Yamaha 4C Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review | How To Play The Saxophone

[@Maria-In-Motion]

I’ve started playing again (it’s been about a year and a half) on my 1984 Yamaha YAS-23 I got as a teenager but stopped playing then. I’ve tried a couple of mouthpieces but feel comfortable only on my Yamaha 4C that came stock with my horn back in the day. I’ve ordered another to have as backup. I’ll have to take my horn into a store to try different MPs to see what I can progress to.

[@christophervolk6087]

For anybody who is new to sax, the mouthpiece is the real instrument- the actual saxophone will not make that much difference in sound if you switch it up with the same mouthpiece. Find a mouthpiece / reed / ligature combo that works for your style and sound and go from there!

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

Yes, on the one hand you are correct Christopher Volk and I agree with you. On the other, from a beginner perspective, how does one choose "a mouthpiece / reed / ligature combo that works for your style and sound" ? It's a bit tricky without experience - and that's what I'm trying to give a little bit of in this video. Thanks for watching and for commenting !!! :-)

[@olhodeboi100]

I got a Jupiter 769-767 Alto Sax and I am using a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece. Reeds are Rico Plasticover. The problem is: #2 reed is too soft, it closes the tip of the mouthpiece when I blow with moderate strength. On the other hand, #2.5 is too hard for me to blow and it sounds with air. I am confused and don't know what to do.

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

@@olhodeboi100 perhaps try experimenting with putting more or less of the mouthpiece into your mouth. If the #2 closes the tip of the mouthpiece, then either you are squeezing your mouth/embouchure too tightly or you do not have enough of the mouthpiece actually in your mouth. If the #2.5 sounds too breathy, then make sure the reed is attached properly without too much gap between the top of the reed and the tip of the mouthpiece. Jumping up a reed size can take a little while for your mouth to adjust...hang in there ! Keep playing your saxophone !!

[@olhodeboi100]

How To Play The Sax Thank you for your kind reply. I will try your suggestions. Regards

[@derekakien7379]

@@olhodeboi100 Try moving the lig towards the tip on a soft reed. On a hard reed move the lig back towards the crook.

[@florca1026]

Hey! I’m going to buy a new mouthpiece for my alto sax next month. I have a Selmer S80 C mouthpiece now, and it has a beautiful sound, but it’s really hard to blow and after a couple of hours of playing, it makes my mouth hurt very much. I usually use a 2.5 or 3 Vandoren reed, but with this mouthpiece, it’s painful to use a 2 reed. I am above intermediate level, I play in different ensembles, so I have no idea what the problem with my mouthpiece is. Do you recommend a Yamaha 4C for intermediate-advanced players too, and do you think it would be easier to use it? Thanks for your answer. :)

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

Hi Flora, yes, the Yamaha 4C is a great all round mouthpiece. However, once you get a few years of playing under your fingers, and are no longer a "beginner", then unless you are playing a lot of classical music it might be a good idea to explore some other mouthpiece options. Given that you already have a Selmer S80 C mouthpiece, given that you are "above intermediate level" and you "play in different ensembles", I would strongly suggest that you physically go to your local woodwind/saxophone shop with your saxophone and try several different mouthpieces - including a Yamaha 4C or a Yamaha 5C. After you have tried a few, one will most likely stick out as being the easiest to play with the best sound suited to the style(s) of music that you like. Thanks for your question ! :-)

[@Spooky.Boogie.xj0461]

After playing for a bit it gets hard to play on and cant get a sound out i used to use a selmer c☆ but it broke and dont have money to get a new one. Do you have this problem?

[@MIKEDUZZI420]

I am a tuba and bass trombonist but I recently bought a student model alto sax. I am trying to get my sons interested in music, so I'm buying different instruments to have around the house. First off I noticed the mouthpiece our instrument came with has a small dent right at the tip where the reed sits. I went out and found the only alto mouthpiece our local store had on the shelf and it was a yamaha 4C. I think I paid about $10 US for it. I got a new ligature with it as well incase the other one dosent fit. I'm about to try it out and see if i can sound any better. I have a feeling the first mouthpiece I got is not sealing very well around that area.

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

Great plan - having multiple musical instruments around the house is a very good idea. If there is damage to your original mouthpiece, then yes, in all likelihood it is not going to function correctly. Sounds like for $10US you got yourself a bargain with your Yamaha 4C mouthpiece ! 🎷😊👍

[@MIKEDUZZI420]

@@HowToPlayTheSax I looked back at my purchase and realized that I made a mistake. I had picked up the mouthpiece from a bin that said $10. However when I looked back at the transaction receipt I realized I actually paid around $35! I put it on my guitar center gear card and i didnt even pay attention to the final price because i just needed it regardless of price. My bad on that one! Since then however i have almost gone through a box of 2 strength Java green reeds and i feel like I'm progressing rather well. Definitely better than the 4c cecilio mouthpiece the horn came with which is unusable until its repaired.

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

@@MIKEDUZZI420 Thank you for clarifying Mike. $35 is certainly not a bad price at all. May I suggest that it is unlikely to be worth your while or effort or $$$ to get your other mouthpiece repaired. But, please keep having fun, playing saxophone, being awesome and repeating !!!

[@derekakien7379]

I blew a 4c on my Elkhart deluxe Alto. Moved on to a 6c which I dropped on the floor and smashed so moved up to a 7c - louder and fuller sound. Now blow a Beechler Bellite 8* with a Fibracell 2.5 - can be very loud so have to rein it in on ballads, not very forgiving either. The Yamaha mpcs are terrific value for money - you won't get a better mpc unless you pay a LOT more. Also play a 7c on my Conn Selmer Liberty with D'Addario filed 2.5. People have told me the sound is excellent!

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

Thanks for your comment and suggestions Derek Akien . I hate it when gravity is not your friend...I've dropped and broken mouthpieces too !

[@derekakien7379]

Meant to say the Liberty is a Soprano. Doh! Also another Taiwanese horn. Nice engineering.

[@Hiroyuki_T]

Im a classical player and i need to choose another mouthpiece. Do i need a Yamaha 4C/5C or Prologue by SeleS alto mouthpiece?

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

The Yamaha 4C is a good "all round" mouthpiece. The 5C is just a little bit bigger, which in turn can be a good thing for some people and their style of playing. Having said that, I do not know anything at all about the Prologue by SeleS alto mouthpiece at all, I'm sorry - I have never played one. My suggestion would be to go to a music shop, take your saxophone with you and try a few mouthpieces ! You may just find one that almost plays itself.... :-)

[@Hiroyuki_T]

@@HowToPlayTheSax rip there are no music shops here. What I meant was there are some but there are no saxes nor it's accessories

[@pwincey]

What strength Reed was used?

[@jamesbagguley3448]

Hi Matthew . Thanks, this video has been very informative . Could you tell me if I need a different ligature to go with this ? Does the ligature matter to the tone etc as I'm struggling to find information on this . I'm very new to playing a saxophone so could you advise me on this . I started playing with the original reed of 2.5 and didn't have too many problems , but had heard that a 1.5 is for a beginner so switched . What is happening now is I find I'm going up an octave when not intended without pressing the octave key . Does this make sense ? I guess more work on my technique will help on this . Will definitely be getting a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece as have seen many positive reviews on this . Thanks James

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

You do not need a different ligature - any ligature will do the job. However, yes, different ligatures can change the sound slightly. Warning - buying mouthpieces and ligatures can be addictive, and therefore expensive :-) Good on you for experimenting with reed sizes.....go for it ! A softer reed can change octaves more easily if you are used to a harder reed. Maybe try a size 2 as well, and a couple of different brands in different sizes too, then decide which one you like the best. There is no real "right" or "wrong" with reeds and reed sizes. A hard reed on a smaller size mouthpiece (like the Yamaha 4C) can be very different to a softer reed on a larger size mouthpiece. It all comes down to personal taste and preference. The main thing to remember is : have fun, play saxophone, be awesome, repeat ! 🎷🎷🎷

[@jamesbagguley3448]

@@HowToPlayTheSax Thank you . I'm enjoying playing the Sax and having lots of fun along the way . Will let you know how I get on . Thanks again

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

@@jamesbagguley3448 😊👍🎷

[@brainwoodman1646]

What affordable mouthpiece would you recommend for a newly intermediate player wanting to upgrade a mouthpiece for a jazzy/ bright sound?

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

D'addario make some good ones. I have a couple of suggestions here: howtoplaythesax.com/resources/

[@Lavrin123]

I have been adviced to get custom series. YAMAHA AS-4CM Custom Series Alto Sax. Man(orchestra saxophonist) told that customs are from ebonite and its good for beginners and for advance musicians too. Did you try it?

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

No, sorry, I have not tried it. Did you like it when you tried it ? What did you end up getting ?

[@AndreyOkhrimets]

This is a bit incorrect. Pross playing classical music preffer short tip opening. I do play classical music and I like control of short tip opening, and also stacatto. But it is incorrect to say like that. I would say that 4c is universal mouthpiece. And later student will take wide tip opening if they play jazz for example. But 4c is great starting mouthpiece.

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

I agree Andrey - the Yamaha 4C mouthpiece is a great universal mouthpiece :-)

[@negovei1]

Hello, What is the 4C stand for? Thanks

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

That's a really good question. I don't think it really stands for anything specific (eg C is for Cookie, and that's good enough for me). I think it just denotes a specific size of chamber inside the mouthpiece itself. The 5C is bigger than the 4C...in theory, the bigger the chamber and the gap between the tip and the reed, the louder/rockier the mouthpiece is suited for playing. 👍😊🎷

[@obakengobii6106]

What saxophone brand are you using ?

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

Ultimately, the brand of saxophone itself does not really matter. In general, the more you pay for a saxophone, usually, the better it is. However, a cheap saxophone with a great mouthpiece is soooooooo much more affordable and arguable just as good ! I fully recommend Yamaha saxophones - old or new - if budget allows. 🎷

[@trollgey124]

Which size of reed will it fit?

[@trollgey124]

Will it be a 1.5 or a 2.5

[@trollgey124]

and also i am a beginner

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

The Yamaha 4C Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece will fit all Alto Saxophone reed sizes. The length and width of an alto saxophone reed are all exactly the same, irrespective of "size". Reed size represent the thickness of a reed - the bigger the size number, the thicker the reed and therefore the harder it is to play. You need a strong embouchure (mouth muscles) to play a hard reed ( a bigger size reed). But all alto sax reeds will fit a mouthpiece designed for an alto saxophone. :-)

[@ramdhan15]

can i get the altisimo in yamaha 4c ?? i think the sound thin in high not , how a bout 5c?

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

Yes, you should be able to with a 4C. A 5C might be better. However, please be aware that altissimo notes and fingerings are for advanced saxophone players with many years of experience. However, please keep playing your saxophone !

[@timedriverable]

You might also mention a compatible reed size as well when beginning the sax...Thanx

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

You have raised a valid point David B - the best saxophone reed that would compliment this mouthpiece from a beginners perspective is going to be either a Rico or Rico Royal size 1.5 or maybe a size 2. Thanks !!

[@timedriverable]

i just started playing 4 days ago with a yamaha 23 rental. I could hit the low b flat without much effort. Coming from a flute background has given me a slight edge I think.Anyway I bought some Rico #2 and 2.5 at the time of the rental, and seems to be working out.I was also thinking of trying the Bari synthetic "soft" reed. Thanx for your response

[@jasonandrews9058]

Hey David did you purchase the Bari synthetic as yet. I have a soft Bari for tenor sax and they are quite difficult to play with in my opinion.

[@timedriverable]

@@jasonandrews9058 Hav'nt yet but will be soon coming, it might be easier on my alto, will see. Thanx

[@derekakien7379]

@@jasonandrews9058 I found Bari* sounded better.

[@eduardlouiesegundo3335]

Can i use this yamaha 4c mouthpiece to my Vito alto saxophone?

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

Yes !! Yes you can :-) Have fun, play saxophone, be awesome, repeat !

[@derekakien7379]

I used a Fibracell. Sounded good.

[@mr_shaikh4811]

this is best mouth pease......for saxophon yamaha y a s 21 ....

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

Hi Altaf - yes, this is the best mouthpiece for a Yamaha YAS 21. Thanks for watching :-)

[@mr_shaikh4811]

@@HowToPlayTheSax ur whatsap nmbr ?....

[@jasonandrews9058]

I play the tenor yamaha 4c mouthpiece and I approve this message.

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

Awesome - Thanks Jason :-)

[@aidan4473]

I play on the 5c but I am awaiting the syos 3D printed mouthpiece

[@norvillerogers6110]

I've been using this with my Yamaha alto (I don't recall what model) and I don't know what the issue is but I seem to constantly get squeaking and I have issues in altissimo range. I can't growl very easily either. I'm on a Java size 3 reed.

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

Hi Norville Rogers - I would suggest getting a softer reed. Maybe experiment with a size 2 or even a 1.5 reed. This will give you more control overall which will help with the altissimo high notes. The growl is a little tricky in that its partly a vocal noise actually using your vocal chords as iff you were signing or humming along while playing at the same time. Keep having fun, keep playing your saxophone, keep being awesome and keep repeating ! Thanks for watching !! :-)

[@norvillerogers6110]

@@HowToPlayTheSax Okay will do, thank you

[@camthesaxman3387]

Your microphone was clipping when you played the sax.

[@napieraustin]

Yamaha good all around. Dirt bikes and quads too

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

Yes - they make some really good things - Yamaha pianos and saxophones are amazing and their PA gear is pretty good too. Apparently they used to make Archery gear (bows and arrows) too. 😁👍🎷

[@djaydeej9450]

Vandoren java red 2.5 was great to use with the 4c ..it sounds pretty good.

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

Thanks djay deej :-)

[@YNGSwish]

What does 4c stand for

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

The "4" represents the overall size and the "C" represents the gap between the mouthpiece and the tip of the reed. In theory , however, it's just a random name - like Alijah, or Matthew, or HowToPlayTheSax - that has been given to a thing to vaguely describe it ! Thanks for watching and please keep playing your saxophone :-)

[@alexpolanski1898]

спасибо)

[@HowToPlayTheSax]

и тебе спасибо i tebe spasibo :-)

[@BluelightGaming1]

For some reason his playing in this video sounds very buzzy