The Best Classical Sax Mouthpiece: Vandoren AL3, Selmer Concept, or Backun TM Vocalist?

[@clarinetninja]

Wally! I watched an entire video about classical sax mouthpieces because your insight, presentation, and playing is unsurpassed. As a clarinetist who play sax on Broadway and other commercial endeavors…this is not my wheelhouse. Despite that, I stayed throughout the video and gained a lot about hearing your priorities when playing. I hope this comes across as the profound compliment I mean it to be! Great work on this. As always, you are an inspiration!

[@drwallysax]

That is MOST kind my friend. Hope all is well in the clarinet world!

[@thepianokid27]

Hey Doc! I don't play classical sax BUT I just wanted to say that it was such a joy closing my eyes, taking a quick power nap while this video was playing through and my ears were being serenaded. Your classical tone is beautiful!

[@drwallysax]

Awwwww, thanks! That made my day (unless you fell asleep) ;)

[@SkylersRants]

I appreciate that you explain that the sound will end up being the same for these recordings. To me the important part of almost any part of the horn is how it makes the player act and react to get the sound he wants. Good video, thanks.

[@drwallysax]

VERY true! made a conscious decision not to do A/B or blind testing for the video (though they sure get views). The differences are "felt" more than heard by the listener (as you note)!

[@beckyn9338]

Dr. Wally, you are a classical master. I have been playing the Concept for about 4 years now in a local community concert band, and I have been very happy with it. However, your tone with the Backun was extra fabulous. Not sure how I will sound on one, but now I feel compelled to give it a try! Thanks for encouraging me to spend more money. LOL Seriously, great review. Thank so much.

[@drwallysax]

Well that's most kind :) Happy practicing Becky!

[@ronaldtaylor1688]

I had the AL3, the Selmer concept and got the Backun. I find the Backun the best. Thankyou Amadeus2 New Zealand

[@dougjsax]

My Yanagisawa AWO20 came with Yany’s new classical mouthpiece, the AC140. It’s very nice and worth considering.

[@j.r.1210]

I used to play the Yany AC 150 regularly, but have switched to the TM2. Both are easy to play, but I prefer the sound of the TM2 on my Series III. The Yany was maybe a little too bright.

[@Gnomes_]

3rd year of my Bmus, lesson one with a new teacher: "so, what's your setup? I'm assuming you play on a concept like everyone else?" "....yep"

[@scottziegler4238]

I'm still holding on to my Selmer-free setup. I have a Concept, but I just prefer the Backun mouthpiece.

[@RevEdAyers]

Dr. Wally, Thanks so much for this most insightful and educational presentation. Terrific video and I am most grateful. Also, your playing was a delight to hear. Great work, as usual!

[@LaurieSavage]

I liked the Concept best, it seemed to have more partials in the sound giving the alto slightly brighter, more metallic sound that I prefer to a more woody sound. I know we play a woodwind, but it's made of shiny brass! Good video

[@drwallysax]

It is shiny indeed! The traditional french concept embraces that as well, you're in good company!

[@j.r.1210]

The video shows the Backun TM1, but you gave the tip opening of the TM2 (1.53mm). Anyway, I have played all three of these mouthpieces (and many others), and am currently using the TM2. I find it to provide the best top-to-bottom response and the most versatility for my applications (concert band & sax quintet in public; solo stuff, especially Baroque music, at home). The AL3 has an excellent sound but simply lacks the projection for concert band playing. The Concept is stronger, but always seems a bit too resistant in the low end. The TM2 is the best all-around package for me.

[@usedchapstick]

I've played a Vandoren AL3 for around a year and man it just SINGS! I love the way it feels and sounds, I'm probably gonna stick with it for a looong time.

[@ChuckCurrie-u8i]

All great mouthpieces, Doc!!! Also... the Vandoren AP3, Chedeville, and my personal favourite...the Rousseau ER50 Classic. Chuck Currie, Sax Noir Studio

[@drwallysax]

I haven't tried the new Rousseaus! Emails Jody whatshisbutt but he never returned my correspondence. Suppose I'll never know!

[@fredfonseca6034]

I am in awe listening to you play and so impressed regarding the Mouthpiece you are testing. Thank You so very much. Much food for thought. I am consideringadding anotherMouthpieceto my collectionand i do play classical music but im focusedin Jazz and pop . Please can u share the titlesof the pices you played in this video please for Alto Saxophone.. thank you once again. I'm so happy I watch this video

[@haon7272w]

Something not mentioned is reed compatibility. Personally, I use a Selmer Concept with legere Signatures. Something to consider for people looking to switch to synthetic reeds is that they will respond to different mouthpieces very differently than cane. I personally love using cane with the AL3 and my Selmer S90 180, but synthetics feel weird with them. If you use synthetics be careful, your milage may vary drastically. Great recommendations Wally!

[@drwallysax]

Very true, I hated Legere on the AL3, but I have colleagues (university profs) who love the combination. I'd like to agree with them, but then we'd both be wrong. happy practicing!

[@robannmateja5000]

Thank you! I'm just a beginner (with focus on classical) and love your channel. I found the Vandoren AL3 to be wonderful for my level of playing. Thanks again!

[@theerosemariec]

I played a Selmer C* for many years and then switched to playing classical on a Meyer 5M and it was really beautiful. No one would believe me when I said I was playing a Meyer.

[@lophotrochozoan2187]

I did the same thing! A good Meyer or Morgan simply sounds more beautiful than an S80 for most settings. V16 also has a gorgeous base tone that’s hard to match with a standard classical piece.

[@dragomirmusic]

I find the Meyer 5 couples well with the TM 2.

[@thehitmusicstudio]

Dr. Wally. Which piece is the one played at 4:48? Great video and recommendations as always!

[@drwallysax]

Skye Boat Song: 19th century Scottish adaptation of an earlier Gaelic melody. I just love it :)

[@MegaSpark24]

Of these 3, I like the Backun TM the most. It sounds like it has more fullness and warmth than the other ones. Personally, I use a D'addario Reserve 150M for my more classical/concert band playing

[@insanejughead]

Yes, the Backun was delightful!

[@drwallysax]

It's a very lovely piece for sure! I need to give the D'Addario another shot, the ones I tried were a bit resistant for my tastes (but it's been a looong time).

[@owennovenski4794]

Lovely demo. Appreciated.

[@drwallysax]

most welcome!

[@drronclark]

Hi Doc. Great review! Listening through my high quality headphones (twice) then having my son play them in a different order, I heard them somewhat different than you did. First, I found the Backun to sound very spread and sounded muddled (for lack of a better word). Basically, it lacked clarity. The Vandoren sounded clear, but thin and somewhat sterile, or “clinical,” may be most accurate. The Selmer Concept was perfection to my ear. “Sweet” and “singing” were two qualities that jumped out at me in the Selmer. Further, the Selmer sounds focused without being thin. It reminded me of the sweetness of a classical violin, with it’s plaintiff cry, especially in the upper register. I will add the caveat that I have never tried any of the three (in college I cheated and played a Brilhart Ebolin 4* occasionally a Meyer 5M (both with smaller tip openings than I play for jazz) as I personally preferred to reel in a more flexible mouthpiece than struggle against something more resistant. I listen to mouthpiece recordings all the time (yours and Steve Neff’s are fantastic), and like you I generally go with a mouthpiece that “feels” right from the player’s side rather than recordings of myself (like your excellent 56 mouthpiece that checks several magical boxes for me, to the point that I am thinking of ordering the hard rubber). Having said that, Doc … if I were going to ask you to play something classical for my listening pleasure, you’d have to deal with the ligature issue on that Selmer concept, for that sweet, singing core. Play that Outlander theme for your wife with a kilt on and tell me I’m wrong. 😅

[@drwallysax]

Ha! My wife loves Outlander! Good ears, my friend. You have good ears :)

[@JamesExcell-InterJex]

The order of the video is my order from best to worst. I have a selmer s80 C*. And would recommend the Concept the most. But that Backun was amazing! Great playing!

[@graydemunter5850]

For me first place the Claude delangle mouthpiece from Selmer. Concept is also good

[@Craig2760]

I recently purchased a Rousseau NC4 tenor piece for wind ensemble work. Retired my 50yr old C** instead of having it refaced. Love the new Rousseau.

[@drwallysax]

My friend Stephen Page sounds amazing on the new ones, I'll check them out (if they ever return my emails) ;)

[@Cassiusisback]

i could barely hold myself teaching you when i heard the creston sonata, haha. (didnt have a student yet that came to that level) your vocalise sound reminded me of old marcel mule recordings, not only the sound, but also your fast vibrato. loved it! still, the vandoren takes the most jazz out of your sound imo :) also now i really want you to try the selmer soloist, just to hear how you would sound on my mouthpiece. thx for the masterclass.

[@drwallysax]

I've never loved the Soloist for classical - though the E facing feels great for jazz! It's funny you heard less "jazz" in my sound, my entire career has been concert saxophone (3 degrees and college teaching position). I assure you, the there's no jazz in my classical sound!

[@BigBandGeek]

What are these excerpts? Also thank you for doing a video on classical mouthpieces! In the market for one these days.

[@drwallysax]

Marcello (4th Sonata), Folk Song, and Creston Sonata!

[@minddriver6358]

I am so glad to tell you, i already own the Selmer Concept and the Vandoren Al 3. Made nothing wrong I presume. I use the Concept more as an Allrounder, it's defintetely great. But the AL3 has a special place in my heart. Which reeds do you play on them?

[@drwallysax]

I use a traditional 3.5 on the Vandoren, 3 on the others. Happy Monday!

[@minddriver6358]

​​​​​@@drwallysaxthank you. I used Hemke 3.5 for both and currently Vandoren V21, which are heavier, therefore 3. Little story btw: my first alto was a Yanagisawa 900 back in the 90s with the standard mouthpiece. After some years of studying, i wanted to upgrade and the trader gave me 4 pieces to try and choose from. I was very unsure, they sounded quite different, so i took them with me to my lesson and asked my teacher to play them for me and he sounded quite the same on everyone. "It seems, it depends more on the player than the material", i said. "Good choice", he replied. I went practicing on my old piece for some more years. Greetings from Germany

[@craigray4775]

That’s classical sax? Holy smokes that was amazing!

[@Gea-do1qp]

Hi Doc, I was surprised of the sound of the Backun, I quite liked it. As a tenor player I 'd like to see you do these tests also on the tenor saxophone. I think the brand of saxophone, and the reed also makes a lot of difference. I myself switched back from the Concept to the Selmer solist (E) on the tenor and on the soprano to the S80(F). I thought the sound was actually too dark on the tenor(Yaganisawa Bronze), and on the soprano (Yamaha) I like a bigger tip opening. Anyway, I'm a big fan of the Selmer mouthpieces (have you tried their Claude Delangle mouthpiece, alas only for alto? Really beautiful) , and for the tenor also of the Legere signature reeds. I don't know if they sell the Backun here in Europe, do they come in different tip openings, or just one, like on the Concept? Keep up the good work!

[@azariasmusic2180]

Dahlke Mouthpieces might also peak your curiosity. Would love to see your takes on them (all that really exists on them is their own promotional material). They fall under the "vintage rubber is more resonant" philosophy and use reverse engineered rubber from Bradford Behn. I own a clarinet mouthpiece of his and can say that it definitely fits the description. The big gate (I'm assuming) surrounding their mouthpieces is that they sit around the price range of Theo Wanne mouthpieces. I'm sure some could argue whether spending that much on a classical mouthpiece is worth it, especially given that the three you've listed get the job done for a fraction of the price. Great vid as usual Dr. Wallace!

[@drwallysax]

I'll shoot Andy an email and check them out!

[@gusmarrero]

I've tried Backun TM1 and looking forward to trying TM2 very soon. I was very impressed.

[@drwallysax]

It's a beautiful, high performance piece. Let me know what you think!

[@gusmarrero]

@@drwallysax the TM2 Eastman sent me to try arrived yesterday. I’ll start testing today. Will for sure!

[@Laura-wg5jk]

Not a classical player, but I still enjoyed this video and just hearing you play. Thanks. I wonder if any jazz players use these classical ones for jazz? Also, your hair, Dr. Wally, I must say looks exceptionally fantastic with that frontal wave!!

[@alejandropabloarturi2560]

I have a classical sax degree but I play traditional jazz, I use S80 C* or Soloist C*. Love jazz played with classical sound

[@bobblues1158]

I loved them all. But the Selmer is just more "French" than the Backun or Vandoren. Do Backun and Selmer make thes for tenor?

[@drwallysax]

Selmer Yes, Backun not yet!

[@jackcrawford304]

started on the AL3 by Vandoren for years in middle school and early high school, but now play on the Concept. I mainly play alto, but for Bari sax I use a Selmer soloist F from the 60s. got it from a all-state band director as a gift/ very large discounted price. best mouthpiece i've ever played on Bari. Now I understand the price. The Concept is great, and I also use a s80 C** on tenor, but its a little small compared to a T7 v16. very nice review!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Jack, it's important to seek out some options, fun that we all have different preferences. Don't you just love it when you find that pice that "sings" for you?

[@jackcrawford304]

@@drwallysax yeah totally. Keep up your great work on the videos. Some of the best sax content on the internet!

[@ChuckCurrie-u8i]

Great as always, Doc Wally! However, you could include the Vandoren AP3 Alto and SP3 Soprano mouthpieces in your next review. My students and colleagues prefer them to the Selmer Concepts and the Vandoren Optimums. The tenor and baritone versions are coming soon....maybe review the whole line? Chuck Currie, Sax Noir Studio

[@drwallysax]

Hi Chuck, thanks for reaching out! My podcast co-host and Vandoren artist Susan Fancher brought the first batch over, we both greatly prefer the AL3. It appears they were going after the feel of the older A27 A17 models. Dense core and more immediate resistance. Appreciate your perspective, but the omission was intentional ;) Hope you're having a great summer!

[@scottziegler4238]

Thanks to this video and some other, I went with the Backun TM-2. Great mouthpiece and works well on my Dynaction.

[@kevinfay8037]

Dr. Wally - FWIW, I'm currently playing a Bakun/Hawkins on clarinet, at least when I use the plastic reeds. I like Morrie, bought a lot of stuff from him over the years. But . . . IMHO, no discussion of concert saxophone mouthpieces would be complete without including Dr. Ron Caravan's pieces. Aside from being ultrawonderfulfantastic, they're relatively inexpensive - and Dr. Ron is a terrific guy too.

[@drwallysax]

I've no doubt Ron is a terrific guy. I've never met anyone who plays them, or seen them in the wild. His "open chamber" concept, in my seldom humble experience, is akin to the Buescher and Rascher mouthpieces and not a great fit for modern saxophones. There are people who sound great on the vintage horns and those mouthpieces, but not really my cup of tea!

[@paoloalbano4690]

Hi Doc, loved the video. Maybe funny, but as a jazz player I preferred the Backun all the way. I feel the charme of classical sax.. I would try the Backun. Thanks for such a great video (and now I go practice..)

[@purplejesus2110]

Amazing work as always. I've been using the concept since my latter years of highschool and now i really wanna check out the Backun. What are the names of the pieces you play throughout the video?

[@jazzadn]

Hey Dr. Wally, why are there no videos showing the pros and cons of using classical mouthpieces, especially those like the vocalise, in attaining that Desmond-like jazz sound? It seems like the answer to one of great mysteries may be right in front of us.

[@James-lz7nn]

I love the videos! I think it would be great if you included some other era's of classical saxophone as background music. I feel like the Galant / early classical pieces can turn off some jazz saxophonist entirely and cause them to click off. There is so much amazing classical saxophone repertoire and I'd love for you to feature some.

[@soulreaper8163]

hi dr wally have you heared any of takeshi itohs music ? he plays the alto sax for the band tsquare and sounds so good

[@SomeGuyOnSax]

I have the Concept for my soprano and I love it - I even use it for jazz. I have the Claude Delangle (thanks to your video) and that thing is just somethin' special. I also have the TM2 which I love and I find, for at least my style/tone, I can comfortably use for all styles of music.

[@cilantro5221]

I bought a selmer concept and was super satisfied with it until one day it felt a bit constrained tonally, its character didn’t feel flexible enough for my playing, so I bought an s90 190 and I’ve loved that ever since. The TM2 sounds gorgeous though and I’m having a bit of that saxophonist urge to blow my paycheck on one. Also, I love to see your Yamaha back.

[@drwallysax]

Guard your credit card ;) The Yamaha feels like my classical default horn, but only the old one with the M1 neck!

[@JohnTaylor-wq1lo]

Have you ever done a video on the jazz mouthpiece? Metal vs Rubber which is better?

[@daltonmaynor9073]

The concept was a game changer for me back in undergrad! That was until I got my hands on a Claude Delangle. It just clicks with me, but I'm also biased towards more open mouthpieces.. *cough* my tenor S90 in a 200 *cough*

[@jrubincornier]

So I played on an AL5 for a couple of years and loved the responsiveness and the "ring" I could get in my sound. But I could never get the volume out. For the past year I've been playing on a Theo Wanne Water mouthpiece, (their classical version) and even though it's got a 3 tip opening, it blows SO much easier, but I don't feel like it has that ring. Maybe this Bakun is worth a try.

[@jameslawtonmusic9483]

Wally, love your approach and playing. Question: do you think you could do a comparison video of a high baffle piece with Meyer like pieces? Of course, you will always get that fantastic sound you are known for, but it could be interesting to show people that you will sound like you no matter what you do and the mouthpiece will just make it easier to find 'home base'. You have such a great and unique teaching style I would love to see your take on this.

[@Saxporcuatro]

Hi everyone, thanks for the video Dr.Wally. I have been playing classical music with Selmer for many years, specifically with Selmer Solist in recent years. I've never liked Vandoren, but not for anything special, I think that I don't see it as appropriate for my classical way of playing. But I do think that you have to have different types of mouthpiece.

[@drwallysax]

Selmer Soloist is a lovely piece. Quite a bit of resistance in that low end, but lovely none the less!

[@Cassiusisback]

​@@drwallysax just another selmer soloist guy here. for pianissimo low C one can lift the upper jaw. nothing to practice, it just works.

[@penumbra4904]

What are your thoughts on the Vandoren AP3? I demoed it and it felt fantastic with my setup

[@DynamixWarePro]

I have a for my alto sax: Vandoren AL5, Selmer S80 C**, Claude Delangle and Chedeville RC4 and had a Soloist and S80 both in E tip. I also once tried a Concept. I liked the S80, but didn't always like the sound. The Vandoren has a wider bore and doesn't fit my neck cork without putting tape on the cork as its wider than the Selmer and my JodyJazz mouthpieces. I only play on Legere reeds (I tried many cane reeds and couldn't get on with any) and the sound and feel wasn't the best for me on the AL5. I liked the S80's more but not totally sold on the less round sound. When I tried the Concept, I found it a bit resistant for me and couldn't get a good sound on it, but I do play one often on my soprano sax and play on it with clarinet reeds for a more centred tone. I like the Claude Delangle more as while it has resistance, I can get the smooth sound I am after and project more, but I do find I get fatigued quicker playing it. The Chedeville RC4, I don't think its made anymore as I think the Chedeville brand was rolled into the Rousseau brand. It is very well made, has a dark even tone, plays easily and has all the power you need as I found it can project very well. Very even sounding mouthpiece. The Soloist , while I like the sound, I find is a bit more resistant in low notes than I like. Currently my go to mouthpiece is the Claude Delangle for classical playing but I would like to try Yanagisawa's classical mouthpieces if I could find any for sale in the UK as I have not been able to so far.

[@drwallysax]

I found the Delangle more fatiguing as well. It's an awfully big tip opening.

[@RaulCragg]

Love the video, yet I have a question: The saxophone at the very beginning... Now that is the sound I like! Which mouthpiece is that? I know is not only the mouthpiece, but I was just curious. :) Sounds like the Vandoren Optimum AL3, only much better.

[@francistaylor5097]

I love classical saxophone. For my new soprano I bought an SP3 profile. It's a bit bright so I also have the SL3 to match my AL3. Both are amazing. Thanks for the video Dr Wally. Would you be kind enough to let me know the baroque piece you use as the theme? I always loved it on the early podcasts but never asked about it. Thanks.

[@drwallysax]

Hey Francis - the Baroque piece is my transcription of a Marcello Cello sonata (say that 5x fast). I'll make it free and available eventually. happy Monday!

[@zzisate1801]

You didn’t mention what kind of reed you were playing. I assume it was cane. I have used both AL3 and Concept, but since started using Legere reeds I find the best mouthpiece is the Concept.

[@drwallysax]

Backun works beautifully with Legere and Venn as well.

[@harryhassell4669]

That TM2 is nice … if that had been around 30 years ago, I might have actually stayed in school and gotten my DMA!

[@pbob3]

Dang! who is playing this intro? sounds danm good!

[@drwallysax]

Awwww...thats me 🥰

[@tempusfugit1844]

Great content as always! On a slightly tangential note: any chance you will make your private studio available with a more classical-oriented curriculum? I’m supposed to love jazz since I play the saxophone, and maybe I’ll warm-up to it some day. But, I’d rather play in church, or a classical solo here and there, or a small wind ensemble.

[@BobMazzo]

Dr. Wally, did you start with classical music when you were a child? I ask because until this moment I thought you primarily a jazz guy. What a great discovery!

[@drwallysax]

Hey Bob, I was a 100% classical for most of my career. Only became serious about jazz recently (few years ago)!

[@BobMazzo]

@@drwallysax Kudos!! Not easy to make that switch. Can I suggest that you make a video on your "transition " (or journey) from classical to jazz?

[@JeffSmith-eq7rr]

Excellent video. I wish I'd seen it a few months ago. I've just bought a couple of new MP's and was wondering what you think of the Theo Wanne Water ( new plastic version ).

[@drwallysax]

I have tremendous respect for Theo and his team (they make one of my signature mouthpieces). That said, the "Water" is not a classical mouthpiece by my standards. It's softer, but fuzzy buzzy and strange. I was unable to get my sound concept (or any) on that mouthpiece.

[@pukalo]

Have you tried the TM1 in addition to the TM2? If so, how do the two compare?

[@drwallysax]

Very similar - if I used a stronger reed on the TM1 it felt super similar. I prefer the TM2, the 1 is a bit too closed for me. But both are great!

[@TheRealRaggedyAndy]

Playing on an 82z it seems.

[@oreodog]

I can get a classical-like sound more or less similar to yours (using any mouthpiece), but I can't even come close to how good your jazz-like sound is. Why might that be? I've heard so many varying opinions on what jazz embouchure means, and if there even is a difference. I've tried playing looser (while still tight around the corners) but all that does is make me sound flat. Also generally I'm always thinking of an "AH" like vowel sound within my throat. Do you have any ideas or videos to solve this problem? P.S. what was that piece/recording used at the start of this video? It's very nice and fancy :)

[@drwallysax]

Beginning piece is a Marcello Cello Sonata I transcribed. As for jazz sound, It NEVER happened for me until I started learning solos by ear and most importantly: playing along with the record. The rest, honestly, happens sub-consciously.

[@oreodog]

Thank you for the quick reply! I'll keep listening to my favorite recordings with sax in hand.@@drwallysax

[@SaxandRelax]

Piece at the begging?

[@drwallysax]

Marcello Cello Sonata (my transcription and performance).

[@SaxandRelax]

@@drwallysax thanks!

[@contscot]

I wanted to buy tha Backun and was really disappointed to find they dont make it for tenor.

[@robstevens9590]

Nice review.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Rob, hope you're having a great week!

[@GeorgeSKLeong]

Thanks for the review. I am wondering if the Selmer Soloist is also a classical mouthpiece? If yes, how does it compare with these 3 that you had reviewed in this video?

[@drwallysax]

The soloist in a small tip opening (C*) can be a classical mouthpiece. I find it a bit closed and resistant in the low register. It's not terrible, but not nearly as good as the options listed here (in my never humble opinion)!

[@dragomirmusic]

I have all 4 of these mouthpieces and the Selmer C** Soloist is what I currently perform on the most. I use the TM 2 from time to time as well…The AL3 was my main mouthpiece in college, when I was studying with TM. The Concept actually changed the way I sounded on the AL3 and now I don’t play either of those. So in short, the Soloist is a good classical mouthpiece (try it with a *soft* Green Java, and you’ll be surprised how free blowing it can be)!

[@brunotti0638]

Hi, great video! Can I also use any of these for jazz? I barely know anything about mouthpieces

[@Dontrizzmygyatt]

they just got to make a concept for bari

[@helgeb5906]

Are these example pieces you play taken from 12 fantasias by Telemann?

[@cilantro5221]

Dr. Wallace, where did you attend college/university?

[@mikebee-jb5vy]

what about the Selmer Claude Delangle? ;)

[@drwallysax]

Overpriced and too big of a tip opening for most players. It's pretty, but I think there's much better options...like the 3 listed here ;)

[@jafferlemedasilva3902]

Hi I'm from Brazil. What is the name of that piece played at the beginning of the video?

[@SaxSith]

Is that a Yamaha 62 ?

[@XBRDriver]

Hi! Could you name the pieces you play in this video? Especially the title track. Thanks!

[@deshawnbozeman7392]

What is the piece you are playing?

[@Animake3000]

Dang it! Now you make me want to also play classical music. Curse you and your beautiful, sultry tones and mastery of your instrument!

[@drwallysax]

Well, you're now my new best friend ;)

[@Animake3000]

⁠@@drwallysax I just ordered the TM2! Excited!

[@michaeleubanks9020]

I noticed you were playing the TM2 but the stock footage used was a TM1. Would you say there is a pronounced difference between the 2? I have an AL3, a concept, and a TM1. The TM1 is my least favorite of the 3.

[@drwallysax]

The TM1 is a bit too closed facing for me - couldn't get rid of the buzz. TM2 was really well balanced.

[@saiyankohi2399]

Does anyone know the name of the pieces played in the intro and what he played with the mouthpieces?

[@drwallysax]

The transition music is the Marcello 4th sonata for Cello!

[@saiyankohi2399]

@@drwallysaxvery much appreciated, also got a concept after this video and I love it

[@netseraph08]

Does anyone know how much the concept weighs?

[@TheTmendez01]

Whats the piece played at the beginning?

[@drwallysax]

Marcello Cello Sonata!

[@jpl9577]

I wonder if you've ever considered a similar video, but this time aimed at classical players going into jazz. I'm a classical player who's played an AL3 for over 10 years now. And on the odd occasion where I'm playing jazz, I just switch to a C* just because it lets me play loud enough for that. I just play with the same classical sound I have, just a bit louder... Most jazz mouthpieces I'm lucky if I can get a sound out of, let alone a good sound.

[@harveyknguyen]

the JodyJazz HR and D'Addario Select Jazz mouthpieces worked really well for me

[@jpl9577]

@@harveyknguyen Yep I have plain Jodyjazz on tenor.

[@harveyknguyen]

@@jpl9577 what reeds do you use?

[@jpl9577]

@@harveyknguyen Legere American 3.5 on a JJ 5* on the tenor.

[@harveyknguyen]

@@jpl9577 try the american 2.75 or 2.5, 3.5 seems like overkill even though you're on a what I assume to be an HR

[@JJDunn-fl9qg]

I played an Al 4 for most my time until I left it out and my dog chewed it up. I had to get a quick replacement for festival and I ended up with a c star. I prefer the vandoren much more and I hate the c star so much that I have weakened my practice regimen for classical and basically devoted all my time to jazz. It just drives me nuts that technically I’m a better saxophonist, but I hate that my classical tone has worsened.

[@christopherbogue5710]

Dr Wally, what if I am an out-of-practice sax player who bought an AL3 because I mistakenly thought it would be good for jazz? Should I just deal with it? Or buy a jazz mouthpiece?

[@beast0716]

Me personally I prefer the sound of the Backun 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 i personally hear the difference between all three of the mouthpieces. Lol I love that backun lol

[@drwallysax]

It's my daily driver!

[@pavetheworldlovely]

What is your ligature? It looks substantial, which in my experience has been more difficult find.

[@drwallysax]

It's a Charles Bay, and unfortunately, discontinued. I'll be releasing my new ligature this fall - it's quite substantial!

[@EmmanuelSeals]

Great video. Think I'll go with the Vandoren. Just wish you played them in a dead space.

[@drwallysax]

that would not give an accurate representation of the mouthpiece. As a professional saxophonist, I perform in concert halls - they sound completely different in a dead space, and not in a useful way.

[@chisaomusician7752]

Three mouthpieces to represent the 3 wise men that come to the birth of Jesus. In other words 3 Christmas presents for myself this year.

[@drwallysax]

That just makes sense. HO ho ho!

[@shipsahoy1793]

What tip opening is a yamaha 4c alto mpc ? I use that with a hard reed if I want to play classical on my alto.🤔 My tenor would try to impale me in my sleep if I decided to try playing a classical piece on it !😂

[@drwallysax]

Not sure, haven't googled it. Likely similar to the Vandoren, but I'm guessing.

[@kwootamuckbear9294]

I’m playing classical jazz🤔 Any suggestions 🎶🎵🎷

[@norbii7603]

Hey Dr. Wally! i want to buy a vandoren TL mouthpiece for my tenor sax. Which one would you recommend the TL3 or TL4?

[@drwallysax]

TL3 with a 3 or 3.5 traditional reed - heaven on tenor!

[@norbii7603]

Thank you!!🎷🙏

[@vannigio6234]

uah! uah! ... and Outlander too? uah! 💥💥💥🎷💥💥💥... and, ok, ok... i will go practice... uah

[@martinlong2074]

Is that a new 1950s hairstyle that you are sporting ? Maybe a tribute to Eddie Cochran .

[@leycroftcoman5487]

Overall im a S90 lover on my SA80 11 .

[@drwallysax]

S90/190 is a super solid piece. I have one I love as well.

[@insanejughead]

Yo! I'm SUPER early for once.

[@drwallysax]

Happy Monday! Now go practice....after the video, of course....

[@insanejughead]

Finished the video, love what I learned, but I don't yet have a sax of my own. Working through some things at work to open up time and budget to soon be able to invest in one.