Mouthpieces Selmer S80 mouthpiece design changes

[ellinas]

Hello everyone,
I’m thinking about buying a Selmer S80 F soprano sax mouthpiece.

I’ve read that Selmer has, at some point, made subtle changes to their S80 line, possibly affecting the facing curve, tip opening precision, or even the chamber dimension. Since the F model has the most open available tip (around 1.37 mm with an 18 mm facing), I’m wondering how these changes might alter its playability and tone compared to earlier runs or to other tip openings made under different production eras. I'm curious to know how the evolution of Selmer’s design philosophy might have affected how the F model performs versus older production runs. Even small differences in facing geometry or chamber shaping could make a difference.

I've played some years ago an S80 F and I remember it's qualities. Am I worrying too much or should I search for a used mouthpiece?

 

[wakyct]

I remember reading about this as I play a S80 C* on alto. I'm still a little confused on how much Selmer changed the design vs. standardizing how they actually measure the mouthpieces, i.e. in the latter case they didn't change the design but their method of measurement which "changed" the specification.

 

[lydian]

Dave Kessler has a great write up about the changes. Personally, I wouldn't notice such a small difference.

A Selmer C* is a C* is a C* - or is it?

A Selmer C* is a C* is a C* - or is it? Your saxophone mouthpiece is you primary tool to create your sound and performance. So when you have relied on a

kesslerandsons.com

 

[Tonehole]

I would suggest you try to find a Super Session F they pop up on eBay and other sites. They are discontinued and there are two generations, only cosmetic changes I believe like size stamping location and engraving not facing or internals. The I & J pieces are much saught after and were special order, they command prices in the high $300.00 - $500 USD used.

I have played an I for 20 years. These pieces will only climb in value.

They are based on the early round bore Scroll shank pieces that command an even higher price. They play very easily and a I or J is not a problem to blow. Transitioning to an F should be comfortable.

Try for clearence sales of old inventory.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SESoSupSessF--selmer-paris-s421f-super-session-soprano-sax-mouthpiece-f

 

[Colin the Bear]

I'm using an old soloist D on alto. The new one is 0.006" smaller at the tip opening with a 2mm longer facing curve. I'm sure I'd notice that.

It has piqued my interest in a new mouthpiece for tenor. 🤔

 

[skeller047]

Selmer still lists the Super Session, though only up to size H.

Bec Super Session pour saxophone soprano - Henri SELMER Paris

Le Super Session pour soprano est un bec facile d’émission qui permet un vrai travail sur la couleur. Une matière sonore qui reste stable quels que soient les niveaux dynamiques, une étonnante richesse de son, sans agressivité. Plus spécialement destiné au jazz, ce bec répond aux aspirations des...

www.selmer.fr

I second the recommendation for them, though. I have one in F, it’s excellent. I also have an old Soloist-style in F, it’s a little more than excellent.

I wish they’d reissue the Soloist for soprano, like they did with alto and tenor…