Best Tenor Saxophone Mouthpieces Under $200

#bettersax #saxophone #mouthpiece
Jay Metcalf reviews and compares budget tenor saxophone mouthpieces.
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Otto Link Tonę Edge 7*: geni.us/9qoLEK
JodyJazz HR* 7*: amzn.to/2KFMDBz
Vandoren V16 T7: geni.us/dwDFjw4
D'addario Select Jazz D7M: amzn.to/2HXKofj
Yamaha 5C: amzn.to/2ImOD3r
Yanagisawa TWO2 tenor saxophone: geni.us/NXMZoW
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[@billanderson7338]

Tough decision but I'm going with the D'addario Select. Times for comparing th 4 mps: Otto link Tone Edge 3:54 Jody Jazz HR 7 6:54 Vandoren V16 T7 8:30 D'Addario Jazz D7 10:27 I have a Morgan 8LL, Otto Link Early Babbit, Selmer S80 C*, Conn Steely, 1966 Buffet that came with my Buffet tenor sax and an old Buescher that I paid 5 bucks for. I love them all but I always go back to the silly 5 dollar old Buescher. It's very similar to the selmer S80 C* but mellower in a good way. Another mp to compare under 200 is the Semer Soloist which I've heard the vintage ones are great. Awesome video! Thanks Jay!!!

[@bettersax]

Bill, Thanks for posting the times. How do you do that?

[@billanderson7338]

Better Sax I just listed the different times spaced out from their mp names in a row as normal text then they showed up as links to the same times in the video! It must be your magical greatness for spreading your good karma to the world with all of your awesome videos!

[@johnnyloungejazz5477]

Bill Anderson it had the better sound I thought.

[@aidan4473]

Better Sax he watched the whole vid😂😂

[@uteboy86]

@@aidan4473 he meant the link to pressing the time to take you straight there hahaha.

[@sergioropo3019]

The best advice: DO NOT get obsessed with buying gear just put all those browsing hours into practicing.

[@uteboy86]

Only thing I would say that makes a huge difference no matter if it's a $40 or $1000 mouthpiece is when you get it buy a whole bunch of reeds in different brands and sizes and spend a week playing on different ones. I found reeds that played absolutely terrible on my cheaper mouthpieces sounded and played amazing on my higher end ones and same the other way around different reeds really like certain mouthpieces I never really understood that and just played around the mouthpiece and what I could afford in reeds. Changing up reeds really does make playing alot more fun when you find the right one it's not that hard ether and once you found one that pairs well you will know straight away.

[@MichaelBruceTaos]

Im just picking up the sax after 30+ years again. I decided that I better get a decent mouthpiece, IE, not a 30 bux one, picked a nice 100 bux Mayer with ligature. I think that should be a good learning platform. Beyond that, I shall work with what I have and not buy anything except new reeds :D

[@sergioropo3019]

@@MichaelBruceTaos Meyer, that's the one I use too.

[@MichaelBruceTaos]

@@sergioropo3019 Oh nice! It should go well with my 1927 Buescher!

[@sergioropo3019]

@@MichaelBruceTaos What? I've got a 1919 Buescher myself. A C tenor.

[@bbster73]

as and 83 yr old jazz tenor player with my own ensemble i cant tell you how much i love having a go to guy like you , to discuss and help others with questions answered by Professional like you ...What a great lesson you give to us ,, even old pros like me who hae been playing for over 70 years.. THANKS PAL ,, Bobby G,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,My gear ? a 1954 SELMER MARK IV with a Van doren Zuma mouthpiece and only Fiber cell reeds , ,, Number two for these old chops . ALSO own a Yam Y 23 Alto with a runyon white mouthpiece and blows up a storm .. thanks for sharing ...

[@masonmullen9434]

I've been playing on the D'Addario Jazz D7 for the past year and I absolutely LOVE it. I brought it into Jazz band just a couple months ago for the first time and my teacher has been giving me compliments about my sound left and right ever since! I highly recommend it!!!

[@ianwilliams7691]

I've been using that Yamaha for the past couple years, I was looking into getting the D'addario and now I'm definitely getting it. Great sound

[@danshandpaintedsigns]

Thanks for this great review, my D'addario just arrived and it's EXACTLY the mouthpiece I hoped it would be. I bought an 8, with a £25 Rovner dark ligature, my sax is a System 54 Powerbell. The mouthpiece is a free and easy relaxing blow, and the sound is "Fat and Dirty" as Christian said below. Perfect!

[@dinodude4486]

I've played trumpet for drum corps and have been wanting to get into the jazz game. Going to start learning the tenor sax! It's been years since i've been into music. It's great to be back. Awesome channel and awesome tips for beginners! I appreciate your hard work. Cheers

[@m.w.]

I play an Otto Link on my soprano and a Jody Jazz on my alto. I got a tenorsax last year and i want to test these models there......they are unbeatable. Thank you for your work! Greetings from Germany.

[@alexanderbivolcic]

I've been using a Meyer 5 on my alto and an Otto Link 5* for years. I love them , they were also my step up mouth pieces back in high school.

[@markussax1412]

I definitly felt in love with the Otto Link "Toneedge" and play it on 3 saxes and my clarinet.👍🔝✔Thank you for your help!!!

[@grantkoeller8911]

I've been playing the Otto link hard Rubber now for about 40 years now, 23 years with the USAF bands, I originally was a 7* player, now I play the 8. I got my most recent link in 2009, and it was the Otto link reissue slant signature with serial number. My tenor sax is a Selmer Super Balanced Action 1952 50xxx. This link is dark enough for classical, yet cuts for blues, or rock gigs. it's perfect for lead tenor in big band, jazz Bebop, or wedding gigs with Motown style band. I have many you tube clips and videos of this piece in action. LINKS AND MEYERS , that's it in a nutshell. Great videos Jay!! King Koeller

[@circuitsmith]

Great choices. I've been using the tenor Tone Edge and Jody HR for 10+ years. Recently got a soprano and settled on the Yahama 6C. I'm an intermediate player for ~30 years.

[@rodneyarbona638]

I like the Jody Jazz and you just reassured me that I made a great decision buying mine. Thanks for the video and the others you share

[@henryholt1359]

I bought a Jody Jazz "Giant" and did a recording on it about 3 year's ago and put it back in my box , until I heard the recording again about 6 months ago and thought"Wow that was something"so i play this now and I love it now...

[@tommyt7566]

I purchased three Metal Otto Link 7*'s from Amazon before I got one that played great. This Otto Link plays dark and on the flat side - but works for me best with a Fibracell Reed. The Vandoren V16 is a superb hard rubber mouthpiece with a darker sound. The D'addario Jazz Select is very similar to the Vandoren V16 but for me is on the very sharp side. I also have a Theo Wanne Mantra 8 metal mouthpiece with incredible projection and buzz, yet plays very sharp too.

[@kevindeibert3369]

I got the Vandoren V16 (5 +) for my Alto after playing a Wolfe Tayne piece (7) for many years. It works for me !

[@tristankincaid7237]

I use the otto link and it's served me well as a hybrid concert-jazz mouthpiece. I have a really bright natural tone and this helps darken it nicely. used in combination with blue box vandorens for concert and black box jaZZ vandorens for jazz.

[@haroldchambers9058]

Very helpful thanks !

[@scottmorrise]

Hey Jay, I bought the Otto Link based on this video. Have been playing on it for 6 months and love it. I refurbished a 1977 Yanagisawa T-5 I got ahold of and together they play amazing (I mean amazing for me, a sax hack).

[@TheBeardedSandman]

I watched this video and ordered the Jody Jazz 6 mouthpiece... OMG... I had no idea what I was missing. It's responsive, dark, I can bend like a jazz player, and all my squeaks are gone. WOW... amazing. Thanks for the tip!! One thing I will mention however, it did NOT come with a ligature or a cap. So, be aware of that.

[@garybarnhill4171]

I liked the Jody Jazz. I've been playing on the Theo Wanne Gaia metal and really like the easy play, lack of resistance, and even easy lower range. Wish I had this one back in school.

[@JanKlincewicz]

I had lost my Jody Jazz HR that I bought years ago. In the interim I purchased a D'Addario Jazz Select. It is a great piece, but a bit bright for my tastes (though a great contemporary sound.. easy blowing and nice intonation.) I have purchased a number of other pieces as well. Today, I rifled through my tenor case looking for reeds, and found my JJ HR 7*. Damn ... like finding an old pair of shoes that were broken in just right. It's pretty dark (as I like it ) and WAY more reed-friendly. This was a great video and nails the point that you don;t have to spend a fortune to get your desired sound. THANKS !!!!

[@renegrundza2191]

Used otto link size 7, for years and still happy with it .

[@johnauditt]

Hi Jay - just want to say how useful I found this video. You suggested a good range. I have just ordered all of them to trial (one of the UK shops here will allow 14 day testing) and will check them all out.

[@toomuchtoofast4533]

Jay! Always love your vids. Another gem is the Yamaha 6C .. only $40 ... I jumped up from a 4C. People love the tone and I generally still suck. I’m trying to play about 6-8 hrs a week now. Those D’addario sound terrific man.

[@TommyOnSax]

Great video!

[@stevenew3458]

Jody Jazz, I bought the jody jazz and love the results. Yours was one of the many videos i listened to before making up my mind.

[@peterwhitlock3681]

I’m playing on a Tone Edge on my alto and it works and sounds good without any adjustments to it.

[@dr.a4707]

Hi Jay - Excellent video! I'm most impressed with the mellow and very rich old-school jazz sound you have with the Otto Link. In my recent quest for tenor pieces, I tried 8 of the top hard rubber mouthpiece brands -- some very spendy. I gave the D'Addario a lengthy trial and thought it was surprisingly nice, especially for the money. It was a bit brighter and a more contemporary sound than I'm after. I decided on the Jody Jazz HR 5* and am completely pleased with the tone, playability and overall performance. However, your tone on the Otto Link Tone Edge impresses me enough to order one to try. Again, a well done and very helpful video.

[@despa2336]

I've been really loving the Jumbo Java for Tenor. Sounds great on my Selmer Artist Sax with a 2.5 Green JAVA Vandoren reed. I sure do love watching your videos. I dont usually buy any of the products you play, I just come to listen to you play them haha

[@JiveDadson]

I was fortunate to learn how reface mouthpieces from two of the best. The reason most mouthpieces suck is that the table and rails do not match up flat. The best tenor piece I ever had was hand-finished by one of my teachers, Ralph Morgan. It was a Morgan 7M. Notes just popped out effortlessly. The reason it was so great seemed to be the shape of the roll-off just inside the tip. Jon Van Wie and I spent an afternoon trying to replicate it, and never quite succeeded. Regrettably, a thief got it along with the YTS-23 sax that I spent many hours restoring.

[@Baboon4215]

Nice review :) I love Jody Jazz MPs--they play great and are very affordable. My favorite Jody Jazz MP for Tenor is the Jet. It's very versatile, from ballads to blues--just a great, all-around MP.

[@bsnmanrob]

I have been using the Otto Link Tone Edge 7 I purchased from a store in 1990. It is a great section or small group piece. Because I was already playing a Otto Link Tone Edge 6* on alto (purcahsed in 1989), the Tenor mate made sense to my ears and feel at the time. Rico Orange Box reeds fit these very well. I use Harrison ligatures also purchased in the '80's. I have all of my students (school jazz program) try all of these same models and choose what fits them best. The D'Addario has proven to have the most power, when needed, in a high school big band.

[@wildman166]

I really dig my vandoren V 16 7L . It’s dark and easy to play up and down the range . You rock Jay !

[@nathanmiles4806]

I know you said don't do this but I have been playing on my vintage super tone ottolink metal for years and was to scared to even try to adjust the table. I have a knife sharpening set with diamond plates up to 16000 grit. I got brave enough and flattened the table. Instant improvement. I've been missing out so much but even cooler I made that mouthpiece work without a flat table depending all the other things you talk about and now it's even easier!! So excited. This instrument is life time of learning something new everyday!

[@57muzic]

Thanks for the pads, and suction test; I'm new to the sax, but I have an ear!

[@davespears7709]

My choice is the Jody Jazz. But I am biased. That’s all I play on both my tenor and alto. Thanks for the comparison Jay.

[@mikeaustin1]

Wow, put the Vandoren in, and... wow again!! This is an AMAZING mouthpiece for me! It plays very easy, is a bit brighter than the D'Addario (which I like), and can really hit overtones well! The smoothest, most balanced one I've played. Sometimes you "think yourself" into liking something you just spent $$$ for, but this one almost immediately felt that it was THE mouthpiece for me. Loud, smooth, versatile, and relatively easy to blow and produce a variety of tones and overtones. Hands down the winner, though I'm keeping the D'Addario.

[@gaby2759]

None of us have the same embochure techniques. It may sound good on him but not necessarily on you. Just saying as a thought. I have tried many moutpieces that people love and End up with the old ones. For some reason I always end up using a Yamaha 5C on my alto and my Otto on Tenor.

[@BlueRidgeEd]

Hey, Jay. Know this has been up a few years, but thanks again for another informative, well done video. With my aging ears (grin), I would go with the D'addario Jazz as my first choice and the Otto Link as a close 2nd. We all tend to have a differing perspective on what constitutes the "right" sound -- for me it tends towards the warmer, more mellow side. I generally play a Vandoren Java T75 on my Chateau 800 series tenor.

[@danielmalleske9317]

My favorite MPC in this clip was the Link. I play a Vandoren T6 Large chamber, hard rubber and get a good Link-like tone. On alto I am lay and out-of-box Meyer 6 and love it.

[@marydunn8513]

Love the D'Adario Select Jazz D7*

[@rudyvasquez9343]

Oh man, that D'Addario sounded amazing. Love that sound man! You know any sax players that have that specific tone that I can listen to and get in my head to eventually play and sound like that?

[@XB29SP]

I purchased a D'addario select 8 and can say it is one of the easiest to play and get used to. It responds well in all registers and I found notes would speak in the low register with less effort. High register does not get thin either. One of the best bang for buck pieces I have ever owned. I also have a JJ Giant 8* and wonder if you have ever had a chance to play one? It makes me work a little harder, has more resistance which I like, but will reward you with a wide range of options for sound. I play this almost exclusively. Metal mouthpiece on a tenor is where I hear things, but this feels different. One of JJ least promoted pieces, but it works for me. Love your channel!

[@kenjett2434]

Back in 1975 when I bought my new tenor sax I got a Vandoran mouthpiece don't recall the exact model has been over 40 years now. I wish I had never traded that sax off it was awesome a King Silver. I also played and had a King Silver trumpet was stupid getting rid of them but just didn't have the time to play them because of family and work. Now I'm retired and I am getting an itch to try and start over i still play acoustic guitar and electric bass but I sure do love the horns.

[@charliefink1381]

The Vandoren literally gave me chills. Love it.

[@hughsmithau33]

Yeah same love the Vandoren

[@janviljoen7001]

My choice too. I am just an amateur.

[@benoittissier58]

The Jody Jazz brings life to my tenor, which neither the V16 nor the Otto Link do. With Abelet ligature of course (I make them). The D'Addario seems interesting too.

[@q12aw50]

1:00 lmao I’m so bad at keeping up with upgrades. I switched to tenor 4+ years ago and still using my Yamaha 4C. Finally getting an upgrade soon!! Probably gonna go with the Otto Link

[@dennis2630]

I am a new sax player, I was gifted a Kielwerth SX 90 Black lacquer tenor sax, it came with a Yamaha 4c mouthpiece and an Otto Link super tone master 6* metal mouthpiece I have been playing because I have PTSD and when I play it relaxes me, even if not so good. I really like the video on the Geek Tool, Even as a begining player it should help make it easier to play, I have enjoyed all your videos.

[@jamesvarrone7062]

Thanks for the good info. I finally dragged my old tenor sax out after it sat in my basement for 20 years. I have a Buescher Aristocrat (I bought it in 1972) and I am still using the original mouthpiece that came with it. I'm having a good time just trying to get my skill level up to where it used to be. I just subscribed, so I will be looking for more info and advice!

[@dinodaliano4770]

I'm doing the same thing, in the basement. Haven't played since 1970. But am learning all over again.

[@chalyx1266]

Thanks alot

[@jedblues]

I play an out of the box Mayer 7 M plays beautifully .

[@lucethier6093]

Hi Jay. I think the Vandoren sounds the best. I've been a sax player for over 40 years. I use a Selmer D metal mouthpiece. I love it, but I could get along pretty good with the Vandoren.

[@sandygiuffrida8264]

HI Jay. I am currently playing my metal otto link tone master 8* which I have used off and on throughout the years of playing. I have been using metal mouthpieces for the most part most of my career. Now I play a Yamaha yts62 tenor horn that is kind of bright and it's a little bright and while it was good for some of the bands that I have been involved in over the years, I was thinking of trying a rubber mouthpiece hoping to tone down the Yamaha a bit. I think I might try the Otto Link and I'll let you know how I make out with it. By the way, thanks or all your great videos and their content. I think they will help lots of people become better players.

[@RogelioEscobar]

Stumbled across this very curious about the V16. I play Jumbo Java T75. I finally got a used V16 T7 on a trade. It was a bit abused and has a cracked shank.....but MAN I was very happy with its freeness and projection. Not as bright or as crisp as the Jumbo Java T75 but surprisingly very very comparable to it. I dig it. Its an easy transition back and forth if I ever need a mellower tone without loosing the versatility all around the horn and on different styles. Im very happy with it. Now let's hope this Covid thing can get under control here in San Antonio Tx so I can get back to gigging. Thanks again Jay!!

[@ntxmt]

Hi Jay. I do agree with Bill below. The D'addario is great. But, the others are good too. However, the Link really does the job in your blues video. Thanks for all the great lessons.

[@bettersax]

Thanks! Any one of those can do the job. Just a matter of what you prefer at the time.

[@SAMMYSAXMUSIC]

Great video thanks! And of course some mouthpieces work better on different horns so nice to have a range to try from. I loved the Aizen NY 7 from Japan on my Alto although it's out of the $200 bracket. I did find it brittle though and unfortunately had 2 broken in a year (by drunks at weddings) so moved to a Jody Jazz Jet 7. I'm new to your channel so maybe you've tested it already, if not i'm curious to hear your thoughts on Aizen. For me and my style/gigs i'd be choosing the Vandoren from your selections.

[@jmceachern36]

Thanks for posting this Jay. They all sound great. I have a HR link for my bari. Love the sound but too quiet for most things I do. Question. I’m looking for a tenor mouthpiece. Is that Vandoren loud enough for a loud band situation?

[@saxophonemechanic5454]

great comp demos dude!

[@bettersax]

Thanks!

[@thirteenthtone]

I play on a link 9*, have been for about 20 years. It can get a little spread when pushed, but I do love it's basic beefyness. I'm gonna order a jody jazz hr 8 for my Bari soon, it looks like a good thing, good deal

[@kevindeibert3369]

I’ve played Selmer S-80’s, Brilhardt Level Air, Dukoff, Otto Link Tone Master (for 35 years), now I play a Daddario Select Jazz DM7 ! That’s just on Tenor !

[@oatjohnsonmeal3292]

For me the order of best to worst was the same order they were played, I love the darkness of the link.

[@grahamwiltshire5098]

Hi, a great big thank you, after years of playing sax using the same mouthpiece I subscribed and watched your video, I purchased the D’ addario Select Jazz 6 and wow!!! What a difference, I love my sound and went for the same mouthpiece for alto, with the same results. Your channel is packed with good positive info and tips. Thanks again.

[@bettersax]

Great to hear this thanks.

[@danielhamilton5862]

I’ve had a modern Meyer 5m for my alto for years and it is still one of my favorites, sadly it’s a bit small for me these days and being a poor college student I gotta have money so I’m selling since I got a super good deal on a Theo Wanne ny bros mouthpiece

[@larryweintraub6456]

Like your on the Link and the D'Addario te best. Btw- you are playing 1 of my favorite songs to test the mpcs out on. I posted my setups on your other page. Okay tenor, a 1960'smetal FL metal Otto Link 8* w/a Queens or Rico 2.5 reed. Alto, a White Brilhart Tonalin w/a LaVoz Med-Hard reed. My tenor is a Selmer Mk VI.My alto is a Cannonball Big Bell Vintage finish.

[@timcason3479]

I have been playing the Meyer "5" (I believe) for the last 18 years and It has become my favorite mouth piece for my Tenor. I have played a lot of different ones over the years and none of them have compared to it.. Why do people feel that have to spend a lot of money to get a good mouthpiece? Better yet why do alot of these mouthpieces cost so much when the cheaper ones play equally as well or better?

[@mikeaustin1]

Played on the D'Addario (got it today), and as I'm a beginner, found it a little tougher to hold the embouchure through the range compared to the Vandoren 4* I have (I'll get used to it), but wow! Man it's got a nice treble-y ring to it, exactly what I had hoped. This will be a great sound through my style of playing, really nice even overtones even in the lows. Will quickie review the Vandoren when it arrives tomorrow.

[@TheRANDSAX]

I've been using a Claude Lakey HR 7* right out the box (90.00) , no re-face with a 15.00 lig from WWBW on a Mark VI , 50***....awesome sound for any style. Use it on alto and Sop as well.....

[@traciethomas3234]

D’addario is my pick! I listen to and want to emulate Gene Ammons and that mouthpiece seemed to get closest to his sound to me.

[@christianj.p.kattenstroth5771]

Christian Kattenstroth Hi Jay, I liked the Jody Jazz as well as the Vandoren mouthpiece, but in your play the Jody Jazz and D'Addario Select sounded best to me. There was a little difference in the sound, Jody Jazz sounded more focused, whereas D'Addario had a more "fat" und "dirty" sound. So keep goin', I like your sound very much*****!

[@bettersax]

Christian, Thanks! I think I'm going to have to play the D'addario more because it does sound great listening back.

[@Dionpr1]

Otto Link. The others were a bit buzzy I thought. Lacked warmth. Thanks for this.

[@T.H.W.O.T.H]

You sound like you on each of the mouthpieces, but I lean towards the slightly darker sound of the Link. I played on a Lakey 7*3 on my tenor for over 20 years until 6 months ago when I thought it was about time I tried something different. I wasn't unhappy with the Lakey (and it would certainly compare well with the other more affordable pieces in the video) but my sound concept had evolved and it just wasn't giving me what I wanted to hear. Anyway, after literally playing every tenor piece in the shop I eventually came home with one of the the new 'vintage' slant Links (8*). Totally blown away by it. It's a very dynamic mouthpiece that allows me to really fill the horn at whatever volume. I've had to step up to a stiffer reed, finding the filed Rico blues the best (I know we're supposed to call them D'addarrios now!) but it gives great subtones and a full-and-fruity even sound across the whole range of the instrument. Love the channel - keep 'em coming 😁

[@justanothernoobe]

awesome post, Jay - thanks for posting this. It's amazing how diverse those mouthpieces can sound. For me the Vandoren V16 and the D'Addario Jazz stood out from the others. They're both very different - the Vandoren sounded brighter and 'rockier' but the depth and full rounded sound of that D'Addario ... aiiii carumba!

[@bettersax]

Luvin, Thanks! Seems like lots of people prefer the sound of the D'addario. Me too I think...

[@justanothernoobe]

I've been playing a YAS-32 with a Meyer 9 and love the sound. Then had a bad throat ... tenor was easier to blow so switched back to it :) It's a Yani TW020 with the stock Yani 6 mouthpiece - beautiful deep and mellow sound - I'm resisting the urge to splurge and buy another mouthpiece - I probably need to focus more on my own tone but would be interested to know if you' have had a chance to compare the D'addario Select 7 with an 8 to see if there's much difference? That said, if I do get another mouthpiece it will be for a rockier sound with a bit more bite so maybe something along the lines of a David Guardala ... AFTER I've worked on my own tone! Keep up the good work, sir :)

[@bettersax]

Luvin, I have not tried the 8, only the 7. I wouldn't mind having a more open version of that piece though. The 7 has a very immediate response so I think the 8 would still be very easy to play. If you're used to a Meyer 9 tip opening, check what that corresponds to on a tip opening chart. Do a google search for it.

[@RGGifford]

Some great choices. All in a similar vein with slightly different levels of darkness vs brightness. Lately I've found myself going back to an old Jody Jazz HR* that I have. It is a great all around piece. I like that it can get and stay dark like the Tone Edge, but it can brighten up when you push it. I recommend them all the time, they aren't the best thing out there but they are really good. Plus you can usually find them for under $100 on the used market and the ones I've seen are all pretty consistent as well.

[@bettersax]

Thanks Robert, It's nice having several mouthpieces to do comparisons now and then. Lately I've been switching to different pieces that are similar, I find it helps me play better on the others by forcing me to be more flexible with my embouchure and throat. But mainly that's just an excuse to buy more mouthpieces ;-}

[@sergiojueno8876]

Great!

[@TheJazzBuster]

The Jody Jazz does more of what I would want. I got a Morgan "Vintage" mouthpiece for my tenor, and I like it a lot. That's my preference. I am not fond of the sax tone that is all bright, edgy and nasal, but I can play it that way if I want to. My favorite reeds are Vandoren V16 2.5 or my precious Rigotti Gold 2.5 medium. The other mouthpieces demonstrated here play a good classic tenor sax sound but it is as if it was recorded with a device that can't quite get the deeper, sexier tones. For the music I play, people expect to hear that deeper, more intimate sound from a tenor. I should add that I'm a pretty good accompanist on any instrument I play, so I'm always playing a horn line below the melody except for other soloists. My solos can tend to go outside the envelope a bit and some people think I'm lost but I'm not, they are (!) Works ok for jam sessions. I might play 1/3 above harmony, descant, countermelody, or emulate what is in the background of the recording. I need my horn to blend in with the band on backup but also speak well for solos, so I prefer the Jody Jazz mouthpiece over the others, because it seems to cover the playing field more adequately. I would guess you can put more edge on it if you want. Again, a lot has to do with the embouchure, etc.

[@ggauche3465]

I play alto, but I played on a yamaha 3c for a year then got a D'Addario Select Jazz 6M. It was shockingly bright, and hard to play at first so I put it in a drawer for a few months. Then I got it out and persisted and played it every day for 3 years. Now I just got a Vandoren V16 Jumbo Java A45. Wow. Scarily loud and bright, but after a few days I can control that thing and it doesn't have to be loud and is very expressive! Can't think of a reason to go back to the D'Addario now. So, gear DOES make a difference. Well it does to me.

[@jazzforever7433]

D’Addario Select Jazz Mouthpiece D7M has for me the best sound..I also got JodyJazz Hr6*, what's real difference between mine and your HR7*? I'm a beginner so I'm also studying your free crash course PSBE, that's really amazing and instructive. Thanks Jay for all you do for us. God bless you.

[@brianbillings6815]

For me, I liked your sound best in this order on this video: 1) Otto Link 2) D'Addario 3) Vandoren 4) Jody Jazz. If I had to blend with a section I think I'd choose the Vandoren first overall. Given your having to flatten the table on the Link, I'd be hesitant. Thanks for the great video because I'm looking for my first upgrade. UPDATE: Based on this video and a couple others I purchased the D'Addario #7. Thank you!

[@cypher526]

How are you liking the D'Addario #7?

[@brianbillings6815]

It was recommended that I buy either an 8 or 7* tip opening (based on Otto Link) in order to get a "full tenor sound." After watching several videos and hearing a full sound on the D'Addario 7 (.105 tip = Link 7*) that's what I purchased. I'm very pleased and surprised that it's much easier to control than I expected and feel that I'm going to be able to make music with this mouthpiece and the right reed combo.

[@rogercal]

Hi Jay, outstanding options! Great sound, thanks for the video! Could you show a comparison for darkest sound on tenor sax? Maybe trying in different horns the comparison: Jody Jazz Custom Dark x Theo Wanne Ambika What do you think? Tks again!

[@aechronos403]

Ive been look for mouthpieces for my tenor and ive been wanting to get the v16 and i think you sold me even more on it, ive been playing my tenor consistently for about 8-9 years and ive been using a 5c mouth piece as lon as i can remember and now i feel that this is a nice upgrade, also will java green 3.5 be fine playing on a v16 or will it take some time to get used to it

[@RussPaladino]

I play a metal Navarro, Bebop Special. However, my go-to hard rubber piece is a Vandoren V16 T7 or T8. Nice video....helpful. Thanks.

[@bettersax]

Russ, thanks. I've been wanting to try that Navarro piece. I've kind of gone off metal pieces for the moment though.

[@angus7278]

I started with a Yamaha, then tried a Tone Edge 6...but then I got a Jody Jazz HR8* and it beat the others by a mile. To me the Jody Jazz felt like a turbo charger had been attached to my sax, but in a good way!

[@bettersax]

Angus, those 3 are quite different. Glad you found something that works well for the sound you're looking for.

[@adamlord6332]

I'm playing on a stock Otto link tone edge 7* (.106) that I pair with daddario select jazz 2H, on my Eastman 52nd street tenor, and I really like it alot (I've been playing on it for 2 years now)

[@bettersax]

Great setup.

[@robiniadr]

Liked the Otto link and Jody Jazz. I play a Berg Larsen and am looking to invest in a non-metal mouth piece having recently purchased a Cannon Ball tenor. I feel like the Berg Larsen is a little too "bright" for the horn... I appreciate the info, and enjoyed the playing! Thanks

[@mattdoran218]

D’Addario really stands out as a big sound...i also like the Jody Jazz...I find the frequencies on some more spread pieces (for me) can get a little shallow sounding on recording mainly on alto...you have a great sound on all of them...I just need to work on developing mine...so I’m using a Rico Metallite M-5. It makes it easier for me to play... That D’Addario definitely excels on your recording!!!

[@robstevens9590]

I liked the Link best, but I'm probably biased, because I play a Tone Edge Otto Link 7 (alto) and I like the darker tone. (I also had to lightly sand the table to level it off.)

[@robrudock3452]

Helpful information for my needs. I'm a guitarist primarily, but I did play bassoon, trombone, baritone, and a little sax in grade school. The band is doing a couple songs that have sax solos in them, so I recently decided I'd pick up a cheap sax (mendini) for those purposes, a tenor. The reviews seem favorable enough for my intent. I just ordered the yamaha mouthpiece you suggested and a legere classic 2.5. I guess wish me luck. I don't read treble clef in real time but I can always get a little something out of most instruments based on it's physics and a bit of sense. Highly doubtful I'll ever develop the tone and nuanced style you guys have. But I can blare the thing to rock probably ok. I do have an old Martin Committee Handcraft "searchlights" alto sax that seemed somewhat valuable, but didn't get any takers. It could use some maintenance but I can play it ok.

[@joelshirey4401]

I think whether to like or dislike depends on what style music you are playing. I currently use the Tone Edge 7* with a 3-1/2 Rico Royal reed. I also have a Brilhart HR and a couple other MPs. To test reeds I wrote the MP down the left side of a paper and reed strength/make across the top. Then I graphed the page into boxes. I played each reed (2, 2-1/2, 3, 3-1/2) on each MP (4 MPs) and made notes of each. The two scenarios I liked best were the Tone Edge with a 3-1/2 reed and the Brillhart with a 2 reed. Just by this test you can see the combination used can effect the result. I mainly play the Tone Edge 7* with the 3-1/2 because I like the tone and texture but of the ones you reviewed in this video I would like to test the Select Jazz D7*. I liked it's range without the low tones being overly nazal yet the upper octaves gave a punch.

[@olafstenzel4361]

Good Video! I am a total beginner and baught two mouthpieces for my Yamaha YTS-62: the 4C because the original is over 30 years old and worn out. It fits quite loose on the neck, but OK. The second ist the D‘Addario Select Jazz. It fits so tight, that it is hard to get ist in tune. I will try to give ist back an get the Jody Jazz HR*

[@wchicaiza2400]

Hi Jay. Thanks for your videos. After years playing alto sax begining with a Meyer 8 medium chamber, now an Otto Link 6*, today I decided to try with tenor sax. My question is about the TIP number I should choose. Would you mind me telling me which one I should choose? Thanks in advance. My choice is between D'Addario and Vandoren.

[@kevindeibert3369]

nice Jay ! Kinda prefer the 2nd 2 pieces. I recently purchased a Daddario D7M but had been a playing a modified metal Link 7* for about 35 years ! Jury's still out !

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

D'Addario Jazz D7 delivers and offers more than others. The delivered tone is richer, details are more sumptuous and complex, frequencies are not clipped (perhaps better material is used?), no nasal buzz as with Otto Link and Jody Jazz, and the sound can be moulded better. Vandoren V16 T7 is close second best. You confirmed my judgment, across many D'Addario demos I heard, that it is a very good mouthpiece indeed. Thank you, Jay.

[@bettersax]

Glad that helped you. I like those pieces a lot.

[@singmysong4444]

"nasal buzz".... that's a new phrase for me... and I wonder what that mean's exactly... I called the Link... a little "tubby"... on the low end... I wonder if that's what you meant? But now I think of it... yes I have noticed a vibration on some pieces that are more pronounced in the nasal part of your face as you are playing... interesting phrase... thanks for naming this... cool...

[@Jazzznbluezzz1]

I prefer the Tone Edge. It is more smooth and round. Second runner up is the D'Addario. A totally different beast. More edge and brightness. However I think the Tone Edge has a richer tone. More character to it.

[@robinreidmusic]

I played on Link 7* for 40 years and found I just didn't have the air to fill it anymore. I just bought V16 T6 about three months ago and really love it. I play several styles too and find this one works for everything.

[@bettersax]

Robin, Thanks for sharing your setup. The V16s are definitely very versatile! What reeds are you using?

[@robinreidmusic]

Vandoren V12 2-1/2 .First time ever playing matched mouthpieces on sop alto and tenor.

[@janymikeptz1156]

Hi Robin or Jay, can you explain why the T6 is easier to play, please :) I'm trying to understand how the different tip openings impact the ease of playing across the entire horn. Thank you!

[@Sirvalorsax]

The Tone Edge that you have is not the Modern Vintage version. The Modern Vintage is a Slant Signature series that costs around $155. I also have a defect with it but it doesn't affect the sound. In fact, it is my favorite HR mouthpiece. I'd play it more but it has a small bore and I need a new neck. Good Channel!!!

[@bettersax]

I see that they are now making a new model that is supposed to be like the old Slants. I'm going to try to get one of those to try. Thanks for the heads up.

[@claragary]

Thanks to both! You guys are great!

[@RogelioEscobar]

Man I dig both your channels!!! Lot's of great reference material. Very un biased information always. Thanks you two!

[@emilsark5204]

13:41 was so wholesome 😇

[@Reuschman]

For jazz I play a D'addario Jazz 7 Vandoren ZZ reeds with a Francois Louis Ultimate Ligature. For my concert set up is a Selmar C* Vandoren V21 reeds with a Rovner dark Ligature

[@martinsimon6714]

I was playing HR* and have now moved to the Custom Dark. Very similar, but takes everything to a higher level,in tone and projection etc. Not by a massive amount, but the difference is there.

[@MartinLang1625]

I like the Jody Jazz. I use a JD Hite pro hard rubber.

[@saxophonick6719]

I play a new Otto link out of the box I love the sound and it’s versatile. I’ve been changing reeds and ligatures like crazy trying to dial it in but it has a problem sealing and maybe this mouth piece is the issue. It makes reed placement tedious. I like the D’Addario