Mouthpiece Codes

[samb834]

Im looking to buy a new mouthpiece and was just curious as to what the codes meant.

I was looking at the yamaha mouthpieces and there are 5C, 6C, 7C etc and just wondered what the difference are. What effect does the different mouthpiece have on tone/sound

Im still a beginner but an ok beginner if that makes sense and getting more into the blues over jazz.

Aby comments on mouthpiece selection would be welcomed...

Thanks.

 

[Taz]

If I'm right, the code refers to the size of the tip opening (the distance between the reed and the tip of the mpc)
This will alter your tone, due to the fact that the greater the number, the greater the tip opening so your embouchure will have to be stronger and more controlled. A 5C would be a good start for an intermediate player. I'm sure someone else will add their more knowledgeable half penneth worth.

 

[wavygravy]

there are loads of these on the net

http://www.bill-lewington.com/charts/tnrsax.htm

just google saxophone mouthpiece charts.. they give good comparisons between manufacturers codes

neil

 

[TomMapfumo]

Jody Jazz Mouthpiece chart is the one I use most, and seems spot-on, especially as many manufacturers use different systems.

Do also have a look at Rico Royal Graftonite mouthpieces (www.trevorjonesltd.co.uk) which are about the same price and have bigger tip openings, which would be better for blues etc. IMO.

Don't forget to use softer reeds with larger tip openings (2 - 2.5) especially if you wantto bend notes, do vibrato etc.

Do you play Alto or Tenor? (Apologies if you have posted that elsewhere).

Kind regards
Tom 8)

 

[Bobby G]

What you really need to do is go to a shop that has a good selection and try a few different mouthpieces; often they will know the measurements (in thou or mm) of the different makes as a 6 from one manufacturer may well be different from a 6 from another manufacturer, so it will be easier to compare different pieces with a similar tip opening.

 

[samb834]

Thanks guys, really helped me out...

Im playing a tenor and have just recently developed an interest in playing blues. There are a couple of good shops here in Leeds so think i'll take myself down to one of them as soon as I get the chance and try a few out...

 

[TomMapfumo]

I would recommend doing an internet search to find possible mouthpieces that appeal before making any visits - many provincial towns/cities do not have much stock in sax mouthpieces so do do some research first. Also ligatures and reeds do need to be part of the total equation, so do do some thinking first - looking on 'Sax On The Web' Internet forum under 'Mouthpieces - tenor mpcs' or ' Beginners' - mouthpieces' might be a useful research item, and cost you nothing.

Good Luck
Kind regards
Tom 8)

 

[jonf]

Hiya

All Brass and Woodwind in Leeds usually have plenty of stock. Often have nice vintage horns in as well, just to tempt you. The staff in there (from my experience last time I visited) knew their stuff and can give pretty fair advice. They should be able to let you try out a decent sample in the shop.

All that Tom says is true, but I'd like to add a comment about Sax on the Web. In my experience, it has loads and loads of information, and is a great resource. But, it's an American site, and is very American-biased, and given the different pricing policies in the US you might find some of the advice a bit misleading. Some mouthpieces are much cheaper in the US than here, others less so. Also, I find that some of the contributors are VERY opinionated and dogmatic.

Just my personal opinion. As I said, it's a great resource, but I always treat it with a certain degree of caution.

Good luck with the mouthpiece hunt. Most of us have gone through several (over twenty for tenor, in my case) before finally settling on one we stick with. Some (Nacho?) never get to that stage. Fun trying, though. 😛

Regards

Jon