Metal vs Hard Rubber Mouthpieces| Theo Wanne Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review & Comparison

#bettersax #saxophone #theowanne
Jay Metcalf reviews and play tests 5 Theo Wanne Tenor Saxophone Mouthpieces.
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00:00 Intro
01:35 AMBIKA play-test 1
02:41 AMBIKA ballad
04:53 GAIA HR play-test 1
05:38 GAIA METAL play-test 1
06:52 GAIA HR ballad
07:39 GAIA METAL ballad
09:36 DURGA play-test 1
10:24 DURGA ballad
11:57 SHIVA play-test 1
12:54 SHIVA ballad
13:38 Mouthpiece buying advice
14:55 Giveaway Contest Details

[@patrickmarino8601]

The Gaia hard rubber was the best sound I've ever heard you produce. Great sound on that piece Jay. I could listen to you play that as your main setup forever.

[@DStyle4]

It always makes my day when BetterSax uploads!

[@davidfeldhaus976]

Same

[@lavernedjoseph7663]

Ender Dempsey, I agree with you! ✔👍🏾👍🏾

[@veanukavi5341]

I agree

[@BrunoNeureiter]

I wish he kept teaching

[@Stinger510x]

Agreed dude, agreed

[@benjaminfalcone2074]

1. The ambika has an incredibly smoky sound, it isn't incredibly dark, but it still has a very mellow sound. 2. Gaia 3 hard rubber/metal I feel they are quite similar to the ambika, but it has more edge and punch, it can go a bit further, I prefer the metal version. 3. The durga 4 is already very bright, kind of sounds like a dukoff, which I play at the moment. Having said this, I'm not crazy about it, I feel like it's trying to be something kind of like a dukoff or a guardala, but is kind of it's own thing. She still sings with a nice mellow tone in the ballade. 4. The shiva is a screamer, shiva is infact the god of distruction. She is powerful, and is so powerful, it is almost like having a Reed that is to light, but in a good way. I love the sound of a bright piece in ballads, the shiva is a perfect example of that. Thanks Jay :)

[@brucesmith3740]

1) ben webster 2) 3) dexter surprisingly hr edgier without woofy bad sound on many HR 4) dex again more so. High notes break up strangely 5) same as last

[@jordynb29]

I love your videos! They’ve really helped me improve in my overall playing, as I have switched from clarinet and needed to find a good tone on my sax. I’ve even gotten better at improv! Thank you so much for posting helpful and informational videos!

[@gradyparks5249]

You are spot on with your assessment of the diff in the Gaia HR vs metal

[@skprostudiotips2978]

Always love your vids !!!

[@rickbennettartmusicvideo7720]

Thanks for the new video! I was surprised and actually liked your sound on the Shiva the best. I thought it had a lot of detail and overtones but wasn't shrill, and sounded great on the low notes as well as higher.

[@carlosaamaran6852]

Súper Exhibition and Professional Explanation , Thanks Better Sax !

[@thominis3820]

Great video man. Thanks for the help 😊

[@josephoregan7385]

They all sound different and great playing. Thanks.

[@noamalizia362]

Amazing Always a pleasure the giveaway videos from bettersax

[@giancmuniz]

I admire how defined is your playing. Every note is clear as day and every dynamic is very marked. Great for recording.

[@_Looft]

Your videography is really improving. Genuinely good job man!

[@jazzswan]

Very nice Jay, as always! How a mouthpiece plays the notes below low D for me, is the real test. The Gaia 3 Metal on this video is the best, in my opinion. I play a Mantra Metal 8 mouthpiece on tenor, which Theo Wanne no longer sells, and it gives me that same robust low end, lush mids and clear highs throughout the entire range of the horn. Thank you Jay for all your great instructional videos!

[@lambo3136]

I love the darkness of that Ambika !!

[@gertmorlion9733]

I love the Ambika sound! Dark, nice and smooth. They other 4 all sound better then a lot of other pieces you have presented in your other videos but I like dark (but not the color).

[@b._.lawrence]

Hey there Jay, thaks for this review! Upon your video I bought the Ambika for my SMVII - this is what I was looking for. I´m really happy. Thank YOU!

[@MusicCrash1]

Me encantó la hard ruber y la durga, ambas suenan geniales.

[@PaulThomas2]

Interesting comparison and great video. I used to play the original Gaia HR but now have the Gaia 3 in an 8 tip both in HR and metal. I can't believe how little sound difference there is between them, although the metal has a different feel. The HR is probably the most powerful HR piece I have ever played. With a Silverstein ligature it sounds even better.

[@KrisVComm]

After hearing Julien Wilson and Jan Garbarek, I didn’t hesitate to purchase the Ambika 3 gold #8 for playing standards such as Misty. For the brighter stuff I got the Jody Jazz DV Platinum 20th anniversary. For everything in between I got the Drake Masters Series Pete Christlieb. The best of all worlds.

[@timlambert9167]

Definitely my favorite is the Ambica3. A beautiful sound. I actually taught the Theo Wanna sales guys to improve their playing. I tried a few mouthpieces on one of his tenors and loved them. Thanks for another great video, Jay.

[@robertweiss1267]

Is the ambica 3 help getting low b and c sharp?

[@Saxchannel]

Excellent video!! i love your channel!! good job!!!

[@sidneiramalho]

Nice video Jay I bought my Vandoren V16 6 small chamber for my Alto sax today based on your video. Super happy with my purchase. Thanks

[@bettersax]

that's a great mouthpiece especially considering the price. glad it worked out for you.

[@neilrichmond8881]

Love the darkness of the Ambika!

[@karendebellis7457]

You sound great on all the mouthpieces I like the Gaia 3 hard rubber

[@scottolson6928]

Love both Gaia mouthpieces. Slight difference, but I'd be happy with either. Sounded awesome bro!

[@lavernedjoseph7663]

WOW! I love the Saxophone. I had no idea that you had to switch mouth pieces to play it. You are an incredible Sax player. I enjoyed all of them. I did hear a different sound from them though. I thought the difference sounds came from you playing harder or softer. 🤷🏾🤦🏾 Thanks for sharing.🎷 💞💕👍🏾👍🏾

[@deadlybladesmith3093]

I would enter the giveaway, but I don't play tenor, I only play bari. So I will let everyone else have a better chance of winning.

[@dawwum]

AmericanPatriot1776 thank you, btw the durga 4 on bari is good asf

[@ezrapetersen9913]

Same I play alto

[@john_rosenkaimer]

Thanks bud

[@minty_lint]

Same here, i'll sit this out for my tenor pals.

[@wimlange8833]

The same goes for me. Succes!!!

[@hectorzeronee]

Sax player in military and bought a Fire series from Theo Wanne because of your review. I have LOVED it and have gotten compliments on the new sound. Has taken me to a new level. Thanks! 🤙🏽

[@bettersax]

great to hear! glad the piece is working out for you.

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Amazing review Jay and thanks as always for doing a giveaway.

[@bettersax]

thanks!

[@paoloalbano4690]

I like both Ambika and Gaia 3 HR and, on the bright and punchy side the Shiva.. I'm talking of course on how you sound..!! Great video, Jay. Thanks a lot

[@waleedyousif8164]

We love better sax!!!!!

[@bigsaxoholic99]

I have The Gaia 2, Durga 3, and Datta. All metal and Tenor pieces. Right now I’ve been using the Durga. I like all three of them. They all play and sound different. I recommend Theo pieces if you’re interested.

[@BHound1981]

I play a Durga 3 A.R.T. piece on my alto. Absolutely love it, and it's blue!

[@xeniaholmes]

The Ambika 3 has a rich sound, I love it.

[@furtherdefinitions1]

I know Theo personally, and he is a really nice guy, and makes truly great mouthpieces

[@tonybakke9642]

I like the Gaia hard rubber also. It is expressive and versatile.

[@AbiSax]

The sound is amazing from all of them. Anyway it's from the player 95%. You play beautiful JAY... and thank for all the opportunity you give to your subscribers to win these wonderful and expensive mouthpieces.

[@bettersax]

Thanks! good luck!

[@danielepalozzi9584]

All of these mouthpieces are fantastic!But of i have to choose one....Gaia hard rubber for me! It's a great combination of power and softness.

[@roberttadeo9390]

Love the content!

[@rickpick9058]

I’m still working hard to hear those importantly different sounds. You make them all sound so good! If I were to pick a fave, it would be the Ambika or the Gaia hard rubber. But I’m afraid I need much more than a better mouthpiece....

[@TheMrgozzo]

Wow I love the sound of the Shiva!

[@phillipgarrett6849]

I felt the Gaya3 hard rubber and the Sheva afforded you the most expression. To me that kind of ease gives way to greater improvisation! I listened to several of your videos today. I’ve never met a sax man that didn’t doctor his horn to preference, that being said I felt that cheap Amazon didn’t get the credit it deserved. I thought your quality on it was rather good. Jean Paul Tenor surprised me and I agreed with you. The bari video was very interesting, the cheaper bari was good but your pro model was sweet! I’m a Mark VI man myself, when you step away from it for awhile, coming back the Mark VI is like picking up a frettless bass! I’m almost 70 and haven’t played professionally for some time, my advice is never stop! I enjoy you my man!

[@Saxwizzard]

Jay your review was spot on. I always wanted the Ambika metal for jazz. The Gaia metal is louder but similar to the hr version. I also like the shiva over the Durga. I think the chamber is smaller on the shiva. Now I want to add more jazz into my music

[@scottbogger]

Nice test I love T,W mouthpieces wish I could afford one! Maybe Win One !

[@martingaskin3058]

I think that the Gaia H/r sounds slightly warmer and more rounded than the Metal, you play them both very well and someone else commented all the mouthpieces tested sound like you. Brilliant video thank you. I would not normally get to hear these mouthpieces as very expensive.

[@thomasjohnson395]

sounding great Jay, no matter what piece youre playing on

[@gipstetz6720]

Super interesting. Thanks for posting. The Gaia hard rubber seemed a bit smoother on top. But overall both are very very nice.

[@bettersax]

thanks for watching

[@williammcphail4152]

I agree with you, the more mellow sound of the hard rubber mouthpiece

[@mc_steezy897]

Who else got chills every time he played

[@camtarry1326]

I’ve always played metal mouthpieces but now I’m torn between the Hard Rubber Gaia 3 and metal they both sound so hip! Thanks for the great video Jay!

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

Love my Theo Wanne mouthpieces! I play a hard rubber Gaia 1 #6, West Coast Sax Mofo1 .110 (Tenor), and West Coast Sax MOAM .086 (Alto)

[@rltournament5727]

I want to win one. All off them look beautiful man. The talent you have playing the sax is amazing.

[@bettersax]

thanks good luck!

[@awalbert74]

I prefer the sound of the Gaia metal over HR - for me it sounds a bit clearer - bun I am also very positive surprised of the Shiva

[@noelsweeney5460]

The second mouthpiece you played . I Thought was my favourit

[@mitchpaliga4851]

I've been on the metal GAIA 3 6* for a couple of years now. I use Rigotti 3.5 M or D'Addario Jazz select 3M unfiled. I use it for every gig I play: jazz quartet to loud commercial bands with a 2 or 3 horn section. It can be a very loud piece and works well for commercial gigs. Very versatile.

[@spontaneousgroovincombusti2902]

I’m a big fan of Theo’s work. Mouthpiece choice is so personal. I love my Gaia2 and Amma altos. I like the dark Slant Sig tenor, but couldn’t find a brighter metal tenor that worked for me. Bryan at TW is a great rep.

[@carajayebird]

I lucked out. I got a Shiva 3 Hard Rubber a few years ago. Brand new at Sam Ash for $375. Love it.

[@thepiper4u]

That black mouth piece is a genie 🧞‍♀️ they all have a different sound to them my favorite is the hard rubber i

[@dominicmanzella5493]

The Ambika is really lovely. I love the warm sound. The difference between the hard rubber and metal Gaia is definitely the fact that the metal is edgier, gives more of a punch. I got the Durga on Alto and love it. I have something similar on tenor, but it's SR Tech, not Theo Wanne. The Shiva is interesting. Gotta say, wasn't expecting a mouthpiece that is brighter than the Durga lol.

[@misterbusy]

Although you might not feel that comfortable with the Durga and Shiva, you really sound comfortable on those pieces. And your playing is superb. After playing a Ponzol M2 plus .110 for a decade, I switched to a Durga 3 (9) and really am enjoying it. Theo makes some great pieces.

[@fidosax77]

thanks for your wonderful and teachable videos 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@alissonpedroso8178]

I love all of them.

[@rogerdowman4515]

Love the Ambica and Gaia. I have the Gaia 3 HR Alto and love it, but like you say a cap that could be used for between playing would be useful

[@robalexwar]

Though I know that practice is just about everything I also know that a mouthpiece can make a real difference. It would be great to pick up one of the Theo Wanne. On the wish list :)

[@Danox94]

Both GAIAS sound almost the same, though the Hard Rubber one would be my choice. Sounded warmer, fuller, and sexier to my ears

[@richardwakefield7115]

The gala hard rubber mouthpiece had that smoky vintage sound that I like and the metal Im not so familiar with but a brighter sound also fine depends on what music you want to play.

[@ericwong3096]

Ambika for me - and Jay’s saxophone skills Haha. (Enjoying the Harmonic Foundation course. Thanks!)

[@bettersax]

Thanks, glad you are enjoying the new course!

[@colerydalch]

What an acutely accurate review: the hard rubber pieces will always be my favorite tenor mouth pieces to play on, but the Ambika has an incredibly unique & vibrant sound quality!! You might actually hear the saxes in the marching band with that shiva mouthpiece though; what a screamer!!

[@alexanderlochardful]

The rubber mouthpiece, but overall "You", you sound awesome!

[@ericschabo4563]

This is a great video! I have been playing the same mouthpiece for almost 30 years and feel it's time for a change. I wanted to know more about the Their Wanna mouthpieces, and your comparison video has been very helpful. I really like the sound you get on the Gaia3 mouthpieces, but have not decided which one is the better sounding one yet. Your videos are awesome! Please keep up the great work!

[@bettersax]

Thanks!

[@jamesjefferson8353]

I love your sound on the hard rubber mouthpieces. They seem to add warmth and a little heft to your sound. I lean toward the brighter side hopefully I can win something nnew. Peace.

[@LeslieDaCostaJr]

I prefer the hard rubber mouthpiece, because it sounds cleaner, and glides smoother in the altissimo register, creating a unique class-by- itself voice and timbre. Your composure also appeared more relaxed with the hard rubber version. My first mouthpiece was Berg Larsen open- hole #7 hard rubber mouthpiece, I purchased from Manny's on 52nd St, in Manhattan, NYC. I only paid $20, but that was in 1968.

[@dcp8nts]

First, may i say how much i appreciate all of your videos. The ambiance, the content, your playing, and how i really love that you balance out the sound, so that when you play, the volume does not go up to 11. Sweet. I want the backing tracks. My fave is the Durga, YUM! Is this also a giveaway for alto?

[@bettersax]

Thanks. Just tenor this time.

[@shandipm9758]

great sound

[@ramonirizargomez8887]

For my taste..Gaia3 metal. I prefer the link sound..so I like very much this Gaia because I found it similar to OL but with more modern sound: Very good sound. Thank you for your videos. Gracias

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

Shiva is my fave too! Almost traded for one!

[@kerbioa]

That Gaia 3 though. Oh so nice.

[@dingbat2461]

I just got my tenor after playing alto for upwards of 8 years. (I bought a yani from tenor madness). I bought a C* because that's what I had for my alto, but, as you can imagine, it doesn't have a solid jazz sound. I was just thinking about getting a jazz mouth piece, and the metal ones have always looked interesting to me.

[@jjpbm]

I've never had any luck with givaways and raffles but who knows... Jay just might give me a new mouthpiece for my birthday

[@bettersax]

good luck!

[@Debukochi]

In your Dec 2019 “link inspired” metal mpc review, you intrigued me with your comment about having to get used to the Gaia. Months after watching this video, I bought one and also needed to spend some time with it. I struggled with the 7* metal Gaia until I used a #3 reed for better (crisper) response than my typical #2.5 reed. In my head, I was saying, “Eh.” as I just wasn’t feeling and hearing what I expected…until I listened to my recordings (which I always recommend when evaluating a mouthpiece). I’ve never experienced such a difference between what my head heard and the recorded reality (been playing >50 years). I use the Gaia with a copper Keilwerth (CX-90) tenor which is a “big horn” with a unique bore that likes a greater volume of air. It took me over 1 year to finally try that Gaia. If I had judged it on the first pass, I would have never found out what a great mpc it is for me. Thanks for your thoughtful evaluation and comments.

[@bettersax]

That's something I've learned over the last few years testing so many mouthpieces. I've gotten much more flexible so it no longer takes me time to get used to a new piece, but this took me a long time to get to that point. For most players who only play 1 or a few mouthpieces, a change will usually feel strange at first even if the mouthpiece is a better match for their target sound. Also finding the right reed match is huge.

[@zivley]

As usual, you sound damn good on all of them! But I could tell you were less comfortable with the Durga. I loved you most on the Shiva, and that's great because that's the one I'm currently playing on! No surprise it caught me right away when I tried it on the store, it was love at first sound! But I would also love to get one on the other side of the spectrum, the Ambika sounds great too, I love the resistance, I can hear it in your playing.

[@lovejazz]

Sound like the Ambika 3 will go where you go. Like you said it has that punch and the Gaia 3 has that mildly darker sound and stays there.

[@saxman7131]

You sounded great on the Shiva.

[@rogersalles200]

I play the Durga 4 now and in the past I hated the Durgas, somehow this new model works well for my set up, I would love to try the Shiva but man it is loud. great reviews as always Jay!

[@KarinundBert]

Go for it!

[@w2tty]

I thought the AMBIKA was fantastic, but then I heard the hard rubber GAIA. For me the rubber seemed a bit richer than the metal on the ballad. To may favorite is either the AMBIKA or the hard rubber GAIA. Thanks for this review and comparison.

[@bluessax5089]

I was able to get my hands on a Datta a little while ago. Killer Piece!!

[@bettersax]

Durga you mean?

[@bluessax5089]

From what I gather, Theo stopped making the Datta back in 2012. It was a SUPER high baffle piece and plays like a rocket. Really bright! I ended up settling on the Jumbo Java which is really similar.

[@williammckinney5213]

I like the hard rubber Gaia 3 more! It sounds great, there’s not much difference. But I also like darker sounds more.

[@julast6658]

All drool worthy but i have never won anything in my life but i do wish every else good luck! Ambika 3 would be my choice because im sure it whispered i love you ;-)

[@bettersax]

good luck

[@Rockin_Bug]

I really liked your sound both, but I agree, I think the hard rubber sounded better to my ears and is right where I’d want my sound to be. I’d seriously consider one of these. And, to my eyes, looking at your embouchure while you played, the HR mouthpiece seemed more effortless, if it’s possible to “see” that.

[@tonyflamingo8963]

I think I definitely prefer the Shiva 3. I just borrowed a tenor saxophone from my school but it has a few mechanical problems that render it useless. Buuuuuuuut I’m taking it to the music shop tomorrow to get it repaired and I can’t wait to play it! If anyone has any tips it’d be greatly appreciated, I already play alto and Bari if that helps (hopefully it does!) Edit: Ya know, now that I compare the two, I REALLY like both the Gaia 3 and the Shiva 3.

[@AjayStLouis]

I personally love the HR Gaia 3. Definitely sounds warmer.

[@splodgems4752]

finally some love for us tenor players

[@016_]

You played the 1st one so well, like resonating within me well. It was also an improv so now I’m a little concerned about my palatte 😹 great solo! Edit: Maybe it’s the sound, I just assumed all jazz mouthpieces were BRIGHT and all metal mouth pieces were BRIGHT BRIGHT.

[@ronnyastudillo4203]

Fingers crossed. I really hope i win this. Good luck to you all!!

[@SacBillM3]

I like the sound of the rubber mouthpiece better. It sounds warmer to me; more of my preferred sound style.

[@wavelook3]

Hey Hey, Maestro J! Hard Rubber always saves the day and pulls one from the "edge" of metal piece allowing the softness that one can transform into whole other real style.

[@REBart58]

A good sound is like love you can't buy it! Jay how true, I can't fault that statement. Personally I like the Ambika, it has a smooth quality, dark but as you say still punchy. By the way I am enjoying all of your videos. Thank you.

[@martinwatkins1444]

Gaia HR all day long for me. My immediate reaction was that it sounds warmer than the metal version, even before your observation about how it feels. Nearly bought one a short while ago but baulked at the price. Went for the much cheaper (although still quite expensive) Jody Jazz 'custom dark' and haven't regretted it for a moment!

[@bettersax]

Jody Jazz custom dark is a great mouthpiece too. Not as bright as the Gaia