The only problem Jim is as the upgrades occur so do the improvisations and we are not really left comparing mouthpieces alone but how you are playing as well. Please simplify for a true sound / tone comparison. Thanks :-)

@anthonydiecidue7916

7 жыл бұрын

David Hawkins I was thinking the same thing

@patrickkoh1056

6 жыл бұрын

IMHO, he plays to their strengths or show key dif.. The point is one still have to go try ARMED with his brief summary of each that is most helpful, in a short video i affirm some understanding of the key dif between Y, selmer, otto, meyer, JJ, van, etc, and THAT is VERY GOOD already. Some can play a lot but we cannot really APPRECIATE what the KEY dif are and why that sound/tone?

@velvetimpulse

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah I had the same problem. Specially at the later portions I really can't tell the difference anymore because I can't separate between what's the mp is supposed to sound vs what he is playing on it.

@feelnrite

5 жыл бұрын

I totally agree.

@mrlawilliamsukwarmachine4904

5 жыл бұрын

David Hawkins I think the only way to do it is to have a load of saxes lined up with the mouthpieces already set up and tuned with the same Reed. Or swap the same reed over for each take/mouthpiece, then tune it...then start recording and play from sheet music, then the same scale(s) to a metronome. Then improvise a bit based on how the specific reed pulls you. Prior to the improv, would be perhaps an attempt at classical, an attempt at jazz, and blues. This sounds like overkill, but I’m a sysadmin by day.

Very well done Jim. Personally for me it's difficult to hear the differences as much as I would like. But as you said, the best thing is if people can play them all and then they will be able to clearly see which one feels and sounds the best for them. You are doing a fabulous job for the sax community Jim! Sincerely, Jody Espina

@LarryLenau

7 жыл бұрын

Whoa... didn't expect to see such a renowned mouthpiece manufacturer here. Nice.

@RoofTopPigeon

7 жыл бұрын

What size tip opening did you use with the otto link mouth piece in this video?

@grantkoeller8911

7 жыл бұрын

Otto Link 6* is the same as Meyer 7MM

@soundofhonourgospelband2136

5 жыл бұрын

haahahaha, is difficult to hear differences

@kaletsugas

5 жыл бұрын

coming from a yamaha 4c, which would be the Jody Jet alto mouthpiece to get. As I saw from online stores, there are different sizes.

Yamaha 4c 1:33 Selmer C** S80 5:19 Selmer concept 6:49 Meyer 6 8:01 Ottolink 10:08 Jody Jazz 11:06 Vandoren V5 12:21 D'addario Select Jazz 13:31

@alincimporescu

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I love how the video seems so chill. The guy talking always has a nice voice and the playing is amazing. Love these quality videos.

Excellent video. I've just bought an D'addario Select Jazz D6M and played it for the first time for two hours. I always use cork grease but the MP still went on very tight. When I twisted off the MP it removed 1/3rd of the neck cork with it. My previous MP was a Selmer S80 C** and that fitted on pretty tight but the inside of the MP was very smooth so it never damaged the cork. On inspection I found the D'addario MP very rough on the inside and using a piece of very fine Emery paper turned around a 15mm tube I polished the inside until it was smooth and shiney. It's a shame that I didn't inspect the inside of the MP before I played it, because that would have saved my neck-cork. So here's the warning guys: Always check the inside of a new MP before fitting it on your sax!!!

I have been playing jazz for a little while now, I have noticed that even variations in reed placement can have a pretty big impact on my jazz tone

Why would you play a different thing on each mouthpeice with a different style? Bias? There's no true evaluation and comparison.

Where I am located, there is no store that I'm aware of in at least a 5 hour radius where I can actually try playing different mouthpieces or saxophones for that matter. So, I pretty much have to go off of a video like this, and after playing saxophone for more than 15 years I think this video is the best resource I have ever found. For me, the Otto Link sounds like the mouthpiece I would choose, with the Meyer being a second choice. I have barely played over the last 3 years, I need to get back into it and work on getting myself an Otto Link.

@iqi616

4 жыл бұрын

I've not been a fan of the Meyer 5M that I bought - it sounds a bit strangled. I much prefer the open sound of my Yamaha 4C. I'd like to have a mouthpiece that sounds open like the 4C but a little more delicate for the occasions where the sound of the 4C is too robust.

Thank you! Upgraded my daughter to a C* then to a concept. The concept is superior in my opinion. In fact her instructor whom has a masters degree in saxophone and is a Yamaha artist asked what mouth piece she is using on two different occasions. Told me that he wished many of his college students had that sound. Seriously consider the concept!! I might add we also upgraded her to a Theo Wanne ligature using the silver plate. WOW!!

@grantkoeller8911

7 жыл бұрын

truthfully, any ligature will sound fine....

@georgedrazenovich4869

6 жыл бұрын

Joe Caruso - completely agree on the concept. I have the Selmer concept and play in a community orchestra and receive compliments on sound. It is warm and darker and completely agree with the presenter’s assessment (he did a great job). While I try to avoid the gear acquisition syndrome, I also have a D’addario and I can tell the difference - it is good tooand I find projects louder and more focussed. The only problem is the bore (where it fits on the cork) on those really wears down the cork- but otherwise great piece and I really wouldn’t hesitate recommending it.. But for my community band and the type of music (classical-ish)the Concept is a better fit. But I am glad I have the D’Addario too and wouldn’t part with it

@pimpovic2

4 жыл бұрын

@@grantkoeller8911 not a true statement.

@grantkoeller8911

4 жыл бұрын

@@pimpovic2, I disagree , as you can test for yourself,,,,,truthfully, any ligature will sound fine....

@pimpovic2

4 жыл бұрын

Grant, the only reason I commented is because I have indeed tested for myself. For example, at the moment, I have a sample size of 3 ligatures. Each one is different from the next. A standard Rovner (Dark) plays a bit down the middle, but it's held back from expression because it has too much resistance. You can only blow so much air through it until the effort becomes fruitless. It doesn't allow for free blowing and expressive sound. If you're soloing and don't have to stand out, you can deal with a bit of muffle. The Rovner Mark 3 is a great mix of mellow sound but freedom to blow and play to any side you choose. You can make it mellow, or you can ramp it up to a loud expressive sound with a great possibility for articulation and crispness. The two Rovners are very different from one another. Not to mention the sound change when you flip the lig upside down. The only metal ligature I have at the moment is a Yani, and it is by far the brightest of the 3. It's the brightest and most expressive and allows the most free playing and ability to attack the notes. Paired with the right reed and mouthpiece it can be very bright sounding and would easily cut through in a group. There are several players that claim ligs only hold reeds in place, then there are those they claim they will transform the life of your first born. I don't agree with either extreme. I've tried several over the years and they each add their own special ingredient to the pot. To say otherwise is to do yourself an injustice. We are all in search of a certain sound, which is why we watch these videos incessantly. The mix of the 3 parts of mouthpiece, reed, and ligature is a never ending source of consternation to a player because each has the ability to tweak the sound that we're looking to achieve, and the one at which we currently have arrived. There is no one size fits all formula, this is evidenced by the number of options on the market. At the moment, my Rovner Mark 3 is my favorite lig. It's my best all rounder, and combined with my Meyer 6, and a 2.5 Hemke reed gives me the sweet sound I like. If I need to cut through, I'll change to a VanDoren ZZ or Alexander NY which allow for more expression and articulation, and switch to a metal lig. There's no comparison. In the right setting I might even use a Plasticover reed. There's so much variation to be found, I'm sad for you if you're missing it. I'd recommend you play around and find your favorite combo. *Edited to correct the ligature specifics. The more I was thinking about it, something felt off on my description. I went back and checked the original boxes and cleared up the exact models of Rovner I (thought I) was describing.

Jim this is the greatest lesson about different sounds that each mouthpiece can make with just one horn, more especially the beginner student one. I never had the opportunity to test all that because of a lack of saxophone-selling gear stores where I live. Thanks.

Been playing alto sax for about 5 years now and started to play tenor this year. I’ve never changed my basic plastic mouthpiece. Guess it’s time I get an upgrade. Thx for the tips.

Best sound with Selmer Concept and Meyer HR 6M, to me, old man who played all saxophones till my years of age. Thanks Jim. And good play you gave us.

It is so interesting hearing all the tonal differences. The Selmer Concept was my favourite. 😊

Oh, mann, there's more to mouthpieces than I thought! Thanks for these demonstrations, Jim. Total beginner here. Still on my 'Yamaha 4C' and don't really have a style yet. Definitely liked the sounds made on the 'Meyer' and 'Jody Jazz'. Looking forward to upgrading time!

Best comparison of affordable Upgrade mouthpieces for alto. And Great playing and Sound too.

Hey Jim! This video was very helpful! May you review some of the metal mouth pieces as well?

I can hear the tonal quality differences between the two mouthpieces. Great advice; informative discourse.

*plays jazz*“this one sounds more jazzy” *plays basic Bb scale* “this one is really bland”

Fine playing and a very informative video. Thank you!

Fabulous and insightful demonstration / video.

I bought a student alto saxophone just over a month ago and upgraded to the Yamaha 4C mouthpiece and Rico 2.0 reeds a Legere Signature 2 reed. It was easier to control and my playing improved but not a lot, expected that as a beginner. More recently after seeing this, I wanted to try a different mouthpiece but not being able to go anywhere that I could test some, after seeing this I wanted a mouthpiece that wouldn't be restricting to what I could play so bought the Meyer 6M and a Rovner Versa ligature with Legere 2 1/4 reeds. I liked the sound of the D'addario Select Jazz, but with people saying its tight fitting and can take of the cork on the neck, I decided to not get it. After getting the moutpiece, I found the Meyer was a a bit tight fitting on my saxophone neck and even with a good amount of cork grease (may need a little more) it shaved off a slight amount of cork when I was removing it over the easy fitting Yamaha 4C. Despite that, when I started playing on it, I found I was able to get a better sound almost instantly and was able to have more control over the sound and tone. I first used the Rovner Versa Lig with the metal plate resting on the reed and I was getting the bright, big sound you mentioned (my neighbours will like that I am sure!), but with the Rovner versa lig, I put the rubber flaps over the plate and played again and got a bit of a more darker tone which I was able to control more. Almost sounded like I was playing a different saxophone at first there was such a difference in the sound.

very interesting video Jim thank you ! I'm playing with the Yamaha 4C as beginner for 8 months and you video will help me for the next , very informative thank you. Cheers from Belgium

@bs4scoop935

11 ай бұрын

I’m in the exact same boat as you were when you posted this 2 years ago 😂. Got myself a JodyJazz HR* :)

Thank you for the help mate!

I almost fell into a peaceful, relaxing slumber listening to your voice! I forgot I was looking for sax mouthpieces 😂

Brilliant review, thanks. Would love to hear the same with Tenor's, this time also with some metal options!

Great video - I'm pointing my students this way from now on.

Again, *very* helpful.

Very informative. Thank you.

Very helpful, thanks jimbo

I 've playing since August, where I baught my sop. sax ... and I already upgrade d my mouth piece , so if in doubt you can't go wrong with the Jodi Jazz 6*, beutiful, warm, full sound and free blowing ... I just started using val. 2.5 V12 reeds, I like the resistance. ..and so far, the best tone Imo .... great video, keep up the good work, I'll be wanting a tenor soon ;)

Please do this for Bari! (and Tenor)

@saxworldwide

7 жыл бұрын

Thepineapplemonk We'll try go through all the saxes when we get time 👍🏻

@RoofTopPigeon

7 жыл бұрын

What size tip opening did you use with the otto link mouth piece in this video?

@Seetheworldvids

7 жыл бұрын

Hi, it seems like it's a 6*, which is standard medium, equivalent to Meyer 7. I switched from Selmer S80 to Otto Link 6* and it was a happy change! I use it with Rico Jazz 3.5. Hope this helps!

@ianstevens1199

6 жыл бұрын

Sax .co.uk you better lol

This is super helpful, thanks!

I meant to order an Otto Link Tone Edge 6* but ended up ordering an 8* by accident, and it was the hardest transition I've ever made, especially from a Jupiter generic mouthpiece. I have gotten used to it, however, and it has great tone.

Very helpful. Thank you much.

USEFUL! Exactly similar to my experience - Played 4 years, from 4C to S-80 C* to Otto etc, etc, but my goto is JODY HR on YAS62 (then TJ signature custom raw which sounds better than Yamaha IMHO). JJ is open, lively, with just enough brightness, edge, loudness and punch, easy to control the sound you want with dif reeds and ligs. An mpc you can keep. To ME, the jazz select sounds most interesting - perhaps WHY you put as LAST and favourite w/o saying so. THANKS brilliant video. suggest u run up the whole scale for us to compare AND play dif things after to show their strengths.

Thankyou, I recently upgraded my tenor saxophone mouthpiece from the poor quality plastic one I got, to a much nicer one, before my mouthpiece made it so my saxophone couldn’t play past a D without ruining the tone, so I was using overtones only. Thankyou so much

Excellent video - I loved the Otto Link. Punchy with some soulful smokeyness in there hidden away.

I've been playing for over 6 and a half years and still play the 4c yamaha xD

@juliankochanowicz5626

4 жыл бұрын

I played for 10 years on the 4c and just realized that there is such a thing as upgrading the mouthpiece. Lol I'm dumb. I'll upgrade to the vandoren jumbo java

@vincenta.3049

4 жыл бұрын

@@juliankochanowicz5626 Same thing here haha Amazing how a whole new World is unveiling here 😂

@juliankochanowicz5626

4 жыл бұрын

@@vincenta.3049 I got an A8 V16. Took some getting used to but i love it. I already sound a thousand times better!

@iqi616

4 жыл бұрын

Been enjoying my 4C for 25 years. It's a nice mouthpiece.

@pjsax4033

4 жыл бұрын

@@juliankochanowicz5626 hi. Is this mouth piece good for pop ?? Many thanks Pat

Thanks, Jim

Loved my selmer concept. Great video!

The thing is, Jim, you could make a literal bent pipe with a reed sound awesome.

Really enjoyed this post.

hey, I love your videos, and I'm finally going to great Britain this summer and I am excited to visit your shop in London. Is it possible to make a video comparing your favorite metal tenor mouthpieces? I think that would be a really great and helpful video I hope to see you there next summer!

I thought I was trying to get back into playing Sax but now I really want to learn!! Very handsome ;)

Thank ur video was very helpful

I've been playing with a cheap plastic mouthpiece for 3 years of band and I never thought of upgrading until my teacher told us about it and I'm troubled on what to get but I think ill go for the meyer

@Ambaryerno

4 жыл бұрын

Don't knock plastic. Brilhart's mouthpieces from before they were bought out by Selmer (especially the early Great Neck, NY pieces) are some of the best mouthpieces ever made (and were certainly good enough for giants like Charlie Parker, Benny Carter, and Johnny Hodges). Two years ago I was trying out a bunch of pieces at my local shop, including a few modern Meyer, Berg Larsen, and Vandoren hard rubber pieces without much luck. Then I popped on a Brilly Personaline tonalin, and my horn absolutely SANG. Now I play on a Great Neck (also tonalin) and I'll never play another piece again on my alto again.

Very good tip, plus I prefer the Vandoren

I wish this video had been around 25 years ago! I do enjoy the 4C that came with my YAS-62 but would like better dynamics because the instrument is so naturally powerful. I bought a Meyer 5-medium decades ago but rarely use it because the 4C sounds more open. I want to have the option of a more delicate sound but not strangled. A bonus would be greater ability to bend and blend. With my Buescher I could do that easily and smoothly but the Yamaha "clings" to the notes so I regret not keeping both instruments.

Wow Jim, you really made the sax shine with that Jody Jazz. Amazing sound from that one.

I would love to visit that shop!

@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823

5 жыл бұрын

I agree and I'm.a drummer.

@mrlawilliamsukwarmachine4904

5 жыл бұрын

rob warren I went there and bought a new alto. Then went back a week or so later and bought a new flute! You can really end up spending in there because it’s so relaxed, like a big toy shop or playground or something. One day I’ll go and try every type of instrument. I’ve never played any kind of trumpet or piccolo. I’ve only played alto sax and Bb clarinet. I’ve never tried an alto or bass flute either.

I'm pretty sure you sold me on the Jodi mouthpiece! i'm in the US but if i'm ever in england i'd love to check out your store!

Very informative, i am on basic plastic that came with my saxophone and looking to upgrade as a learner still, not sure what would be best for me. Yamaha 4c or Selmer C*

I love you guys, I just want to fly over to the U.K. And have a playing frenzy!

Thank you for the video....I use a metal Claude Lake 8* Alto mpc....it's a screamer when I want that and subito.works well to :-)

this was helpful

When you have the time, Jim, could you do a review of the different professional Yamaha horns collectively in the same video?

Thanks for the demo. I bought a used Yamaha 480 alto and came with a Selmer S80 C* and it wasn't free blowing enough and didn't seal great. I bought another Selmer S80 C* (was supposed to be original facing curve and tip) and had the same situation. I like the tone profile by means of being dark, having enough focus, etc. just I don't seem to have some lack of definition and free blowing experience with Vandoren traditional #3 compared to Yamaha 4C that came with my sax. I like to see in the realm of note definition (classical) and warm and kinda dark tone like Selmer C*, is there any other good mouthpiece (free blowing, fast response, good clear staccato, good control for pitch, in the same tip opening as Selmer C* or C** out there that you can point at? Thanks a lot.

Great information

I find that the Meyer is more for jazz. For me it's really obvious when I play compared to my classical C*

Thank You

Since your referencing beginners, you might also mention reed size as well

Personally love my HR * on my tenor sax (only 0.80 tip opening) but it's a fun piece to play on, I came from stock to 4c to HR*

Would it be a good idea to use different mouthpieces for jazz and classical playing, or should I try to find one that works for both?

Interresting comparssion. I'll watch this video again in a few years, when I master my new Instrument well enough that that the limiting factor will be not me, but the Mouthpiece... I'm an absolute Beginner, bought me a Yamaha YAS 280 (4C Mouthpiece was standard) about a month ago. So I guess the only Upgrades I'll need for a long time is emboucher and breath training -> peroids of long tone exercises. (and learning how to read notes...) Exciting times!

@SH1974

3 жыл бұрын

@@cj_ocean Uploaded 2 Vids recently about my Progress (have 3 months of practice now). I'm not the fastest learner, but I have much fun. Started Yesderday to learn some songs for Xmas...

@frankversteeg8107

3 жыл бұрын

i've had 10 lessons by now, started 21th of July, this week, last monday 5-10-20, i purchased a YAS 25, and it came with 2Yam4c mpc. the day after i went to the local retailer, its in the same village i live, and bought myself a Selmer Concept.... i playtested a Yam Custom, Vandooren Optimum, Selmer Cstar, Selmer Concept and a Selmer Seles Prologue.... the Concept came out the best for me, it plays so easily, nice sound and easy for tuning.

I’ve used the Yamaha 4c for 3 years and my stock ligature just broke should I upgrade both parts or just replace ligature?

If using the same (new?) reed, as the test progresses the reed will absorb water and sound much better. Best test would be to play the same phrases and then again in reverse order to negate water absorption effect.

When are you guys going to make another duet or quartet or trio etc.? (I think this is a question we all want to know) If you are, can it be one with Jim and Scott?

I would love to see this same video but with metals. Make it happen!

Do a video on different reeds such as the sizes and the different types of vandoren reeds or reed brands in general

the jody was my fav

Meyer - 8:01 Jody jazz - 11:06 D'addario - 13:31

Hey, great video! Do you have any suggestions for an intermediate/pro alto mouthpiece (as opposed to a beginner mouthpiece) that leans toward a more jazzy tone but is capable of great warmth for classical playing? Thanks!

@mimosahoang4264

7 жыл бұрын

Bryan Nguyen The Meyer or the Jodyjazz are my go to for something more of a hybrid.

Is it possible for you guys to make a video on the Eastman 52nd Street alto or tenor? Would be great.

Those Selmers sound gorgeous compared to my Yamaha 4C.

I can easily hear the difference.. Of course if you can't stick with the cheap one. But I am thinking that he plays differently expecting the cheap sound. Fair enough I had to edit because there was a mention of reed quality and strength. But that is equally as important as the mouthpiece. The Jody was quite bright, I think the Vandoren would be my choice, warmer tone, but then of course it could have been embouchure

I've been playing Alto for 5 years and I've been using a c* for 4 of those years what would you recommend to upgrade for classical, also I just started playing Jazz this year what would you recommend getting for starting out on Jazz

Really good videos as always... and i have a question about that Red Mouthpiece in the background... what mouthpiece is that ??

next time, please play the same excerpt or notes so that we can hear the differences more clearly. thank you

I’m 5 years in and have just never been able to afford a mouthpiece upgrade and now my stock mouthpiece cracked so now I’m looking for a solid budget upgrade I was thinking Vandoren V16 A6 small chamber

@pimpovic2

4 жыл бұрын

It will depend on what type of music you're playing. For a budget jazz piece, look at the Rico Metalite. Less than $30.

Thank you for the comparisons! I heard you say the Vandoren V5 was an "A35" but the video shows an "A45". Which one is it?

Good video :) can you do one for tenor mouthpieces? I have played tenor sax for years and that is the only one I own. What's interesting to me is you find that several companies make their best mouthpieces for what seems to be one size of sax (alto, tenor, soprano, etc.) For example, Meyer mouthpieces are regarded as some of the best for jazz on alto, but not as highly for tenor. I recently had some things stolen from a suitcase of mind when traveling, particularly my V16 T9 rubber mouthpiece. So I've returned to my very first jazz mouthpiece (Otto link 6* - a great intermediate choice), and it plays well but I am looking to upgrade again soon. Sorry for the long comment, but does that make sense? I would love to get some input from a video or something, even one with metal mouthpieces too. What I've found on the internet when looking for my next best choice mouthpiece has actually been quite unhelpful

could have all!

What would be the equivalent to the selmer concept's classical-tone-for-jazz-style for tenor sax?

I've been playing for 4 years on a stock stagg mouthpiece so ya I'm probably due for a upgrade

Hello Jim how are you today? I have a quick question, so I play the Alto sax and tenor sax overtime I play on my Alto the sides of my mouth release air and I can play but there is air coming out from the sides from my mouth, and I've tried a selmer C* and a selmer concept and they both still make the air come out, do you think you can help me and figure out what is wrong?

Can anyone suggest me which mouth piece to upgrade I had the C* mouthpiece for alto sax since 7th grade and now I want to upgrade I was thinking Meyer? Any suggestions?

I started with the Yamaha 6C. Now I've been playing for 4 years, what mouthpiece would you suggest me to upgrade to? Thank you!

I have been playing 2 years now always used the Yamaha 4 c but I am hearing a buzzing sound that drives me crazy. I was talking with the teacher and she suggested I move up to another more better have not done it yet but will soon. Do you think it is the mouthpiece that is causing the buzzing?

If you remember what key did you play in when you played the otto link mouthpiece?

can you please do a review on the Theo Wanne Mindi Abair signature mouthpiece?

Would you have any recommendation for an Aizen mouthpiece that would compare to those others? Thanks

Hi. What is the best mouth piece to play pop on alto saxophone. Many thanks Pat

So I've been playing saxophone for 3 1/2 years now and am a freshman in hs and currently for my alto I have a selmer goldentone (?) it's hard to read since the words are scratched off and I'm wondering if it's a good idea to switch mouthpieces or keep it. Any advice?

Make a video about the soprano mouthpieces!

can you make a similar video for tenor mouthpieces

Does it matter if the screw of the ligature is in front or behind the mouthpiece? I’ve seen people do both.

I've really found a JD Hite has a great sound on it. They had a pro line, but I purchased a cheap version for my Tenor and it performed almost as well. Great range, no squeaks you can get a nice "chewy" sound if you want... I just like them. I also purchased (many years back) a metal Rovner mouthpiece. I love that mouthpiece, and I don't know why they don't make them any more (not that I've seen anywhere)... It had a HUGE deep chamber, and just played strong.

At 11:47 Jim says the Vandoren is a V35 but the video shows v45

what reeds are you using

What Model Saxophone are you using? Does anyone also have any good recommendations?