Which Saxophone Mouthpiece Tip Opening Is Right For YOU?

#bettersax #saxophone #mouthpiece
Jay Metcalf gives advice on how to choose a saxophone mouthpiece tip opening.
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[@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.

[@skhoosy]

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

[@bettersax]

Glad I could help!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@abigailmilce157]

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

[@bettersax]

thanks!

[@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❤

[@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

[@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.

[@stephendverner]

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

[@EricPalmerBlog]

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

[@bmobleyjr]

Thanks!

[@bettersax]

Thank You!

[@BalaamsAss51]

Definitely going with a 5. I'm older and have been away for quite a while. Thanx so much.

[@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.

[@kurttremoulu2534]

i love the 6 tip sound !

[@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.

[@RavindraKumarSG]

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

[@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.

[@mayowaadeniji]

You are the best teacher in the whole world.

[@Tigerblade11238]

My Better Sax Alto with Burnin' 5 mouthpiece gets here tomorrow. It's been almost 30 years since I last played so glad I guessed correctly 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@KajVardinghus]

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

[@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.

[@ekaufman4800]

I ordered this MP after a few glasses of wine, and was second guessing my order the next days I already have 4 MP and am a beginner level player. The Burning MP came in the mail and I debated sending it back, untried. But, I felt that was unethical. I tried it with a broken in Boston Sax 2.5 Reed and the Rover Lig. I LOVE IT!!!!! The low Bb is so sexy and rich! Makes me want to play more. THANK YOU

[@bettersax]

Great to hear! Congratulations on the new piece.

[@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'

[@grannyjack1]

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

[@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.

[@douglasakerman5218]

Thanks!

[@bettersax]

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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@donguiddodilozzo1906]

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

[@paulkirschner5908]

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

[@badhatharry4323]

on tenor i jumped from a yamaha 4c to an otto link super tone master 7*. transition took a while but oh boy do i not regret that decision. sounds fantastic

[@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.

[@dbaerial4993]

dude I need to know your lighting setup. literally one of the best productions I've seen on youtube

[@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.

[@Clement8617]

I really love the sound of the 5 the most!

[@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!

[@FruityPebbles-420]

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.

[@finnregan6333]

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

[@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!!!

[@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. 👍👍👍

[@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. 😊

[@michaeldean9338]

Absolutely one of the better videos ACTUALLY " EXPLAINING" about the different aspects of the mouthpiece-- particularly measurements. Jay (and Adrian Spencer) is. literally, the reason I started playing music again. LITERALLY! I've yet to meet him, or talk to him-- or thank him, but he's the SOLE reason I finally decided to give it another go!

[@bettersax]

Thanks Michael glad to hear it.

[@michaeldean9338]

@@bettersax Thanks again :)

[@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.

[@lukeserrano62]

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

[@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.

[@espr7564]

Thanks Jay, good advice !!!

[@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!

[@LawrenceSantillanSax]

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

[@geoffreycox8687]

Great explanation. I thought the 6 sounded best, but I think that's down to the reed

[@bettersax]

yeah 3 different reeds here so the sound will change more as a result of that variable.

[@kevindeibert3369]

Hey ! A Rico Royal reed with the stripe logo ! I have some of those (in the light gray box that also has the same stripes on it). I remember those from the 70’s ! Good video! I’ve moved down recently due to age ! I’m 61 and have been playing since 1969 ! Clarinets, Saxes & Flutes . A little Oboe and recorders too

[@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!

[@PhinAI]

Jay, I'm hard-headed. I've been working on learning the sax for a few years on my own. I've invested in a soprano, alto, and tenor sax -- along with mouthpieces, ligatures, reeds, and misc. accessories for each -- trying to find something that "fit." I wanted to get the JodyJazz Custom Dark for my alto, but wanted to do it right. I found this video on tip openings, and decided to actually follow your advice, instead of trying to just "grow" into a mouthpiece. I went with a size 5 opening per your recommendation for my honest skill level along with a 2.5 reed, and my first practice with it was an amazing change. I got to play for an extended amount of time without feeling like I was in an overwhelming fight. Finally, I found a setup that allows me to begin figuring out how nuances of pressure and positioning in my embouchure are affecting my results. Appropriate size selection has made a remarkably huge enjoyable difference for me, and you have my sincerest thanks; ... such a significant quality of life improvement just from deciding to follow sound advice! Thank you!

[@bettersax]

Great to hear!

[@monroec.hatcherjr.8233]

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

[@jeffreymassey5541]

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

[@bryandickerson5365]

@Better Sax IMHO: #5 - Very nice and clean! #6 - Like #5 but a little bigger with some “hair” on it! #7 - Even bigger with a pronounced bark(rrrrr) that I go back and forth on. The #6 was my favorite! They all sound excellent but decidedly different. Very nice Jazz Etude, I’ll be buying that book! I’ve been teaching jazz phrasing with a book of Jazz Etudes by Dan Higgins for at least 35 years but, unfortunately, it’s been out of print for decades.

[@mirelizsax5897]

I would definitely choose the 7 tip opening !

[@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!

[@dizgil6881]

man ive just gotten my first sax from a local pro and came with a drake mpc size 8, no wonder its loud as hell lol! but the sound is very full even only a couple days into playing, gotta love it!

[@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..

[@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 🤦

[@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.

[@kpoudavoff]

Great video, Jay!

[@bettersax]

thanks bro

[@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 🤷🏽‍♂️✌🏽🎶🎵🎷

[@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.

[@URKOVAI97]

Thanks for all the effort you put into free quality content for us, your chanel is truly amazing.

[@bettersax]

Thank you!

[@buddhismful]

Burnin' mpc sounds great !

[@LanaCouldy]

This is the best channel about saxophone! You tell so interesting and impressive, that it forces to make a progress in my skills. And in spite of that English isn’t my native language and I can’t understand all what you say, I see all you videos with pleasure and also improving my language:) thank you!

[@ZhenyaStrigalev]

20 tip opening is perfect for me. Allows me to do lots of things that you just cant do on any other numbers bellow 16. Great videos on your channel! Thanks,

[@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. 🤣

[@warezarefin1702]

Work at guitar center and just bought my first sax ( tenor of course ) it comes in early next week in super excited

[@rickstokes2239]

Just received my Yani AWO20 alto and ordered your Burnin piece with Ring.. Thanks Jay.

[@saxman7131]

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

[@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.

[@lucassstache8069]

So a year and a half ago I switched from a 4C to a Vandoren T8. I absolutely loved that it opened up my sound in ways that a 4C couldn’t. Been playing hard for the entire time.

[@bettersax]

That's a big leap all at once. If you are comfortable and happy with the sound that's what matters!

[@lucassstache8069]

@@bettersax absolutely, and as noted by you, the important thing is practicing what you need to and getting familiar with your instrument and your setup.

[@28_babyshark]

I like the sound of the 7 tip with the 2 1/2 reed

[@purple_turkey]

Thank you so much! Never even knew what size tip opening my mouthpiece has until now. Turns out I was playing on a 7 since being a beginner. Might help explain my struggles with getting a fast airflow.

[@bettersax]

You're very welcome!

[@nicholasacuna1629]

How did you check what mouthpiece opening you were playing on?

[@purple_turkey]

@@nicholasacuna1629 There was a 7 engraved on the mouthpiece (no color, just engraved). I think Jay says somewhere in this video too. Good luck!

[@nicholasacuna1629]

@@purple_turkey yea but it doesn’t say it in my mouthpiece

[@JazzbLu]

Thank you for explaining how to properly set yourself up for success with tip opening and reed selection! Great video Jay!

[@alexfalconer7551]

Hello, Thank you for a no nonsense jargon free talk about mouthpiece tip openings. You have made me feel a lot better about myself. I'm 70 now so I'll stick to the smaller tip openings. Is the Burnin mouthpiece available for Tenor ? I'm in the UK. Thank you.

[@bettersax]

Tenor version will be coming soon!

[@AaaAaa-mh6zv]

I play a Link Super Tone Master 9* with either Vandoren Blue 3 or D'Addario Select Jazz 4 Medium and am quite happy with this combination.

[@comando1911]

I havnt touched my tenor sax since I graduated highschool. Which is about 6 years. A little rusty no doubt but your videos deffinitly helped inspire me to pick it back up and blow a few notes

[@prod_kg]

Bari player here. I went from a 5 tip opening on an Otto link to a 7star Jodyjazz DV. Best decision I’ve ever made. The power and projection is insane.

[@bettersax]

that's definitely an upgrade in my book.

[@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 !

[@Atreadis1]

Your video helped me a lot, thank you very much - you do a great, inspiring job just because your sound is a role model. Greetings from the Czech Republic

[@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!!

[@MarkPeotter]

@bettersax Hi Jay! I've been using your Burnin' Alto #7 for a few months. My best zone is #7's. First impression was impressive, because I can blow hard and get a great tone. But, now I am noticing a lot more resistance to initiate the sound - starting soft is difficult. I will need to try more reeds to find the right match.

[@bettersax]

Try the BetterSax Jazz Cut 2.5 that's what I use.

[@starlikeromp]

your playing is fantastic Jay :)

[@Danox94]

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

[@meldavis7183]

I know this about the alto mpc but I just had to comment on the tenor 6*. Good gublywubly. This mpc is great.

[@bohemiansmile]

Is there any variation in the factors mentioned when selecting a BARI mouthpiece? Thanks, 😊

[@anthonyherrera2823]

I’ve been watching your videos for a while and they are extremely helpful

[@bettersax]

Happy to hear that!

[@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.

[@joelysaght5374]

Best information on mouthpieces that I have ever heard! Thank you!!

[@bettersax]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kittykittysoftpaws]

​@@bettersax Jay is there a ligature that you would recommend to get to use with the burnin mouthpiece? Im contemplating getting the # 5 for Alto. I've been using a Yamaha 4c and 5c.

[@XB29SP]

5, 6, 7, each one sounds better. Can tell you play a 7, your sound really opened up as the tip opening increased. Nice sounding piece!

[@DonaldLemal]

Hello i am Donald I love the saxophone I play the alto sax and been playing since middle and through high school and now I am 38 years old and still play the alto sax i also like to play it when i am feeling down or happy because you can let your fingers to the walking and the instrument do the talking and you can feel it and other people can feel it I love how it sounds and plays I also love the tenor sax and bairsax would love to have a new saxophone mouth piece and would love to own another sax like the tenor or boar sax I am on fixed income and single parent to two wonderful kids love how the sax makes me feel

[@gib321]

Very instructive thanks. What make is the ligature?

[@bettersax]

that is the Jody Jazz Power Ring

[@millasanosa36]

@@bettersax 👍👍👍

[@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.