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Finding the right mouthpiece for saxophones
Feel-good factor: saxophone mouthpiece!
The saxophone mouthpiece is the interface between human and machine. It connects you to your instrument. As the name suggests, the saxophone mouthpiece is the part of the instrument that the player places in their mouth. You should therefore choose the saxophone mouthpiece according to your own anatomy and personal comfort. In combination with the player's correct embouchure and the reed, the mouthpiece becomes the source of the sound.
Each mouthpiece is different
Keep in mind that there are specific mouthpieces for each type of saxophone — soprano, alto, tenor or baritone — whose designs differ slightly, and that each model has its own sound. As you become more advanced you'll usually have several mouthpieces in your collection so you have the right one to hand — or in your mouth — for different situations and requirements. In our stores in Walldorf and Frankfurt you can try mouthpieces for all wind instruments. Our specialist staff are available to help and advise you.
Less is sometimes more!
To get into the world of saxophones, one mouthpiece is enough for now. As a beginner you should choose a mouthpiece whose tip opening, which we'll explain in a moment, is not too wide. The mouthpieces that are included with most saxophones are therefore very well suited for those first steps.
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All I understand here is "tip opening"!
The tip opening is the distance between the mouthpiece tip and the reed. The wider the tip opening, the more dynamics can be produced by the reed's vibrations. However, you should bear in mind that achieving good intonation with an open tip requires a larger airstream. Generally speaking, the open variants are therefore better suited to more advanced saxophonists. Conversely, we therefore recommend beginners choose a saxophone mouthpiece with a narrower tip opening. In the end, though, choose the mouthpiece according to your own anatomy and personal comfort. After a few hours of playing your instrument your preferences will develop by themselves.
Numbers and names provide guidance
Different mouthpieces also vary in their chambers and the already mentioned tip openings. The specifications for these are labelled differently depending on the manufacturer. Sometimes the designations are letters, numbers, letters with numbers, numbers with asterisks or other special characters. To help you find your way, remember that the earlier a letter appears in the alphabet or the smaller the number, the smaller the chamber or tip opening will generally be. The asterisks or special characters usually indicate intermediate groups.
Suitable accessories for mouthpieces
Technique matters
At first, it's mainly about getting familiar with the technique and producing your first clean tones. Later our specialist sales staff will gladly give you an overview of the different variants and possibilities in a personal consultation. Otherwise, faced with the seemingly endless variety of different mouthpieces, you'll quickly not be able to see the wood for the trees on your own.
Bronze, silver and gold
Even beginners can already spot initial differences in the material. The most common mouthpieces are offered in metal and rubber. Other models can also be made from plastic or resin, ceramic, ebonite, bronze or even gold.