Mouthpieces I'm thinking of getting an S80 in E opening. Any thoughts?

[MarkSax]

The 2.20mm opening is smaller than my current blow which is an STM NY 7* with a 2.67mm opening. Is there a big difference in tone and volume, resistance and warm/dark?

 

[Dr G]

Yes

 

[Pete Thomas]

Very different mouthpieces, I would recommend trying before buying of at least make sure there is a return policy.

 

[Woodpad]

If you try before buying, could you test the whole S80 range, make notes on sound and volume and share these notes?

 

[Dr G]

The 2.20mm opening is smaller than my current blow which is an STM NY 7* with a 2.67mm opening. Is there a big difference in tone and volume, resistance and warm/dark?

If you are looking for something very different in concept and response, you found it. Else, why are you considering it? It is certainly not what I would consider a “backup” to the Link.

Using a classical mouthpiece won’t immediately make everything coming out of your horn sound “classical”, but it will make it a lot easier to get there if that’s your goal. Expect to use different reeds as well.

 

[Pete Thomas]

The 2.20mm opening is smaller than my current blow which is an STM NY 7* with a 2.67mm

Yes but that measurement can be meaningless across different mouthpiece. It could be significant or negligible depending on the facing length and curve

 

[Colin the Bear]

Length and shape of facing curve is different. Chamber is a different shape. S80 has a square chamber.

The opinion of the S80 splits the room. I suppose it depends on what suits your chops.

I hate links. Tried several. They don't suit my chops at all.

I like the S80 and use a C* on Baritone and a G on soprano. I prefer the soloist on alto D and tenor C**. Same only different.

Classical players are more likely to use a C*. It's what comes with a new Selmer Paris saxophone.

Detractors mention a stuffy inflexible tone not capable of volume. I find the tone focused, fluid and deceptively loud.

If you're looking for something completely different to a Link, an S80 is a candidate. An E is a bit wide for me on tenor and quite hard to find used.

I'd definitely try before you buy new. If you buy used they sell on quite easily but you never know why they're being sold. Old HR can warp and need the facing dressing. I've had my baritone from new in the 1980's. It's needed dressing twice.

Try a selection of reeds. The S80 likes French filed reeds. Vandoren trad blue, no more than a 2 or D'Addario Reserve 2.5 for an E.

 

[cappers]

An E is a bit wide for me on tenor and quite hard to find used.

a 2 or D'Addario Reserve 2.5 for an E.

I have a Soloist E (Longshank Style) from @Pete Thomas and it works well for me with BSS Black 2.5 and Blue 2, Rico Royal 2.5 (original not D'Addario RR), Selmer Classic 2 and ALexander DC 2.5. I've been trying different reeds to find the ones I like, BSS are expensive but very nice as are the Alex DC.

I've only being playing for 14 months and went from a 5C to the E about six months ago. I didn't find the transition difficult but took a while to 'control' it. Now my go to mpc.

 

[lydian]

I have a Soloist E (Longshank Style) from @Pete Thomas and it works well for me with BSS Black 2.5 and Blue 2, Rico Royal 2.5 (original not D'Addario RR), Selmer Classic 2 and ALexander DC 2.5. I've been trying different reeds to find the ones I like, BSS are expensive but very nice as are the Alex DC.

I've only being playing for 14 months and went from a 5C to the E about six months ago. I didn't find the transition difficult but took a while to 'control' it. Now my go to mpc.

In my experience the Soloist and S80 are very different. And the OP is taking a big step down in tip opening, not up. I predict he'll find the S80 inappropriate for jazz. But a Soloist could easily work for both classical and jazz.

 

[MarkSax]

I think at each stage of learning the sax there is a plateau. I’ve reached a plateau with the link, although there is a lot more I could learn with it I feel I need a change, something different, to compare tone, warmth and depth. Learn some classical stuff maybe. And then rediscover the Link because in terms of tone I haven’t found anything I like better. Tried Meyer, V16, S90, Graftonite, but nothing came close. Going to the shop later today to try a few.

 

[Woodpad]

Try the Runyon standard, it is different from the mpcs you tried.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Try anything available that you can afford. The holy grail is out there and every "not the one" is a learning experience. Shop carefully🤞

 

[Dr G]

I think at each stage of learning the sax there is a plateau. I’ve reached a plateau with the link, although there is a lot more I could learn with it I feel I need a change, something different, to compare tone, warmth and depth. Learn some classical stuff maybe. And then rediscover the Link because in terms of tone I haven’t found anything I like better. Tried Meyer, V16, S90, Graftonite, but nothing came close. Going to the shop later today to try a few.

While you are at the shop, see if they have the HR Link in a small(er) tip. People are often locked in to thinking that Links are for jazz, and Selmer mouthpieces are suited to classical, but it doesn’t have to be so. James Houlik used to recommend a Link HR 6 (0.090”) for students playing classical music. That would be different enough from your current mouthpiece, yet be somewhat familiar. (I use a Morgan 6C for classical.)

G’luck with your quest.

 

[progger]

I'm a big fan of Selmer mouthpieces. That's all I use on alto and soprano, and I love the sounds of Bennie Maupin and Joe Henderson on tenor. The S80 pieces have different chambers from the older ones (square as opposed to horseshoe or round/oval), but I think they have a similar husky complexity in the larger tip openings that's really, really cool.

I always use Link-style pieces on tenor but big respect for the Selmer vibe. Joe and Bennie on those funk and fusion records in the late '60s through the '70s are strong evidence that they can be used for any style, IMO.