In my experience, saxophone differences is usually intonation, and a little bit of tone changes Mouthpiece however, makes a huge difference, as does a reed. If you try a lot of mouthpieces and reeds you can greatly improve ease of play and sound your looking for. Now, nothing is going to turn you into a pro without practice, but mouthpiece and reed is the most important thing to chose correctly. For example I shine on a 85 tip/2.5 reed typically. And I love small chamber high baffle pieces for the sound I prefer as well as a nice free blowing piece. I love lavoz reeds. I also like Rico Plasticovers on a lot of mouthpieces that are a bit held back. I can play any setup, but none have given me the benefits of the above.
Hi i need an advice on choosing a very bright sound mouthpiece.it has been 5 days I bought my alto sax the default mouthpiece doesn’t sound bright.i saw mouthpieces with spoilers .i think I need that but don’t know which brand to buy .i will appreciate if someone gives me an advice where to buy lnexpensive very bright sounded mouthpieces .(like trumpet)thank you
Very, very well said! Man, I don't know how many times I've said the same thing to my friends; it's the player behind the horn that matters the most. If there's someone who knows how to play and shows up to audition, it doesn't matter what Sax he's on. If he can play then he's going to nail that audition. I've had friends jump from one MP to the next, and in reality they don't sound any better than they did on their older MP. Funny thing is that one of my Instructors let me have some fun with his Sax/MP set up not too long ago. Even though I was playing with the exact same set-up that he uses, and it was his Sax, I sounded drastically different than he did. He used the opportunity to tell me that it's because my Anatomy--oral cavity, vocal chords, diaphragm, etc. is not the same as his, so I'm going to sound different. His point is to me is like you're saying here, it's the player behind the horn that makes all the difference in the world.
Thank you for your interesting videos. I have many times let beginners play on my Yani-992 alto. Every time they and I have been overwhelmed about how much easier and fun they will find their saxophone practice. In my opinion it really does matter what kind of saxophone you are playing. I always give the advice to buy a used professional sax instead of a new school sax.
This is true to a point. If you're a beginner, you should be starting on an easy setup (Yamaha yas-23 sax (example)/ (yamaha 4c)mouthpiece/ soft reed) first to build up good techniques then work your way to a professional setup with a thicker reed and so on. Long tones and practicing a lot on the embouchure.
Jeff, I like your attitude (you agree with my beliefs). Too many guys are "precious" about the gear. There is no short cut to the hours of PRACTICE. We make the best of what we've got. Yes a top instrument can help, but only if you've done the work & are ready for it. The best gear in the world won't help if you don't HEAR it & FEEL it. Thanks for posting your ideas. I don't feel like a "cranky" old man now that I know there's a "cranky" young man out there with the same approach. By sharing your knowlege you are helping a lot of players. All the best to you.
I used to play on a really cheap saxophone for marching band because I didn't think I would actually get into sax, but I did. Eventually I bought a cannonball and the main thing I noticed was my tone sounded better and it felt smoother and easier to play on. I've been playing on a Vandoren T28 7*, with a 3 1/2 Vandoren Zz reed or a 3 1/4 legere. The set up does make a nice difference, however, it's all about your embouchure, and air stream, musicianship, and the way you express music through your horn. "You've got to find some way of saying it without actually saying it" - Duke Ellington
Hey I dig your videos....as a teacer and a player. I think I can learn alot from you! YES your specific tone and character are always unique to the player. But most people cant play a C* on a Salsa gig and have the ability to project. As a person develops their style etc eventually your set ups have to get you what you need for certain situations. Trying to play classical rep on my T75 Jumbo Java is not gonna happen....I can get close because I can adjust my face and all that but...oh man its tough. But for Combo Big Band and Salsa or Rock....I found it is the go to piece for me. and to each his own. And you dont have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to find a suitable piece or reed for your purposes. I agree however....gear is not always the answer but can help. We all wont sound like Trane on a Florida Link or Brecker on a Guardala.
Thank you for your most honest disclosure concerning the mouthpiece reed combination. Professional saxophonists are primarily musicians and not scientists. In a location where a would be saxophonist has access to a teacher, no special problems present themselves that cannot be set right. In the third world country where I live there are very proficient saxophonists all of whom have studied at the famous world known centers. In my location in what is referred to as the most important city in this country there are no teachers whatsoever and the totally proficient saxophonists , trained of course in foreign institutions are absolutely useless as teachers and do not in fact teach regardless of the reimbursement offered and are for the most part unapproachable. What would I think be extremely valuable and use is some sort of chart listing commonly available mouthpieces matched to the appropriate reed type and strength. A case in point concerns my present problem. I have been gifted a Keilwerth Alto saxophone along with a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece with a box of generic reeds listed as 2.5.I am totally unable to produce any sound unless I exert painful pressure on the reed from the top as well as the bottom to produce a sound but which does not enable me to even play a few notes. Someone told me that I should get a Selmer Golden Tone , and this I did which did not make things any easier I have now gone through the full range of Rico mouthpieces, Boosey Hawkes, Selmer vintage metal, Selmer S 80 and some unbranded mouthpieces. The Yamaha 4C is the least painful and I would like very much to use this. Can you tell me what number or hardness reed suits this mouthpiece? I hope you will help me out , give me references to links or videos or charts providing the information so desperately required. Thank you.
Jeff I feel that your correct it's the player's Anatomy--oral cavity, vocal chords, diaphragm, etc, it's the player behind the horn that makes all the difference in the world. Now the correct mouthpiece and reed must be used for the correct type of music being played. A powerful Jazz mouthpiece may not fit in too good in a Classical setting, but a Classical type mouthpiece may fit right in with a Gospel Choir. Over the years I have learned that the quieter the setting the more oral cavity, vocal chords, diaphragm must be controlled, alone with good intonation.
Thank you very much Jeff! I currently play on a Chinese horn that I have bought for at least $800. It plats wells beyond expected. I see many people with these high end brands like Yamaha and Jupiter. You helped me to realize that it is the player that makes the best sound. The gear, saxophone , and accessories are only a small portion of the sound.
Very well said, Jeff. I think you hit the nail on the head, hope all the younger players watching this realize what you're saying is 100% true!!! (said the guy who was just looking at some stuff on eBay earlier...)
Thank you so much for making this video. Its nice to have my hunch, that its almost entirely about practice like guitar, confirmed. especially when there are so many videos (usually by channels affiliated with a store) saying how you can't improve without the right gear. Its just nice to know that if I put enough time into this instrument I will be able to express myself regardless of gear quality. another great video thank you for putting the time into making it!
You could have mentioned Charlie Parker and his performance on the album Jazz at Massey Hall (1958) , one of the 100 best jazz albums of all time. For whatever reason, he showed up in Toronto without his horn. He rented a white plastic alto from a local pawn shop and used it during the live recording. I have the bootleg copy of the album where he is billed as Charlie Chan for some copyright reason. It's a fascinating story about that night with the behind the scenes dynamics between Dizzy and Bird. The Quintette was Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, and Max Roach. I really enjoy your videos. I used to be a reeder, now I'm just a reader.
I picked up a saxophone mouthpiece patch for the first time and I found it helpful. I play with a 2.5 Rico on a Yamaha mouthpiece and generic ligature. I'm terrible but I'm having a good time.
+Ryan Williams I'd love to help you out with Skype lessons if you're interested. Please visit JeffSchneidermusic.com/lessoninfo to learn more about how to set that up
I use a 8 1/2 reed with a 22 tip opening......and an air compressor.....jk......great advice Jeff...I use a Vandoren T95 metal mouthpiece with 2 1/2 reeds. Alto, is a Meyer 6 mm.....(Phil Woods) . 3 to 3 1/2 reeds...bari, Berg Larsen 110/1 hard rubber with Rico 3 reeds exclusively....
Great! Thanks Jeff! Concerning resistance, can you teach us about the elements from the inside of the mouthpiece that cause free blowing? Everyone talks about tip opening and reed strength, but I have found nothing on UA-cam about chainber, baffle, etc . I get a beautiful and easy sound on my sop and alto, but I can not easily play my tenor nor my baritone even with a #1 reed (!) and a super closed tip. I get a beautiful easy sound on my sop and alto (both: Selmer C* Rico Blue box 2,5 med). Help! Thanks again for your great videos.
You ever heard of a Lamberson mouthpiece? Lots of people have never heard of it, then tried it and switched from vintage Meyers and JodyJazz and Morgans, etc. Find a Lamberson Fmaj7, it'll blow your pillin whatever out of the water. I also use a Vandoren M/O lig, a Mark VI 158xxx, and D'Addario Select Jazz 2H Filed. Soft reed, I know, further pushing your point of how comfortability of reed sizes and tip openings varies among different musicians.
Can you attack your tuning pleaase. I've got plenty of things I need to work on, but my tuning is farly clean. You're a great teacher, but I personally think accuracy is important. I know thats a dis, but sometimes you are wildly out (+50). Please sort it out.
Thanks Jeff. For a relative beginner like me, your message is at the same time daunting and inspiring; the sound depends mostly on the player. What you say about the mouthpiece set-up makes a lot of sense, but I have a question about the saxophone itself. I have read and heard saxophonists talk about 'student', 'intermediate' and 'professional' saxophones. What would you say is the main difference between these three levels of saxophone, or is it imaginary?
Great question, Gilbert. Every time a new saxophone comes out, the difference between student and professional models decreases. It's not completely imaginary, but the fact remains: a great saxophonist will still sound great on a "bad" sax, and a bad saxophonist will still sound bad on a "great" sax.
Can you describe the sound characteristics ascribed to the different mouth piece materials, plastic vs hard rubber vs metal? I know the shape of the piece also contributes to the sound, is there a rule of thumb for describing each material's sound? Thanks so much!
This has always been my huge and endless issue on the alto sax: setup. I´m using a Vandoren Jumbo Java A35 (0.082" tip opening), refaced by a profesional guy. On reeds I use Vandoren traditional blue box 2.5. The thing is....I open the box and every single reed feels HARD, it seems like my setup is refusing to help! Well....the logical thing is going to a number 2 reed....ok...pretty logical. So I go to that lower size and what happens? the sound changes to a more bright and thin sound, which I don´t like at all. Also intonation becomes pretty much like a begginer. Then the next thing to do is to try different brands of reeds or models. Well...I´ve tried Javas, ZZ, La Voz, Jazz Select.....everything! whatever. Every single time I end up with this issue....pretty hard to blow = good sound and intonation but can´t really express myself, vs easy to blow, good expression, but thin and bright sound and intonation issues. Everybody says that the setup is not important.......I don´t thing so. I think it is the most crucial thing in the world. I don´t see any pro having problems with this kind of stuff and you hear they use setups like: 0.087" tip opening using a number 3 reed!!.....what?????......how can these guys play on that????.............the most logical answer to that question is: they have refacers who adjust their mouthpieces until they get that easy, free blowing mouthpiece with that huge reed they use which gives them that big and fat sound without soundind "reedy", and that´s it. Unfortunately, the rest of the human beings like us don´t have acces to that kind of services, so we´ll never feel that confortable, and so never play like them.I hope you could give me some last advice to help me with this problem I have since I can remember, since the first time I picked up a saxophone, 20 years ago.Thanks!
Jeff, your Chris Potter comment has one flaw: you said he played a group of tenors I assume, and he sounded like himself. You didn’t mention if he used his everyday gig mouthpiece or not. If he was, then indeed he would sound like himself. If he wasn’t, then that’s a different story.
Thank you for sharing - that's great you're also a great teacher I dig all your videos you made a lot of sense I have tried many mouthpieces Metal then HR
As a new subscriber and a huge fan of Chris Potter I'd like to know which is that video about him that you mentioned. Thanks and please, keep doing this.
Do lips get stronger? I have been playing saxophone for longer than I’d like to admit. I played on a Meyer 5 with a Medium soft Fiberreed for years. I wanted to get a little louder and bought a Vandoren Java A35 mouthpiece. It sounds great, stays in tune easily and I have no trouble hitting any of the notes on the horn. However my lower lip tires out. After playing at a gig my lip was blown out before it was over. Should I keep playing it hoping my lip strengthens or just stay with what I am already comfortable with? Thanks.
Hey :) I've been playing sax for nearly 6 years now. I've been playing on my current mouthpiece for about a 2 years now. Ive found out that it makes me sound too bright so when I play with my sax section I sound funny and don't blend very well. I was just wondering if you knew of any pretty good. Thanks, I really appreciate all the suggestions :)
I get out of breath easy (even though I'm in excellent physical condition). Takes a lot of air to get a sound. Some sort of stock plastic mouthpiece on my bundy 2. I switched from a 2.5 reed to a synthetic 2.5 and now at least I'm consistently tired. What size mouthpiece would be good to not have to blow so hard to get the reed going. Currently I pretty much have to play full blast just to hit all my notes
Nailed it Jeff, but there are some horns out there that have this certain quality, like their own personality, and you need to be able to play to notice it. I usually judge horns by flexibility and soulfulness. Some horns are "bitches", meaning they put up a fight when you want to really push them, they don't submit. Other horns like my Yamaha YTS-23 student model horn is so submissive to my soulful playing style, while my Keilwerth Tenor SX90R, although having a nice warm sound, doesn't really work with me as my Yamaha does. Sometimes when going to a gig, I can't decide which horn to pick for the gig, more times than not, It's the Yamaha I pick up and go with. Not to be a hater, but I cringe when very bad players go out and purchase selmers and sound totally terrible. You're going to sound just as terrible on a $300 horn. As you said Jeff, it's you, not the horn.
Understanding that the player makes the sound, I don't think that people realize that different gear creates different feel rather than sound. Speaking of reeds, a 2.5 might sound the same as a 4 but the certainly don't feel the same. It is most certainly about comfort ability!
I have a jody Jazz 6M mouthpiece with a Rico 2.5 plastic coat reed for jazz and a yamaha 4C with a Vandoren 3 for classic both on a Yamaha As-100 alto, what do you think? By the way I just started watching your videos and I subbed straight away, your altissimo videos are great.
the sound comes from you in your head and how long you practice long tones and if you practice everyday the mouthpiece and reed do make a small difference some saxophones are better then others that makes a small difference also you have to want to sound good
Thanks for the explanation Jeff. i'm kinda new for a saxophone player, and now i'm using weril brasil alto sax. in your opinion is it worthed if i upgrade gear like mouthpiece etc? bcoz i want the sound more bright and powerful. or i can do it with a technique? really need your opinition...
What mouthpiece would be good between Meyer 6m, Otto Link 6*, Vandoren V16, or Vandoren Jumbo Java A45, D'addario select jazz 6m, jodyjazz Jet 6m for alto saxophone? I am looking to play jazz and want the mouthpiece to give a nice sound and not be too bright.
+Yakov de la Syskov I haven't played on one in a while, but from what I hear, they're not as good as they used to bed. People love vintage otto links, but of course, they're harder to find. All that being said, it doesn't matter that much what mouthpiece you play on. Find one that works for you and grow with it. Thanks, Yakov!
+Dancing Unicorn I think the difference between brands really comes down to the color of the sound. Some have a brighter sound, some a darker. Also, listen for how focused the sound is. Some are more laser like and others more wide. But really, these differences are minuscule compared to the stuff going on with your technique. Great question, still!
***** yeah just wondering, im kinda a self tought, i mean i went trough 5 years of clarinet so im not sure how to clasify myself, im just having truble with the techicals because I cant really ask somebody. Took me a while to figure out why my upper G wasnt comming out;) so its nice to be able to ask a seasoned player stuff like this. Thanks for the content its simple and clear. The four note jamming thing was loads of fun!
It depends on the gig. Vandoren on Clarinet for Orchestra work. Roco Royal for Jazz & Swing. Anyway, that's my experience. Choosing Reeds can be a nightmare. The trick is to blow them in gently & let them settle down. That way you get more mileage out of them.
Hey Jeff, I've currently been using a claude lakey 5*3 for alto and it's gotten to a point were I can't stand it and I'd rather practice using my tenor because it's way to bright and loud. Is there any mouthpiece you could recommend me that is darker and more versatile?
Hai Jeff personaly i like somwhat soft setup on my P-Mauriat tenor, i play jody jazz hr*7 and a 2.5 reed but im told a harder reed is better for the high notes or more stable sorrey for my bad inglish im Norwegian i always play my baritone first then my tenor it opensup evereything bari playing is good for tenor
So working on technique, I currently bight a bit with my lower lip and I am working on overtones as my teacher said that would help me. What excercises can I do besides that? I hear long tones a lot and you mentioned, so how do I practice that? Thanks a lot for the videos!
I'm starting to play tenor sax. Sometimes I need to put a lot of force in my lips. I think I am going on the wrong way. I'm using Ottolink 7* and Vandoren Zz 2 1/2. Do you have any suggestions? Could it be my embouchure?
For mouthpieces you mean? It's referring to how big the opening is in the mouthpiece. A larger number creates more resistance but can allow for a bigger sound and more flexibility. It's all about what feels comfortable to you!
Hi Jeff I usually play a Brilhart Ebolin 3 with a 2 reed but after playing awhile the sound closes I don't know if the reed isn't holding up or I'm biting on it from getting tired but when I switch to a Brilhart Levelaire 7 the sound booms out but I like the Ebolin 3 better before it goes dead . I hope you understand and can advise thanks
I agree with you in this topic, but I think you need to have a proper mouthpiece. For instance, you won't have a good sound with a chinese mouthpiece that costs like 5 bucks.
Giorgos, I've played on some pretty bad mouthpieces and still sound more or less the same. I hear what you're saying, but my point is to keep people from falling in the trap of thinking new gear is the answer. I will try to find a cheap mouthpiece to demonstrate...would make a good video. Thanks for the comment!
You are right. I mistaken the good sound with squeaking. By the way I tried your weird tip with the pencil. Man I immediately felt the difference in my sound. Thanks for the video and the reply!
Hi Jeff, thanks for the great video! Just wanna ask if I should upgrade my mp (Yamaha 6C) to a bigger tip opening mp (Jody Jazz HR 7M) with a softer reed? Does it help with my learning progress?
Can a student saxophone benefit from a mouthpiece upgrade as well? I was considering the jumbo java a45 with the optimum ligature annd Vandoren v16 #3 reeds
Yeah, long time ago I met the guy who played flute. I told him I could not play very well because of my crappy student flute I got from a pawn shop. He played it for me. It sounded wonderful, full and rich sound. Damn ! As for mouthpieces- I have a Link STM NY *7. I've been playing it for about six months. I got it because it was recommended to me as being a good match for a Conn 10m. It seems to work for me but I don't have a point of reference to compare it to. How do I know or how can I find out if my Link needs tweaking- refacing? It's a new Link not vintage and it's not been worked on. I bought it from junkdude.com
I mean, I sound completely different on a mouthpiece designed for classical compared to funk and jazz so I feel like it affects at least a little more than 1% for new players
Idk if you’ll respond but I need a mouthpiece that’s good for a Jazz sound and a Classical concert sound. Right now I’m just playing on a random generic mouthpiece from the music store with a regular Vandoren Reed and getting a good sound but I’m looking for an upgrade. A ligature and reed suggestion would help as well
This video could be very misleading. I know for a fact I won’t sound the same on a Ron Caravan classical mouthpiece than I will on a Ottolink Jazz mouthpiece.
hi Jeff, I know the video is a bit old but maybe someone here can help me. I am a total beginner and I've been suggested the yamaha 4c for the alto but now that i bought it i read everywere that it is terrible at the point that it can be dangerous for my embrochure developement. can that be true? thanks and sorry for the horrible explanation, bye!
Yamaha 4Cs are good for learning your instrument. And definitely will NOT harm your embouchure...some mis information there. If you are never going to do classical saxophone then try a Meyer to get you used to what a Jazz MPC feels like and plays like. once you get a good grasp of tone and control...maybe time to step up for something more useful for your needs. But if that Meyer ends up working why change? I cant do what some cats can on a Meyer.
I have a bit of a problem. I recently switched from 2.5 Vandoren V16 reeds to 3 V16, and most of the time i get a really great sound out of them but I don't know why, the reeds are not consistent and I get one reed that is sort of soft and the next really hard. Does anyone know what should I do?
+Itay Levin Great question. Reeds can definitely be inconsistent. I'll do a video on how I care for my reeds. I think this might help you out. For now, focus on technique, because even a bad reed can be overcome by good technique.
The principles of playing the saxophone as put forward by Joe Viola & Joe Allard, along with so many others, wasn't mentioned at all. This video has the appearances of informed sincerity, but ain't. This was another missed opportunity.
Right, no difference between a 1.5 and 4 reed. Prep? Nah. No difference between a Meyer 6 and a Selmer S80 C*. Doesn't matter. Sloppy video. More help would be to suggest mouthpieces which are not so expensive but offer different characteristics. A mouthpiece change has kept many a student from quitting altogether, not to mention easier reeds for starters. Of course a pro can honk nearly any horn. Congratulations.
In my experience, saxophone differences is usually intonation, and a little bit of tone changes
Mouthpiece however, makes a huge difference, as does a reed. If you try a lot of mouthpieces and reeds you can greatly improve ease of play and sound your looking for.
Now, nothing is going to turn you into a pro without practice, but mouthpiece and reed is the most important thing to chose correctly.
For example I shine on a 85 tip/2.5 reed typically. And I love small chamber high baffle pieces for the sound I prefer as well as a nice free blowing piece. I love lavoz reeds. I also like Rico Plasticovers on a lot of mouthpieces that are a bit held back.
I can play any setup, but none have given me the benefits of the above.
Every Person Is Different,Gear does Not Really Mater.It's the Person Playing,Like 92%
Hi i need an advice on choosing a very bright sound mouthpiece.it has been 5 days I bought my alto sax the default mouthpiece doesn’t sound bright.i saw mouthpieces with spoilers .i think I need that but don’t know which brand to buy .i will appreciate if someone gives me an advice where to buy lnexpensive very bright sounded mouthpieces .(like trumpet)thank you
Very, very well said! Man, I don't know how many times I've said the same thing to my friends; it's the player behind the horn that matters the most. If there's someone who knows how to play and shows up to audition, it doesn't matter what Sax he's on. If he can play then he's going to nail that audition. I've had friends jump from one MP to the next, and in reality they don't sound any better than they did on their older MP. Funny thing is that one of my Instructors let me have some fun with his Sax/MP set up not too long ago. Even though I was playing with the exact same set-up that he uses, and it was his Sax, I sounded drastically different than he did. He used the opportunity to tell me that it's because my Anatomy--oral cavity, vocal chords, diaphragm, etc. is not the same as his, so I'm going to sound different. His point is to me is like you're saying here, it's the player behind the horn that makes all the difference in the world.
Thank you for your interesting videos. I have many times let beginners play on my Yani-992 alto. Every time they and I have been overwhelmed about how much easier and fun they will find their saxophone practice. In my opinion it really does matter what kind of saxophone you are playing. I always give the advice to buy a used professional sax instead of a new school sax.
This is true to a point. If you're a beginner, you should be starting on an easy setup (Yamaha yas-23 sax (example)/ (yamaha 4c)mouthpiece/ soft reed) first to build up good techniques then work your way to a professional setup with a thicker reed and so on. Long tones and practicing a lot on the embouchure.
Jeff, I like your attitude (you agree with my beliefs). Too many guys are "precious" about the gear. There is no short cut to the hours of PRACTICE. We make the best of what we've got. Yes a top instrument can help, but only if you've done the work & are ready for it. The best gear in the world won't help if you don't HEAR it & FEEL it. Thanks for posting your ideas. I don't feel like a "cranky" old man now that I know there's a "cranky" young man out there with the same approach. By sharing your knowlege you are helping a lot of players. All the best to you.
I used to play on a really cheap saxophone for marching band because I didn't think I would actually get into sax, but I did. Eventually I bought a cannonball and the main thing I noticed was my tone sounded better and it felt smoother and easier to play on.
I've been playing on a Vandoren T28 7*, with a 3 1/2 Vandoren Zz reed or a 3 1/4 legere.
The set up does make a nice difference, however, it's all about your embouchure, and air stream, musicianship, and the way you express music through your horn.
"You've got to find some way of saying it without actually saying it" - Duke Ellington
I agree 100%. A great set up won't fix bad time, bad intonation, can't play changes , etc Good video Ksaxman
Hey I dig your videos....as a teacer and a player. I think I can learn alot from you!
YES your specific tone and character are always unique to the player.
But most people cant play a C* on a Salsa gig and have the ability to project.
As a person develops their style etc eventually your set ups have to get you what you need for certain situations.
Trying to play classical rep on my T75 Jumbo Java is not gonna happen....I can get close because I can adjust my face and all that but...oh man its tough.
But for Combo Big Band and Salsa or Rock....I found it is the go to piece for me. and to each his own. And you dont have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to find a suitable piece or reed for your purposes.
I agree however....gear is not always the answer but can help.
We all wont sound like Trane on a Florida Link or Brecker on a Guardala.
"The question I get asked the most" lol
Thank you for your most honest disclosure concerning the mouthpiece reed combination. Professional saxophonists are primarily musicians and not scientists. In a location where a would be saxophonist has access to a teacher, no special problems present themselves that cannot be set right. In the third world country where I live there are very proficient saxophonists all of whom have studied at the famous world known centers. In my location in what is referred to as the most important city in this country there are no teachers whatsoever and the totally proficient saxophonists , trained of course in foreign institutions are absolutely useless as teachers and do not in fact teach regardless of the reimbursement offered and are for the most part unapproachable. What would I think be extremely valuable and use is some sort of chart listing commonly available mouthpieces matched to the appropriate reed type and strength. A case in point concerns my present problem. I have been gifted a Keilwerth Alto saxophone along with a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece with a box of generic reeds listed as 2.5.I am totally unable to produce any sound unless I exert painful pressure on the reed from the top as well as the bottom to produce a sound but which does not enable me to even play a few notes. Someone told me that I should get a Selmer Golden Tone , and this I did which did not make things any easier I have now gone through the full range of Rico mouthpieces, Boosey Hawkes, Selmer vintage metal, Selmer S 80 and some unbranded mouthpieces. The Yamaha 4C is the least painful and I would like very much to use this. Can you tell me what number or hardness reed suits this mouthpiece? I hope you will help me out , give me references to links or videos or charts providing the information so desperately required. Thank you.
Jeff I feel that your correct it's the player's Anatomy--oral cavity, vocal chords, diaphragm, etc, it's the player behind the horn that makes all the difference in the world. Now the correct mouthpiece and reed must be used for the correct type of music being played. A powerful Jazz mouthpiece may not fit in too good in a Classical setting, but a Classical type mouthpiece may fit right in with a Gospel Choir. Over the years I have learned that the quieter the setting the more oral cavity, vocal chords, diaphragm must be controlled, alone with good intonation.
Thank you very much Jeff! I currently play on a Chinese horn that I have bought for at least $800. It plats wells beyond expected. I see many people with these high end brands like Yamaha and Jupiter. You helped me to realize that it is the player that makes the best sound. The gear, saxophone , and accessories are only a small portion of the sound.
So true, Tyrell! Technique trumps gear!!
Tyrell B Jupiter is not in the high end model range and not all Yamaha saxes in the top range
Great way of articulating your thoughts Jeff. I’ll certainly be remembering this, and it would be cool if you could play alongside Kirk Whalum.
Very well said, Jeff. I think you hit the nail on the head, hope all the younger players watching this realize what you're saying is 100% true!!! (said the guy who was just looking at some stuff on eBay earlier...)
been playing a horn for 17 years and you said it right. set up vs. horn time. horn time is what matters.
Thank you so much for making this video. Its nice to have my hunch, that its almost entirely about practice like guitar, confirmed. especially when there are so many videos (usually by channels affiliated with a store) saying how you can't improve without the right gear. Its just nice to know that if I put enough time into this instrument I will be able to express myself regardless of gear quality.
another great video thank you for putting the time into making it!
Indeed, Jeff, Phil Woods used to say don't blame your setup if you don't sound as good as you would like - practice more!! lol
You could have mentioned Charlie Parker and his performance on the album Jazz at Massey Hall (1958) , one of the 100 best jazz albums of all time. For whatever reason, he showed up in Toronto without his horn. He rented a white plastic alto from a local pawn shop and used it during the live recording. I have the bootleg copy of the album where he is billed as Charlie Chan for some copyright reason. It's a fascinating story about that night with the behind the scenes dynamics between Dizzy and Bird. The Quintette was Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, and Max Roach.
I really enjoy your videos. I used to be a reeder, now I'm just a reader.
I picked up a saxophone mouthpiece patch for the first time and I found it helpful. I play with a 2.5 Rico on a Yamaha mouthpiece and generic ligature. I'm terrible but I'm having a good time.
Ryan Williams Just keep going
+Ryan Williams I'd love to help you out with Skype lessons if you're interested. Please visit JeffSchneidermusic.com/lessoninfo to learn more about how to set that up
Very true! Some forget, or don't realise, that the player is very much a big part of the set up. Well said Jeff.
I use a 8 1/2 reed with a 22 tip opening......and an air compressor.....jk......great advice Jeff...I use a Vandoren T95 metal mouthpiece with 2 1/2 reeds. Alto, is a Meyer 6 mm.....(Phil Woods) . 3 to 3 1/2 reeds...bari, Berg Larsen 110/1 hard rubber with Rico 3 reeds exclusively....
Thanks Jeff .
Great! Thanks Jeff! Concerning resistance, can you teach us about the elements from the inside of the mouthpiece that cause free blowing? Everyone talks about tip opening and reed strength, but I have found nothing on UA-cam about chainber, baffle, etc . I get a beautiful and easy sound on my sop and alto, but I can not easily play my tenor nor my baritone even with a #1 reed (!) and a super closed tip. I get a beautiful easy sound on my sop and alto (both: Selmer C* Rico Blue box 2,5 med). Help! Thanks again for your great videos.
You ever heard of a Lamberson mouthpiece? Lots of people have never heard of it, then tried it and switched from vintage Meyers and JodyJazz and Morgans, etc. Find a Lamberson Fmaj7, it'll blow your pillin whatever out of the water. I also use a Vandoren M/O lig, a Mark VI 158xxx, and D'Addario Select Jazz 2H Filed. Soft reed, I know, further pushing your point of how comfortability of reed sizes and tip openings varies among different musicians.
Fair play |Jeff - I can take my mouthpiece, put it on any horn and it sounds like me. The mouthpiece does make it huge difference IMO. Experiment!!!
Can you attack your tuning pleaase. I've got plenty of things I need to work on, but my tuning is farly clean. You're a great teacher, but I personally think accuracy is important. I know thats a dis, but sometimes you are wildly out (+50). Please sort it out.
very profound information for people of all levels
+Stantawn Kendrick Thanks, Stantawn. I appreciate the comment!
Thanks Jeff. For a relative beginner like me, your message is at the same time daunting and inspiring; the sound depends mostly on the player. What you say about the mouthpiece set-up makes a lot of sense, but I have a question about the saxophone itself. I have read and heard saxophonists talk about 'student', 'intermediate' and 'professional' saxophones. What would you say is the main difference between these three levels of saxophone, or is it imaginary?
Great question, Gilbert. Every time a new saxophone comes out, the difference between student and professional models decreases. It's not completely imaginary, but the fact remains: a great saxophonist will still sound great on a "bad" sax, and a bad saxophonist will still sound bad on a "great" sax.
I endorse your approach to the fullest
Can you describe the sound characteristics ascribed to the different mouth piece materials, plastic vs hard rubber vs metal? I know the shape of the piece also contributes to the sound, is there a rule of thumb for describing each material's sound? Thanks so much!
I'm a trumpet player and it still applies; the mouthpiece makes a very small difference
I think in general, the gear is always secondary to technique and musicianship. Thanks for the comment, Gregor!
Gregor Grigorian really !!
I was told that on trumpet mouthpiece is huge
could you please make a video about different tone and intonation exercises on saxophone?
hey. Great video.
when u change from a closed mouthpiece to an open one, does it becomes harder to play? why?
Can you do a video on long tones and overtones? I want to make sure I'm not just wasting my time on poor strategies.
+Matthew Neal More sound exercise coming soon. For now the most important thing is to make sure your long tones are steady and in tune.
another great topic. thank you
+nr3rful Thanks, as always!
This has always been my huge and endless issue on the alto sax: setup. I´m using a Vandoren Jumbo Java A35 (0.082" tip opening), refaced by a profesional guy. On reeds I use Vandoren traditional blue box 2.5. The thing is....I open the box and every single reed feels HARD, it seems like my setup is refusing to help! Well....the logical thing is going to a number 2 reed....ok...pretty logical. So I go to that lower size and what happens? the sound changes to a more bright and thin sound, which I don´t like at all. Also intonation becomes pretty much like a begginer. Then the next thing to do is to try different brands of reeds or models. Well...I´ve tried Javas, ZZ, La Voz, Jazz Select.....everything! whatever. Every single time I end up with this issue....pretty hard to blow = good sound and intonation but can´t really express myself, vs easy to blow, good expression, but thin and bright sound and intonation issues. Everybody says that the setup is not important.......I don´t thing so. I think it is the most crucial thing in the world. I don´t see any pro having problems with this kind of stuff and you hear they use setups like: 0.087" tip opening using a number 3 reed!!.....what?????......how can these guys play on that????.............the most logical answer to that question is: they have refacers who adjust their mouthpieces until they get that easy, free blowing mouthpiece with that huge reed they use which gives them that big and fat sound without soundind "reedy", and that´s it. Unfortunately, the rest of the human beings like us don´t have acces to that kind of services, so we´ll never feel that confortable, and so never play like them.I hope you could give me some last advice to help me with this problem I have since I can remember, since the first time I picked up a saxophone, 20 years ago.Thanks!
Jeff, your Chris Potter comment has one flaw: you said he played a group of tenors I assume, and he sounded like himself. You didn’t mention if he used his everyday gig mouthpiece or not. If he was, then indeed he would sound like himself. If he wasn’t, then that’s a different story.
Thank you for sharing - that's great you're also a great teacher I dig all your videos you made a lot of sense I have tried many mouthpieces Metal then HR
Thank you so much. Really appreciate it.
As a new subscriber and a huge fan of Chris Potter I'd like to know which is that video about him that you mentioned. Thanks and please, keep doing this.
I've been trying to find it, but can't! Maybe I can recreate it! I need some crappy sax gear to demonstrate though.
Jeff, I can tell you are a driven guy, but you need to make sure you get some rest too. Great site and very helpful thanks!
thank you for this video... and all of your video.. they help me alot ... regards from indonesia God bless you
Do lips get stronger? I have been playing saxophone for longer than I’d like to admit. I played on a Meyer 5 with a Medium soft Fiberreed for years. I wanted to get a little louder and bought a Vandoren Java A35 mouthpiece. It sounds great, stays in tune easily and I have no trouble hitting any of the notes on the horn. However my lower lip tires out. After playing at a gig my lip was blown out before it was over. Should I keep playing it hoping my lip strengthens or just stay with what I am already comfortable with? Thanks.
Hey :) I've been playing sax for nearly 6 years now. I've been playing on my current mouthpiece for about a 2 years now. Ive found out that it makes me sound too bright so when I play with my sax section I sound funny and don't blend very well. I was just wondering if you knew of any pretty good. Thanks, I really appreciate all the suggestions :)
I get out of breath easy (even though I'm in excellent physical condition). Takes a lot of air to get a sound. Some sort of stock plastic mouthpiece on my bundy 2. I switched from a 2.5 reed to a synthetic 2.5 and now at least I'm consistently tired. What size mouthpiece would be good to not have to blow so hard to get the reed going. Currently I pretty much have to play full blast just to hit all my notes
LOL.....love the off screen help. Kudos to the unknown voice in the background.
Nailed it Jeff, but there are some horns out there that have this certain quality, like their own personality, and you need to be able to play to notice it. I usually judge horns by flexibility and soulfulness. Some horns are "bitches", meaning they put up a fight when you want to really push them, they don't submit. Other horns like my Yamaha YTS-23 student model horn is so submissive to my soulful playing style, while my Keilwerth Tenor SX90R, although having a nice warm sound, doesn't really work with me as my Yamaha does. Sometimes when going to a gig, I can't decide which horn to pick for the gig, more times than not, It's the Yamaha I pick up and go with. Not to be a hater, but I cringe when very bad players go out and purchase selmers and sound totally terrible. You're going to sound just as terrible on a $300 horn. As you said Jeff, it's you, not the horn.
Hi Jeff,I am 61 just bought an alto sax and was wondering if a meyer 6 with a # 2 reed is a good starting point.
Any advice for improving embouchure?
Understanding that the player makes the sound, I don't think that people realize that different gear creates different feel rather than sound. Speaking of reeds, a 2.5 might sound the same as a 4 but the certainly don't feel the same. It is most certainly about comfort ability!
Thanks for the comment, Ryan! It's all about the feel, for sure!
Thx Jeff really appreciate it
+Hector Rama Thank you, Hector. I appreciate the comment.
what tip opening do you use with your NYA Pillinger? Just curious...
I have a jody Jazz 6M mouthpiece with a Rico 2.5 plastic coat reed for jazz and a yamaha 4C with a Vandoren 3 for classic both on a Yamaha As-100 alto, what do you think?
By the way I just started watching your videos and I subbed straight away, your altissimo videos are great.
the sound comes from you in your head and how long you practice long tones and if you practice everyday the mouthpiece and reed do make a small difference some saxophones are better then others
that makes a small difference also
you have to want to sound good
Thanks for the explanation Jeff. i'm kinda new for a saxophone player, and now i'm using weril brasil alto sax. in your opinion is it worthed if i upgrade gear like mouthpiece etc? bcoz i want the sound more bright and powerful. or i can do it with a technique? really need your opinition...
What mouthpiece would be good between Meyer 6m, Otto Link 6*, Vandoren V16, or Vandoren Jumbo Java A45, D'addario select jazz 6m, jodyjazz Jet 6m for alto saxophone? I am looking to play jazz and want the mouthpiece to give a nice sound and not be too bright.
What is your opinion about otto link hard rubber mouthpieces?
+Yakov de la Syskov I haven't played on one in a while, but from what I hear, they're not as good as they used to bed. People love vintage otto links, but of course, they're harder to find. All that being said, it doesn't matter that much what mouthpiece you play on. Find one that works for you and grow with it. Thanks, Yakov!
hey, what tip opening do you have on your Pillinger mouthpiece?
do you see much difference bettween reed brands, if so in what aspects does it differ and how would you describe the difference?
+Dancing Unicorn I think the difference between brands really comes down to the color of the sound. Some have a brighter sound, some a darker. Also, listen for how focused the sound is. Some are more laser like and others more wide. But really, these differences are minuscule compared to the stuff going on with your technique. Great question, still!
***** yeah just wondering, im kinda a self tought, i mean i went trough 5 years of clarinet so im not sure how to clasify myself, im just having truble with the techicals because I cant really ask somebody. Took me a while to figure out why my upper G wasnt comming out;) so its nice to be able to ask a seasoned player stuff like this. Thanks for the content its simple and clear. The four note jamming thing was loads of fun!
+Dancing Unicorn Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching!
Greetings from Cali, I was wondering if I need to buy a new mouthpiece do you have to have to buy a new ligature?
Hey! Depends on the size of the mouthpiece. Some are larger than others and require a certain size ligature.
Rico Royale reeds are the best
Nicholas Strathern yes
rico is for dweebs, Vandoren is for kings
It depends on the gig. Vandoren on Clarinet for Orchestra work. Roco Royal for Jazz & Swing. Anyway, that's my experience. Choosing Reeds can be a nightmare. The trick is to blow them in gently & let them settle down. That way you get more mileage out of them.
Rico is ass on sax
Hey Jeff, I've currently been using a claude lakey 5*3 for alto and it's gotten to a point were I can't stand it and I'd rather practice using my tenor because it's way to bright and loud. Is there any mouthpiece you could recommend me that is darker and more versatile?
Hai Jeff personaly i like somwhat soft setup on my P-Mauriat tenor, i play jody jazz hr*7 and a 2.5 reed but im told a harder reed is better for the high notes or more stable sorrey for my bad inglish im Norwegian i always play my baritone first then my tenor it opensup evereything bari playing is good for tenor
ted tedsen i have a jody jazz hr too. i love it. the 2.5 works better with it
to get split tones what kind of reed and mouthpiece and reed will work ???
So working on technique, I currently bight a bit with my lower lip and I am working on overtones as my teacher said that would help me. What excercises can I do besides that? I hear long tones a lot and you mentioned, so how do I practice that? Thanks a lot for the videos!
Also I was recommended a metal mouthpiece by my adjudicator at NYSSMA so maybe I need to work on faster air flow?
+Ethan Conrad try bending down your notes to help with the lip pressure
I'm starting to play tenor sax. Sometimes I need to put a lot of force in my lips. I think I am going on the wrong way. I'm using Ottolink 7* and Vandoren Zz 2 1/2. Do you have any suggestions? Could it be my embouchure?
Hi. What does it mean 6nr. 7nr. and 8nr.? Is it strength?
For mouthpieces you mean? It's referring to how big the opening is in the mouthpiece. A larger number creates more resistance but can allow for a bigger sound and more flexibility. It's all about what feels comfortable to you!
+Jeff Schneider. Thanks :)
Hi Jeff I usually play a Brilhart Ebolin 3 with a 2 reed but after playing awhile the sound closes I don't know if the reed isn't holding up or I'm biting on it from getting tired but when I switch to a Brilhart Levelaire 7 the sound booms out but I like the Ebolin 3 better before it goes dead . I hope you understand and can advise thanks
thickness,Strengh.
I agree with you in this topic, but I think you need to have a proper mouthpiece. For instance, you won't have a good sound with a chinese mouthpiece that costs like 5 bucks.
Giorgos, I've played on some pretty bad mouthpieces and still sound more or less the same. I hear what you're saying, but my point is to keep people from falling in the trap of thinking new gear is the answer. I will try to find a cheap mouthpiece to demonstrate...would make a good video. Thanks for the comment!
You are right. I mistaken the good sound with squeaking. By the way I tried your weird tip with the pencil. Man I immediately felt the difference in my sound. Thanks for the video and the reply!
looking for a mouthpiece to play altiamo split tones does it have to be metal om my alto ?
Hi Jeff, thanks for the great video! Just wanna ask if I should upgrade my mp (Yamaha 6C) to a bigger tip opening mp (Jody Jazz HR 7M) with a softer reed? Does it help with my learning progress?
Good deal!
Thanks!
Can a student saxophone benefit from a mouthpiece upgrade as well? I was considering the jumbo java a45 with the optimum ligature annd Vandoren v16 #3 reeds
Yeah, long time ago I met the guy who played flute. I told him I could not play very well because of my crappy student flute I got from a pawn shop. He played it for me. It sounded wonderful, full and rich sound. Damn ! As for mouthpieces- I have a Link STM NY *7. I've been playing it for about six months. I got it because it was recommended to me as being a good match for a Conn 10m. It seems to work for me but I don't have a point of reference to compare it to. How do I know or how can I find out if my Link needs tweaking- refacing? It's a new Link not vintage and it's not been worked on. I bought it from junkdude.com
Very true
I mean, I sound completely different on a mouthpiece designed for classical compared to funk and jazz so I feel like it affects at least a little more than 1% for new players
what's the tip opening of your mouthpiece?
I think it's a 7
Idk if you’ll respond but I need a mouthpiece that’s good for a Jazz sound and a Classical concert sound. Right now I’m just playing on a random generic mouthpiece from the music store with a regular Vandoren Reed and getting a good sound but I’m looking for an upgrade. A ligature and reed suggestion would help as well
+Makaylah M try to find a fairly open selmer soloist mouthpiece. That might do the trick!
I love that smooth Paul Desmond sound. Apart from being a genius, is there anything in his setup that gets that cool sound?
Bill Mackay Yep, Desmond, Getz, Webster tone are so special. I had same question.
I think paul desmond played a classicall mouthpiece. I think selmer s80 c*. Could be wrong
This video could be very misleading. I know for a fact I won’t sound the same on a Ron Caravan classical mouthpiece than I will on a Ottolink Jazz mouthpiece.
hi Jeff, I know the video is a bit old but maybe someone here can help me. I am a total beginner and I've been suggested the yamaha 4c for the alto but now that i bought it i read everywere that it is terrible at the point that it can be dangerous for my embrochure developement. can that be true? thanks and sorry for the horrible explanation, bye!
I would just get a Meyer. Can't go wrong there.
definitely checking them out. thanks for the reply!
Yamaha 4Cs are good for learning your instrument. And definitely will NOT harm your embouchure...some mis information there.
If you are never going to do classical saxophone then try a Meyer to get you used to what a Jazz MPC feels like and plays like. once you get a good grasp of tone and control...maybe time to step up for something more useful for your needs. But if that Meyer ends up working why change?
I cant do what some cats can on a Meyer.
This was a whole lot of nuthin.
I have a bit of a problem. I recently switched from 2.5 Vandoren V16 reeds to 3 V16, and most of the time i get a really great sound out of them but I don't know why, the reeds are not consistent and I get one reed that is sort of soft and the next really hard. Does anyone know what should I do?
+Itay Levin Great question. Reeds can definitely be inconsistent. I'll do a video on how I care for my reeds. I think this might help you out. For now, focus on technique, because even a bad reed can be overcome by good technique.
Thank you :)
learn to work on reeds. There is a part dedicated to it on Dave liebman´s develope you r own sound book
Buy Yourself A Set Of Drum's..
Finally
+Timon Murrath Thanks for your patience, Timon ;)
Bottom line, there is no substitute for practice time. Build up your emboucher muscles, and your sound will get better.
The principles of playing the saxophone as put forward by Joe Viola & Joe Allard, along with so many others, wasn't mentioned at all. This video has the appearances of informed sincerity, but ain't. This was another missed opportunity.
I am writing a comment because I heard this gets you monies
could somebody link the chris video trying different horns?
+Dancing Unicorn I'll see if I can find it.
Didn't you just bought a Theo Wanney mouthpiece???
Nope, that wasn't me!
Tool
second
+mario ramirez SILVER!
You should play something on the Saxophone not just talking about how to play
Right, no difference between a 1.5 and 4 reed. Prep? Nah. No difference between a Meyer 6 and a Selmer S80 C*. Doesn't matter. Sloppy video. More help would be to suggest mouthpieces which are not so expensive but offer different characteristics. A mouthpiece change has kept many a student from quitting altogether, not to mention easier reeds for starters. Of course a pro can honk nearly any horn. Congratulations.