I appreciate the description of the playing qualities for each mouth piece, too often reviewers just play and assume that we can hear what the player intends for us to notice.. One little quibble, is it would be nice to see the name of the mouthpiece written out and also a close up of each mouthpiece. They are so small that all we can see is the rovner ligature.
I believe they all sound very good but the standout piece for me is the Jody Jazz HR. It has the classic soprano sound to it that I look for and like playing this instrument.
Excellent overview and great input. Not an easy task to compare mouthpieces ! Thank you. My preference goes to Otto link and Meyer as they add a bit of mellowness and smooth out the angles of the sometimes percussive and ‘nasal’ soprano.
I did buy the VSP curved Soprano. It came with a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece and I also picked up a Yamaha 5C mouthpiece with Daddario Jazz Select reeds and this set up works just fine me at this point. I’ve had the horn for several months now, but haven’t really played it all that much. I spend most of my time on either Alto or Tenor !
Out of all of these I liked the JodyJazz HR* It's freeblowing that helps the low notes come out which is especially helpful on soprano. I also liked the Aizen and like you, I found the Vandoren a bit too bright sounding. When you said about metal mouthpieces being too bright, the JodyJazz DV soprano mouthpiece isn't that bright for a metal mouthpiece and as Jody has said, it isn't the material of the mouthpiece that determines how bright or dark it is and metal only adds a bit of a zing to the sound. When you said you used the same strength reed to keep it consistent between all mouthpieces, while I understand why you did that, it would be better if you as well, played on the right reed strength for you on the mouthpiece you are playing if you find the reed strength is not quite right. This way, you'd get a better tone overall as using a reed that is slightly too hard or too soft can make a mouthpiece sound a little different and sometimes be harder to play and won't give us an accurate idea of how the mouthpiece sounds and feels to play on.
brightness of a mouthpiece doesn't have to do with its material but it's internal shape. you can have a very bright hard rubber and a very dark metal mouthpiece.
Very true. However, all things being equal, if you have identical mouthpieces in different materials the metal will usually sound brighter and more resonant
Sound vibrations affect different materials differently. If the reed is vibrating in a more rigid material, it will sound more rigid. If it vibrates in a softer material, it’ll sound softer
I have a number of vintage mpcs for soprano. My favorite by far is the Jody Jazz. I wondered with all my heart what your feelings about my mouthpiece. I think you have to be used to a mouthpiece, play only that mouthpiece for some months. Then, when you know its acoustic qualities, you can compare others to your #1 mouthpiece. By the way, I have a metal Yanagisawa metal soprano mouthpiece, it's not too bright, although it can be bright, it depends on your sound performance.
This is super helpful ! I'm planning on purchasing a Vito VSP curved Soprano and need a better mouthpiece. I like the Selmer Super Session and the Aizen. I might try to find an old Selmer Soloist. I prefer a darker sound. Otto Link was ok too. Thanks
Beautiful video! You explain the complicated world of Curved Soprano Saxes very clearly. I apologize for my question being outside this exact context. I currently face a big unknown. I already own a professional straight soprano (P. Mauriat System 76 Mk II), and I would like to face the adventure of a Curved Soprano. The problem is that there are few curved soprano sax models, but they have price levels at two ends. In fact, we go from a multitude of economic (Chinese) sax to professional ones, and there is little or almost nothing at an intermediate level (and even price). I would like to buy a curved soprano of at least honest and dignified quality, but without spending a fortune. I'm in serious trouble. I would be grateful for a suggestion. Cordial greetings.
I actually preferred the Selmer Super Session, not quite so bright and the overall response seemed very good. The Meyer was nice but didn't seem as responsive in the low notes but could have been your setup. For a bit brighter sound, I like the Aizen, but the Jody Jazz HR wasn't bad. The Aizen just had a bit of a richer tone I think.
I don't know if you mentioned what tip opening you were using on each mouthpiece. The Jody Jazz seems to clip off the high range a bit, based on this video alone. I've never tried any of these mouthpieces. Based on the video alone, Aizen seems to have the best balance. I found myself in agreement with most of your conclusions, except the Jody Jazz. I am glad to see a nice comparison of rubber, instead of metal, for a change. Good rationale, too (i.e., the brightness conflict). Do you mind telling us what song you were playing on these tests. Was it also a transcription of someone else, or of your own? (Sorry to get off the subject) I've only discovered your videos recently, and am thoroughly impressed with all of them. Your AV man is doing an excellent job, as well, by the way (whoever does the recording and video preparation). You also seem to be a very nice person with an agreeable personality. I wish all saxophonists were like that! Would you mind telling us your opinion of the $30 Rico Graftonite and the $30 Rico Metalite?
I am currently using a Berg Larsen 7 lay which I get a good tone from. I used to own a fantastic Meyer, but it broke, and I was never able to find another Meyer similar to it. (I then ordered a used one online...supposedly old, and got shafted with a Chinese knock off which was horrible.) I did like the sound of the Meyer. Are they now matching the design of the ones 30 years ago?
I don't like sound of a pinched upper register. It's hard to tell the difference between the mouthpieces in the high D and above. Midrange and lower are all great! Thanks for the good review.
Interesting. Could we have more information about the mouthpieces you used (how open are they ?). I use Yanagiswa Elimona + Semer Super Session F. Which model of Super Session did you use (E, F, G, H ?) ? Thanks.
Have you play tested the Caravan, or Selmer Concept for Jazz? I own the Caravan, and I’m thinking it’s my horn that has response issues from the pinky table notes. In case it’s worth mentioning, Kenny G plays on a Dukoff D8. I once tested a D8, and it makes sense why Kenny plays it: edge and projection to cut through a mix.
1:34 - Bari Rubber
3:03 - Selmer Super Session
4:25 - Vandoren V5 S35
5:38 - Aizen LS
6:57 - Jody Jazz Hr
9:00 - Otto Link
10:11 - Meyer
Gracias por los atajos !
The differences between the mouthpieces are easier to hear on Soprano! Great video. The Selmer was really good.
I appreciate the description of the playing qualities for each mouth piece, too often reviewers just play and assume that we can hear what the player intends for us to notice..
One little quibble, is it would be nice to see the name of the mouthpiece written out and also a close up of each mouthpiece. They are so small that all we can see is the rovner ligature.
Agreed, a little B-roll of each piece as he's playing it would be great!
I believe they all sound very good but the standout piece for me is the Jody Jazz HR. It has the classic soprano sound to it that I look for and like playing this instrument.
Aizen for me, lovely richness and subdued brightness to the tone. Then the Jody, if you can't afford the Aizen! 🎷❤
I enjoyed listening to the Vandoran V5S35 mouthpiece the most (4:18), the springy and clear sounds was cool
Me too, a bright sound is really easy to be recognized
I liked the super session. But I did find the meyer had a nice overall tone and a fair amount of flexibility.
Excellent overview and great input. Not an easy task to compare mouthpieces ! Thank you. My preference goes to Otto link and Meyer as they add a bit of mellowness and smooth out the angles of the sometimes percussive and ‘nasal’ soprano.
I would really like it if you did a shoot out with higher-end soprano pieces, like you have done for tenor.
I did buy the VSP curved Soprano. It came with a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece and I also picked up a Yamaha 5C mouthpiece with Daddario Jazz Select reeds and this set up works just fine me at this point. I’ve had the horn for several months now, but haven’t really played it all that much. I spend most of my time on either Alto or Tenor !
I like the mellowness of the lacey
You don’t talk about tip openings. What opening was the Super Session? This mp seemed like a nice balance between dark and bright.
Out of all of these I liked the JodyJazz HR* It's freeblowing that helps the low notes come out which is especially helpful on soprano. I also liked the Aizen and like you, I found the Vandoren a bit too bright sounding. When you said about metal mouthpieces being too bright, the JodyJazz DV soprano mouthpiece isn't that bright for a metal mouthpiece and as Jody has said, it isn't the material of the mouthpiece that determines how bright or dark it is and metal only adds a bit of a zing to the sound.
When you said you used the same strength reed to keep it consistent between all mouthpieces, while I understand why you did that, it would be better if you as well, played on the right reed strength for you on the mouthpiece you are playing if you find the reed strength is not quite right. This way, you'd get a better tone overall as using a reed that is slightly too hard or too soft can make a mouthpiece sound a little different and sometimes be harder to play and won't give us an accurate idea of how the mouthpiece sounds and feels to play on.
brightness of a mouthpiece doesn't have to do with its material but it's internal shape. you can have a very bright hard rubber and a very dark metal mouthpiece.
Very true. However, all things being equal, if you have identical mouthpieces in different materials the metal will usually sound brighter and more resonant
Sound vibrations affect different materials differently. If the reed is vibrating in a more rigid material, it will sound more rigid. If it vibrates in a softer material, it’ll sound softer
Just got my new Yanagisawa Scwo20 and best set up for me is Aizen 🥰
You have a very nice sound on soprano! Jim.
I have a number of vintage mpcs for soprano. My favorite by far is the Jody Jazz. I wondered with all my heart what your feelings about my mouthpiece. I think you have to be used to a mouthpiece, play only that mouthpiece for some months. Then, when you know its acoustic qualities, you can compare others to your #1 mouthpiece. By the way, I have a metal Yanagisawa metal soprano mouthpiece, it's not too bright, although it can be bright, it depends on your sound performance.
these videos are really great, thanks for taking the time to do them. My Wallet doesn't agree though....
This is super helpful ! I'm planning on purchasing a Vito VSP curved Soprano and need a better mouthpiece. I like the Selmer Super Session and the Aizen. I might try to find an old Selmer Soloist. I prefer a darker sound. Otto Link was ok too. Thanks
Beautiful video! You explain the complicated world of Curved Soprano Saxes very clearly.
I apologize for my question being outside this exact context.
I currently face a big unknown.
I already own a professional straight soprano (P. Mauriat System 76 Mk II), and I would like to face the adventure of a Curved Soprano.
The problem is that there are few curved soprano sax models, but they have price levels at two ends.
In fact, we go from a multitude of economic (Chinese) sax to professional ones, and there is little or almost nothing at an intermediate level (and even price).
I would like to buy a curved soprano of at least honest and dignified quality, but without spending a fortune.
I'm in serious trouble. I would be grateful for a suggestion.
Cordial greetings.
I actually preferred the Selmer Super Session, not quite so bright and the overall response seemed very good. The Meyer was nice but didn't seem as responsive in the low notes but could have been your setup. For a bit brighter sound, I like the Aizen, but the Jody Jazz HR wasn't bad. The Aizen just had a bit of a richer tone I think.
I don't know if you mentioned what tip opening you were using on each mouthpiece.
The Jody Jazz seems to clip off the high range a bit, based on this video alone.
I've never tried any of these mouthpieces. Based on the video alone, Aizen seems to have the best balance. I found myself in agreement with most of your conclusions, except the Jody Jazz.
I am glad to see a nice comparison of rubber, instead of metal, for a change. Good rationale, too (i.e., the brightness conflict).
Do you mind telling us what song you were playing on these tests. Was it also a transcription of someone else, or of your own? (Sorry to get off the subject)
I've only discovered your videos recently, and am thoroughly impressed with all of them. Your AV man is doing an excellent job, as well, by the way (whoever does the recording and video preparation).
You also seem to be a very nice person with an agreeable personality. I wish all saxophonists were like that!
Would you mind telling us your opinion of the $30 Rico Graftonite and the $30 Rico Metalite?
I am currently using a Berg Larsen 7 lay which I get a good tone from. I used to own a fantastic Meyer, but it broke, and I was never able to find another Meyer similar to it. (I then ordered a used one online...supposedly old, and got shafted with a Chinese knock off which was horrible.) I did like the sound of the Meyer. Are they now matching the design of the ones 30 years ago?
I liked the super session. I visited your online shop. What is the difference between E, F, G and H opening? Thanks
Kenny plays(or played) a Dukoff.
I don't like sound of a pinched upper register. It's hard to tell the difference between the mouthpieces in the high D and above. Midrange and lower are all great! Thanks for the good review.
Thanks you I just got Aizen today!! Thanks
I think Kenny plays on a RIA mouthpiece or at least used to. I like the Link & Meyer the best.
Interesting. Could we have more information about the mouthpieces you used (how open are they ?). I use Yanagiswa Elimona + Semer Super Session F. Which model of Super Session did you use (E, F, G, H ?) ? Thanks.
Van Doren fv5 s35 my favorite.
Have you play tested the Caravan, or Selmer Concept for Jazz? I own the Caravan, and I’m thinking it’s my horn that has response issues from the pinky table notes. In case it’s worth mentioning, Kenny G plays on a Dukoff D8. I once tested a D8, and it makes sense why Kenny plays it: edge and projection to cut through a mix.
Do you have or can you do a short video showing the sound of soprano Selmer concept? Thanks.
trying to figure which has the least nasality...really hard to tell even with decent speakers. any opinions?
Beautiful💜💜💜
you should review the new Dickerson resonator Ligature sold on evay and reverb it is ver unique.
What microphone are you using on these recordings. It sounds very very good to my ear!
No Selmer Concept soprano mouthpiece??
The mic is doing a good job. Which mic are you using to record.
Soprano actually is less bright sounding (upper harmonics not as strong) than tenor. It just seems bright because it's high pitched.
I play on a 9 Theo Wanne Shiva3 metal with a soft 2 legere on my Mk6 tenor, What tip opening would you suggest for my soprano?
Very helpful, thanks a lot
ver good i Like Bari end HR Joddy jazz
Is sc-wo10 sound better than sc-991 thanks
Aizen LS ?
1- Aizen
2- Jody HR
3- Meyer / Bari
To me.
bari 68 66 or 64 for student?
it would have been good to know the tip openings and the reed strength that you used
Jim used a D'Addario Select Jazz 3S throughout (as stated in video description and in video).
Aizen first, Vandoren V5 second for my ear.
my ultimate goal is to have a really good playable curved soprano and baritone saxophone
Can you do a similar test for Tenor mouthpieces?
He did it
Nice troll towards Kenny G!
I wish you had done this with a more typical straight soprano. It’s so hard to distinguish what’s the mouthpiece vs the quality of the curved horn.
Berg Larsen? I like mine.
Selmer is the best one. And I not playing a Selmer 😊
I really cannot relate much to jazz, find it hard to listen to what I looking for,
Kenny G uses a Bobby Dukoff 8 star
I am not sure I would use Kenny G as an example for Soprano Sound. ....To each his own.
What ligatures were used with the mouthpieces?
Looks like a Rovner Light ligature
Ah thanks, that's great! Thought it looked like a Rovner, hard to tell on my small phone screen 😂
It says online Kenny G plays a metal Dukoff soprano mouthpiece.
Yup...D8. Sold mine. Hated it
Yes. Not easy to control. Quite resistant. But low notes are nicely dark
V5 sounded best