Which Saxophone Mouthpiece Tip Opening Is Right For YOU?

[@richmccarty3085]

Hello Jay. I am very grateful I found your channel. First I would like to say that I played a tenor sax from 4th grade up until I graduated and went into the military. With that being said, I have no experience playing as an adult. A really good friend bought me a used tenor sax as a birthday gift that is in really good shape for what it is. Also I feel I need to mention that the last time I played a sax was 47 years ago, yes this is my 59th birthday. I am sure I will be spending a lot of time on your channel. Thank you for taking the time to make this content available. From a winded woodwind player.

[@kjmsax1]

I really like the sound you get on the number 7. It’s noticeably warmer, thicker and meaty-er. The 5 and the 6 sound the same to my ears but probably the feel is different. Great video.

[@gabrielplaza1263]

I really like the sound he gets on the number 7 and I felt the difference between 5 and 6 is the "air sound" using the 6 is more noticeable.

[@Lukeplys]

I've been playing alto for basically all my life, I'm gonna be 20 in 2 months, and have played on a Selmer s80 190 classical mouthpiece, it has been very, very easy to play, very easy blowing, but I only got that because my teacher recommended it, because I was playing basically only classical at that point. A little while after he offered me to join his orchestra where I played alto for like 3 years and they mostly play like very known pieces, pop, jazz, jazz-rock and stuff like that, that's when I felt I wasn't loud enough, I couldn't play like the others. I considered purchasing a new mouthpiece, but my teacher, also the conductor of the orchestra, said I was "promoted" to tenor, so I held out on buying a new alto mouthpiece, unfortunately, the tenor sax they gave me had the same mouthpiece as my alto, which at least for me sounded horrible. After a while, the teacher said his buddy gave him a tenor mouthpiece for one reason or another and he gave me that mouthpiece to play. At first, I sounded much worse than I did with the Selmer, I felt like I forgot how to play the saxophone, the new mouthpiece was an Otto Link 7* I don't know the exact model, there is none written on it, It looks like a pretty old one, could be vintage for all I know. So after a while, I started to get the hang of it and sounded decent at best. And a couple of days ago we finally came together after not playing together because of the pandemic, I hadn't played the tenor for more than half a year, and somehow, for some reason, I found that I sound great, the 7* tenor mouthpiece felt easier blowing than my classical Selmer, which is a 3* I think. Somehow after not playing for a really long time, I am sounding, playing the best I ever have. And that kind of ignited a spark in me to upgrade my alto sax mouthpiece, because that's the one I own and actually play. I also play in a saxophone quartet, so that'll help me with that as well, because we don't play classical pieces with the quartet, I ordered it 2 days ago, It's a USA Meyer Alto Sax "G" 6. I got it recommended by a lot of players, in the orchestra as well, one of my friends from the orchestra even gave me to try out his Meyer 6* to see if I liked it, and for the first time in a lot of years, I felt like my sax was sounding as it should've sounded years ago.

[@lava_king1112]

im a junior and i was feeling like my mouthpiece was too small for my mouth, i was playing a selmer c* and i was struggling to play a loud sound that also sounded good, and i recently learned mouthpiece makes a big difference on sound and noticed i had an old yamaha 4c that my bother used to play, and i tried it and it has been wonderful, it feels better to play and i sound so much better, along with playing much louder, so it has inspired me to practice way more, im way behind because i never really practiced before now because it just didnt feel good to play but now im starting to learn to love it all over again, since i changed mouthpieces my director has noticed how much better and louder ive been playing, nothing against selmer c* it is a wonderful mouthpiece it just wasnt quite the right shape for me

[@Osnosis]

@@lava_king1112 If a mpc is closed off, and won't play loud for you, try taking more of the mpc into your mouth cavity. I always tell students you 'can never take to much mpc into the mouth cavity'. Because you will always back off, but you need to get the tiny embouchure muscles used to relaxing over the larger beak, and using diaphragm pressure to make the sound. Try long tones this way, and see how the rest of your practice feels easy!

[@BeesWaxMinder]

@@Osnosis T H A N K S👍

[@grantkoeller8911]

Meyer doesn't do star facings you said Meyer 6*... Otto Link does star facings . On alto, Meyer is most commonly played in 5MM, 6MM, and 7MM tip openings. OTTO LINK is most commonly used in 5*, 6, and 6*, tip openings. Meyer 5MM is .071", 6MM is .076", and Meyer 7MM is .081"

[@thenonexpert6602]

Holy yappington

[@skhoosy]

I'VE BEEN SEARCHING ALL OVER FOR A VIDEO ON THIS TODAY. THANK YOUUUU

[@bettersax]

Glad I could help!

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

There is a difference in sound, though. On a larger tip 7, thinner reed can vibrate more, the core of the reed vibrates more too, creating more harmonics overall, and a more complex sound comes out. Larger tip openings reveal what the mouthpiece design can really do. And, #7 opening tells this alto mouthpiece is really good. (It has fantastic hand-finishing btw.)

[@darylcarter2796]

Thank you❤

[@bluscorpion]

I'm a beginner, but upgrading from a 4 to a 5 was breath of fresh air! (pun intended). I tried a six and felt like I was swimming. The sound is much bigger and more melodic, but I'll work my way up. The 5 is great for now.

[@abigailmilce157]

I love the Watermelon Duo you did with Jody. I can tell the BURNIN is really a great mouthpiece

[@bettersax]

thanks!

[@bassAsax]

This is the best summation of tip openings and reed strenghts I have seen. Well done Jay. Keep dispelling rumors, this is what every sax player needs most.

[@guydelorme417]

Hello Jay, now this is a lesson about tip opening that I should have learned 10 years ago. So well explained. I was wrong playing 8 on most of all mouthpieces trying to have a better sound. Thank you Jay.

[@atomicdad3920]

Man. I picked up a daddrio select jazz 6m after playing a c* for like 7 years. I only now realize why after playing it twice I put it down. I used the same reed size 🤦

[@donguiddodilozzo1906]

AH Thanks !!! There is some light into this very special world !!!

[@ronniemusungu2804]

the 7 mouthpiece with the 2.5 reed sounds a bit different, in a good way...Anyone else hear this?

[@stephendverner]

I really like the warmer slightly darker tone of the 7 opening mouthpiece. Great video.

[@Arasax132]

I really like this and i am only 9 years old i would love to see more videos and when i am older i will be like you😀😀 I really like this and i would love more how to play things so i can learn more

[@robertgalardi3731]

JAY ,, ONE OF YOUR BEST EVER LESSONS .. For years including up to now I've struggled with many different reeds and mouthpieces combinations,, Some with false starts and others with immediate satisfaction with the combo i use today ... Listening and learning from you cuts the amount of time I've spent looking for satisfaction & comfort ..No other teacher ever mentioned what you are saying in this most important advise to all players beginners or professionals .. thanks a billion pal... Bobby G.. and keep on swingin'

[@SharpElevenMusic]

Great video Jay! Very clear and much needed I would say, as i see so many players going for mouthpieces without adapting the reed strength. And also agreed on the misconception that small mouthpieces ar for beginners and large for the advanced players. There seems to be quite some inflation on who has the biggest... Anyway, great sounding mouthpieces you have there! 🎷🔥 And mouthpieces, it's just so personal, and there is not a clear sole solution for all. You can reach similar soundgoals in different ways I think. If you see that for example Paul Desmond played a very small opening, and his tenor soulmate (or soundmate? 😛) Stan Getz played a pretty big opening, it results in a similar style of sound. Thanks for your great video's with super clear actionable info. Great to share with students!

[@bettersax]

thanks for watching. Very good points you brought up.

[@BrandonBurch]

I recently bought your Burnin' 5 mouthpiece, and even as a complete beginner I immediately hear a difference from my classical mouthpiece! It gets me instantly into the tone I'm looking for. Thank you so much to you and the team at Jody Jazz! I just published a video on my first impressions if you wanted to watch it.

[@bettersax]

Thanks nice video.

[@DrRocketTurner]

A teacher that started me on a small tip opening would have saved me months of frustration!!! My dealer started me on a 7 with a 3 reed, and I couldn’t play. I discovered Ralph Morgan and talked to him on the phone-changed my life, Morgan 3C for alto with a 2 1/2 reed, magic! He made me a Morgan 2 for my tenor, with a 2 1/2 reed, magic! Now use Plastic reeds, magic! 😃🚀

[@bettersax]

Glad Ralph helped get you sorted out.

[@thomas_lappin]

Plastic reeds are much better and just seem better for me

[@derekakien7379]

Hi. I've always used fibreglass reeds. On first lesson 57 years ago my lip was red and swollen from the cane. Fortunately the player teaching me was a tester / grader for PTD reeds made near London. HE works in mysterious ways! Great for playing in a rock band, we all blew them. Good for Getz ballads too. No blowing in and they last and last (until the bass player walks past - always the bass players).

[@Osnosis]

@@derekakien7379 What are PTD reeds? I have used Legere (for a long time), Forestone, and Hartmann, which have all been good.

[@derekakien7379]

@@Osnosis PTD went out of busines around 50 years ago. My teacher, Les Evans, was thinking of making an offer. Similar to the Bari Star, same box! Funny that. I have been told that Legere reeds are very good. IMO a bit expensive. I now blow Fibracell, more like cane.

[@WendyLeber]

Thank you so much for providing such a thorough explanation of how tip opening effect airstream & playability, depending on your needs. This is incredibly valuable information for folks looking to purchase a new mouthpiece, & it will reduce A LOT of frustration in finding one that's a good fit. 👍👍👍

[@olebirgerpedersen]

That's a very instructive video. When I started playing altosax as a teen-ager 65 yaers ago I would have wanted to have those clever advices . To day I play an Otto Link 7* with Rigotti Gold 3 and I'm very satisfid.

[@marydunn8513]

I’m thinking that the 5 tip opening would work best for me since I am “older”. Thank you for the tip opening explanation!

[@ChrisF_1982]

I would add that if you are returning to playing you may want to consider going down a bit in tip opening. That is where I am at.

[@IsaacHoskisson]

Hey jay, I just have a question bout the Jody jazz DV mouthpieces. Do you like the DV NY, or the original DV better? I can’t decide which one I want, I do like the darker tones of the DV NY though.

[@bettersax]

I like them both very much but they are also quite different. If you want a darker sound go with the DV NY

[@georgesmajerus]

Has anyone ever told how great a narrator and presenter you have become? I watched and older Video of yours and the difference is huge! Like an upgrade from a tip5 to an 8. :) Thanks for these great vids.

[@MrArnett8]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been trying to explain this to my son for years. Very well explained sir. Thank you so much!!!

[@mahendrawardhana3189]

I have asthma and don't have a lot of air. In general I use a 7 for alto and a 6 for tenor. I can play a 7 with Tenor but I run out of breath quickly.

[@branleeflake]

This is a great video with solid explanations. I've never really bought mouthpieces; just played what came with the horns (other than a teacher that insisted my alto C* needed to be upgraded to an S90 190, then later to a Rousseau NC4). The tenor was toughest: coming with a C* for band/chamber work and a Dukoff Super Power Chamber D9 for jazz. Only being told that one was a classical piece and one was a jazz piece was not enough information!

[@petegalindez9961]

OK Jay…I’m not usually one to buy mouthpieces from an influencer, especially one from Long (Strong) Island! (I’m a Brentwood guy)…although I have fallen into the “I want to sound like him, get his mpc…”. I bought my YAS-62 back in 1997 and taught myself saxophone during a 6 month deployment aboard an aircraft carrier…luckily, my best friend was the PAO with the keys to the tv studio on board with soundproofing! I’d sit in there with a cassette/cd and just play by ear (my previous music training was on the trumpet). Dave Koz got me into sax, so hence the 62, and then I bought the Beechler metal mpc with a 7 tip opening to match him of course. Since then, I’ve collected a few mouthpieces. Namely a Theo Wanne Gaia 8, which I love, and a Michael Lington signature Oleg metal mpc (also love) which also has an 8 tip I believe. But, they are all pretty loud pieces. After watching your video, realized I should probably tone down the volume as I’m now in my 50s and playing lead sax in a band isn’t in the cards…So, took your recommendation and ordered your mpc with a 6 tip, along with the Jody Jazz ring. Right out of the box I can say, WOW! This mouthpiece is pretty darn awesome. Gives me a nice rich tone when I want to play softer and can give some edge when I push it. Very versatile and just what the doctor ordered! Glad I went down in tip opening too. It’s making playing more fun…Oh yeah, the reason for the mpc search…I’ve always wanted a silver sax. Didn’t hav the dough to buy my 62 in silver back in 1998. Almost pulled the trigger on a 82z in silver last month when I came across a Mark VI in silver and gave it a test run…after having my tech give it a once, twice, three times a lady over…I’m in love…your mpc pairs with it nicely…like a great Bordeaux…

[@bettersax]

Great to hear. Glad it’s a good fit for you.

[@unclemick-synths]

On impulse I bought a cheap Rico 7A and I'm enjoying it. I'll be taking a look at some better quality mouthpieces. I like my Meyer 5 so will likely start with Meyer.

[@ΔημήτρηςΤσεργάς-π7ι]

Is this the HRA1 power ring you've got? I'm really interested to pair this with my burnin' 5 tip opening. Is it worth it?

[@bettersax]

I did a video comparing several ligatures on the Burnin' mouthpiece. kzbin.info/www/bejne/baKakGiKmLt-j8U that should help you decide. The power ring was one of my favorites.

[@joaquinmendoza2306]

YES. Perfect timing! I was think that my tip opening was a getting uncomfortable and too small for me. I use a Meyer 5m and I am probably going to switch soon to either a Burnin, Theo wanne NY Bros 2 mouthpieces. What do you think? Thanks for the amazing video!!!!

[@bettersax]

I would choose the Burnin' obviously, but you need to go with the mouthpiece that feels best to you.

[@DanielR1-MIDI]

I just upgraded to a Theo Wanne NY bros2 from a meyer and I love it. You should try both though

[@joaquinmendoza2306]

@@DanielR1-MIDI Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I will be sure to!

[@DARKLYLIT]

Man, your Burnin' 7 with the 2.5 reed sounds so much warmer/"vintage" than the other two. What a difference!

[@claykonnor]

I totally agree. That combo was bigger and warmer.

[@espr7564]

Thanks Jay, good advice !!!

[@pauljordan6295]

Nice video! the 5 cut the mix, the 7 is darker..In general a medium small opening gives a more focused and brighter sound than the larger opening..Too often players think that larger opening means much power, cut, volume outside..this is not true , your video shows this clearly..

[@patriciadrank6543]

Hi Jay! Hi. I am hoping to get some direction. I am a semi pro that plays on a Meyer6*. I like my tone, but I don't have projection for a Big Band. I think I want a Burnin' mouthpiece because it seems to produce the sound that i am looking for, but I am not sure if I need a *6 or 7*. A little background.... I had an Otto Link 7* and didn't like it, it took took much air for me..I have tried the Theo Wanne8*, and I couldn't control it very well. Would you recommend a 6* or 7* with the Burnin'? I think what I am concerned about is the tip opening? Thanks for any advice you can give me. By the way, i like a darker sound.

[@bettersax]

You cannot go wrong with either. If you get the 7, you will want slightly softer reeds.

[@patriciadrank6543]

@@bettersax Okay thank you.

[@grannyjack1]

Awesome! Good video. Glad to hear about softer reeds for larger tip openings. Makes sense now.

[@RajaRickin]

Love the content. Had a question on using Tenor reeds on alto mouthpieces while playing alto sax. I use claude lakey 5*3 alto mthpc on my alto sax and i enjoy using #3 tenor reeds on this setup. my sound is stronger, its easier to play and i dont have tuning issues. have you heard of this before? would a bari reed on a tenor sax setup work for some players? thoughts?

[@bettersax]

Yes I’ve heard of this and yes Bari reeds on tenor is also a thing. If it’s working for you go for it.

[@RajaRickin]

@@bettersax thanks for the quick response, love the content !

[@TiburziusLackmeyer]

I play Bettersax 5 and 3 Javareeds.

[@mikesmith4967]

Do you use different tip openings and reed strenths for your alto tenor and barritone? I'm having to put a lot more effort to play the alto than the tenor, both have been serviced.

[@bettersax]

That depends, but going to a softer reed can often help.

[@saxman7131]

I dropped from a Durga 10 to a Durga 9. I love it. The 7 with 2.5 sounded fantastic.

[@stratusphunk]

Thank you! Good explanation of the relationship between mouthpiece tip opening and reed strength, and how it influences sound. Cleared things up for me. I had been wondering about trying a larger tip opening, but now I’m going to stick with my Meyer 5 medium chamber mouthpiece. I like the sound you get in this video with a stiffer reed.

[@gangofgreenhorns2672]

Definitely want that 7. Current is a .090" but Bergs tend to feel smaller so it's probably like a 7.

[@andrewomosimua7527]

Thank u so much. How do i get a mouth piece and reed?

[@kurttremoulu2534]

i love the 6 tip sound !

[@rickstokes2239]

Jay - I’ve been blowin’ on your Burnin’ alto mouthpiece 6 on my Yani AWO20 sax in a big band and lovin’ it! Easy to blend, good control on full range and plenty of power when you need it. Thanks for the great piece!

[@bettersax]

Great to hear this. Thanks for the feedback.

[@Maria-In-Motion]

Love your informative videos. I’m an advanced beginner looking to upgrade from my stock Yamaha 4C (alto). I’m going to see about trying the 5. Thanks for your advice. 😊

[@MASUKIP]

I leave in indonesia, i hope lucky to get burnin. Cause i really need mouthpiece for my sax. Thx u

[@bettersax]

good luck

[@mirelizsax5897]

I would definitely choose the 7 tip opening !

[@jeffreymassey5541]

Very good explanation Of mouthpieces And reed combinations. 👍🏾💯🎷

[@StephenB_LE9]

It will be really good to know when we can buy a BURNIN’ mouthpiece in the UK.

[@Danox94]

that 5 sounded like a keeper indeed. not that the others were bad, but it had some lovely extra sweetness

[@ronniemusungu2804]

This is SUCH a GREAT VIDEO!! Very well elaborated, Thank you Jay!!

[@cesarsison1027]

Jay, I just bought both Alto and Tenor Burnin 7 star! Let me describe them in 3 words, they are awesome!!! Great job, sir!

[@bettersax]

So glad to hear it and I agree 💯

[@bettersax]

Please leave a review for them where you purchased. It would really help us out and be greatly appreciated.

[@cesarsison1027]

@@bettersax I already did..at Sweetwater.

[@RavindraKumarSG]

Very clearly explained. Small tip opening - harder reed; big tip opening - softer reed

[@kwootamuckbear9294]

I received my “burnin” mpc.#6 👍🏽 ‘Haven’t heard anymore on my Bettersax alto neck not being able to “snug down” to keep it from swiveling in place. I’m still using my Selmer series ii neck in its place and, having great success 🤷🏽‍♂️✌🏽🎶🎵🎷

[@jermainetsui]

#5 sounds brighter than the #7 to me. I am not sure a darker sound will be an advantage in sax like the trumpet or not, but the sound style can be determined by the opening. Thanks for your demo, Jay.

[@olebirgerpedersen]

Have you ever tried one of Kay Siebold's mouthpieces ? I think you should try some of them.

[@KajVardinghus]

Extremely useful information. And again... I could listen to your wonderful playing for Hours.

[@TWO20]

I’m comfortable with around a 6*. My dream mouthpiece is a DV Chicago...and the last I checked they offer it in a 7. -_-

[@meryamka14]

Damn that is a sexy mouthpiece/ligature combo

[@NuYorka13]

What a great video. Very informative, specifically about older players that haven’t played in a while and which opening would suite me better. Waiting on some new mouthpieces to arrive. Used to play the Clarinet when younger but wanted to pick up the Sax now at almost 57. Thanks for sharing!

[@kjell-akeapell3285]

Why can,t there be a video for beginners,specially for those who only have the mouthpice that came with the sax.And SHOW the differences between different mouth pieces and what they are doing with your ability to play.

[@NikolaiBaas]

I don‘t believe in beginners playing small tip openings since I bought my MC Gregory A 4 18.... ok, you can easily play 3,5 reeds on it..

[@laurarosas5899]

Jay, check out the wooden mouthpiece made by Jomalier Figueroa from Puerto Rico.

[@borisaranchuk2279]

Why is diameter which is chunk of the saxophone mouthpiece is different I hope you’re going to answer the question

[@TradIrishHarper]

This may be off topic but how do you best clean used mouthpieces? I bought a used YAS-23 and it had 2 Yamaha 4C mouthpieces with it. Can I effectively clean/disinfect them and safely use them? Yeah, the cherry red lipstick on the one is a bit nasty. Hopefully I can afford a new mouthpiece soon

[@Cubsfan122112]

i have a roberto winds reeds 2.5 soft on a jody jazz jet 6 tip opening. i used to play 2.5 on a variety of reeds - rico, green box, nexus reeds. but when i switched to the robertos winds on the recommendation of my jazz director, it was night and day on how it played and the sound. i also find it interesting after listening to your conversation with Vincent Herring, that he uses a soft strength reed AND a small tip opening. it really is just different for everyone.

[@WallyZ1950]

I'm a beginner with less than 40 total hours of playing since I got my soprano sax. It's a Yamaha 475II and came with a 4C mouthpiece. I purchased a 5C to see if it would make it easier to hit the high palm key notes. I also thought I'd try some #3 reeds since I've tried everything less than the #3. I just tried the new mouthpiece and thought why not try it withe the new #3 reed while I'm at it. The first note I usually play is a G. I did that with not problem. Even though I'm just trying to play the palm keys with not much success I tried hitting high D. To my surprise the not came out and sounded pretty good. I then tried the other palm keys with same results. Turned on the tuner to make sure my ears weren't deceiving me. I was a bit sharp on D, E, and F, but was able to easily adjust embrasure to bring each in tune. I continued to practice those notes and went on to check out the lower octave notes with no problems. Actually had less problems than usual with the lighter reeds. I started thinking of why this happened. My conclusion is that I was biting down or putting too much pressure on the lighter reeds. With the #3 putting the same amount of pressure didn't have the same affect on the reed. Having a larger opening on the new mouthpiece would have had the same affect if I'm not mistaken. I have a long way to go, but this really helped my confidence on hitting those high notes. Thank you Jay for all of you helpful videos. A 74 year old with dentures can learn to play saxophone. 🤣

[@michelefranchi6037]

Hi... i've a question... how much does tip opening affect the use of the altissimo range? Thanks

[@EricPalmerBlog]

Always like your sound but this particular mouthpiece makes your sound even better. I really like it.

[@iannevins1817]

Jay, what is that patch on the Burnin mouthpiece? It seems similar to a Jody Jazz patch, similar to your Better Sax patches, but not quite the same. I’d like to buy more if possible, but I don’t know where to find them!

[@johnphillips7941]

I play a 160 Berg ( stainless & brass) on tenor & a 130 (stainless & brass) on alto. They sound kind of big , but they play perfectly & will do things a smaller tip just won't do. Thanks, John.

[@jeffarcher400]

Could try playing them all with the same reed just to accentuate the difference and reduce variables. This could lead to endless thick reed and narrow tip vs.thinner reed and bigger openings debate. Seems a thin reed should be more sensitive to subtle flow changes but sack out under duress of long jams and hard blowing. A thick slab of lumber reed should be sturdy as an oak but you need wind and must close the gap with tiny muscles. Subtle inflections may be lost and quiet notes hard to start. Understanding tip opening and reed strength allowed me to see the big picture. It's not like bench pressing reed thickness and someday I'll be able to play a popsicle stick. Then I can leave the temple.

[@manguieliezer9149]

I am a new follower I'm finding a new mouthpiece because my mouthpiece is so old can't find good mouthpiece online

[@lukeserrano62]

Well described indeed. Newbies need to hear this! FWIW my vote is for the 6.

[@eliabguzman132]

Where do you get it I want one for my alto saxophone

[@bettersax]

Hers a link: geni.us/Burnin

[@LewisDalton]

I play a Jody jazz jet 6 and custom dark 6 on alto. I Just got a tenor sax last week and need to replace the 4c that came with it, I’m not sure if I should get the same tip opening size mouthpiece for tenor, ie. 6 I’ve been told to go a size or 2 bigger, is that right? Thanks

[@geralddombrowski6911]

why would a saxophone player like Boots Randolph us a Dukoof # 9 mouthpiece , just to blow more air or for more flexability

[@shirleyfrancis4515]

I absolutely loved the 5 opening with the 3 reed. Lovely bright tones. Second is the 7 but just a shade dull to the 5. I didn't like the 6 at all.

[@matsmanteatern698]

One of the best, most informative videos on this subject! For me, Especially the tips for “older players”/taking a brake from the sax etc... Back in the days, (and probably today?) I think a very common mistake is to go for a biiig opening, done so myself, because of many reasons: loud electrified surroundings, “your sax hero plays a 10 opening!, “It was just these old players that kept to those 5,6 openings.”..And generally; many people want a big type of sound. Currently I’m on 8* on tenor, but with 2 soft reeds to compensate..( gone down from 2 1/2) after hearing this video I’m planning to try out some smaller tip openings.. maybe 7 , 7* and then really try different reeds on that! Also very good tip! Thank you Jay!

[@bettersax]

Thanks!

[@SheltoniaNation]

Recently purchased a V16 7-tip and Selmer Concept - BIG change from my stock Yamaha mouthpiece. Stock feels more powerful at the moment. But I’m hoping I can grow in to the others in the next year. I’m going to step down to a 2 1/2 reed to see what kind of difference it makes...and I’ll take up running this summer to increase my cardio and breath support! Thanks for the video!!

[@vhondystrickland5262]

As I watch you play, I see a lot of movement with your jaw and the area around your embouchure. Could you discuss, what are you doing and how does this movement help or hurt your playing?: If it is helpful, how do we learn to do that?

[@marcusdickerson3016]

Jay could you review the new Dickerson Resonator Ligature for us?

[@elliottwomack110]

I could definitely hear the difference in all three mouthpieces. Personally I think you sound better on the 7 tip opening

[@maryc6173]

So good and accurate. I've played on my C* mouthpiece and Vandoren 3 reeds for decades. This is for band and orchestra. I switch to a Meyer 5 and Rico Royal 2 for big band and pit. I'll take your advice and go for a 6 or 7 . The 5 is "almost" but I want more. Thank you so much.

[@ericwaters8141]

I'm in a rut and need some advice. I love my link 7 star and the sound i get, but i can't sustain notes long enough and that's starting to get in the way of my technique. if I buy the same link in a 5-star opening but get stronger reeds will I be able to keep my volume and power?

[@johnrogers7411]

Had a 5* Otto link for first jazz alto mouthpiece then 10 years later switched to 7 and 8. I’ve returned the 7s. Got your burnin piece after playing jj hr*. Like them both but really like the fat sound I get with my burnin 7. Great piece just got it last week.

[@paulkirschner5908]

Best explanation I have heard in this subject and easily understood Thank you

[@Konadog85lbs]

Great overview and consultation for someone who hasn't played in more than 25 years, for various reasons. Kids are playing at school and dad's gotta get his chops back!

[@robertgalardi3731]

hi jay . your opening several bars on alto sax shows how terrific you play .. wow. call it great lyrical jazz . the kind i like .. Bobby G..

[@monroec.hatcherjr.8233]

Smooth playing..really dig it..those Burnin mouthpieces seem reslly nice.

[@mattfichter3044]

Great video, Jay! Question about the Burnin' mouthpiece: what kind of ligature does it come with? I see you're playing the Jody Jazz Power Ring.

[@bettersax]

Matt, the mouthpiece does not come with a ligature.

[@johnleon2982]

@@bettersax Other than the JJ power ring do you recommend a lig. for the burnin' MP?

[@pmwizard48]

I changed from an Otto Link 8* to a Vandoren optimum 4 because I am now only playing in a community band. With the Otto Link I was always too loud. Now it is even easier to hit the low notes on the tenor sax.

[@peggywilliams8616]

Just started playing the saxophone. I am a senior player and loving it. I started on a C melody 1916, but am trying to get an alto saxophone.

[@LawrenceSantillanSax]

Thank you for explaining. Now my questions about mouth piece are answered, and now i can pick which one to buy as beginner.

[@philipmartin2691]

Thank you for this great information. I found your video on flattening reeds the biggest help in attaining a consistent sound on my saxophones. My embouchure is very picky. There are certain reeds that I can not use. Example Vanduran alto v12 is great for me but the standard Vanduran is hard for me to get a good sound from. I have found that Junos are very good for me, but other players cant stand them. This video helped me understand why one has to pair the right reed to a particular mouthpiece. I love your nice warm tone on the tenor. I am learning tenor now, so far the cheap PVC mouthpiece that came with my horn works great. I did invest in a Rovner ligature that really helped. The metal ligature that came with the horn was cutting into the reed and mouthpiece.

[@OscarRurzagasti]

... thanks for the information, excellent design, exquisite

[@finnregan6333]

Really glad I found this video after I ordered a new mouthpiece

[@eggrollmemer8884]

So I’m playing on a 5 and have been for years, I want to be louder for marching band, should I go for only one size up or could I go to a 7, I can barley put any air into the 5 so I’m not too sure what to do

[@StephenB_LE9]

Just waiting to get the BURNIN’ mouthpiece in the UK

[@bettersax]

working on it!

[@banjalukaodzlata]

I ordered vandoren V5 A27, what do you think?

[@DynamixWarePro]

The BURNIN sounds like a great mouthpice! Do you know how it feel to play compared to the JodyJazz HR*? I have played HR* in a C*, 5M, 6M and 7M and since the BURNIN mouthpiece is made by JodyJazz and looks a bit like a HR, I was wondering about how they compare. When you mentioned putting air down the saxophone, how do you know if you are being a bit restricted with the amount of air you can put down? I have two mouthpieces I currently use, a Selmer S80 E (1.80mm tip) and a Selmer Claude Delangle (1.65mm tip) and I haven't played the S80 E much and wondered if I should move to it as I like the Claude Delangle and it is my main mouthpiece, but I am running into an issue with any reeds I use on it. On one strength the reed could be slightly too hard and a little airy sounding and I'd feel my embochure tire quicker, but dropping down a strength I find the reeds might go a little soft and dull sounding quicker than I like and I don't know if its the narrower tip opening that is causing it or not. I noticed this since I moved from playing a Yamaha YAS-280 to a Yanagisawa AWO2.

[@bettersax]

The Burnin has a steep roll over baffle and a large chamber. The HR* is a much lower baffle and medium chamber, those are the 2 main differences. So you'll get more power and brightness from the Burnin' but there is also a darkness to it that balances out the sound due to the large chamber. Your reed may shut down if you blow more reed than the tip opening can handle. That's one way to know.

[@DynamixWarePro]

@@bettersax Thanks.