Your First (Proper) Tenor Jazz Mouthpiece

Looking to buy your first Jazz Mouthpiece but feeling a bit daunted by the huge range of options available to you? Mike picks out a range of beginner Jazz mouthpieces, for Tenor Saxophone, that are accessible, fun to play on and won’t break the bank.
Otto Link - bit.ly/2Py2mZF
D'Addario Select Jazz - bit.ly/2zdfFEF
Jody Jazz HR - bit.ly/2DqqmGF
Vandoren V16 - bit.ly/2DJ8yrv
Saxophones - www.sax.co.uk/saxophones-shop...
Mouthpiece - www.sax.co.uk/mouthpieces-lig...
Ligatures - www.sax.co.uk/mouthpieces-lig...
Reeds - www.sax.co.uk/reeds.irc
Saxophones Bags & Cases - www.sax.co.uk/accessories-sax...
Gift Vouchers - www.sax.co.uk/gifts-gift-vouc...
Webshop: www.sax.co.uk/
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Instagram: @sax.co.uk | / sax.co.uk
Blog: www.sax.co.uk/blog

[@renefelix2547]

This video could not have come at a better time! I've just gotten my first tenor, on my Fifth year of study, and I'm looking for a good tenor jazz mouthpiece. Phenomenal job as always guys!

[@saxworldwide]

Thanks Rene. Really glad the video is of use to you!

[@brucetan66]

Otto Link: 2:45 D'Addario Select Jazz: 5:10 Vandoren V16 (M): 7:26 Jody Jazz HR: 9:51 Vandoren V16 (L): 12:19

[@aaronbensi9723]

The Otto link for sure.. A slant even better... But the secret is practice...as you know.. Stick to one mouthpiece and practice...the rest will come..👍

[@abhinavcheedella4296]

I play on the Otto link 7 hard rubber because it sounds older and gives you that classic jazz sound

[@OscarRurzagasti]

Excellent demonstration, very clear sound, obvious differences in sound, now I have a clearer perspective of the sound that I want, thank you very much!

[@dereksg183]

Thank you for your help and your time in providing such a descriptive presentation on these various mouthpieces. This has allowed me to make my decision on my next mouthpiece. 🎷😊

[@TedMaciag]

You sound the best on the OL and D'Addario. The Vando just is not as complex as those two. Ecellent job.

[@saxofonistacr]

If you like dark sounding try an SR Tech legend HR, fantastic playing mouthpieces, CNC made

[@romulomercadoii]

Just the video that I need

[@kevindeibert3369]

I really dig the sound of the Link . I have a metal 7* Link that I’ve had for about 40 years or so! I recently switched to the Daddario Select Jazz DM7 which I like but thinking of trying a hard rubber Link to see how it compares. I want to go dark but not too dark

[@dileepnaik1312]

Excellent video gave distinct difference of each mouth piece played

[@DobrisaDobrenic]

Fantastic, knowledgeable, and instructive explanations. Thank you!

[@ikeeichenberg9068]

My personal favorite jazz mouthpiece is the Otto Link Vintage 9*

[@logansummitt9193]

I use a brillhart ebolin 6☆ on my tenor and I love it

[@pedrodavidrodrigues3481]

Thank you for the video! Mike is a really badass saxofonist!! I was wondering , which one is easier to play in tune ?!

[@kaiserthegreat]

Least favorite was Jody Jazz, favorite was either Otto or either V16. His mouth is not my mouth, so taking all that with a grain of salt, BUT...nice to get a list of ideas to try out. Great video.

[@BobDoherty]

Interesting he finds the Jazz select brighter than the the V16. I always thought the v16's are really harsh/thin in the palm keys.

[@vincentrolfe1384]

I appreciate your video as here. The older model V16 gets my vote.

[@jagandasohan]

I'm using jody jazz HR, really love it

[@StoneysWorkshop]

this might sound crazy, but if you like a Ben Webster tone you can try a Sigurd Rascher mouthpiece. With a 3 plasticover reed it really opens up!

[@johnporf9546]

What about the super tone Master?? I started playing on one the first year of my sax studies and it worked fine for me.

[@geoffreycox8687]

V16 (M) by a mile for me. Easily the best mix of dark/light and volume/cut

[@TownHouseFilms]

Really helpful. Thanks Mike.

[@emilsimonsen1259]

Nice vid! Should I bring my own sax if I want to check out your mouthpieces?

[@rosendosanchez4288]

Hello I have a question I play alto sax and I'm getting a tenor, but I want to know about the tenor mouthpieces is the opening the same in tenor and alto mouthpieces? My ideal tip opening for alto is .085 if I get the same tip opening in a tenor mouthpiece will work? or is different because of the instrument?

[@stephennewcomb7850]

What is the finish on that horn? It looks like a ref36 or a ref54 but I have never seen that finish before. Looks Great!

[@thesmellycatjazz]

Are you guys going to redo the tenor comparison video, but play the song all in the same key? You should redo that one.

[@HansBaier]

I liked the sound of the Tone Edge best

[@janymikeptz1156]

Great video, thanks for sharing it. Also, could you share what your doing for the warm-up exercise too please :)

[@janymikeptz1156]

Also, Mike since you're kind of a mouthpiece guru it would be super helpful if you could do a video on the differences (to the player not the tip opening) between say a 5, 5*, 6, 6*, 7,7*, etc... so as a player we can know which ones are easier to blow on and which ones will require more air and any other variables such as bright vs. dark that may be relevant. I know I'd really appreciate a better understanding of the sizes from this perspective. Thanks in advance!

[@JoeTigheOnline]

Well now. A good sax player adjusts to each player. And you make each mouthpiece sound great. I would ask you which one gives you the most flexibility of the bunch. You made them all sound great.

[@zachlevin7508]

Can you guys do a video on the more expensive peices (i.e Theo Wanne, more expensive Jody jazz pieces, etc?

[@anonymousguy7723]

Zach Levin Go to the KZbin channel of a guy called: Sirvalorsax. He does excellent non biased reviews and he’s a cool cat too. He’s a Gigging musician or a cruise ship 🚢

[@benjaminfalcone2074]

@@anonymousguy7723 ah yes, another fan, hello there

[@daddycavefish]

serious sweet, what model otto link, vintage or standard , i am looking exactly looking for this piece, being your a saleman for this company , could you pick me a good one , even rails, even tip thickness and even table

[@SwegCraftFTW69]

Pls do a video like this for baritone saxophone mouthpieces!!!

[@mslourenco100]

great job! Thanks

[@RoseCadenza]

If I were to get a new jazz mouthpiece, I'd probably the Jody Jazz. I like the darker tone. :D

[@Danox94]

I liked the Otto Link the best actually

[@landocycle]

What sax are you playing in this video?

[@HansBaier]

What's the horn?

[@Edspillanemusic]

I like the V16 T7 with V16 3 reeds and a Francois Louis Ultimate ligature. Nice focused neutral sound...

[@lucassstache8069]

Ed Spillane I use a V16 T8 with a Vandoren Ligature and 2.75 legere reeds

[@SwegCraftFTW69]

Can you do one for bari and alto pls?

[@marshallowns]

Would love to know the details on the first exercise you played on the Otto

[@Velobetty]

I use a Link but do like the sound of that Van M! Any chance you could go through some of the other smaller names too. The choice is overwhelming so even trying them all is hard! :)

[@big_meaty_thighs2519]

Do i need to get jazz reeds though!?

[@Zaursax]

Hi! Could you please tell me where I can get a good quality ligature for tenor a metal mouthpiece?

[@SavvySaxy]

For some reason I can tell more of a difference in sound with different mouthpieces than saxes. Maybe that's because I only really listen to the same brand of saxes though(P. Mauriat). I tell a big difference in these, however I think they're all really good. And like he said, they don't break the bank. I think I would like any of these mouthpieces however I would have to try them out to see if they're comfortable first. Personally have a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece that came with my Yamaha YTS 200AD and I'm looking to upgrade.

[@dynoroad]

It all makes sense if you look at the complete chain of sound development. The sound starts with your throat and mouth which combined makes the most important "chamber" if you will. A long way after that comes the mouthpiece and reed, and then the neck, and lastly the saxophone. In terms of timbre, the saxophone is the least important factor, by far. Playability is another thing!

[@klaytyson759]

What about the Meyer jazz mouthpiece, from my personal experience my tone is a lot better with the Meyer instead of the Otto Link?

[@woodboy56]

What's your guys opinion on Meyer saxophone mouthpieces

[@devina8336]

Reed size and brand?

[@locasax]

Complimenti ottimo confronto con altrettanta spiegazione tecnica. Comunque preferisco il suono ottolink. 👋

[@alexandregomesleme4226]

Som do sax tenor muito bom 👍🙋

[@EytanLerner]

Which number was the JJ HR?

[@saxophonemechanic5454]

Link 2:45 - D'Addario 5:10 - Van (M) 7:25 - Jody 9:50 - Van (L) 12:20

[@TheHensons_]

another question, how much of a difference does an expensive sax make compared to using a good mouthpiece on a cheaper sax?

[@iansaxmusic]

Not much at all as long as there are no leaks in the horn. Your mouth is the most important factor in sounding good, not your mouthpiece or sax.

[@rkomada88]

Really expensive saxes are a waste of money. All you need is a classic King or Conn, Selmer if you can afford it, put on a Link Mouthpiece, preferably metal, and away you go. If all you have is a Pan American or an Asian sax, that doesn't really matter, just get that Link on it and go baby go, Parker didn't need fancy horns and neither did Prez.

[@Sirvalorsax]

What tenor and neck is that?

[@saxworldwide]

It's a Selmer Reference 54 with a solid silver Selmer Paris neck

[@toomuchtoofast4533]

Otto link? Buy 4 of them on Amazon and return the three that suck. Try a Yamaha 6C for $40 w a jazz reed. Unreal value and consistency is second to none

[@joerumler48]

The Jody for me.

[@minilkros9884]

İ want to start sax, but i haven't a sax. Which do you propose types of sax for new starter person?

[@themaskedmaestro4699]

Definitely get an alto sax. Its great for beginners

[@iSplashBtw]

The Masked Maestro but tenor in my opinion in much more fun

[@nilaychhasatia6048]

What's your take on the Brilhart Ebolins? I learned that Gene Ammons used them and I just love the timbre of his sound. They are quite cheap too but didn't find them on the website

[@rkomada88]

Only really the old Brilharts from the 30s through 50s are any good, and they have to be wide tip openings. The modern Brilharts available today can work well, but they have to be refaced to a wider tip, and they tend to be very high in pitch center and hang back way on the end of the pipe.

[@damianbiondo812]

This was very helpful. LIke a number of other commenters, I'm at the exact point to update a mouthpiece to a jazz idiom. Much thanks.

[@saxophonemechanic5454]

You sound best on the Link and D'Addario, actually best on the later. Great, "this vs this comparison demo", thank you.

[@BobDoherty]

I agree. I've been playing a V16 for a while but have never really loved the upper register on it. Very piercing. Thinking of trying that JJazz HR*.

[@estebanvenegas89]

Loved jody

[@marcushogan6613]

Hey guys, any recommendations on a mouthpiece for classic rock? Something metal I presume? I’m talking Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones etc...

[@TheAvgCommentator]

Material actually plays an almost imperceptible role in sound production on a mouthpiece. Metal will just give you a tiny little zing in the 4-6khz frequencies, but that's really it. As for that really bright stuff, from cheapest up, I recommend the Claude Lakey Hard Rubber (it's important you don't buy the darker metal CL), the Dukoff D, the Dave Guardala Studio I & II, the JodyJazz Super Jet, and the Theo Wanne Shiva. Yanagisawa metal is also nice for its versatility, but it's not as bright as these others.

[@TheAvgCommentator]

Any of these mouthpieces can and will bite your audience's head off if you're not careful. Once you've practice on these enough you will be capable of outputting damaging amounts of sound. Please be mindful. Invest in some high earplugs to protect yourself, while still being able to hear your sound while practicing. No, I'm not joking.

[@spiketaterman5181]

@@TheAvgCommentator LOL, I hear that!

[@adamsaunders790]

Has Babbitt improved their quality control in recent years? I remember having to try a dozen or so Otto Links (rubber or metal) to find a playable one. 4/5 were junk. If some serious players had already picked through the inventory, you were out of luck. With so many consistent and affordable options available today, It's hard to see someone picking through the modern Links, much less, paying full price for them. Has Babbitt stepped up their consistency?

[@_Matt8]

I would say no, I made the mistake of ordering an otto link online and it is not close to my old ottos

[@vladimirlopez7840]

I have a modern link and I would not buy another one. I’ve been playing a Daddario jazz select.

[@JasonBainDoesThings]

Second love your videos:)

[@saxworldwide]

Thanks Jason!

[@iSplashBtw]

What is he the piece hes playing

[@winstonpatterson7365]

How does the V16 compare to the Jumbo Java?

[@vladimirlopez7840]

The jumbo java is much brighter and buzzy. I own both and for me personally the jumbo java collects dust.

[@GioLaud]

I would love to see a review on the Jody Jazz Giant, there aren't a lot out there

[@musokid89]

I've got one for tenor, love it to bits

[@GioLaud]

@@musokid89 cool, does it actually have a warm and dark sound and with a lot of projection?

[@musokid89]

Yes, although I'm probably not the greatest player to demonstrate it. It's capable of way more sound colours than I can produce on it haha.

[@StoneysWorkshop]

seems some of the pieces really affected your ability on the low end, interesting to hear how pick up and play can affect moving around on the horn.

[@kevinnguyen4123]

i've got a selmer s80 c* and i'm thinking about upgrading... any tips?

[@MrBoybergs]

Do you like the fundamental sound and feel of the s80? If so, stick with an S80 but try out a C** or a D tip opening; it's a very good (classically biassed) piece but the C* is very narrow and may limit both breadth of tone and flexibility. Another (cheaper) option would be to stick with the C* but try upping your reed strength a notch and see if you achieve the sound and feel you like. But if you really feel the need to 'upgrade' then you can't go wrong with the Otto Link Tone Edge at about a 5-6 tip opening. Do not be tempted to buy online just to save a few quid unless you are offered a trial/return period; otherwise it's too much of a shot in the dark. I'd strongly suggest going to a shop and spending a good while trying out various pieces side by side before making a decision.

[@kevinnguyen4123]

@@MrBoybergs all right, thanks man :D

[@JoeTigheOnline]

D'Addario for my ear.

[@devu7730]

What is the tune that he plays called?

[@yologuy7771]

Facts i didnt realize until you said it

[@robertgalardi3731]

just thought the larger vandoren was best ,, i played the zuma vandoren and still do but also play THE BOBBY DUKOFF Metal mouthpiece .. which i really like with a bigger sound .. check it out with a professional who played with woody herman and he agreed . Dukoff for tenors Meyer for altos .. just sayin' bobby G.

[@leycroftcoman5487]

A good video where did this bloke go ?

[@anonymousguy7723]

I ended up with a Theo Wanne Gaia at 7*... They are really well made and hold their value. I’m not crazy about the Otto Link. I really hate the ligature that they use. And the craftsmanship is not like Theo Wanne. For low volume, I use a Selmer S80 in C* It’s the best bang for the buck in a classical hard rubber mouthpiece. For soprano, I brought the Theo Wanne Durga 3. I cannot see the rationale of buying cheap mouthpieces and trying to have them sound like an expensive mouthpiece....

[@djuanboyd2642]

What is that song called that you did in the beginning of the video

[@ethannankivell5009]

If you mean the first song he demo'd, it's called St. Thomas.

[@iSplashBtw]

Ethan Nankivell I can’t find a at Thomas piece that is the same as what he is playing

[@dantheman6920]

it's all about the gear and set up. If i had all this stuff i'd be as good as this guy

[@big_meaty_thighs2519]

I PLAY ON A 3 FYI PLAEASE RESPOND BEFORE CHRISTMAS ;)

[@marcogue_]

Every mouthpiece with dark sound. And if I’d like to sound like Micheal Brecker? What I have to do? Lol

[@wammytammy]

I have two recommendations for you at this price point. My first is the Vandoren Jumbo Java. It's at a similar price point and while I've never played that piece, I've played their pieces and they make excellent mouthpieces. My second recommendation is checking out Arnold Montgomery! He makes fantastic, hand made mouthpieces at an affordable price. I would recommend following him on instagram (@arnoldmontgomerymouthpieces) and waiting till he has a sale and getting one then (he has LOTS of them). If you were to go for one of his pieces, I'd probably go with either the Katana or the Ankh for that Brecker sound! Good luck!

[@Homeros__]

2:34 9:40 12:10 5:00

[@brycebaliko7050]

Was expecting the MEYER 5M when he called the first mouthpiece the absolute go to lol

[@adithyasriram633]

Haha same

[@LeMelleKH2]

That's mostly for alto, not tenor

[@vladimirlopez7840]

Maybe for alto. Not Tenor

[@bwalters7777777]

You sax uk guys are grand! The sad thing for me is I live on the other side of the planet. (Canada - God Save the Queen!) I did order an instrument from you about six months ago and was very impressed with the whole process, except dealing with importing. Thanks for the great vids!

[@saxworldwide]

Hi Will, great to hear you were pleased with our service. We hope you're getting all well with the sax!

[@paperbeatsrock_]

How fast did your sax arrive? Do you remember?

[@bwalters7777777]

Its a Yana SW02U and I'm so, so happy with it. It's a beautiful instrument, easy playing and has a nice dark mellow tone. I love it!

[@bwalters7777777]

Hi Jason. Sax UK delivered it quickly. It was in Canada about a week after I ordered it. After that I had to jump through a number of hoops to import it through Canada Customs and it took another week or-so.

[@paperbeatsrock_]

@@bwalters7777777 thank you so much for responding :)

[@moghulkant3722]

Can you guys do an alto version of this

[@ajibolafalade5630]

Can you guys please do the same video for Alto!!!!

[@cypher526]

Jay Metcalf (@Better Sax) reviewed pretty much the same 4 pieces in his "Best Tenor Saxophone Mouthpieces Under $200" video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4KqooKwf7GafbM). The D'Addario seemed to be the winner in that review.

[@Craig2760]

Get a good Otto Link metal. Have a mouthpiece specialist hand finish it and you’ll never need to go shopping again.

[@o.m.a]

too bad there's not the reeds used with the mouthpieces !

[@benjaminfalcone2074]

When he started improvising on the d'addario select jazz: Me: THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE

[@BobDoherty]

I think the Link and D'addario sound best. The Vando's are too brittle up top and the Jody Jazz sounds like he can barely get a sound out.

[@peepbeepmemecreep7283]

Lol I am literally going to buy a Jupiter CTS-80 today

[@logan-dd6iv]

18th

[@Jazzcaz15]

Nearest Underground Station? ...... For us northerners!

[@stevenwainwright8612]

Waterloo :)

[@saxworldwide]

Waterloo, Blackfriars and Southwark are all near by!

[@Jazzcaz15]

Sax .co.uk Just looking up the route from St Pancras.

[@alexischavez6137]

Green screen

[@bryan6992]

First

[@loublue9614]

is no one gonna talk about his Hilteresque mustache?

[@basicallyalandershowitz]

Stop playing St Thomas so f ing fast. It ruins it.

[@59trader43]

rubbish

[@toomuchtoofast4533]

Lol, the review would be two hours long. It is a beauty of a piece at original tempo though.

[@rkomada88]

Otto Links have to be metal in order to be any good at all. Playing jazz on a hard rubber or ebonite mouthpiece on a tenor sax is like yelling into a pillow. The metal actually adds projection and fullness. All these mouthpieces lack any real impact and you better pray that there's a microphone at the gig you're going to.

[@cliffwhite2812]

It is the internal design that gives projection not the material. For example, try Rico plastic (metallite or graftonite) or high baffle hard rubber pieces like Berg Larsen. Check out SYOS and their power and projection, and their mouthpieces are not metal.

[@LeMelleKH2]

This is the most headass inaccurate comment on how mouthpieces work

[@vladimirlopez7840]

You obviously don’t know how mouthpiece design works. And do your research on all the incredible jazz players that have used hard rubber mpc’s

[@pas0003]

Otto Link: 2:34 D'Addario Select Jazz: 5:00 Vandoren V16 (M): 7:14 Jody Jazz HR: 9:40 Vandoren V16 (L): 12:08