Jody Jazz Hard Rubber(ish) Tenor Sax Mouthpieces Compared

[@yehudalichtenstein574]

The final cut of the four mouthpieces was very nice and really helped noticing the sound differences between them.

[@bettersax]

Glad it helped thanks.

[@Screamn03]

I agree, and thanks for taking the time to do that.

[@benjaminfalcone2074]

i would definitely go with the giant, it sound so big, but it's still dark, sounds lovely :)

[@cmelodysax]

Hiya Jay, you hit the nail on the head at around 10:30. Playing at home the HR* sounds fabulous, as it does inva small combo - but it does get a little submerged when solo'ing in the scrum of a big band pretty much acoustically. That's when the Jet comes into its own ! Lovely review, and great neck too...

[@DM-sl9hp]

11:40 that is very true for me. The mouthpiece I use was almost unplayable by me when I first tried it. After a month I really liked it. Now, several years of playing later and I find I also like another mouthpiece that I also could barely play earlier in my saxophone journey.

[@orlyncarney7080]

Playing on an 8* Giant for several years now. People are always coming up to me after gigs to comment on my sound. Played next to a lead alto with a somewhat conservative setup and he was surprised to hear how well we blended. The Giant gives the player access to a lot sound shaping. It is by far the best mp I've ever owned. When it's time to solo I just pour on the gas and can wail above a loud band. And it sure shines on a ballad, too.

[@qime]

I was checking out your older mouthpiece videos since I started playing tenor sax at the start of the year coming from brass and am doing a bunch of research on mouthpieces and decided to check out your latest video and this couldn't have been posted at a better time! You've really helped me with learning the sax! Keep up the good work!

[@AmericanMusicCo]

Exactly on the HR* sounds so good at a very reasonable price, and so, so versatile!

[@ninofleischman3696]

the quality of these videos is just amazing man, love from slovenia!

[@KleinkMusic]

I've used my classic HR* for a few years now! It's gotten me through the majority of high school and I haven't looked back since. I have no problem recommending it to fellow young musicians!

[@MosquitoMade]

I tried a couple Soprano mouthpieces (HR*, HR* Custom Dark, and Vandoren V16, Yamaha 4C, 5C, Selmar Concept (not really in the same genre, but still), and Cannonball), and ended up going with the Custom Dark there. Love that mouthpiece, and I'm glad I spent the money on it. Worth it to me. I've recently been thinking about going down this same journey for both Tenor and Alto, so love the comparisons side by side, thanks!

[@mattgros86]

Tried the Dv right next to giant. I play sr tech fusion. Dv was great! Pop, clear, fun. Bright. But I was so shocked and amazed with the giant! Big raw brighter than expected. Great for fat blues tone. Brighter than sr tech in my opinion even. Love it

[@williammcphail4152]

I got an HR☆ for my tenor, the change was amazing, so much, i got one for my Alto. Love them both, i thought it would be hard to move from my old Otto Links. I would say you have to try a Jody Jazz mouthpiece excellent!

[@kwootamuckbear9294]

The dark tends to sounds better with “burnin” stamped on it✌🏽🎵🎶🎷 Nice choice 👍🏽

[@uwedrescher8532]

I play the Jody Jazz HR 6*! It´s a great choise for me course of the wide variation vom dark to brilliant. It is very flexibel!

[@wuergha]

Got myself an HR* about a year ago and went back to my old and trusted Meyer 7 pretty soon thereafter.

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

Agree totally!👍

[@martintook]

Hard to separate them as you and they all sound fantastic, but to my ear and preferences the Giant had the same full fat sound but also had an edge I really liked and as you said seemed Jazzier - The Giant was definitely my preference. Second would be the custom Dark, Closely followed by the Jet. The HR* sounded the smoothest and quietest to me and closer to the sound of my existing mouthpiece. Thanks Jay. PS Excluding the Better Sax Studio, I already have ALL of your materials including Eric Alexanders 21 Major Key Explorations. So much to learn and loving it. Thank you for doing such a great, inspiring job. Cheers Martin

[@bettersax]

Thanks Martin, glad to read you nice comments.

[@Leo-um1qm]

Hi Jay, I’m still playing two of them. The Giant 8 for approximately 3 years and it’s my wonderful trusty every time play Mouthpiece. It’s the most flexible Mouthpiece I’ve ever played. The Custom Dark 8 is my new “voice painting” Mouthpiece for playing in combination in acoustic set. It’s wonderful in combination with woman’s voices 😊 Also I use the Power Ring. Why? It’s easy to handle, looks good and sounds good - that’s all. 👍

[@bettersax]

Thanks Leo

[@randyk.hunter2780]

I own all of these except the Giant. Great video. Jody Jazz makes exceptional mouthpieces. I play the dark at Church in the orchestra.

[@joshuasolis3793]

I really appreciate your videos🙏🏽

[@chadhill9901]

I have an HR* for my alto. We needed more bass in the marching band I work with and I was able to convince the director to get a Jet for our best bari player. Now she's almost as loud as the tubas

[@bettersax]

Yeah the jet rocks on bari too.

[@p.w.2149]

Regularly I‘m a Alto player and play my Yany with a Selmer Soloist MP. A couple days ago my Dad gave me one of his Tenors and I bought a JodyJazz HR* to upgrade the very cheap MP wich come with the sax (Trevor James). And what should I say the HR* is a very very cool tenor MP. I love it 👍 I was familiar with the MP after the very first tones. And the sound wooohoooo very cool. For the once who are interested I play the HR* in 6* with a 2,25 Legeré American Cut and a Vandoren MO.

[@martinsimon6714]

Playing HR*and it's excellent,so versatile. However couldn't resist the Custom, which is on the way right now. Very subtle the difference on your demo. Will no doubt have a lot of fun 😜 when it gets here.

[@didouram_music]

Thx Jay, you are doing such a great high quality job! respect...

[@Cornell_tech]

It's been a long long while since your last video Been waiting oo, Amazing content!

[@rhythmculturerecords1017]

I have the Dark Custom 7. Only been playing 1 year and it’s the only tenor mp I’ve used, but it’s beautiful and I really enjoy playing it.

[@saxophoneamydecker6630]

Bravo and Thank you for this video! My tenor V16 #7 mouthpiece has a chip on the tip and I don't have a good back up. I need to order some new tenor mouthpieces fast! I am definitely ordering the Giant!

[@dileepnaik1312]

I have been using this and I find HR* is an awesome mouthpiece. It works best for me to play lower notes easily and with least effort. It responded best on start to finish

[@guydelorme417]

They are all very good, I am surprised by the price , very good. My choice is Custom Dark for the type of music that I play. Great giveaway contest.

[@sonjatiemessen1336]

Dear Jay. Thank you so much for your excellent explanation and let me hear the differences between the mouthpieces. You really helped me on my search to find the perfect one for me and my Selmer tenorsax. It's between the Giant 6* or HR* 6 right now. 🎷Sonja 🇳🇱

[@jamiemeansjamesmusic]

I highly recommend the Giant over the the HR*, the Giant I find just cuts a little more. I use the Giant 8!

[@adalyman773]

This video has perfect timing. I just got my first tenor, and I’ve been researching gear. I love both the HR* and Jet on my alto, so I’m really torn.

[@deweyrucker5399]

I am still going for the first one

[@paulhillman8299]

I have been playing the HR* for about 6 years. It is great, easy to play and so relaxing. produces a nice tone and range. Wouldn't part with it.

[@thomasgabbitas5596]

Thanks for the high quality videos as always.

[@m.w.]

A high end lesson as always.......!👍🔝✔

[@lovepeaceblues]

Great reviews Jay.!! Mate, interesting comparison, I play Tenor and use the Jody Jet 8 and the ASC Fohen 8, both great mouthpieces, subtle differences, the Jet is great with a 3.5 Gonsalves and ASC with a 4 Maraca. Mate, would be really interested in hearing what you think about the ASC?

[@ethanf.6344]

Sweet! Love it!

[@SAXMOLOGY]

I have the HR but I recently acquired a Theo Wanne Durga. The Durga is a bit brighter than I like but I do like the way it plays for me. I would love to have a Custom Dark for my tenor or the Giant it sounds great too.

[@betomusic29]

love the T SHIRT

[@deweyrucker5399]

Really liked the sound of hr custom dark

[@and1424]

HR* sounds best to me (personal preference)

[@botahoratiu]

Hi again! That was a loooong time since your last video!

[@grantkoeller8911]

I would just save money and use a rubber Otto Link Tone Edge 7* or 8.

[@lyntedrockley7295]

You're a class act Jay. Lovely!

[@bettersax]

Thanks

[@KrisVComm]

Sounds great. The Giant really shines through in this series of pieces...IMO. Jody must love you. I have some JJ pieces and I loved them. I have a DV platinum. I’d love to hear you play the Theo Wanne Gold Ambika 3 piece. That’s my choice for my dark sound and it’s quite amazing. Also, the Drake Pete Christlieb model is worth a listen

[@bettersax]

Thanks. I demoed the Ambika in another video.

[@KrisVComm]

@@bettersax how did I miss that?

[@c.h_sax]

I wish they went all the way down to baritone for mouthpieces like the Custom Dark. I would love to try something like it on Bari

[@bettersax]

Maybe they will make it for bari one day.

[@motorcyclesbatroun3]

@@bettersax Hey Jay, great video's as always. I was given a yanagisawa a900 for free. Whats the Difference between this horn and the 901,902, 990....ect thanks

[@stangetz534]

I tried the HR Tenor once with the power ring also by JJ, and it sounded greeeeaaat on a Ref 54 tenor. The Giant was not for me. Felt strange.

[@norabiddogz8673]

Giant sounds the nicest to me, very big, clear open sound. Jet gives me Michael Brecker vibes. I like it too.

[@michel.etcheverry]

Very useful video, Jody jazz Custom Dark seems to be a very good mouthpiece, according to me of course. I love its sound. Sure that your playing is a good point of reference to appreciate this mouthpiece's qualities

[@FELIPEOLIVEIRA-dc1gu]

Muito bom meu amigo. te sigo seu canal aqui no Brazil. Parabéns.

[@koreandemon5426]

Amazing job! I wish I could use these mouthpieces but I play alto and bari, I do have a couple friends that would enjoy a new mouthpiece tho!

[@botahoratiu]

Is the aluminum one painted electrostatic?

[@johnvoegtly5497]

Jay, you sound great on any mthpc. 👍 looking to purchase one of your alto Burnin mthocs. but I don't have a computer. any suggestions ???

[@bettersax]

Call Sweetwater tel:[phone]

[@robstevens9590]

All 4 sound good! There is a slight difference from dark to bright. The Eric Alexander phrase is really nice. Seeing something written on the table of the Jett makes me wonder if it seals properly.

[@williamgregory1848]

I’m glad that you pointed out that you’re using Rigotti 2.5 reeds but what strength are you using: Light, Medium, or Strong? I ask because Sweetwater says they’re selling those Rigotti reeds in three types of strengths so I was just wondering what strength you were using.

[@RafikCezanneTV]

I play the Jet Alto 7 and it screams! Versatile too. On tenor I play the metal Jody Jazz DV NY 7.

[@RockRabot007]

How do you determine which opening to go with?

[@gregoryjohnson2058]

Great content Jay!🎵🎼🎵🎼🎙🎷😎

[@bettersax]

Thanks!

[@camdenmogote1737]

I personally thought I’d like the Custom Dark the most, but after listening for a bit, I really like the sound of the Giant, however, it’s a little out of reach for me price-wise. You always sound phenomenal in your videos though! Please keep on making great content like this!

[@originalchops]

That HR Custom Dark is lovely... sounds like tiptoeing through molasses.. looks like we can have our cake AND eat it!! Yes!!!

[@michaelchimenti4989]

I own both a JJ HR* (7) and a JJ Jet (7). The HR* sounds great, but playing in a small combo with electrified instruments (keys, guitar), I found that it gets buried pretty easily. The Jet is a much better choice for me in that context. I also like the edgier, brighter tone that the JET delivers, and it makes altissimo much easier. Be sure to add the "Power Ring" ligature for even better tone! It's amazing.

[@kennedychavarria98]

An awesome video… Love it

[@bellafemmina4106]

I play the HR 7 on both my Bari and Alto. You’d have to pry them from my cold dead hands. Fell in love then sold or gave away all my other mouthpieces. 💖 Nice video!

[@XB29SP]

Have a HR* 7 on my alto and I would hard pressed to find anything better. Felt right at home at first blow. For tenor I have tried a JJ dv chi. Killer sound but too free blowing. I have had two Giants. A 8* and an 8. I like a metal on tenor and they are some of the best sounding pieces I've owned. The resistance is perfect to blow against, but I could not get away from the spit sound no matter how I tried. Ended up with a metal piece that was almost identical in sound and did not have the spit sound to battle against. I'm biased, but I really like the Giant in this comparison. "Hard" quality in the sound but still fat. Sounding great Jay. I'm digging my TWO 2 as well.

[@bobblues1158]

Well said Jay!

[@kirkchapman6626]

You make them all sound great. I prefer the Giant. On You Tube there is a Whiskey Jazz. That's what I dream of sounding like. I'm using the original no-name mouthpiece that came with my bottom-of-the-line sax. Had a Yamaha 4C but dropped it right on the front edge and chipped the corner :( By the way, I was surprised that you used a 2.5 reed for the demo's. I started with 2.5 Vandoren Java but got pretty soggy quickly. Now using a 3.5 Vandoren Jazz. Seemed to take a few hours to break those in. Great video. Thanks.

[@bettersax]

Thanks. I used to use 3.5 but have been experimenting with softer reeds. They don’t last as long that’s for sure.

[@kirkchapman6626]

@@bettersax I'll risk going to the well once too often. Embouchure for dark sound. Make a difference? Classic lower lip over teeth or a pouty lip?

[@astronix_2529]

Hey Jay, really love your videos and have been watching you for a while now. I’ve been playing tenor for about 5 years now on a Yamaha YTS-23 with a Selmer S80 C* mouthpiece. It produces a nice, rich sound particularly in the lower ranges. As i was getting into jazz bands a few years ago I bought an HR* after all the amazing reviews however I couldn’t get a clear sound out of it and it sounded really stuffy and horrible. It also failed the mouthpiece suction test. Unfortunately I’m still having the same issues today. Do you have any suggestions on what to do? Do you think refacing it would help or should i just buy a new mouthpiece?

[@bettersax]

If you like your sound on the C* stick with it for now. There’s an adjustment period when switching mouthpieces and you will likely need a softer reed for the HR* compared to C*.

[@Retro_Rocket_Music]

What is your advice on tip clearance for an intermediate player. I play gigs for 3-4 hours with a few 10-minute breaks. I play solo with backtracks.

[@CKBrew]

Just wondering about the HR 8*, is it impossible to play..?!

[@vincenzopollari316]

Hi Jay, I follow you with a lot of interest, and I find your way of explaining very clear and professional. 👏👏🎷🎷 Thanks to you. I have just tried a Jody jazz custom dark 7* for my sax tenor Yamaha 62, the mouthpiece sounds very good, and very easy, but i must say: I still haven't found the sound i expected. I tried with different mouthpiece: Vandoren T 55, Otto link metal Vintage 7, Otto link 7 HR, Jody jazz Custom dark is the best one. I don't know if I will be able to get the dark and deep sound I am looking for with the YTS62. What do you think? Many greetings from Rome ( Italy ) not NY

[@jamesbartlett48]

Hi, I am wondering how to select a bari sax as a student and was wondering if you could give me some suggestions

[@shipsahoy1793]

Hi Jay, on tenor I mostly dabble in post bop and jazz blues; I’ve been typically using either my Otto Link STM and sometimes a cheap Rico Metalite for a kind of Jet type component, but trying a Jody HR* or a Jet are of interest to me, just haven’t gotten around to it. I would be very interested in a similar Jody mpc analysis from you for alto, as you are very thorough, and I would probably be quicker to buy an alto mpc, as I am only using cheap pieces on that horn, (same music genres) and am interested in some of the moderately priced hard rubber mpc’s, but can’t decide which way to go as of yet. Thanks for this video! 👍👨🏻

[@BrunoNeureiter]

I had the HR from AliExpress for 14$. Plays better than the $110 Yamaha 4CM which I hate... But I guess it's because it's more suited for a classical sound

[@JohnbelleVlogz]

I hope it will also reach here in the Philippines. Even if i need to add delivery fee.

[@JohnbelleVlogz]

And by the way I'm using alto saxophone

[@EgilFurre]

I was expecting the HR to sound best, because it’s the one you have played most. But it sounds like you like the Custom dark best - and it is sounding very, very nice. I also like the sound of the Giant, but would rather have the other combination (HR material + smaller shape). Do you use same tip openings and reed number on all four mouthpieces?

[@ylachat]

Je joue Joddy Jazz HR* avec Selmer Ténor SA III et un anche Fibracel 3 ou 3,5 et j'adore le son surtout les graves. J'ai un très beau son apprécié par beaucoup de monde. Un petit soucis avec l'anche qui devrait être entre le 3 et 3,5.

[@TheAmbrose20012002]

Hi Better SAX, my Sax YAS280 is too bright, do I need to adjust more dark by mouth piece that you introduced? Thanks 😊

[@bettersax]

Mouthpiece has much more influence on brightness than the horn.

[@craigscott3133]

I'm not sure how much weight to give to these reviews, simply because an accomplished pro sax player like yourself could probably make a dog whistle sound good. But it was good to hear your thoughts. For an amateur like myself, I still think I need to try before I buy.

[@deweyrucker5399]

Wow the giant 7 just replaced the first one

[@dansherbon8278]

Very interesting video.

[@jodyjazzofficial]

🎉🎉🎉

[@samueldoresty2058]

I love your videos, I’m a sophomore at East Carolina university majoring in jazz studies. I in need of a mouthpiece and it would be a blessing if I won one of these fantastic mouthpieces keep up the amazing work.

[@matthewseebran3030]

I want to win so bad! A JJ would be a great upgrade and I would feel more confident for auditioning for All-State Jazz! I know any player can have great results with any piece but I feel like it would be a great step off for me.

[@chrizze5062]

I played Jody Jazz jet 7 on my schools yas 62 for my jazz audition and made first chair, though I wouldn’t say that was thanks to the mouthpiece it’s good to have that upgrade. I now play on a Jody jazz super jet with my 82z ul alto

[@kwootamuckbear9294]

I didn’t see the shirt you have on at the “shop”for purchase 🤔🎶🎵🎷 (saxnerdforlife)✌🏽

[@bettersax]

Here it is bettersax.com/product/sax-nerd-for-life-t-shirt/

[@dabeatking1283]

I hope I win the giveaway my friend play tenor and needs a new mouth piece I love your vids they are so helpful.

[@ozzydok5364]

Well, I liked the Jet

[@fondobnzovu6556]

I recently purchased a cheap tenor mouth piece but when i use it on my alto sax, it gives me a jazzy/blues sound unlike the alto mouth piece that in more neutral for me. My query is, can one use the tenor mouth piece in an alto sax during professional performances, kindly note i am now 8months in learning how to play my alto sax and i was just experimenting to see how it will sound or feel like

[@grantkoeller8911]

No you need an alto mouthpiece for alto and a tenor sax mouthpiece for a tenor!

[@mattcurtis1791]

Thank you for the review. You always do a good job doing this. I tried a 6* HR Jody jazz on tenor a while ago and it played well but I was unable to get a good sound on it after trying lots of reeds of different cuts and strengths. I worked hard on this and it still did not work. I wonder if the 7* might work for me? 7* is the most popular size for that mouthpiece. I also tried a 6 on that mpc on alto and it played well. I am curious about the jet but have not tried it yet?

[@mattcurtis1791]

That was hr* for the 2 mouthpieces tried.

[@jdennisarceo]

I like the sound of Giant. It’s more balanced for me.

[@adesanyaolusoji3562]

Send one to me.

[@taucalm]

Did I won?

[@TheAaronRodgersTao]

‘Three other “Wieners”…’ YOU SAID IT. HAHHAHA!!! Love your vids bro.

[@CHIMENADIR]

Dark per me ?!?? Ho vinto?

[@hypehennesse]

Hey Jay I got way to excited and didnt realize this was a Tenor mouthpiece drawing. I am currently learning to play Alto and just bought a Soprano and as of right now have no intentions of buying a Tenor anytime soon. Could you please remove me from your drawing? Im sure I wont win anyways but I dont need the MP, thanks! I woudnt be mad if you stopped by my channel and checked out my two covers and leave me some feedback lol. Again TY for all the info you pour out on here, it has helped me out a few times!

[@akinjideakinpelu8764]

Weldone nice video I am Akinjide a blind saxophonist from Nigeria Africa all all your giveaways why don't you do something beautiful for Africa for those of us who are hardent followers

[@gsco82]

I would be happier if you were comparing mouthpieces made by different manufacturers. It's clear that you like Jody Jazz mouthpieces, but your video can be seen as an advertisement for that company. I hope that they are paying you well. I will stick with my Otto Link metal mouthpiece for my Mark VI tenor.

[@russellguyver7746]

If I win the mouthpiece can you throw in a Tenor sax aswell? lol ;-)

[@AJ.Hernandez]

Am I the only one slightly bothered by the crooked mouthpiece patch on the HR*? lol

[@sergej100qca4]

If you're going to play the GIANT mouthpiece, you have to do it the Garzone way and play a 10*😉

[@bettersax]

Haha

[@mattcurtis1791]

Yeah and play a Rico jazz select 4 hard. I got to see Garzone here in Denver live at Dazzle a few years ago and I bought the triadic chromatic approach video from him. It was fun to meet him and maybe someday I will start working on this. I did work on some other things mentioned in those videos. Even though he is playing 10* with hard reed he can keep it controlled.

[@mzobanzimajola6545]

These give aways dont reach us in Africa and we are big fans😭😭😭... but congrats for the achievements, Jay🥲

[@Cornell_tech]

Like seriously 😭🥰

[@3rd_Son]

Seriously, It pains me

[@bettersax]

We have had winners in Africa. Why do you think the giveaways don’t reach you?. Anyone on the planet can enter.

[@KrisVComm]

That’s probably because everyone there is busy listening to Mosax and Verasax and not getting any real professional teaching advice.

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@bettersax could he be in a less fortunate region .. idk how true it is, but heard that there are some serious problems on parts of that continent..