How to choose a soprano saxophone mouthpiece - Brancher J21 vs L21 comparison

[@johnviavattine1161]

Thank you for providing this video. Based on your comments and your playing I picked up the Brancher J21 Metal Soprano Mouthpiece. The J21 is an .80 tip opening which is very large for a soprano mouthpiece. I am currently zeroing in on my reed choice but will probably end up around a reed strength of 2 (give or take a half strength). It is an incredibly free blowing mouthpiece on my Selmer Mark VI Soprano. Excellent pitch throughout the scale of the horn which is important, especially on soprano. I perform with a latin jazz quintet and we play all over the US and Canada with Symphony Orchestras so you can't hide intonation issues! Great job Brancher and great job on your recommendation of this fine mouthpiece. I love it! John Viavattine Mambo Kings Rochester, NY USA

[@graydemunter5850]

I agree completely ! I also have to play on a 2 reed. The advantage is that you can play with the pitch with ease but it makes it harder to control. It takes a while to get use to. Nevertheless it s a keeper 👍🏻

[@Ambignostic]

Romances for Saxophone is one of my favorite albums of any genre.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Me too.

[@HahnJames]

This is good information. I've only been playing soprano sax for about a month so, I think I'll save considering alternative mouthpieces for a later date.

[@bleekgilliam9250]

I've played on a Brancher grenadilla wood soprano mouthpiece approximately 20 years. I love it. It gives an even dark sound that still projects the entire range of the sax. It's also easy to blow. It came with a gold plated Brancher ligature that broke easily. I use a basic student line ligature now. i think the mouthpiece opening is L7 but not sure.

[@VitoBb1978]

Another great video from McGill Music, the Selmer C* is what I’ve used on my Yani S991with a Vandoren 3.5 This set up give me outstanding intonation over the range of the horn, plus a nice warm round full sound. The C* star has been know as a classical mouth peice

[@Andrew_Whiteford]

Branford’s setup for “Romances..”, “Renaissance”, et. al. - Selmer mk6 soprano, with customised curved neck. Bari 66 HR mouthpiece. Bb Soprano *Clarinet* reeds. It’s a great sound.

[@DynamixWarePro]

I have tried a few mouthpieces on my soprano. I started on a Selmer Concept but found the tip opening a bit too narrow and I had issues with the low notes like you had. I then tried an S80 D which I like more, but it has a slight resistance I don't always like. I currently play on a Selmer Super Session E with Legere Signature 2.5 reeds and it plays a lot better for me than the other two mouthpieces with great intonation as well.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks for sharing - very interesting to hear your journey there. Glad you have found something that works for you.

[@chittaranjansarkar4081]

Very fine instrument. Thanks to the player.

[@thomaskipfer1008]

Thanks for your demo. I really like your sound with Selmer C*. Classical in a soprano is so nice, especially a Bach oboe concerto. The sop brings excitement to a probably drab solo, one that I would only listen for a minute or less. On soprano, I'll listen all the way through. Such an exciting experience... My Yanagisawa metal makes me fly. Thanks again.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks Thomas!

[@bobblues1158]

Really informative as usual Nigel! You might want to try Bari mouthpieces from the 80´s that Branford played when he was with Sting. Quality was up and down with them though. Or try a Yamaha mouthpiece that is meant to be played on a Yamaha horn. My solution is to have different mouthpieces for different situations. My horn has two different necks and that gives me more options. I played some concerts with Carla Bley and Steve Swallow and there was one piece where she wanted an entrance on the third octave F# played pianissimo, a classical music ppp. So I changed to a Pomarico crystal in an opening under a Selmer C* on the straight neck, and when the volume went back to HEAVY, I just put the other neck/mouthpiece combination on. I will admit, that is an extremely unusual situation! I also play Legere. Good luck with the search!

[@dubzmusic4255]

bob blues more bari sax is what I need lol

[@paulfairchild3461]

Most informative , soprano tune on Sax school please .

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Paul

[@anonymousguy7723]

I wanted the best and a metal mouthpiece. So I brought the Theo Wanne Durga 3 in a 7 opening. It’s perfect for jazz and I’m able to project my sound. In synthetic reeds I prefer a legere signature reed in 2 strength. In cane I’ve chosen a D’addario jazz reed unfilled in 2 medium strength. Getting a mouthpiece is easy, but finding the right reed takes some time... I hope to get a Selmer concept mouthpiece in C* for classical in the future. I like the fact that I’m able to play at lower volume... what works for me may not work for you. Best of luck on your journey...

[@ForgotMyOrange]

Interesting, I wonder why then the Durga 3 for soprano has been wiped from the Theo Wanne site - theowanne.com/product/durga-soprano-saxophone-mouthpiece/ Here's what it used to look like webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:P556a3GOsGgJ:theowanne.com/product/durga-soprano-saxophone-mouthpiece/+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=au Even the Durga 4 for soprano is out of stock there - doesn't seem very well supported

[@stephenpower1]

Nice one Nigel! Will you be at the London Saxophone Festival in May 2018? I'll be there, looking for a sop mouthpiece and checking out the music. Hope to see you if you're around.

[@Zephoshyrule]

I just want to say that the beat you started playing at 0:13 sounded like it was about to blow my mind. Then it stopped! I was pissed bro. Can you give me a link?? If it's original, then damn Mr. McGill, well done! And can you give us a download? Song name? Anything???

[@ROY-COLLEY]

Hi Can I ask you please ? I have a Keilwerth Sx90 II, Now I know its not so much the MP but the player. But I really love Brandford Manselis, especially the sound he produces on Sting English Man I NY. I also know he uses a Clarinet Reed . Do you have any Idea of what MP I could use to bring me a little closer to his sound. Thanks and love your Vids

[@Catboy.]

I have a Arnold brilheart Jazz mouthpiece for my tenor and it sounds great, it’s not crazy bright like that j21

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool. Those are great mouthpieces.

[@michaeldavis9954]

Great video. I really enjoyed test playing the Brancher metal on alto. It sounded really, really great. However being used to (broader?) ebonite mouthpieces, I found the embouchure change required too much effort. I ended up buying a (different make) Meyer style piece instead, which was closer to my comfort zone. Was there a big difference between the HR and Metal soprano mouthpieces?

[@saxofonistacr]

try a rico royal, those are very very cheap and many players like them a lot. it comes in different openings and chamber sizes.

[@billjohns428]

You should try a RPC soprano mouthpiece! rings out strong in perfect tune top to bottom. I believe the craftsman is named Ron. He hand tunes each one to assure perfection and it works. I now have one for all of Mark VIs, soprano, alto and tenor.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

That sounds interesting Bill, I'll have to check them out.

[@derekakien7379]

Not sure if this is the same guy but he wants to know brand of sax, style of playing, etc. Think they are customised / made to measure in the USA. Met a guy who had one for Alto - he was delighted!

[@LuanneFose]

Although I have many different soprano sax mouthpieces, when I changed from an Antigua to a Yamaha 875, I found the best mouthpiece for it was the rather "cheap" mouthpiece that Yamaha provides with it. Did you try the Yamaha mouthpiece that was sent with the Yamaha Soprano Custom Z? I was shocked. The Yamaha 4C turned out to have the best sound and plays beautifully throughout the range with a Hemke 2.5 reed and a Silverstein ligature. This was not true with the Yamaha 4C that comes with the Yamaha Tenor Custom Z. It sounded awful and I eventually found a Drake "Son of Slant 8M" mouthpiece that is awesome for the Yamaha Tenor Custom Z using the strange Drake ligature and Hemke 3 reeds.

[@kennethcunningham9496]

Ok you got me McGill... I went looking for that passage of Branford Marsalis that you played in this video and I could not find it... so, tell me which one is it? Thanks...

[@rudigerwouters1213]

Brancher can be a bit confusing. On soprano mouthpieces there are the metal ones: B = bright and J= jazz (softer, rounder) and you have the hard rubber L = loud and ebony wood also L. So now the numbers: 15 = 6, 17 = 7, 21 =8, 23 = 9, 25 =10, mostly the go to a 21 but I think, the metal bright go to 25. The come with a rover like ligature but they have also a metal (real gold plated) ligature but they cost around 75 € more!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks for the info here Rudiger.

[@jessemarfil9000]

Hi, I’m a bit confused about the tip opening on these Brancher MP. What’s the tip opening of L17 and L21 when compared to 6, 7 or 5 tip opening? Thank you for your response.

[@davekana8388]

Branford was a Bari Mouthpiece brand guy during the 80's!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool, that’s interesting. Loved his sound.

[@juancardona2948]

Dear friend. Selmer sound more what ur looking for. Just try another ligature that allows ur reed vibrate more. Like a Vandoren optimun.

[@tidianecuenin5645]

Hi, did you try: the "Legend" SLM164 from SR Technologies? Very big chamber (that's a metal), beautifull and quite easy low ends. Very versatile and interesting high notes. I play it with Vando 3.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hi, I haven't tried that one. Sounds great though.

[@tidianecuenin5645]

well, I think it's more comfy to play a metal because you can change the sound easily and quickly. The SR is shorter than the Brancher, but it's the same guy. Both are great mouthpieces, but I didn't find the sound as original as with Otto Link 7*. But it needs a strong reed to revelate and a huge amount of work. We always have to find a compromise...

[@armemilch36]

Hi just love your tutorials ... i have been searching for a trill flageolet for changing between high c and d on the soprano. Nearly works while doing the high e-flat with the left hand along with octave key while pressing normal c (middle finger left hand). But i guess there might be a better way. Know something? Thanks a lot

[@blue_eyed_arlo]

Question 1: What are some tips for switching from Alto/Tenor Saxophone to Soprano Saxophone? Question 2: What are the Legeré reeds stregnths like in comparison to something like a Vandoren or D'Addario stregnth of the same number? Good luck in all of your success as a musician! Please respond at your earliest convenience.❤️🎷

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hi Ryan. Great questions. Firstly, I made a video about playing more than one sax. Same applies for switching between saxes. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4KXlGuMjc1nosk. For your other question about Legere's, They have a comparison chart on their site here:www.legere.com/strength-charts Glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@dillonceass7491]

Have you thought that if you used a normal reed instead of plastic maybe that would help you with your lower notes.

[@dubzmusic4255]

Took a glimpse at the thumbnail and thought that was a Bb clarinet lol

[@miropopradi]

The Selmer C* sound perfect!!! Dont spekulate with that other moutpieces ! :) :)

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Miro!

[@juancardona2948]

Agree. Just try another ligatures

[@kevingoodall4538]

I Like the Selmer best

[@stevekeller4814]

I actually prefer your sound on the C*... but I hear the issues you are having with the low range. Suspect that’s down to the facing and perhaps the facing length. Selmer are not too consistent with facing quality, so you have to try a bunch. Have you tried Selmer Super Session? In a D or E facing might give you what you want. Because of the round vs square chamber, the Super Sessions have a fuller sound, less “nasally”.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks Steve, I’ll have to check them out.

[@renib1159]

Great info Nigel -Thank you! Could you please tellus about the different "brands" (manufacturers) of the soprano sax's..I am trying to pick a make that sounds deep & full & is reputable as far as quality & life time wear.. I rather not have to ever buy another sax-It should be able to 'grow' with my advancement.. is Jean-Baptist or Kaizer a proper choice? or which others?-ps. I love Kenny G's sound

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great question. There are lots of brands out there these days but a safe bet is to stick with the main ones: Yamaha, Selmer, Yanagisawa. My soprano is a Yamaha custom Z.

[@renib1159]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Thank you for the advise..a local shop has a new traded in Jean Baptist88-for $650. sounds good but I think I'll keep looking.

[@malcolmdixon6025]

Thanks for your informative tips. Just wondering if you could help steer me in a direction for a new mouthpiece for soprano saxophone. I was using VanDoren Java green 2.5s but got sick of outlaying for a box of 10 and only finding 1, or if very lucky, 2 good ones. I've tried a few synthetics and am very happy with Legere Signature 2.25, which I feel is very close to the Java 2.5. I'm using a Yamaha 5C mouthpiece but feel it's not really well matched to the synthetic reed. My sax is a Temby intermediate, nickel plated finish. It has a lovely rich sound. My playing is mostly balad singing style. I think it's time to upgrade mouthpiece but I really have no idea where to head without spending lots of money on trial and error. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hi Malcolm. Great question. Really depends on what kind of sound you are going for. A well priced option that is easy to blow but brighter than your Yamaha 5C is a Jody Jazz HR*. I also use the Jody Jazz Custom Dark on soprano which is a darker piece but sounds great.

[@malcolmdixon6025]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool OK, thank you very much. I'm not a jazz player, I play more singing style ballad music. I don't mind a bright sound as long as it is balanced with a warmth. To make a comparison, while Kenny G is the technical master I prefer Julian Smith's sound. To me, KG's sound is very focussed whereas JS's is broader and warmer. Maybe something to do with overtones, I don't know the theory behind it. When I bought my instrument I tried a few different brands. The 2 I liked were this Temby that I bought and a Keilwurth intermediate. It was a toss up between them although in hindsight the Keilwurth may have been a wiser choice. The other instruments I tried at the time had a sound that was too thin and focused for my liking. I'll watch a few more of your videos. Thanks again

[@MrBoybergs]

After playing tenor and clarinet pro/semi-pro for 36 years, I'm finally getting a soprano next Monday. A bit of advice if you have time please. How do you divide your practice to achieve/maintain the optimum sound/technique on both instruments? If for example, I put tenor practice to one side for a few weeks to concentrate on the new soprano, would my tenor playing suffer or will practising the soprano also maintain my tenor playing? Thanks

[@votaveri]

warren goldstein actually you'll find your tone will be more focused and will benefit your tone on both,

[@wesleywhorton5821]

I’m just beginning soprano, and would like advice on a starting mouthpiece.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hi Wesley. There are loads of good starter mouthpieces for soprano. The Yamaha 4c is a good solid option.

[@paulfairchild3461]

Nigel mate desperately need some soprano music on Sax school ,it’s well over due .you need to respond to your members requests even one a month I know your eager to do it 👍

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Paul - all of our tenor lessons in Sax School also work for soprano though, and there are hundreds in there. Email me if there is a specific soprano tune you would like to learn.

[@paulhuffman1706]

I discovered that I had better low note control with a 1/4 softer Legere reed, without noticing a loss of loud higher notes. Is that generally the rule. But this is on tenor, 2 1/4 Legere sig down to 2, Yamaha xC. Can’t remember the number.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hey Paul, good question. I guess it depends on your setup and your embouchure. Great to hear that works for you. I think it’s great that Legere do 1/4 sizes.

[@glen.s9860]

Hi Nigel Have you ever try any Beechler I am trying to get used to sop&alto ARB and also I have 7# soprano H/R diamond for soprano ? kirk is one of my tops and Bony James.glen

[@derekakien7379]

I blow a s/s Beechler 8 on Alto. I love it - nice bright sound. Very loud, so I have to restrain myself. LoL. A singer told me I sound like nobody else. Then I thought, did she mean good or bad?

[@guyscudamore4930]

I've recently started with the Soprano and just begun using a Jody Jazz which has a nice tone..... so I'm told. There just seem to be so many out there, so thanks for your insight which gives such a great way to look at the mouthpiece. Are you using synthetics for these trials?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hi Guy, great to hear the video was helpful. I haven’t tried the Jody Jazz pieces but I hear good things. I’m using Legere Signature reeds for all my playing these days.

[@edwarddesenne6153]

I bought on approval the latest Jody Jazz HR Custom Dark hard rubber soorano sax 5* mouhpiece and with a Vandoren Java 2 and half reed and dark Rovner ligature I can play whole range of notes , full and warm and higher notes clear and rounded for both jazz and classical but it has to be in correct position on the crook to be in tune according to weather temperature also, Not a mouthpiece for a beginner on soprano and very expensive !

[@pryce4267]

Hi what tip opening please

[@votaveri]

What are the notes you play in the intro?

[@allaboutanythings]

can I ask if it's possible to use alto sax mouth piece for soprano sax?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

No, you are best to stick with the correct mouthpiece for the sax.

[@votaveri]

I use a C* rovner dark aswell on my soprano

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool. It’s a good solid mouthpiece.

[@wiledmanrandall]

I liked the sound you're getting out of the L21 the best. But I agree, the J21 would be more suited in conservative environments.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool, thanks Tim, good to hear that.

[@alexxiao6519]

hey there! which mouthpiece should i use if i want to sound like kenny g in his pieces

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Good question. I think Kenny G plays a very bright mouthpiece - Dukoff metal on soprano. You could try something like this or a Theo Wanne Durga. Of course you wont sound like him just by having the same mouthpiece, but it’s’ a starting point. Have fun!

[@alexxiao6519]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool thank u!

[@mariorgrossi]

Hi, from Brazil

[@eoinryan8222]

Have you tried a metal Ottolink mouthpiece on soprano.

[@edepillim]

Just Another Random Account Yes. I have an OL 6*. Metal.Just started playing it again after many years.Finding the high notes difficult but my embouchure needs to strengthen. Loud and bright though and good bottom notes. Just top d,e,f very hard so far.

[@edwarddesenne6153]

I did buy a gold plated Otto Link 7* metal mouthpiece , the tuning poor as the bore didn't suit my Selmer Mark V1 and diameter around the tip too small for my wide mouth.

[@Jazzmarcel]

I got a Selmer super session g and a bari 62 but, I am not quite happy with my sound on soprano!....... unfortunately, I have a Antigua 4290 which I think is problem! do you have any opinions on this brand of horn?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hi Carl. I think the Antigua horns are good student instruments. With soprano the tuning and tone really improves with a pro level horn in my opinion.

[@Jazzmarcel]

dam, just what thought!..........this is my first soprano so, i guess i must move up to a real horn! thanks for your advice!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

No problem.

[@ghawk78]

I've been playing gigs on an Antigua 590 (the older version of the 4290) for 11 years and I like it very much. I think that it's a real horn.

[@Jazzmarcel]

Greg Hawkins Uuummm really!.....😕

[@edwarddesenne6153]

It's the player's natural embouchure - shape of jaw, teeth and lip angle and pressure and control of amount of air from the diaohragm which forms the personal sound you obtain and the mental emotion you wish to convey. In my opinion the choice of mouthpiece should not be one's initial concern

[@achang8898]

I like this reviews that he delivered good informations , good job.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Anne!

[@thomasschneider1785]

What are the # of the new ones. Also what is the name and # of your old one

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hey Thomas. The Brancher mouthpieces are their size 21 (they do a size 17 and a 21, so I'm playing the bigger tip opening). My original mouthpiece is a Selmer C* hard rubber. Hope that helps.

[@Jazzmarcel]

good video!..…..

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Great into

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers.

[@abedinsubashi]

What soprano do you play?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I’m playing a Yamaha custom Z soprano. Thanks for watching!

[@TheMusicalEvents]

To my ears the Selmer sounded best. The rubber Brancher sounds to pointed and a bit without substance; if any, I'd prefer te metal Brancher, but still I like the Selmer best here

[@ROY-COLLEY]

Hi I've just started back after 15/18 year stand off.I was then playing Alto. But I've just got myself a Keilwerth Sx90II Soprano. I also really like Branford, I also like Art Porter, Grover Washington. And many more. I looking for a mouthpiece that will give me a full round Smooth sound. I really love Smooth dreamy Sax . What MP would you recommend I try please ? Roy

[@jazzcat4098]

theo wanne gaia 3

[@mslourenco100]

Hi, reeds #?? Thks

[@skeetsoldier]

A "syrupy" sound! That's exactly what I want.

[@dubzmusic4255]

I need some sheet music for a Baritone saxophone solo, I cant find some

[@dubzmusic4255]

Theres only tenor and alto

[@ZockerTVGerman]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5e2haeHmZqKm9k That's a bari sax solo by Ronnie Cuber. The beginning seems quite difficult, but later on it becomes easier and it just sounds awesome.

[@권순석-f7b]

good~~

[@tomahawkkid2444]

Was that misty at the begining

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Sort of - just having some fun with Misty over some samples. Do you like it?

[@tomahawkkid2444]

McGill Music Sax School It's awesome, misty was the standard that got me into jazz

[@Zephoshyrule]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Just commented asking about this. I know this is an old video but if this song is on your laptop somewhere... consider offering it as a download? It honestly sounded like it was about to be really good.

[@saxfish]

< The J 21...! Nice¡ >

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I agree Mike. Glad you liked it too.

[@namelessone3339]

Yes, far and away the best.

[@gabespears9473]

The soprano mouth piece I like Is Yamaha 4 c

[@Joseph124269]

The Brancher is too expensive.