How to find the right mouthpiece
Saxophone and clarinet mouthpieces all work on the same principle. A reed vibrates against a mouthpiece, producing sound.
The mouthpiece determines the sound of the instrument and how easily this sound is created. This sound is influenced by several factors: the material, the tip, the opening between the reed and the mouthpiece, and the reed.
There are several different materials from which saxophone mouthpieces are made.
Types of Mouthpieces
Plastic mouthpieces are aimed at beginner players because they are durable and affordable, but the sound can be shrill and unfocused.
Ebonite or hard rubber is one of the most popular materials for saxophone mouthpieces. This material is mostly used by classical musicians.
Ebonite produces a warm tone but has less projection.
Additionally, metal is a popular material, usually made from brass or stainless steel that is silver-plated or gold-plated. These mouthpieces are typically used by jazz musicians. A metal mouthpiece is more expensive than most ebonite mouthpieces. Metal mouthpieces produce a brighter tone and have better projection.
Tip opening
The tip opening of the mouthpiece affects the ease and quality of tone production. Tips are often categorized into two types: open and closed. Open tips produce a brighter tone but are more difficult to play, while a closed tip offers the least resistance but gives a warmer tone. Generally, the following rule applies to the tip opening width: the smaller the tip opening, the stronger the reed needs to be. The facing of a mouthpiece is the part that curves towards the tip. The length of the facing determines the responsiveness of the mouthpiece.
Lastly, choosing a mouthpiece is a personal matter, and what works for one person may not work for another. Beginning musicians are advised to start with a medium tip opening, such as the Selmer C* series, and a reed of medium strength.
