D'Addario Reserve D155 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

A review of the D'Addario Reserve D155, their first series of classical mouthpieces. This is a great option in the classical mouthpiece market!
** COMPARISON CLIPS BEGIN AT 04:57. I HIGHLY ADVISE USING HEADPHONES OR GOOD SPEAKERS FOR THE COMPARISON PORTION OF THE VIDEO! **
Setup:
- D'Addario Reserve D155 / Selmer S90 190
- D'Addario Reserve Classic 3.0+ Reed
- Ishimori Gold Plated Ligature
- Selmer Serie III Alto Saxophone
- Breathtaking Lithe Strap
Audio:
Talking portions were recorded using the built-in iPhone XS mic. Playing and comparison portions were recorded using a Blue Yeti Pro on stereo mode into Logic Pro X.
Music:
"Introduction et Variations sur un Ronde Populaire" by Gabriel Pierné, recorded by the Akira Quartet.

[@AlexandreQuessy]

Thank you for this review! I agree with you: it's slightly difficult to get the low notes easily with a 3.0 reed on the D155, whereas it's easier on a Selmer C*. The Selmer is also a bit narrower, which feels more comfortable to me. (I am used to playing on Vandoren Profile mouthpieces on the clarinet, which are narrower)

[@heaneymusic]

Thank you for watching!

[@tianl98765]

Thanks for these reviews!! I wish you could also add the AL3 to what you compare the new mouthpieces to since it's used by so many classical players. It will be like a complete picture when you have the new mouthpiece vs S90 vs AL3.

[@heaneymusic]

tianl98765 I can certainly upload an AL3 review video! Thanks for the suggestion and for the support.

[@Da_padilla]

I was thinking this too, I play an Al3 and I know the top competitor are the selmer S90/180 and this 155 reserve.

[@bobblues1158]

To my humble ears, the D´Addario is more in tune and maintains the same sound color up and down the horn. There is always better equipment coming. Wonderful!

[@heaneymusic]

Thanks for your comment!

[@leycroft5031]

I prefer the S90 but a fine player on both

[@seanhurlburtmusic3061]

Dang, that 155 is BEEF. Sounds good regardless, Josh.

[@andynguyen3265]

Do you prefer this mouthpiece or the Vandoren AP3? I'm looking for a new mouthpiece and my old one was an AL3.

[@heaneymusic]

Andy Nguyen They’re completely different in their objectives... the AP3 is especially responsive and brilliant while still homogenous in tone. The D155 is much darker and a bit more resistant, focusing on a round (while still projecting) tone. The AP3 is more in line with my sound concept (flexible medium tone that I can easily manipulate) but you should try both to see what works best for your playing!

[@andynguyen3265]

Joshua Heaney Thank you for your answer! Sick video btw!

[@MrGermanoNeres]

Whats reeds do you using in this test? Thanks 🇧🇷🎷

[@heaneymusic]

I was playing a D’Addario Reserve 3.0+ reed for this video!

[@kevinngo9138]

What piece of music is at 6:25 6:58 and 7:26 Absolutely beautiful playing!

[@heaneymusic]

Thank you! Great questions. The first excerpt is the alto solo from Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances, Op. 45,” the second is a moment from the second half of Husa’s “Élégie et Rondeau,” and the last excerpt is the opening to the 4th movement of Maurice’s “Tableaux de Provence”.

[@kevinngo9138]

@@heaneymusic oh thanks! Also have you performed tomasi concerto with an orchestra before? I heard you play a little bit of it in another one of your videos and it was absolutely amazing!

[@heaneymusic]

Kevin Ngo I have not played this particular concerto with orchestra (only piano), but I would love to some day!

[@kevinngo9138]

@@heaneymusic I'll be waiting for that day! Can't go on enough about how much I adore your playing! You and Steven banks made me pick up alto sax

[@heaneymusic]

Kevin Ngo You have no idea how much this made my day. To be honest, I’ve been rather disheartened by the fruits of my KZbin and other social media labors, it feels like screaming into the void most of the time. It’s nice to hear that someone is actually watching. Thank you commenting, and don’t stop practicing! Let me know if you’d like a remote lesson sometime, just write me via my website.