How to Choose a Sax Mouthpiece

This video will help us to understand the attributes of a sax mouthpiece so we can make a better decision on which one to purchase.
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[@coltoncrawfordjazz]

No reed even in the same brand, strength, style is EVER the same. Realize that changing reed is like playing a new horn. Reed management and learning to be selective with them and the qualities you like/dislike among them is imperative in the beginning through advancement in learning the saxophone. I always keep a “perfect” reed for me and base every new reed I open off of that. I try to keep at least 2 that are as close to that one as possible . This approach allows you to always test and see if your equipment is in good working order because bad or reeds that have imperfections can drastically alter the way notes respond and how easily the air enters the saxophone. Hope this helps I learned these truths the hard way!

[@Sirvalorsax]

And don't forget, sometimes it's ourselves that change

[@jaeger2235]

Reeds are expensive and I’m not rich so I have like 2 or 3 “favorites” per box.

[@mr555harv]

Sir Valor is truly a gem of a teacher and person!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@thesunalsorise]

This is more informative discussion of the mouthpiece design than any other KZbin, especially on the relationship between subtone and tip/side rail’s width. Thanks so much!

[@royharrison9471]

Many thanks for your guide to choosing a mouthpiece. In my experience it's useful to have a tuner (or a very good ear!) when trying different mouthpieces as some are not as easy to tune as others, for example some may make the palm key notes sharper than others. It's also very nice if you can receive the mouthpiece at home where you can try it over a day or two in your normal environment for the best comparison with what you already have. However you can only generally receive two or three mouthpieces by mail order and you may well have had to pay the full amount for these until you return them. Also, always write some notes about the mouthpieces as you try them so you can refer back to recall your experiences to help narrow down the choice in a methodical way. It's also good if you have a set of tests for each mouthpiece such as: tuning, articulation, full range of notes, altissimo, harmonics, subtones, dynamics as well as playing some music you like, so you can be as methodical as possible in your comparison of the mouthpieces you try.

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

Wish I'd had this kind of advise when I was starting out. A lot of my early mpc purchases were more of a step back rather than a step up. Cheers SVS 👍🎷

[@johan0234523]

There's so much value in each of your videos!

[@B-Meister]

Sirvaluesax

[@martinstockamp8240]

That was one of the best mouthpiece run throughs I’ve seen. Legend!

[@NathanAllenSax]

Thanks for this, it's such valuable information!

[@Sirvalorsax]

😀

[@SSmith7777]

I would love to see SirValorSax do lessons on Latin Saxophone. I'm trying to learn it, and nobody, and I mean nobody is teaching it. KZbin Latin sax tutorials and see. I would love to learn the theory. My new favorite Latin Jazz song has now become "More Afro" Malena. If you were to make digital genre books based on styles such as: Latin (Bossa Nova, Latin Funk, Merengue, Salsa Samba,...etc), which nobody is doing, you would clean house.

[@josephzp6747]

Your tone is chill bro. Thumbs up!

[@stankeebals713]

What a treasure trove of great information in this video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@meldavis7183]

This was a great video. This helps me understand the parameters I need to adjust in my software emulation of the saxophone. Btw your review of the metalite m5 convinced me to try it. It’s now my goto mpc.

[@paddylandreville8501]

You are a first-rate communicator, thanks for posting. You may want to do the same thing with the baritone saxophone. There are many bari players out there.

[@simonburris]

Thanks for this video, which is exactly what I was asking for in my comments to a previous video of yours.

[@hazlitt1]

Excellent video. Learned a lot. Thank you. Cake on the way.

[@owennovenski4794]

Excellent presentation.

[@HayKay_]

Awesome presentation 👏🏽

[@rufus-h4h]

I started on the Rico reeds when I started in the early 1960s. I switched to the Rico Royals as soon as they came out. I have tired other brands but the Royals seem to be the best for me. I use a 2 1/2 on an Otto Link metal mouthpiece with a number seven tip. I like a wide open mouthpiece, and 2 1/2 works for me. I have some old 1920s mouthpiece that came with some old C Melody saxes. I have to use a number four reed with them because their tip openings are so closed. I wide open mouthpiece is more flexible and great for jazz whereas a classical performer would prefer a more closed piece. Too hard a reed makes it very difficult to play in subtone. That's my two cents.

[@olebirgerpedersen]

The first professionel mouthpiece I had was a Berg Larsen metal, because I wanted to sound like Lou Donnaldson from his time with Art Blakey's Jazzmessengers . After that I played Meyer hard Rubber for many years. I also tried Otto Link metal. But at last I found or I was given THE MOUTHPIECE, my womderful old ( 1942 ) Brillhard.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I still have waaay too many mouthpieces. I am downsizing though. 😁😁

[@michaeldavis9954]

Excellent.

[@bobblues1158]

Liked that E Soloist!

[@MarkoSax]

Thanks for your great expertise

[@Sirvalorsax]

😀

[@robstevens9590]

Thanks for the helpful info! (nice "Claire de Lune" closing)

[@benoitrealestate]

Great information and agree!

[@stephenmellor9264]

Brill' ta much lad will be saving this vid' to re-watch. X

[@craig9140]

Nice explanation sir

[@batsai]

Great information and video!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks! 😊

[@monkcocolahvera8270]

You rock thanks for doing your thing!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Cook, thanks

[@pivotaranka5916]

You right, some chip Chinese mouthpieces can play better than expansive big brands. I have one mouthpiece which I bought along with 350$sax. Bandwidth wide enough with sharp cuts, and let me play hi octave sound with low shade. It has no brand no number.

[@ZEZINHO-w5u]

Very nice!

[@oroszlan5048]

Hey there, thank you for the video!! What is your Otto Link Vintage size? I play some 7* Jody Jazz and 8 Theo Wanne but I’m interested in a HR mouthpiece to play standards etc… I see that bunch of players like Getz etc.. had some Otto link 5*! Love that subtones « fufu » as you could called it! Lol Would you recommend to stick to a 7* or try smaller sizes as well?

[@Sirvalorsax]

Mine is a 6*

[@joaquinsalcedo81]

I just started playing the tenor sax, I have a 4c Yamaha mouthpiece . You think the Vandoren v12 can improve my sound ??

[@mmjazzz777]

Awesome 😎😎

[@Kërl-z6n]

Your intro is 🔥🔥🫡😎

[@joemanion7376]

So Tasty!

[@Muave-t7m]

what was your intro song ?

[@hansbrackhaus8017]

5:06 Are these improvised? Or are these (parts of ) songs? I really like the second one...

[@sharatssaxophone]

My first mouthpiece upgrade on alto was to a Sigurd Rascher mpc.. ('93).. I still have it but don't really use it.. Hey Adrienne- have you ever tried/reviewed Fred Lebaylce pieces? They are my go to on tenor and alto although I bought the Vandoren T35 and V16 6L because of you.. both great pieces for the right situations but not quite as special as my Lebayle 8 (jazz chamber)

[@vinaysagar5457]

Sir I have bought legend saxophone and that saxophone comes with 1 mouthpiece. I have been playing with that mouthpiece and it sounds clean and melodious but I am not getting much sound from that mouthpiece so I decided to buy another mouthpiece.. but which mouthpiece gives the same purity, melodiousness and loudness...?? Which one is better to buy…..??? pls reply sir… and it will fit carnatic and weston 2 also….??? 🤔🤔 pls suggest me sir...

[@zijeisdezon]

What is the name of the song you're playing 00:08:13? Loved the song and the sound. Thnks!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Improvised licks set to a harp background

[@javierquesada798]

Sorry for asking again, did I forget the name of your hat?

[@dragonquestfan2002]

Unrelated but I can't help but notice the anime characters playing instruments in the intro lol, do you watch any anime? If so, what are some of your favorites?

[@Sirvalorsax]

I've been trying to find more music related anime but "Fists of the North Star" is one of my favorites

[@dragonquestfan2002]

@@Sirvalorsax there's one called "kids on the slope" about young jazz musicians in Japan. I believe it's directed by the same guy who made cowboy bebop if I'm not mistaken. I would highly recommend it if you're looking for a good music-related show

[@WaleSax911]

Nice what size of reed do you use

[@Sirvalorsax]

2.5 mostly Vandoren redbox but I switch brands every now and then

[@pamelaflory-sanchez5288]

What do the asterisks *next to the model number mean?

[@Sirvalorsax]

These are usually referred to as stars. They mean halves. For example, a 7* is in between a 7 and an 8 in tip opening size

[@ken40able]

Metal Otto Link NY #8. End of story!

[@ken40able]

With Vandoren green box #2 reeds.

[@JorisPosthumus]

yeah, you might need some help on that;)

[@ABigSIllyMushroom]

Bruh that intro was so weird but thank you for the rest of the video I guess

[@Sirvalorsax]

😁

[@juanjomadrid]

Buda bu traduction??

[@emmanueljoh2291]

I need you help My Otto Link is damage I hope you can help to repair thanks

[@kjell-akeapell3285]

Not for beginners.