Best
Overall Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
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Overall: Blends Well With Band Sections
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Best Feature: Produces A Beautifully Warm Sound
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Budget Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
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Overall: Has A 0.081'' Tip Opening For Good Intonation
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Best Feature: 24K Gold Plated Mouthpiece With A Reticulated Finish
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Premium Alto Saxophone Mouthpiec
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Overall: Has A Narrow Tip Opening For Precise Intonation And Easy Blowing
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Best Feature: With Huge Projection And Rich Tones For A Classic Big Band Sound Profile
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TedScore™: 9/10
Picking the **perfect alto saxophone mouthpiece** for jazz can turn a good saxophonist into a great one. The right mouthpiece for your music genre changes everything. For jazz, you need a mouthpiece that gives a **brighter tone**, easier to blow, and ideal for solo performances. Classical music calls for a mouthpiece with a darker sound, fitting well for ensemble playing.
But what if you’re new to the saxophone world and unfamiliar with mouthpiece jargon? Don’t worry – I’m here for that!
In this article, I’ll cover all the fundamental things you need to know before deciding on your ideal alto saxophone mouthpiece to play jazz music. I’ll also tell you a little later on which mouthpiece I use!
Get ready to jive in!
Parts of a Mouthpiece
A mouthpiece is part of the saxophone that connects the reed to the mouthpiece. It’s responsible for the quality of the sound. Modern mouthpieces are made from hard rubber or metal and have smaller chambers, tip openings, and facing lengths. A mouthpiece is usually about the same size as the mouthpiece on a clarinet.
The chamber is part of the mouthpiece where the reed is placed. The tip opening is the size of the hole where the reed is placed, and it’s usually measured in millimetres. The facing length is the length of the mouthpiece’s table from the tip opening to the start of the baffle.
The ligature is sold separately and is used to hold the reed in place. It’s a piece of rubber or metal that holds the reed at either end to prevent it from touching the mouthpiece opening as it plays. The mouthpiece also includes a tip cap, which covers most of the tip opening, and a neckpiece, which connects to the body of the mouthpiece via a ligature.
Difference Between Alto and Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
The difference between an alto and a tenor sax mouthpiece is not just about the size. The length of the mouthpiece can vary between the two types of saxophones, with the tenor mouthpiece often being longer.This is because the tenor sax produces a lower sound, so a longer mouthpiece allows for more control in producing those deep tones.
Additionally, the embouchure for the tenor sax mouthpiece is usually looser than the alto sax, so players often need to roll their lower lip and relax their muscles a bit to get the best sound. But at the end of the day, both mouthpieces have the same basic components of a reed, ligature, and mouthpiece.
When Should You Upgrade to an Alto Sax Mouthpiece?
When it comes to mouthpieces, many directors recommend beginners upgrade their mouthpieces right away for better performance. This is because the mouthpiece is the key element in the saxophone sound, and the adjustment of the mouthpiece can help improve the tone and accuracy of the player.
It’s also recommended to upgrade the mouthpiece if you’re spending time struggling with the highs and lows of your range or if you cannot bend pitches or articulate clearly after receiving help. This will ensure your mouthpiece is providing the best possible sound for your saxophone.
How to Choose an
Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece for Jazz
When choosing an alto sax mouthpiece, you should consider the essential features. With this knowledge, you can choose from the best alto sax mouthpieces based on your preference and musical goals.
Mouthpiece Material
There are many mouthpiece materials used in the production of saxophone mouthpieces. Plastic mouthpieces are inexpensive and durable, while hard rubber mouthpieces often have a wide-spreading sound that can be used in most musical settings.
A metal mouthpiece offers more power and projection than plastic or hard rubber, while a brass saxophone mouthpiece is the most commonly used metal. Silver and gold platings are also sometimes used to add aesthetic appeal to saxophone mouthpieces.
The type of mouthpiece material will largely depend on the sound quality and performance you’re looking for in your saxophone mouthpiece.
Music Style
Alto saxophone players prefer metal mouthpieces for the sound they produce. These quality mouthpieces are known to be hard and crispy, allowing the player to produce a high-pitched tone.
In the 1950s and 1960s, players of traditional jazz music were known to prefer metal mouthpieces over the softer, rubberized mouthpieces that were more commonly used at the time. This is because metal mouthpieces produce a brighter sound and more piercing tone for the saxophone.
These days, players are more likely to choose mouthpiece designs based on their musical preferences and the sound they want to produce. Saxophonists favour smaller chamber mouthpieces for a modern sound, while larger chamber mouthpieces are preferred for playing classical music.
Smaller chamber mouthpieces can give the saxophone a brighter tone, whereas larger chamber mouths allow the instrument to produce a deeper and more haunting sound.
Facing Curve
Three popular shapes to the facing curve – flat, rollover, and step – can affect the quality of the saxophone’s sound projection. A well-crafted facing curve allows the reed to vibrate freely without any unnecessary reed movements, resulting in a brighter and more accurate sound from the instrument.
Flat baffles provide a slow airflow, resulting in difficulty with projection and tone quality, but can produce a softer sound with good tonal quality. Rollover baffles help transition from high-short sounds to flat-soft tones when playing in the upper register of the saxophone range.
The facing curve must be precisely engineered to ensure that the reed is sealed completely inside the mouthpiece for the best sound quality.
Chamber
When choosing the some of the best alto saxophone mouthpieces for your instrument, it’s important to consider the mouthpiece’s chamber. It refers to the open area at the entrance of the bore. Alto sax mouthpieces come in three types: small, medium, and large.
The size and shape of the chamber will influence the sound quality of the saxophone. A mouthpiece with a small chamber produces a bright sound with increased projection and tone clarity, while a mouthpiece with a larger chamber produces a mellow, darker sound with reduced high-frequency clarity.
It’s worth noting that some of the top alto saxophone mouthpieces for your playing style will depend on your personal preferences and musical goals.
Cap and Ligature
The alto saxophone mouthpiece generally comes with a cap and ligature. The mouthpiece cap should be the right size for the mouthpiece, and the ligature must securely hold the reed in place.
A ligature that fits the reed well can help reduce the risk of the reed moving during play. It’s also important to choose a ligature that fits the reed type and the player’s personal preferences.
Beginners may not need to spend much on the ligature at first, but it’s important to progress from a beginner’s ligature to an intermediate or advanced one over time.
5 Recommended Alto Saxophone Mouthpieces For Jazz Today
Jody Jazz HR
The Jody Jazz HR is a hard rubber mouthpiece with a beautiful warm sound with free-blowing ease. It features a round, medium-sized chamber, making it extremely versatile for both professionals and students looking for a traditional mouthpiece.
With high-quality control standards, you can trust that this mouthpiece will give you consistent and reliable performance.
PERFECT FOR: use in a jazz ensemble
FEATURES: Produces a beautifully warm sound
OTHER INFO: Blends well with band sections
JodyJazz HR* Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece, 7M
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Allows you to play traditional to modern styles
- Finished by hand
- Includes a pouch
- Slightly expensive mouthpiece
- Not suited for playing classical music
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Theo Wanne Earth 2
It’s a really versatile mouthpiece that can work in any musical style, whether you prefer a soft whisper or a big, bold sound.
The Earth 2 has a unique small chamber, flat side walls, and a long roll-over baffle, all crafted to the highest accuracy and durability in the history of saxophone mouthpieces. Plus, its playing feel is grounded, foundational, and reliable.
PERFECT FOR: professional saxophone players
FEATURES: 24K gold plated mouthpiece with a reticulated finish
OTHER INFO: Has a 0.081'' tip opening for good intonation
Theo Wanne Earth 2 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece, 7
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Offers a versatile sound that is ideal for every occasion
- Includes a ligature, cap, and pouch
- Not suitable for students
- Not made of solid gold
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Otto Link Tone Edge
The Otto Link Tone Edge is a classic jazz mouthpiece that players have used for over 70 years. This hard rubber/ebonite large chamber mouthpiece produces a husky and dark sound, making it perfect for both classical and jazz music. In fact, many notable jazz masters play on this mouthpiece. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for excellent sound quality and style.
PERFECT FOR: jazz soloists
FEATURES: With huge projection and rich tones for a classic big band sound profile
OTHER INFO: Has a narrow tip opening for precise intonation and easy blowing
Otto Link Super Tone Master Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece, Metal, 6
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- With a 24k gold-plated bronze design for striking dynamics and a premium look
- Comes included with matching ligature and mouthpiece cap
- Higher price range mouthpiece for jazz
- Requires more control to use
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Meyer Jazz Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
When it comes to a jazz saxophone mouthpiece, you want something versatile and easy to control. Meyer has been a big name in jazz mouthpieces since the 1930s and for a good reason. Their hard rubber and metal mouthpieces are among the finest available.
The Meyer Jazz Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece is the standard of comparison for all jazz mouthpieces thanks to its excellent intonation, characterful tone, and great response.
PERFECT FOR: playing in jazz ensembles
FEATURES: Has a large sound with easier bending and note inflexion
OTHER INFO: Gives your horn a luscious, bright tone that's sure to impress
Meyer Jazz Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece, 7J
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Designed and produced in the USA
- Includes ligature and mouthpiece cap
- Not suitable for other genres or playing styles
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Vandoren V16 Ebonite Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
The V16 Ebonite is a new creation from Vandoren that offers a richer depth of sound while keeping the free-blowing nature and projection that you love from the V16 alto models.
The S chamber has been specifically designed to accommodate more airflow, resulting in a perfect balance of power and dynamic range. With 5 different tip openings to choose from and a small or medium chamber option, you can easily find the perfect fit for your personal style and preferences.
PERFECT FOR: playing lead alto
FEATURES: The tip opening is close and easy to control, preferred by history’s greatest jazz soloists
OTHER INFO: Features rich and free-blowing with great projection
Vandoren V16 Ebonite Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece, S+ Chamber in A5 Model
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has a smooth response with just the right amount of resistance
- A reed-friendly mouthpiece
- Can be a bit difficult to control
- Pretty expensive compared to other alto sax mouthpieces
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece For Jazz
Summary
If you’re looking to play jazz music on your alto saxophone, the mouthpiece you choose is crucial to achieving your desired sound. You want a good mouthpiece that’s easy to play and offers excellent control, all while producing a rich, well-rounded tone.
Before I tried out the models above, I already had the Yanagisawa Metal 7. And after trying all of these products, I’m going to stick with the Yanagisawa. It doesn’t mean the others are bad – because they’re not! It’s just confirmed what I already felt about my mouthpiece.
With my best recommendations, I hope this guide helped you choose the ideal mouthpiece for you to jazz it up! And if you’re looking at getting a new saxophone, my new article ‘12 Best Alto Saxophones‘ might be of interest…
Interesting read on the differences between alto and tenor sax mouthpieces. I’ve only played tenor but am considering an alto for more versatility in performances. This has been a helpful primer.
I gotta disagree with the recommendation of Otto Link for jazz. In my experience, it’s too dark and lacks the versatility some of the more modern pieces offer, especially for the price. Anyone tried both the Otto Link and the Jody Jazz HR? Would love to hear thoughts on how they compare especially in terms of brightness and flexibility for different jazz styles.
I found the comparison between alto and tenor sax mouthpieces enlightening. How significant is the difference in playability for a beginner switching from clarinet to saxophone? Which would you suggest starting with for ease of transition?
Hey, transitioning to sax from clarinet, I’d say start with the alto. It’s easier to handle size-wise and the mouthpiece feels more manageable.
Really appreciate the section on how to choose a mouthpiece for jazz. Made some notes and I’m excited to try the Meyer one, seems like a solid choice for that warm, rich sound. Thanks, Elaine!