Choosing the Right Saxophone Mouthpiece

Understanding tip openings, mouthpiece styles, and how to find the perfect match for your sound.

Let’s talk mouthpieces. That small lump of hard rubber or metal standing between you and your best playing. It’s wildly misunderstood, often overlooked, and absolutely crucial. I’ve met countless players still using the basic plastic piece they started on, and when we finally set them up with something better, their sax life transforms.

So what makes one mouthpiece different from another? It all comes down to tip opening, style, and materials, and how those align with your playing level, sound goals, and reed strength.

📏 What is Tip Opening?

The tip opening is the gap between the reed and the tip of the mouthpiece. It plays a big role in how a mouthpiece feels and sounds.

• Small tip openings (4 – 5): Easier response, more control. Great for classical or beginner players using harder reeds.
• Medium openings (6 – 7): A balanced feel — ideal for jazz and crossover players.
• Large openings (8 – 10): More volume and flexibility, but needs more air and usually a softer reed.

If you're switching to a mouthpiece with a bigger or smaller tip opening, you may need to adjust your reed strength to keep things playable. Mouthpiece and reed need to work together, they’re a team, not two separate parts.

🎶 Different Styles of Mouthpiece

Classical

Sound: Dark, centred, controlled
Popular models: Selmer C*, Vandoren Optimum, Yamaha 4C
Perfect for: Concert repertoire, graded exams, ensemble playing

Jazz

Sound: Broad, rich, flexible
Popular models: Otto Link, Meyer, Vandoren V16, JodyJazz HR*
Perfect for: Jazz combos, big bands, expressive solo work

Contemporary / Pop / Fusion

Sound: Bright, powerful, edgy
Popular models: Guardala, JodyJazz Jet, Theo Wanne Shiva
Perfect for: Funk, pop, fusion, amplified performance

⚙️ Does Material Matter?

Yes, but not as much as people think.

• Hard rubber (ebonite): Warm, traditional, responsive.
• Metal: Bright, powerful, sometimes sharper.

But it’s not just the material, it’s about how it’s designed and finished. A well-made rubber mouthpiece will always outperform a poorly made metal one.

🎯 Putting It All Together

There’s no single “best” setup. It’s about balance: mouthpiece, reed, ligature, and player. When it clicks, your tone opens up, your control improves, and playing feels easier.

Blog by Jamie Straker, CEO of Atlantic London Saxophones