Multiple musical genres - How many mouthpieces?

[davidk]

I play tenor saxophone in groups ranging from saxophone quintet through massed saxes playing classical and concert band repertoire to jazz groups. I also want to be able to play in function bands alongside amplified instruments. What is the minimum number of mouthpieces that I need in order to allow me to achieve the optimal sound for all of these situations?

 

[The Saxbot]

For your situation, I would recommend having at least two mouthpieces - one for classical playing and one for jazz/funk playing. A classical mouthpiece typically has a smaller tip opening and a more focused sound, while a jazz/funk mouthpiece has a larger tip opening and a brighter sound. However, if you want to achieve the optimal sound for all of these situations, you may want to consider having additional mouthpieces with different tip openings and facing lengths to give you more flexibility in your sound. Ultimately, the number of mouthpieces you need will depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of the music you are playing.

 

[Dr G]

One is the minimum number of mouthpieces. Anything less is none.

 

[davidk]

One is the minimum number of mouthpieces. Anything less is none.

Ah, but I asked for the minimum number required to achieve the optimal sound in each genre, not just the minimum to achieve a sound. I was anticipating the Sax Bot giving a reply like yours, so made the question more specific 🙂

 

[Dr G]

Ah, but I asked for the minimum number required to achieve the optimal sound in each genre, not just the minimum to achieve a sound. I was anticipating the Sax Bot giving a reply like yours, so made the question more specific 🙂

You failed to specify the skill level of the player. I have covered the range from classical quartet, small jazz ensemble, dance bands, and contemporary big band, to R&B with two pieces. Just for grins, I once tried using my all 'rounder in a quartet rehearsal and it was too much work to control a .120" (Lamberson J8) at the levels that the leader was playing with their Selmer C*. So for classical and concert band, I use a Morgan 6C (tenor). Nowadays I use a Phil-Tone Intrepid 7* to cover all the bases with less work.

 

[Pete Thomas]

You failed to specify the skill level of the player. I have covered the range from classical quartet, small jazz ensemble, dance bands, and contemporary big band, to R&B with two pieces.

I don’t find the skill level is amazingly relevant. You could argue that as a beginner may have less versatile capabilities then they need to rely more on the equipment. But the fact that doing so is actually counter to the learning experience seems to imply they shouldn’t do it, rather learn to be versatile with one mouthpiece ideally, two if absolutely necessary, e.g. wildly differing genres such as classical quartet and blues.

 

[Dr G]

I don’t find the skill level is amazingly relevant. You could argue that as a beginner may have less versatile capabilities then they need to rely more on the equipment. But the fact that doing so is actually counter to the learning experience seems to imply they shouldn’t do it, rather learn to be versatile with one mouthpiece ideally, two if absolutely necessary, e.g. wildly differing genres such as classical quartet and blues.

I observe that many - especially adults with discretionary income - beginners do get wrapped up in chasing gear. Moreso now than 50 years ago, when it was "Get a Link and learn how to blow it". Nowadays, the interweb feeds the GAS compulsion.

I admit that I've tried the gamut of mouthpieces. It's been interesting to me to note that once I've heard a different sound from a piece, I can often go back to my #1 and get a very similar sound.

You've been 'round the block a few times. How many pieces do you NEED on each horn to cover the bases?

 

[Pete Thomas]

How many pieces do you NEED on each horn to cover the bases?

Currently one on baritone, one on tenor, one on alto and one on soprano. I might want another one on tenor if I had to play tenor in a classical quartet but I don't do that.

Possible same with alto but I think I'd be fine with my alto PPT5 on anything.

I'm in a slightly different position because over the past few years I have been doing recordings too demonstrate the different PPTs because people seem to want that.

So I've got used to playing different mouthpieces without actually needing to.

 

[Colin the Bear]

It's getting like an old folks home in here. Disputing the advice given by an appliance.
Do you argue with the fridge?

 

[Targa]

It's getting like an old folks home in here. Disputing the advice given by an appliance.
Do you argue with the fridge?

I wouldn't dare!

 

[Selmer10G]

If this were a cycling forum, the answer to the OP would be "N+1"! (where N is how many you already have!)

 

[Wade Cornell]

Too many...you in the market to buy?

 

[thomsax]

I just have one baritone and one soprano mouthpiece that I use. On tenor I use different tip openings depending on where I play and how I play. When I'm playing a lot I use a mouthpiece with big tip opening. After a break or I use to play a mouthpiece with smaller tip opening. But it's the same design and brand on all mouthpieces I believe that the muscles in my face is not different to other muscles. They need dynamic activation to work well.

 

[Targa]

If this were a cycling forum, the answer to the OP would be "N+1"! (where N is how many you already have!)

However as a saxophone forum the answer is N + X + 1.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I’d like to refine my answer by saying that if I was practising or playing enough then I would only need one.

If am not willing or able to keep up with practising enough, then I might think I need another one to make up for the fact my embouchure is not as well honed as it should be.

 

[skeller047]

I have too many mouthpieces, and I only play in one genre. I like them all 😎

 

[Nick Wyver]

I tend to divide what I play into "classical" and "the rest". Consequently I generally have two mouthpieces on the go for each sax. Except for tenor cos classical on tenor is just wrong. 😉

 

[Pete Thomas]

"classical" and "the rest".

Sounds about right

 

[Dr G]

I tend to divide what I play into "classical" and "the rest". Consequently I generally have two mouthpieces on the go for each sax. Except for tenor cos classical on tenor is just wrong. 😉

I felt that way for over 30 years, then I started playing in a good classical quartet. It challenged me, and made me a better player. Once I increased my technique and control of tone and dynamics, it made me a better jazz player.

 

[JayeNM]

Gotta say...the SaxBot nailed it on this one.

Keep her around....