Sax Mouthpiece Battles | Theo Wanne Gaia 3 vs Phil-Tone Tribute

[@ismailgomceli6228]

As always, you are extremely honest and ethical, Jay. Thank you so much. It's a privilege to meet you.

[@nilaychhasatia6048]

This was probably the best insight into your embouchure; better than the actual embouchure video! Kudos for reinforcing that out of reach priced mouthpieces are not necessary for most. It would be great to see you do a comparison of the usual lower priced tenor mouthpieces which most of us will probably use. I recently started playing [tenor] and picked up a Yamaha 5C as a starter piece but was not so happy. It was a bit harder blow for me. Since I love Gene Ammons and his soulful sound I picked up a Brilhart Ebolin 4 for around 45 bucks and I am loving it! With a 2.25 Legere it has made my life and learning curve way easier. That sort of comparison video would tremendously helpful to newbies like me!

[@francesconada396]

Next battle: New York Meyer 100 year anniversary JJ Babbit for alto sax VS. Theo Wanne NY bros 2 for alto sax

[@bettersax]

That is almost exactly the next one...

[@ericleija9287]

@@bettersax yaaaaaaaaaaas

[@freeyost-moore4747]

Could you please do more baritone sax videos!

[@richardjones990]

These are two very good MP's. To me the TW sounds very clear and bright with good projection. I picked it during the blind test. To me the Phil sounds more rich/mellow and very soft. Thanks for putting on this type of review.

[@RogerNordling]

During A B test B sounded a bit strange, warped Reed or not warmed up? In the longer clips I much prefer the tribute. The Gaia doesn't seem to like being pushed as much.

[@robstevens9590]

I voted for "A". When you played the "unmasked" comparison, I preferred the Phil-Tone. I would like to see a comparison of alto mouthpieces: Otto Link HR, Otto-Link Tone Master, Meyer, Vandoren V16 & Vandoren Jumbo-Jazz.

[@Jorvaskrr]

Man,am I glad to see The Tribute getting some love.I've got one,I'm happy with it,it makes me work but it also rewards me for the work done.I just love the fact that it is not too easy to blow.For me it's a great balance between ease and resistance.

[@shyamwanne]

Both mouthpieces sound great. The Phil-Tone sounded full and warm in the core more like a really great vintage mouthpiece. The Theo Wanne GAIA 3 sounded brighter, clearer and more open. I also liked your creative improvisation on it. It seems to get a sound closer to the darker Tribute, the Theo Wanne AMBIKA might suit better.

[@theoriginalcows1357]

Berh ur profile is literally Theo wanne lol

[@deanworsley5208]

G’day Jay, really appreciate your honesty and objectivity, really helpful in deciding what we might be looking at upgrading to. Thanks a lot mate

[@chrisquinn865]

I love the new series and you sound great!

[@KITsune-ICHI]

I finally pulled the trigger on a metal Yanagisawa 7 and have been living it. Don't know what to compare it to but tried a bunch and feel in love with it.

[@troykaufman5262]

I purchased a Tribute last year and I absolutely love it. I use rigotti gold 3-mediim reeds and have able to get pretty close to the Coltrane/Gordon range of sounds. I really love the mouthpiece, and I definitely have confidence in it.

[@zomiwater6209]

I just ordered a sax - I will be following these instructions on your site and this channel

[@scirocks]

I would love to hear a "blind" test of mouthpieces with differently sized tip openings, and then to better understand how the tip openings change/affect the sound. Also, thank you, Jay, for this channel. I stopped playing sax as other musical interests took over while in college, and have been wanting to start playing again for quite a while. I've been subscribed and watching videos for almost a year now, and I'm about to take the plunge to start playing again. This channel has been a great motivation to that end, and simply want to extend my sincere thanks for that motivation. Cheers!

[@bettersax]

Good to hear you’re feeling inspired. As far as tip openings go, it wouldn’t make much sense to do that since I wouldn’t be as comfortable on the other tip openings. For me it is a question of comfort with the reed and air. It’s true that there would be a difference in sound though.

[@gmofftarki]

The difference between the two was less in the sound and more in how controlled the lower register was. With the Philtone, whenever you went below a certain pitch, you (seemingly unintentionally?) achieved a sort of sforzando. WIth the Wanne, the dynamics seemed more deliberate and controlled.

[@camzcrazy7786]

Amazon tenor sax video? Where is it 😭

[@_Matt8]

You should try the Jodyjazz DV CHI on tenor

[@ZachCalin_]

I liked A more, it seems more easy blowing, and it plays in all dynamics and pitches really nicely

[@Android_Warrior]

What's the difference between a Plastic and Metal mouthpiece and their advantages/disadvantages?

[@madmadrigal66]

I have the same theTheo Wanne and is grate. Beautiful sound.

[@bettersax]

Powerful piece with a warm sound.

[@JoeyKirkland]

Maybe I've missed it, but I'd love to learn how the different apertures effect the sound of the mouthpiece. I am still playing on my beginner Selmer C star mouthpiece, and it sounds pretty good in a classical setting, but I want to have a little more growl and darker tones for a jazz setting.

[@janegayer2608]

I recently purchased a used tenor sax with a "like new" vintage A Gigliotti 7G* tenor mouth piece. What would it be worth and as an intermediate player, should I be using it?

[@tommyt7566]

Vandoren V16 versus D'addario Jazz Select... I find the two very similar but interestingly different. Cheers!

[@AlexanderSax77]

As others said, you sound great on both, but I prefer the Theo Wanne, a little brighter.

[@harveymushman2219]

Great video ...guess it comes down to what look a person likes...I like the Theo maybe because of the built in multi purpose ligature...Going to be awhile before I deserve that good of a mouthpiece ..

[@jimmyb1133]

At first I liked A but also B ... almost hard to tell the difference, they both sound great !

[@dennisbullock9627]

HI BETTERSAX I PERFER A MOUTH PIECES IT HAS MORE DARKER SOUND IN THE LOWER REGISTER WHICH MOUTH PIECES WAS A???? I WAIT FOR YOUR ANSWER THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO ALL THE BEST

[@BIGTREVV]

Hey I've been playing the alto sax for three years now and need a new mouthpiece to go with my new sax, could you do a battle between two both affordable but quality mouthpeices?

[@glauciagondin5171]

And the Slant Sig for tenor sax? From Theo Wanne... did you tried it? And I wish to know why you use a number 3H or 4S reed. Do you have more projection with these strong reeds? Je voudrais savoir votre opinion sur la Slant Sig Theo Wanne. Et j’etait ettonée a cause de la dureté des reeds que vouz avez choisi. J’irais aimer si vous parlez de ça. Merci!

[@Humbardi]

For solo playing ( with playalongs ) I prefer the TRIBUTE. If I am going to play in a band i would select the Gaia3

[@emilsark5204]

When are you releasing the cheap vs expensive tenor sax video

[@bettersax]

coming next week!

[@andreikaa66]

One year ago I could not cope with Theo Wanne Gaia 6*, and only these days I won it and can produce stable and nice sound :)

[@szatan123100]

Retro Revival 7th avenue vs Modern Nadir Guardala MB2

[@hansmathiasthjomoe4817]

Does it make sense to compare mouth pieces like this? It's all about whether it fits you or not. How the very same mouthpiece is working for different persons is depending on what kind of music you are playing, what reed you are using, how your mouth and teeths are "designed", how you are blowing, your ambosure, your mood, your perception of the brand, the price etc etc.

[@Fweep1000]

I'd like you to compare the Theo Wanne Ambika 2 with a comparable mouthpiece.

[@nbenyair]

I'd really like you to compare Theo Wanne Durga 3 tenor VS. Jody Jazz SuperJet tenor, had a really hard time to decide which one to buy. Thanks!

[@pogus49455]

Morgan Excalibur vs Meyer vs Jody Jazz HR (Alto)

[@jfish71]

Please do some alto sax mouthpieces!!!

[@dcsaxophone]

Do you recommend D'Addario Select Jazz 4-Soft Unfiled or filed?

[@pas0003]

Thanks for such an honest review. Great mouthpieces! Maybe in a few years when I get better! :D

[@acenauthor3688]

Can you do one on an Otto link tenor saxophone mouthpiece, sorry if this isn’t specific enough I don’t know to much about mouthpieces.

[@bettersax]

Otto Link battle coming very soon.

[@ludovikcloutier7964]

I prefere the first one, and I would like you to compare the durga mouthpiece and your first one.

[@ericperry1861]

Just my two cents as I play a Gaia 3 9 and have tried a Durga 7, 8, 9 and Shiva 7 and 8. The Durga is considerably brighter, where the Gaia has its strength in the mids, the Durga has it in the highs. It thins the bottom out a little much for my preference, but if you like the little saucy buzz that Texas Tenor players get (Think Wilton Felder of the Crusaders) then its a nice sound for that. It takes a lot of air, all the pieces, to get the full tonal characteristic, but they will respond easily at any volume. The Shiva wrecked my low end sound, getting very quacky below a mid G. This being said, I have a friend who plays a Shiva for R&B and has the most incredible sound I've ever heard. Bright, but exceptionally complex. The Shiva was the first TW piece I tried, and its that complexity that prompted me to try the other models out. If you live on the East coast near D.C. Chuck Levin's often has many pieces to try.

[@flo5799]

could you please test the "Claude Lakey Original Alto" vs the "Yamaha B5 Alto". I want to upgrade and a comparison would be very helpful.

[@mhsbrian]

I just picked up the 100th anniversary Otto Link Tenor 8* and I have been playing on a Berg Larsen 130/0M for years...I really dig the Otto Link..Its super responsive and the sound is smooth with edge. Recommend you try it out if you haven't already !

[@DynamixWarePro]

For mouthpiece battles: JodyJazz DV vs Theo Wanne Durga on alto and tenor. JodyJazz HR* vs modern Meyer and Otto Link HR on alto. JodyJazz SuperJet vs Theo Wanne Mindi Abair on alto. Selmer S80 C* vs Selmer S90 C* and JodyJazz HR* C* on alto. I am interested in the last one I have never seen any reviews or found any audio from someone playing the JodyJazz HR* in the C* tip only the more commonly used 6M, 7M, 8M tips on alto (I have the 6M) and I have always wondered what the C* sounds like.

[@viveksawhney5691]

Jay, Do you have a video where you talk a bit about the differences between hard rubber and metal mouthpieces? I have a couple hard rubber and one metal mouthpiece. They feel really different but I can't put my finger on what the strengths of each are.

[@Spacey_E90]

Could you please do a battle between the Otto link super tone master and the Jody jazz dvny for tenor sax

[@ramonfw]

Hi! I would really love an Ambika vs Gaia battle :)

[@bettersax]

Coming soon actually

[@ericbresson7631]

Hay Jay I’m looking to upgrade my Alto sax ligature and mouthpiece. I play in my high school band, I play in my jazz and, & I do Church choir . I Play a Jupiter sax, Use stock mouthpiece & ligature, & I use the Vandoren blue box 3 Alto sax reeds. Any suggestions?

[@ldever3]

I recently purchased a used Gaia 2 from WWBW. It was a lot less expansive than a new one, and I had the option to return it if I didn't want to keep it. I don't like the Theo Wanne ligature, so I'm using my old high school Gigliotti ligature. I suggest picking out a few mouthpieces you think you might like, and ordering them from a place that allows you to return any, or all, you decide you don't want. They play them and do your own test. Be careful not to leave any marks on them. Be sure to use a mouthpiece pad. The ligature is less important. Just get one that is easy to use, and hold the reed well. I have ordered a Rovner, mostly out of curiosity, but my old Gigliotti sounds fine, holds the reed on very well, and is easy to use. The only negative is that it has 2 screws.

[@PhilipVegaR]

Next battle Vandoren Java vs jumbo Java

[@P.Saxophonist]

How about this line up: Jody Jazz HR vs Morgan Jazz New York vs Morgan Excalibur New York?

[@joeblankenship377]

D'Addario Select Jazz vs JodyJazz HR vs Vandoren V16 for alto. Or... the basic Meyer HR vs Otto Link HR for alto. Or... Meyer metal vs Otto Link metal for alto. (Being as most of us aren't professional saxophonists, spending over $200 for a mouthpiece is kinda crazy. And when you' do spend 300-500 bucks on a mouthpiece, you expect that it'll sound great.)

[@AGC828]

Next battle...Morgan Fry "Vintage Slant" vs Ted Klum Florida or Ebonite...

[@MrArnett8]

The wanne piece likes you a little more then the other one. Phil tone is warmer, the wanne is definitely something I could see you perform with. Nice job Jay!

[@johnwaters5675]

Lawton v.s Guardala/Nadir tenor mouthpiece battle - I would love to see what you consider the best of the ‘bright’ pieces Jay. Also, another one could be between either an MB1 or MB2 against Retro Revival’s Seventh Avenue South mouthpiece - which of the Michael Brecker-esque pieces is best!

[@justanothernoobe]

Jay - you've got these mouth-tip comparisons down to a tee with regards separating the actual sound from any other aspects: although I love the aesthetic of the Theo Wanne, the honesty of the blind listening led me to the Phil Tone. I guess I'm more of a bluesy / soulful / dark sax player. Out of curiousity, have you tried this in the 9.0 tip? And I'd be keen to hear that compared to the Theo Wanne Ambika 2 7.0 and 8.0 tips (which both seem to be quite dynamic and flexible with regards options to play dark and jazz it up a bit). Your thoughts?

[@ericperry1861]

The Phil has a warm, 'tubbier' sound, it does also sound like there is not as much mid on that piece. It's tonal characteristic sits very much in the highs, which is why I imagine some folks are saying its sounds more bright, but you can't ignore how the lows are coming out either and the breathiness it adds. The TW sounds more focused and forward, even in low mid and high, with a punchier presence. To me it sounds fuller, not to be confused with fatter, than the Phil. I would also say the sound seems more flexible than the Phil. I do personally play a TW Gaia 3 9, and I selected it for the feel more than anything. If you haven't played a TW, keep in mind this is a LOUD mouthpiece. Keep an eye out for these pieces for much lower, a lot of Sam Ashe used to carry them and are off loading their display models for a lot less than retail.

[@JazzAlz]

I love the Theo Wanne tenor mouthpiece. Great sound and projection. Cheers.

[@fdeangelq]

What are your thoughts on the Theo Wanne “WATER” mouthpiece???

[@Filippo-Parisi]

Phil Tone Tribute sounds warmer and rich in my opinion. Great and honest comparision

[@francisdegennaro2423]

I just felt one wasn't better than the other B gave a more diverse sound with some harsh tones but also the softer passages were more smooth that A. and A gave a kinda lower volume smoother sound overall. In the longer passage I personally liked the Phil tone because of the smooth quality it gave to this piece of music I believe this was the A mouth piece and B was the Gaia. my guess.

[@cyrillesalmon6138]

A is my choice. More subtle and velvety

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

Nice shirt Jay :D Philtone was the clear winner for me - closer to the kind of sound I prefer - but you sounded just like you on both of them.

[@ProfessorBear510]

MY wife has budgeted some money after our instruments get repaired. It is looking like I can get a mouthpiece like this. Is it worth it to get a great, and expensive mouthpiece, to play on a beginner saxophone and then upgrade the sax later?

[@bettersax]

Definitely worth upgrading your mouthpiece but you probably shouldn’t go all the way to this level. Something more intermediate and less expensive for the first step.

[@ProfessorBear510]

@@bettersax Thank you very much. The guy at the store also showed the the Selmer Paris S80 Series Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece C*. Would that be good range or still to much?

[@stangetz534]

Do a vintage slant signature tenor vs new otto link vintage tenor. OR a NY Meyer Bros vs any and all new versions.

[@bettersax]

New Otto Link tenor is coming soon

[@stangetz534]

@@bettersax Cool! I enjoy the channel

[@saxman7131]

Hello, new subscriber. I’m a Theo Wanne endorsing artist. I play an original Durga (9) Vintified. The Gia sounds great. Of course I’m partial to the Theo Wanne.

[@bettersax]

Thanks for the feedback...

[@Nestor_Fernandez]

Hi Jeff, you have an excellent sound and that is inspiring !. I would like you to test the D'Addario Graftonite mouthpieces for alto and compare them with more expensive mouthpieces to see price/value relationship. By the way, what exercises have you been playing on the first part ?

[@parker550]

As ever, never a truer word spoken, BTW Phil tone tribute for me👍🎷👍

[@KrisVComm]

Did “B” have more resistance?

[@BrandonAlexander-sj2qm]

Has anyone asked for a mouthpiece battle between the Vandoren V16 Tenor mouthpieces? The hard rubber vs the metal version would be a great comparison

[@gipstetz6720]

Hey Jay. Love the vids. Thanks for posting. How about doing a comparison of Theo Wanne Ambika and a Retro Revival Crescent and maybe an Otto link New Vintage series. And which mouthpiece is A and which one is B? Did I miss something?? Thanks again.

[@bettersax]

the new Babbitt Pieces are up next. A was Phil-Tone. I forgot to write it in the description oops.

[@ramonirizargomez8887]

For my taste...mouthpiece A..Why..? The sound of the "A" is more consistent, softer than the "B" ..I like the OL Florida sound...so I think the "A" Mp is nearest of the OL tan the "B". The "B" for my tase is too bright...Thank you for your videos they are very interestings. What do you think about having differents MP to play with differents styles and combos..? Gracias.

[@seanbirtwistle649]

is the phil tone harder to play? it sounds more nuanced

[@lchew]

Jay -- have you seen / heard of the Syos 3D printed mouthpiece brand based out of Paris? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the process, material, and overall quality. There are lots of great mouthpieces out there, but the idea of an affordable custom made piece is intriguing. I admit I'm torn between the innovation of 3d printed acoustic science vs traditionally handcrafted / finished mouthpieces.

[@Samcool844s3]

Theo wanne water vs selmer C*?

[@pogus49455]

Lol

[@samondaatje3604]

Next mouthpiece battle: Yamaha 4c vs Dave Guardala MBII

[@pogus49455]

🤣

[@matthewstevenson7452]

Metal Theo Wayne vs metal Jody jazz

[@johnwaters5675]

Matthew Stevenson - Definitely! JodyJazz Super Jet vs. Theo Wanne Shiva - same tip opening on both and let ‘em rip! 😊

[@SteveDew]

I want to see a Rico Metalite or Graftonite vs a more expensive mouthpiece. Maybe a Brillhart since he designed these Rico pieces? I use a Graftonite on tenor & a Metalite on bari right now. It's funny because I use Legere reeds which are more expensive than the mouthpiece! 😂

[@Shitsurei-ib2no]

If you were let to chose only ONE mouthpiece for your tenor for an all around use, which one would it be: DV CHI 7*? DV NY 7*? GAIA 3 ? AMBIKA 3? Cheers!

[@andrewchen2681]

Jay, you don’t have to look so shell-shocked whilst playing your tenor with each mouthpiece. You look so scarred...Loved the vid! Keep it up!

[@samiksapkota]

phil-tone tribute ...what a finish tone...!!!

[@bettersax]

It’s lovely to play.

[@beasass2017]

Hey! I was wondering when you were gonna make the video on the chinese tenor?

[@bettersax]

coming next week.

[@diegolisboa6320]

First of all: Thanks for the video ! Very nice video! But a suggestion: since you change the reed AND the ligature, its not a "fair" test. Once again, thanks for the video!

[@DiMoraDiamond]

B was brighter to me...A was more mellow and laid back. I actually preferred B.

[@I_M_Nonno]

Is the Phil-tone raw brass? I've played several raw brass horns and I really don't like the smell or the oily feel that they have.

[@anotsosexysaxman5914]

Pretty much any metal mouthpiece you come across will be made with brass, and may have a plating over the brass, though you may very rarely find a Copper Lawton or Bronze Berg Larsen mouthpiece. Both of these mouthpieces use the exact same brass Theo Wanne blank.

[@TheAbdelsax]

lol I like both but B is kind of smoother than A

[@yourbarista]

I liked the advice about not trying these high-end mouthpieces if they're beyond your budget, because you risk finding your most beloved mouthpiece suddenly deficient by comparison. I liked the advice, and then ignored it. I saw a used metal Gaia (first version), put in an offer that didn't seem unreasonable, and found myself buying it for about half the cost of a new Gaia 3. I don't remotely play well enough to be spending that kind of money, but in all honesty I have to report that it was worth it. In fact I'm stunned. It's a 7*, which I feared would be too open to get a decent sound out of, my skill being what it is. But in fact I've never tried a mouthpiece easier to play. The difference between it and the 7* Jody Jazz HR* I'd previously splurged on was nothing less than astonishing--and that's just in terms of playability. The tone is the best and easiest noise I've ever made with a sax, and it was there immediately. Now I can only hope I can just stick with it for 20 years, and not find myself too curious about other options. But disappointment educates us better than success (no?), so I'll probably do something like this again. Thanks, Jay. I'm blaming you.

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

Thanks for your very good video! I preffer the A to play softly or warmer as soloist. But the B is brigther or sharper, and may be better for play in a band. Congrats, and.. Saludos de Argentina.

[@yoshiyahoo1552]

Both sound nice

[@flowleak5668]

Hey Jay! I can’t afford these expensive metal mouthpieces for tenor. I was wondering if you could do a review on one of the cheaper Chinese model mouthpieces under $70?

[@高宇中]

This one is quite nice. Just over $70, too. Paititi Professional Gold Plated Tenor Saxophone Metal Mouthpiece #7 www.amazon.com/dp/B01I5RIKN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_AP6DEb3YDTEHA

[@hugoboreux1901]

Once I saw a brand named syos which make customized mouthpices. It looks very wired you may try one of those

[@danielryanmusic]

Generally I think the Theo Wanne was at a disadvantage in terms of the reed. The piece sounded like it was struggle when e you tried to push. Maybe use A Rigotti Gold reed or Woodstone reed. The Philtone is excellent!! 🙏🏿

[@book3100]

That PhilTone sounds really cool. Both great, but something in the Phil is attractive.

[@esfahan1961]

Soprano Phil Tone Sapphire vs Selmer Super Session

[@matthewhetzler4912]

Blind test ) A

[@carlosramirezsaxo]

Theo wanne durga 3 vs jumbo Java Alto.... please!

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

I like both.

[@tyauer265]

Could you do a review on selmer c star s80.

[@DiMoraDiamond]

B was "brighter" to me than A...A was a bit more laid back...I preferred B overall but can see that A might me preferred if you did want to be a bit less aggressive.