to select jazz mouthpiece cuz I have the cheap for 10 years I played selmer for a long time its about time for something good thank you

[@williams.taylor6718]

I play a 53 King Zephyr alto with a Jody jazz Jet 7 with vandoren java #3, it's a good mouthpiece

[@bettersax]

Cool setup...

[@kingzephyr9897]

I haven't tried a Jody Jazz mpc yet. I have a 55 King Zephyr that I paired with an old Dick Stabile piece to start with, then my tech showed me a King A2 that is amazing. They are both really dark and mellow. I am still trying different pieces for a brighter sound on that horn.

[@ilackedtheheart]

Thank you for these videos. I played alto sax many eons ago. I picked up a tenor a few years ago and I guess I just don't have the lung capacity or ability to hit some of the low notes. Anyways, I was thinking how fun it would be to pick up the alto again, but was discouraged with how expensive they are. Your video on the cheapest alto sax on Amazon being a really good deal, along with this video has convinced me to spend some money on an alto again, and get back into playing the sax.

[@kingzephyr9897]

I had problems putting enough air through a tenor starting out also. I am an old retread like yourself. For me putting enough air through the alto was effortless so I kept playing that to build up my strength, and would drag out the tenor occasionally. Over time I got so I can handle the tenor. Now the new challenge is an old Martin bari I just got off eBay. It will take time to master just like it did with the tenor. The bari takes a whole different approach to your embouchure to get the low notes and requires a ton of air.

[@trtvitor7891]

Hi I just purchased a new saxaphone and love the tone. However the pitch is incredibly flat no matter how far I push the mouthpiece on oh how tight my embouchure is. Any tips for a mouthpiece that sounds good and can combat this would be greatly appreciated.

[@lucasandrade9174]

Just got started few days ago.. got a cheap saxophone, and looks like the mouthpiece doesn't has a brand even haha... should I invest in a better beginner mouthpiece like yamaha 4c or 5c? Should I stay with the stock mouthpiece until I have developed my mouth muscles? Congrats for your channel, you're doing an amazing job here.. 👏

[@lolhahah9047]

I would buy a beginner mouthpiece tbh

[@michaelambrosino1227]

Where would the Yanagisawa mouthpiece stand in this comparison? The hard rubber 6M. There are little information regarding sound and playability to find.

[@gyrugamings6014]

Im playing on a C* mouthpiece and I like the Vandoren V16 S6 The best

[@rachaelbailey2080]

Another great informative video. Thank you. I have an Odyssey OSA-130 alto saxophone with the sandard mouthpiece which does not have any identifing marks on it. How will I find out what mouthpiece I have?

[@andrea22213]

The D'addario mouthpieces are amazing. both alto and tenor. Also great value.

[@bettersax]

Andrea, I'm liking the tenor one quite a lot too.

[@joseantoniovasconcelos2536]

The Hite Artist and the Claude Lakey are also excellent pieces, and both well under 200 bucks. The Lakey is much brighter than those you reviewed, though. I still have my Lakey, but I lent the Hite to friend, who lent it to a student whose whereabouts are unknown... I am after a darker piece now and I am considering seriously the Jody Jazz HR. By the way, nice review, your channel is awesome!

[@reversesaxay5869]

I play on a Selmer AS400, but I want a jazz mouthpiece because that's what I play sax for. The mouthpiece I'm think about buying is the Meyer New York hard rubber, just wanted to know what you think of this mouthpiece.

[@AndyPanda9]

I read somewhere that Charlie Parker played on whatever mouthpiece was in the case with whatever horn he happened to borrow (his own horn was usually in the pawn shop). I find that when I'm comparing a bunch of mouthpieces I will love the open/bright/edgy/powerful pieces and hate the large chamber, small tip, dark sounding pieces. But if I continue to play the darker piece, I get used to it and learn how to get the sound out of it and frequently find myself wondering why I never played on that piece before. I recently tried the stock Yanagisawa R5 that came with my a880 - it's been sitting in the case for 35 years and I just now discovered what a great mouthpiece it is!

[@kevindeibert3369]

....on Tenor I've recently switched to D'Addario Select Jazz DM7 but previously had played a metal Otto Link 7* (modified to about a 9 with a baffle) for about 35 years. My bari mouthpiece is a metal Berg Larson 130/0 that I've used for about 40 years! I do find that as I've gotten older (I'm 61) my lung capacity and stamina has diminished ! Things change.

[@klink370]

Can you describe the difference between the Yamaha 5C and the other mouthpieces that make the 5C unsuitable for professional use? Does it lack the ability to provide a "great" tone, other?

[@robertkampfer8293]

Selmer D and Meyer 6M. The thin tip rail on the Meyer makes for incisive attacks. The Selmer seems to reinforce altissimo playing better.

[@thelookingcat]

Hey Jay, I'm a clarinetist and use a pretty resistant setup (BD5 and 4½ strength reed), I have some random stock mp for alto sax, but looking to something better. Should I assume anything is similar between the alto sax and clarinet, or just approach them as their own instrument? And if there is any similarity, is there any kind of mouthpiece you would say would be more similar to a clarinet? Sorry if it is a niche question

[@lohndavis3794]

How do you feel about the Selmer Paris S 80 ? What do you think about it ?

[@andrelevesque2212]

Do you know what an original tenor Dolnet BelAir sax mouthpiece compares to in terms of quality and sound ?

[@Boaris_Johnson]

What specific model is the Vandoren V16 S? And specific details like what type of baffle it has and other things related to that Because I've seen another video (not from this channel that had a mouthpiece with a specific sound that I like, so i purchased it, but it doesn't sound like the one he played and I'm dont want to buy a mouthpiece that has the sound I dont like, it sounds like the flat stock mouthpiece you get when you buy a alto sax, I want a mouthpiece that sounds like this Vandoren V16 S

[@GardensoftheAncientsHerbal]

I can find Jody jazz anywhere in 6* so i learned that. I played on c* for years but they aren’t wide enough to get consistent altissimo for me.

[@brayanfelix8502]

I have a Beechler s7s, it has a powerful sound but I don't sound Jazzy what should I do? I have been playing for some years now.

[@pjsax4033]

Good morning Jay. Is the vandoren v16 6s alto saxophone mouth piece the same as the vandoren v16 A6 mouth piece ? I can't see the v16 6s on Amazon. Many thanks Pat. Massive fan.

[@Big_Gim]

Two questions. How would you describe a Selmer S 80's sound and what would be a good mouthpiece that will compare to it?

[@El_RorroV]

I've playing alto sax for a year on a Yamaha Yas 52 with a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, should i really use another one because i love Japanese sound jazz fusion style (T-Square, Cassiopeia bands)

[@jordanhaubrich870]

I just got a Vandoren V16 6M and It's wonderful

[@33akachi10]

What about the baffle's? Are all the ones you revied curved?

[@mavinimpanza5582]

Thanx a lot for these videos sir really inspiring. Really enlightened me why I have been sounding to horrible. I just couldn't even stay in tune probably bcoz of the mouthpiece I have been using. I guess as a learner it's quite wise to get a good mouthpiece.

[@olakunleosho7358]

Please I need your opinion. I started playing sax last November and currently playing a 2.5 reed on a plastic mouthpiece. Decided to buy a metal mouthpiece from China (7c) . I noticed it won’t sound right when I play with the same reed but plays with 1.5 reed (Though honky sometimes). I must say my embouchure is surprisingly good given my level and almost playing all keys so I can’t really get it. Please help

[@ZacharyStone-c7d]

Hi jay,Is the Meyer 5 for jazz and what brand reed works best for it

[@rosy13415]

I brought a yahama 5c alto saxophone mouth piece but its slightly smaller and won't fit on my new saxophone. I have put cork wax on the neck but I find it almost impossible to put on its just too tight. Help anyone. I dont want to force it on as I should not have to do that anyway and could damage the reed as the ligature can slip with too much pressure.

[@Mill-on-da-track]

wow i have never used a mouthpiece pad! my mind is blown there I just started getting into playing sax again after about 15 years and none of my middleschool or highschool teachers ever mentioned a thing about pads lol. welp amazon here I come lol

[@ShivantRana28]

Hi I'm planning to upgrade my mouthpiece from yamaha 4c to Meyer MR-402......but.I'm confused so which MM should I go for. (example 5mm,6mm,7mm and more ) please help me anyone......

[@derycktaylor3677]

Thanks for a great video. It saved me from spending $ buying and trying different mouthpiece. In addition to years of practice, which hard rubber mouthpiece do you think would get me closest to Gerald Albright's bright, punchy, not buzzy, full bodied sound?

[@bettersax]

Thanks Deryck! The Vandoren V16 with a small chamber is a good place to start.

[@windsurfer3329]

You are a great sax player, and I believe you can make everything sound good :-)) I am a beginner, and have Yamaha 4C and 5C. I don't know how to describe, but imho they are sort of flat and soulless. I really don't want to train on them because it kills my enthusiasm. I love the way Vandoren V16 6S (or 6S+ in their new line??) sounds compared to Yamaha 5C. What size Vandoren V16 S+ should I get as a beginner, and also what reed would you recommend with this mouthpiece? Thanks a bunch for your very informative videos :-))

[@Strongbear2013]

Thanks for the review. Would you say the D'addario Select Jazz is a darker and more mellow sound than the Vandoren? And is the Vandoren more piercing with greater projection than the D'addario? I already have the D'addario so was wondering if the Vandoren will definitely allow me to cut through over a band, even though the D'addario is fairly loud. Also, is it not a good idea to switch mouthpieces to something new just before playing a gig? Do I need much time to adjust from the D'addario to the Vandoren?

[@stangetz534]

Since hearing how well you make the Yanis sound,, I've been thinking about getting one....Can you get the Yanagisawa AWO1 but with the underslung neck? I like that following about it: "and the lack of rib construction. This reduced weight on the AWO1 series makes it a slightly brighter, punchier horn." What other pro horns have similar characteristcs? Anyone?

[@bettersax]

I played a bunch of AWO1 horns and they are all killing. I think there is more of a difference between the bronze and silver and brass materials than the different models pro vs elite.

[@stangetz534]

@@bettersax the bronze one sounds very resonant to me. resonant may be a better word to use than better or worse -)

[@wingmangaming2043]

I’m playing on a meyer 5 rubber bought it from my local shop for 148 with tax Amazon was 150 proving its Cheaper to buy local

[@tj_tj_tj_tj_tj3026]

I just got a Meyer mouthpiece. I'm finding it hard to get notes out compared to the Yamaha I was playing on previously. I'm fairly certain its just the way I'm playing, any tips?

[@KadrianThomas]

Great video Jay. Thanks for sharing this. Now I have tons of options.

[@gordwrath6811]

I use different mouthpieces, but I do like my selmer goldentone 3 most of all, so far. I just got a yamaha 4c and havent played it much, but it doesnt pass the suction test. I think its table is too wide.

[@El_RorroV]

I got a Yamaha Yas 52 with a Yamaha 4C, i've been playing One year , practice as well, should i stick with Yamaha 4c because i'd like to try Vandoren jumbo java a45

[@stack80]

I have a 9 year old kid who’s been playing for 1 year. (Pretty good for his age) He has been using the 4C, but it just broke. What would you recommend for him?

[@Algo1]

Will moving from my stock Yamaha 4C to a 6C be much of a difference in resistance?

[@salrandazzo2434]

What would a step up for me currently using a Yamaha 4c. I like the low blues sounds. Playing the alto sax

[@stewartflowers194]

The link to the Vandoren V16 6S+ alto went to a mouthpiece photo identified with an A6 inscribed on it. Description said model SM812S+. Is this the same or equivalent. Internet search for the V16 6S+ alto was not successful. ??

[@bettersax]

That's the newer version of the one I have. They have apparently made some sort of improvement/modification to the design.

[@windsurfer3329]

Hi again, What size Vandoren V16 S+ should I get as a beginner, and also what reed would you recommend with this mouthpiece?

[@bettersax]

Get a 5 tip opening start with a 2.5 reed.

[@windsurfer3329]

@@bettersax Thank you. You're the man :-)))

[@ernstlozin6138]

Great video , which mouthpiece and reed would you recommend with a Yanigasawa Saxophone AWO1

[@butterhead8264]

What would y’all recommend for someone who has been playing sax for about 10 months, Plays alto in concert band and bari in jazz, plays on a Yamaha 5c bari mouthpiece, and uses the mouthpiece that came with my alto. I use vandoren blue box 2.5 reeds for both instruments.

[@badatsaxophone9639]

bump those reeds up to threes buddy

[@paulclare6589]

Great video Jay, I am 61 and just picking up alto sax,got a selmer 80 copy off Ebay and want to upgrade to a meyer mouthpiece ..i have about 60% lung capacity, would a size 6m be okay?

[@bettersax]

Use softer reeds to reduce the resistance to get more from your air... 5 or 6 is good. smaller tip is always a bit easier though.

[@gladstone6338]

Exellent video and advice. I thought the Yamaha and the Meyer sounded great. I have liked the sound of many Vandorens in the past but the V16 sounded a little choked in this instance. I have a Brillhart 4* ebonite that I got in 1963 that is now on it's third alto which is a Yani A991, a great horn which, it appears, you play as well. Keep up the good work!

[@megalodonpuppet1357]

How do you play on big tip opening mouthpiece on Alto sax

[@marcushume2240]

Nice video thanx for sharing. Just curious what mouth piece brand does Grace Kelly use for her Eb Saxaphone. All the best.

[@bettersax]

Vandoren v16

[@TheNivikul]

Hello and regards Sir. Hope all is well in this covid situation. I regularly watch your videos. I m playing Yamaha Alto (YAS280 model;Made In Indonesia) with a 4C mouthpiece which was by default .Then eventually switched over to 5C This s a 7 years development. Now after watching this video I would like to go for MEYER 5. Just a doubt to get cleared from you is will Meyer 5 be compatible to my YAs280 ? Please guide . Thanks. Nitin Kulkarni

[@TheNivikul]

Please help thanks

[@asinia23]

I have been playing for 10 years, since Jr high, and I still consider myself a beginner, because I never knew alot of the stuff you talk about til now.

[@doormatcat]

Same here only I've been playing for almost 7 years since I was 8 years old

[@michaelnoriega1564]

What is the best for beginner total beginner is it in a four or is it a five

[@scottmorrise]

I have a question about the seal you demonstrate. I am almost never able to get that to work on my Yamaha 4C or Meyer 6M mouthpiece. I can hear air sucking through the reed. Is there something I should be doing to seal the reeds? I'm playing on Gonzalez reeds. Any other tips to check that?

[@bettersax]

Scott, that probably means that the table of your mouthpiece is not perfectly flat. This is very common with mouthpieces that are not hand finished (with the exception of Vandoren pieces) Also check for scratches or nicks in the mouthpieces where the reed attaches. If the mouthpiece still plays well don't worry too much about it. Those pieces could probably play better for you though if they sealed well.

[@TheCrespo88]

Am a guitar player for the past 17 years, decided to learn Sax so I just bought a cheap Alto Saxophone from Amazon as a start. Am kind of confused, Which is easier to play on, Large , Medium or Small chambers? Because the mouthpiece that came with the sax is a joke so i want to buy something easy that will help me learn. Saw Rico A3 & A5 As well Yamaha 4C But have no clue if these are good for me and what kind of chambers they’ve got... Any help?

[@joaquinodriozola4963]

I would rather go for the Meyer M6M. Its a tried and true for jazz and has good range of tone and dynamics

[@kingzephyr9897]

I wish I hadn't wasted all that time and money buying $30 mouthpieces, and just bought the 6M to start with.

[@negovei1]

Hi, What is the difference between the 4C and 5C mouthpiece ?

[@doormatcat]

I just bought a meyer 5 as my 1st jazz mouthpiece I already had the C star soloist