"I've been searching for this sax mouthpiece my whole life" | A Conversation with Michael Stricklin

[@hubertsax9957]

Sounds good! But I like especially the sound at the full end, starting from 4:45. Is that the same mouthpiece?

[@JosephSalinas-r4r]

Yes it is 😮

[@benhostetler268]

I love my Meyer NY Connoisseur it was one that was beat up and battered when I got it as test piece for a music shop and I took the time to flatten the table thin the rails and now it’s a great piece that while not pretty plays amazing. It’s the most versatile I’ve ever owned for alto.

[@jackluster5637]

The question I have is that if you play Clarinet, wouldn't you want a Sax mouthpiece that is close to the same width as the Clarinet? If you could find such a mouthpiece, wouldn't it be one less variable to contend with when switching? Isn't that he Meyer wider? Just a thought. Jack

[@michaelstricklin9630]

Hey Jack, I actually haven't really thought too much about the Width of any of my mouthpieces. The tip opening is the area that I have put most of attention. I think that when you play a mouthpiece on clarinet or any of the saxes, the initial response and feel in all the registers as well as ease of pitch is what I have concentrated on. Playing different sizes of instruments from piccolo to bari sax will require you to deal with some different widths. I don't know if this helps, but I think the we are all different and what feels good for you is the correct answer. Keep having fun with music! Cheers

[@jackluster5637]

Thank you. I don't play Bari. Just Tenor, Clarinet and Flute. I use a Drake Tenor (Kristleib) mouthpiece. Just about the same as the Clarinet. It probably would be easier to play a wider Tenor mouthpiece as if you can control the Clarinet sound with a narrower spread, the larger opening might give you a better closure. The Drake is very close to the Berg Larsen. The Drake chamber is smooth. Berg, is etched out. Thanks again.

[@robfairbrother3014]

Michael, you may have found the mouthpiece that you’ve been searching for your whole life, but I think I have just found the person I want to shape my sound after and that is you! I’ve been playing sax for just shy of 3 years and I have struggled to find someone whose sound I like while, at the same time enjoying their genre. It’s obvious that ones like Dexter, Cannonball, Coltrane and other greats have influenced your playing. I’ve been looking for someone who has taken these influences and shaped them into their sound and play in a genre that I enjoy listening to and whose sound I want to shape mine after. I’ve just discovered you through random KZbin recommendations and have just started exploring your music but what I’ve found so far I really like! I like genre spreads from the big-band era through early jazz, r&b, rock, funk and now even sax based electronic music (traditionally electronic music was something I hated almost as much as I hate rap 😮) and it seems like you play a wide variety of genres as well. Because I live in a rural area with no one playing sax that I know of, I’ve had to learn everything I have so far through the university of KZbin. Maybe one day I can find a teacher but in the meantime I’m going to start listening to your stuff and try to shape your sound into my own sound concept and development. Thank you!

[@paigesmusic6174]

Thanks for the comment, and hopefully some other videos on our channel will help you out with your self taught sax journey. If you are ever in the Indianapolis area, come on in and try out some of these Babbitt pieces too!

[@JosephSalinas-r4r]

Oh don't be a hater rob😮😮there's nothing wrong with rap😮😮

[@Jaujau933]

Maybe YOU have found the mouthpiece you are looking for, it's a matter of taste, I don't think it sounds that good at all 🤷🤷🤷

[@zangsax]

Nice constructive comment---NOT

[@gregoryjohnson2058]

😮

[@joelrodriguez1232]

What are you talking about? He sounds great and very even.

[@ed.z.]

I’ve been playing for decades and I’ll tell you a secret. He knows what he’s talking about. You can have an opinion based on your experience. But, perceptions can change and grow most unexpectedly. Especially, if you keep an open mind and keep listening to jazz masters.