Windy City Woodwinds | The best jazz mouthpiece under $100?

Dr. Wally reviews the Windy City Woodwinds 3D printed alto mouthpiece. A great value at $80.

[@ForcedMemeIsAMeme]

I dunno about engraving "Dr. Wally" on the side of a mouthpiece. Since I already have it tattooed across my forehead, I think that might be overkill.

[@drwallysax]

I don't ask much of the Academy members. Just forehead tattoos and mouthpiece engraving. Ungrateful...just selfish.

[@pgroove163]

@@drwallysax can you tell me the make / model saxophone your playing....man it sounds just incredible..

[@rohankurani4974]

@@pgroove163 he plays a YAS-875, as said in his previous videos.

[@christophergundacker182]

You’re phrasing is fantastic as always, Dr. Wally!

[@drwallysax]

D'aaawwwww. Thanks Christopher. Have a great weekend my friend.

[@grantkoeller8911]

Reminds me of my Brilhart Ebolin ( black plastic with white tooth plate) alto piece from when I started ,1972, and it was $35.

[@insanejughead]

I'm going to get this or the 56. I haven't yet bought my first sax, but I have learned enough from watching ALL of Dr. Wally's vids. I can't wait to have one so I can get to practicing!

[@drwallysax]

The 56 is a much better mouthpiece - you won't be disappointed!

[@SomeGuyOnSax]

Once again, great video! The second play test (the more ballady one) was very reminiscent of Lennie's feature on The End of a Love Affair from Live at the Tropicana to me! So good job Dr. Wally and WCW.

[@drwallysax]

Oh man, I can hear that, and thanks! I was unfamiliar with that recording, thanks for hipping me to it!

[@kevinbraner]

Sounding great as usual, thank you for taking to time to make this review!

[@drwallysax]

thanks for watching, Kevin. Happy weekend! (go practice)

[@larrycoop5087]

I liked the brighter Sample #1 and guessed it was the Meyer. And so I was wrong. Thank you Dr Wally for your continued videos.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks for watching, Larry. Have a great weekend! (it's fall-tastic here in North Carolina)

[@pollokilleeer1067]

Man your tone is Immaculate

[@drwallysax]

You’re kind, Pollo, have an awesome weekend my friend!

[@mario_jesusfollower2953]

Wow. For a 3D printed mouthpiece that sells for under $100, it sounds amazing. I had a feeling the second one was the Meyer. The wc was a little brighter. Would you think that Syos may have some competition on their hands? Another great review wally👏👏👏👏

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Mario, I agree with your assessment! Have a great week my friend!

[@doctorlightCurtisTurchin]

Wally - I bought the mouthpiece and REALLY like it. Thank you!

[@pedroarellano4266]

Thank you, I might just pull the trigger on a jazz mouthpiece. I've wanted one for years and just never bought one.

[@owennovenski4794]

I’ve ordered a soprano version. Presently I use a Yanagisawa metal 6 with a 3 reed. At least 30% of the time it’s a perfect match, needing to facilitate both Jazz and classical playing. It’s a compromise, to say the least. Hoping better results with Windy City. I’ll report my impressions. Thank you for your review.

[@madacaphoto]

I enjoyed the sound of the first one. Seems fuller and warmer to me. The 2nd had a thinner sound to me.

[@drwallysax]

2nd one was the Meyer. I liked em both.

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Hey Dr Wallace good to see you again. Hope you and your family are doing well.

[@drwallysax]

We're great, Samuel! Hope all is well on the other side of the equator! Have a great weekend, my friend.

[@Samuel-ge7im]

I’m happy to hear it.

[@doctorlightCurtisTurchin]

Wally _ bought the mouthpiece and really like it. Thank you!!

[@neilxu4567]

Sounds great Dr. Wallace! Thanks for this review!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks for watching Neil! Hope you have a great weekend - the weather here in NC is amazing, hope it's nice in your neck of the woods!

[@Hold_Here_For_Nothing]

Both Mouthpieces sound relatively similar. However, I do find that most 3D printed mouthpieces have a different resonance based on the way the material reacts to the vibration of different reeds. To me, the wind city mouthpiece sounds brighter but also more breathy. If that makes sense...

[@drwallysax]

I totally get that. I wonder if it’s the rough edges, micro-ridges all through the baffle, throat, and chamber?

[@coin777]

Great Job. And thanks for the review.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks for watching - happy practicing!

[@ospiratadocaribe]

nice sound Mr. !

[@rafaeltapia8275]

I personally enjoyed the Windy City over the Meyer in the back-to-back comparison. I was very surprised to find out the first sample was the WC mouthpiece!

[@drwallysax]

Great little bargain piece! I was so impressed, I approached them to produce my signature mouthpiece. Great people with serious customer service and quality control skills.

[@overthetarget9401]

Sounds bright and not too bad, the Meyer sounds better though. Recently bought a Vandoren V16 Alto Sax A8-S+ (quite a mouthful), a fantastic mouthpiece for 124 Euros, hard rubber and perfectly finished and plays like a dream with heaps of tonal variety in it. I really don't see the point of these 3D printed mouthpieces other than for experimenting, they all sound cheap and generic to my ears, but then again I am of the opinion that the material of the mouthpiece does make a difference, so there. :-)

[@drwallysax]

Listening back, it's brighter than my usual aesthetic. It felt REALLY quite good to play. I agree, material does make a difference.

[@owenwalter451]

That Meyer sounds thinner than the Windy City which is what I worry about my own playing on my Meyer 6m. Those Fred rast custom selmer solists are looking real fine right now. Yes, it is the same one Kenny Garrett plays.

[@shipsahoy1793]

What ?? What are you listening to the audio track of the video on ? His Meyer has more tonal depth than the WCW piece, for anyone really paying attention to detail ! I'd spend the extra few bucks on a Meyer, but wondering which Vandoren piece is very close to the Meyer, since I'm being led to believe that Van's are the most consistent of the best pieces available at that price point. Would it be a V16 V7 medium chamber?

[@drwallysax]

Not heard of those, I'll check them out

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@drwallysax -Dr.Wally, how does your Meyer sound and play as compared to a Vandoren V16 medium or or S+ chamber ? Thanks!

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@drwallysax - 4 times the price for a fred rast piece, so it better be good!

[@drwallysax]

@@shipsahoy1793 Meyer plays less focused. The V16s are great, but I always preferred the feel of the Meyer. They're both great.

[@owenc5789]

I may be an idiot here, but is this model called the WCW Jazz Bright Alto on WCWs website? I’m trying to pick it up

[@paoloalbano4690]

Dr. Wally, great video, obviously... you did sound kind of briter than usual and I could guess the Meyer, but.. why not, for a leading alto... thanks!

[@drwallysax]

Would be great for lead alto. It can play darker, but I diddn't care for how it felt with a stronger reed.

[@PonchMuniz]

You sound great Doc!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Ponch, that's very kind. Have a great week my friend!

[@nickscott4272]

Do you think this is better than a decent rubber otto link tone edge? Also how would you compare this to your $50 brilhart recommendation as those don't seem to be available anymore. Thanks for the review!

[@drwallysax]

Not better than Otto Link, just different. It's much more free blowing. I prefer a good brilhart, but alas, they are out of prodcution. But, a little birdie told me they MIGHT be rebooting it. Happy weekend, Nick!

[@alice_atari]

It's a tad brighter than the Meyer but very close. I for one welcome these mouthpieces, because having a $60 way to check out a "Meyer like" sound is nicer than having to put down twice as much and finding it's not your thing. It seems to me there are a few classic designs for each sax, Meyer for alto and Otto Link for tenor at the top, followed by the Brilhart and Soloist on both. Except the Brilhart, you can get all of these new, pay through the nose for vintage, or get a custom design "inspired by" these pieces. Having a cheap, decent version of all of them seems like not too much to expect, given the basic designs are nearly a hundred years old and plastic exists. Speaking of cheap mouthpieces, have you ever played with a Rico Metalite? They seem to be the most divisive mouthpiece ever made, and certainly are the cheapest high step baffle piece. Since you like the Meyer and Brilhart, it would be the opposite end of the spectrum, very "contemporary" in sound. I have an M7 that I can't help coming back to like a bizarre addiction. It's not my number 1 but it's my solid number 2, I can't help but enjoy it even if it's not a "great" mouthpiece.

[@drwallysax]

I tried the Metalite - I did not sound good. Not good at all. But, as you note, it's not my aesthetic! I agree, having good 3D versions of the classic pieces is great. In the wrist watch world, they have great "homage" watches - affordable pieces inspired by watches most of us can't afford. In the saxophone world, up til now, most "homage" pieces have been from boutique shops and VERY expensive. I agree, this is a good development.

[@elrondsch]

If you have a chance I would recommend trying out Kanee mouthpieces. They are very cheap (about $50) and they truly play great. I have one on tenor and one on alto - and they produce! Prior to that I had expensive custom mouthpieces... which I put away after getting these.

[@drwallysax]

Hey Juri - I've tried them in the past. I didn't hate them, but did not prefer them to the Windy City. Also, there was an odd sulfur smell to the hard rubber when I tried them - which was concerning to me.

[@elrondsch]

@@drwallysax Both of mine didnt have any smells to start with. And are still well. When was the last time You tryed them? The alto NY 7 plays identically to my friends Mayer and the tenor Florida 7* has a vintage Link.

[@drwallysax]

@@elrondsch I’m glad you like yours, happy practicing!

[@andreasgilgenberg5588]

great video like all of you videos.....i like the 2nd sound sample more, and i think it´s the meyer

[@drwallysax]

The Meyer indeed. Happy new year my friend!

[@andreasgilgenberg5588]

@@drwallysax thanks yes happy new year and thanks also for your wonderful and generous wisdom support

[@dempseybarisax1648]

I purchased a Windy City Woodwinds Alto mouth piece and really like it. The only thing is the ligature it comes with seems to fit "short" on the mouth piece with the reed fastened. Which ligature would you recommend it looks like you're using the Selmer Paris Ligature? @Dr. Wally

[@drwallysax]

Glad you like it! I’m using a Vandoren M/O in the video

[@dempseybarisax1648]

@@drwallysax thank you! Would you recommend this ligature for this mouth peice or is there a better recommendation for fit?

[@drwallysax]

@@dempseybarisax1648 I recommend the Vandoren for EVERY mouthpiece - but it works very well for this one as well. I don't make any money off the M/O, I just really like the design and reasonable price (compared to some fancy pants ligatures).

[@dempseybarisax1648]

@@drwallysax if there is an affiliate link that does support you and the saxophone Academy i would be happy to order via this channel. Thanks so much for the strong recommendation, excited to equip!

[@chipcook1975]

Dr. Wally...really enjoy your videos. I am not far from you (I also live in Greensboro). Anyway, returning to playing tenor sax (1960's Beaugnier Vito) in a community sax ensemble (I have been playing soprano and alto for some time). Using a Yamaha 4C currently, would this be an improvement over the standard? How does this compare to GS Reso?

[@drwallysax]

For ensemble work, I'd prefer the 4C - the WCW is a bit too bright and punch to blend. The Reso is a different beast: warmer, darker, and less buzz. The Reso would likely work well as a concert/jazz crossover. I haven't tried the WCW on tenor, but the GS Reso feel like a higher quality product (expected at the $200 price). Good to meet another Greensboro saxophonist!

[@JimLecinski]

hey love your videos Dr Wally, and this great review. since you're recommending great products, what kind of dive watch are you wearing there?

[@drwallysax]

Hey Jim - that, my friend is a lil' Microbrand out of Sweden. It's the Octon Blackfisken. Good specs for the price, and Omega(ish) looks without being a direct homage. Bracelet is a bit of a disappointment (sharp edges and flimsy clasp). I ADORE mircro-brands, especially Lorier (have a Falcon and Neptune). So much value for the buck when you cut out distributors and retailers! Also why I love Windy City Woodwinds. You a watch guy, I assume? What's your daily diver?

[@rakuuun4582]

Any thought on their soprano mouthpiece?

[@seankaufman3]

Definitely a really cool mp. Think I'm gonna save for the Aaron Drake Phil Woods I've been jonesing for though

[@drwallysax]

Just checked out the website, they look cool! Have you tried an Aaron Drake before?

[@seankaufman3]

@@drwallysax I have not. I've only really played my Meyer USA and my Vandoren classical mp because that's what my old teacher recommended. I've heard good things about Drake pieces and I'm a big Phil fan so I've had my eye on it for a while.

[@drwallysax]

@@seankaufman3 Let me know how it is!

[@Danox94]

I guessed which one was the Meyer, yay! I got sort of a weird question, doc. I've been playing for about 3 weeks now and I notice in my recordings that my sound is not only a bit harsh (which I guess is normal at first), but it also kinda reminds me of an armonica or an accordeon when I play from about F to B. Could that be partly because of the cheapo stock mouthpiece that came with my jupiter (i know...)?

[@drwallysax]

huh, good question. At 3 weeks, any sounds are good! Could be a very soft reed with a plastic mouthpiece. What strength/brand reed are you using? Honestly, at 3 weeks, it's possibly an embouchure issue. Be patient with yourself!

[@Danox94]

@@drwallysax I will, thanks. I bought the softest reeds I could find in my country, number 2 Juno student reeds (by vandoren. I think they're mostly for children LOL). They're easier to blow than the single v16 2.5 that came with the sax, but also feel a lot more inconsistent and die quick.

[@nickscott4272]

​@@Danox94 Try Vandoren Java red box 2.0s, they are my favorite of all the Vandoren reeds, a little softer than their other lines, play great, and really hold up to an hour or more of playing.

[@bobblues1158]

Excellent doctor! The Meyer was a tad better to my ears.

[@drwallysax]

Mine too - but I should probably used a stiffer reed to make it equal. Happy weekend, Bob!

[@CJGospel]

Trying to figure out what tip opening to get. Want something good for doing gospel solos similar to Gerald Albright and Charles Schiermeyer (Matkat Music on KZbin) who used a Theo Wanne Durga #8 for a lot of his gospel vids. I am bending toward the standard+ (0.085 tip opening)...

[@drwallysax]

They’ve got a new mouthpiece coming out closer to that aesthetic. Message them on Instagram and ask about it!

[@CJGospel]

@@drwallysax awesome, thank you!

[@LeoNovel]

I’d rather get the 56!!! 🤓

[@daniel_fyr2515]

Fantastic playing! What reeds are you using if i may ask? 😀

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Daniel! It's a Boston Sax Shop #3

[@daniel_fyr2515]

@@drwallysax thanks!! I will try them :)))

[@craigiefconcert6493]

Hey Dr Wally! You have any idea how these compare to a C* mouthpiece? I have a plastic one that says encore and C* on it. I’m not sure if that means it’s a copy of the selmer C*, and I know they have soloist, S-80 and others, so maybe C* can only be taken to be a tip opening measurement? It has a bit of a rollover baffle and a round chamber that’s not too big and I think the tip opening isn’t too big. To me it seems “classical” and really like it (and I love jazz). You have made me curious to try this Windy City mouthpiece. From the description of this mouthpiece it sounds very similar but I don’t want to just get another of the same thing. I keep one alto at the office for practicing and one at home so it would be nice to have another good mouthpiece-my one at home is a generic music store mouthpiece that has a big chamber and plays like a big tub of lard. The only good thing is it trains me to have a very open throat to try and get a decent sound out of it.

[@drwallysax]

Hi Craig, if the Encore has a round chamber, it's not a copy of the Selmer (square chamber). Afraid I can't offer any comparison as I'm just not familiar with that mouthpiece. I will say, I liked the feel of the 3D filament better than most plastic pieces I've played. Unrelated- may I strongly recommend you don't try to "open" your throat. It's a long discussion, but good pedagogy leaves the throat relaxed - lot's of reasons, too big for this response. Tension in the throat is bad. Generally, I notice people who advocate "throat flexibility" and exercises look like they're pooping themselves when they play - and often have a tone to match. Happy practicing!

[@craigiefconcert6493]

@@drwallysax ok, thanks Dr Wally! I will take that advice. I have been working on your overtone exercises and the overtone tone matching. I will keep that up and I’m sure it will help.

[@parkerbutton8860]

Hey craig, i had a similar experience, but as i learned C* refers to a tip opening rather than an actual mouthpiece. So, selmer also makes the S-80 in D, F, C**, ect...Hopes this helps

[@craigiefconcert6493]

@@parkerbutton8860 yes that helps. That confirms what I thought.

[@frankgreen8137]

Wally, is this one the same as the white 56?

[@drwallysax]

No, this is their first model. The 56, the white one I’m demoing in the new video is the new one I helped design.

[@sherrybirchall8677]

I liked this one better than the Meyer

[@ELIDABEASTELIJAHULYSSE]

@saxophone academy could you review the medium chamber aaron drake son of slant?

[@drwallysax]

Hey Elijah, unfortunately, I don't have one. Given that it's a small channel, it's not easy to get mouthpiece samples. The piece I get are from companies I have relationships with, or from my local retailer who is kind enough to loan me gear. Afraid I don't know anyone at Aaron Drake.

[@ELIDABEASTELIJAHULYSSE]

@@drwallysax ahhh, makes sense, I have one my self, and I live in boiling springs, bought it half price off of my teacher Wally West. Maybe you could try mine sometime in the future?

[@andrewmesser334]

You sold me this mouth piece, mine just came in. You should hit up windy city for a commission, lol

[@drwallysax]

I hope you love it! As for commission, I would rather they keep the prices down! SYOS is SOOOO expensive because of the affiliate marketing they do. I like these guy's business model better - my students get a good mouthpiece and save a ton of cash. Happy practicing, Andrew!

[@grantkoeller8911]

Meyer 7MM is .081" Meyer 6MM is .076"

[@Craig2760]

Sounds nice! Obviously.... Reminiscent of Phil Woods.

[@drwallysax]

it's certainly free blowing, I think Phil would have liked it. Happy weekend, Craig!

[@davidbraner156]

I have to agree, not a fan of that building logo either :)

[@garygoodridge7634]

The meyer sounds more polished

[@drwallysax]

The Meyer has a bit more depth to the sound, but honestly, without the super-close condenser mic, it would be hard to tell the difference.

[@curtisvalle5141]

Come on Doc..... When you gonna tell'em this is all overkill and to just go buy a pedal, add a bunch of verb, rotary and overdrive and be done with it. And punch the octaver on the last note (turbo tip)

[@TheFluteboy1]

Like #1

[@drwallysax]

That's the Boo-berry! It's a bit bright for my usual aesthetic, but a good little mouthpiece!

[@stangetz534]

man they sound the same

[@drwallysax]

Pretty close! Listening back, I do prefer the Meyer. but without good headphones, it's tough to tell!

[@curtisvalle5141]

Come on Doc. Practice is way overrated. Please just give me all those altissimo fingerings for my vintage Bundy C Melody.

[@Maximus92400]

Doctor of what?

[@drwallysax]

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