What do the numbers on saxophone mouthpieces mean?
The relationship between mouthpiece and reed selection The normal range for reeds is 2 to 5: the lower the number, the thinner the reed, and the higher the number, the thicker the reed. The thickness of the reed will affect the tone and how easy or difficult the instrument is to play.
What is a 4C mouthpiece?
The Yamaha 4C mouthpiece belongs to Yamaha’s Standard Series, which is a range designed for students. This mouthpiece (which is available for the full range of clarinets and saxophones) is made of high quality phenol resin (plastic). The Custom Series of mouthpieces are designed for advancing students.
How do you choose an opening tip for a mouthpiece?
The Saxophone Mouthpiece (and Clarinet Mouthpiece) Tip Size, or Tip-Opening, is the distance between the reed and mouthpiece tip. This number is usually on the side of the mouthpiece body, or on the table. The smaller the tip size the more narrow the opening; the larger the tip size the larger the opening.
Is a saxophone single or double reed?
Although the clarinet and saxophone both have a single reed attached to their mouthpiece, the playing technique or embouchure is distinct from each other.
What is the difference between Yamaha 4C and 5C mouthpiece?
The 4C has a moderately narrow sized tip opening for easy response and clear tone, and the 5C has a moderate sized tip opening allows for greater volume and projection and a rich tone quality.
What Reed should I use for alto sax?
Most beginners start by using La Voz or Rico reeds, because they are the cheapest brands. A size 2 reed is a great place to start for a beginner. Play on it for a while before switching to a 2.5, unless it feels entirely too soft, then 2.5 is okay.
What is the best jazz mouthpiece for alto sax?
Best Alto & Tenor Saxophone Mouthpieces for Jazz
| #1 All-Round Alto Sax Choice | Meyer (ebonite) Classic, with a clear, even tone | Check Price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Special Mention (alto sax) | JodyJazz HR* Especially suited to straight-ahead jazz and bebop | Check Price on Amazon |
What is mouthpiece Tip opening?
The tip-opening of the saxophone mouthpiece will impact the comfort of play, the volume and the tone-colour of the instrument. With the same reed strength, increasing the tip-opening of the saxophone mouthpiece will allow you to increase the volume and give more body and width to the sound.
Do saxophone mouthpieces make a difference?
Some people feel mouthpiece material has a direct impact on sound and some feel otherwise. The result is that there is no significant difference in a listener’s perception of saxophone sound when steel or hard plastic mouthpieces of similar dimensions are employed in playing long tones on a saxophone.
How long does it take to be good at the saxophone?
Yeah, it takes around 10,000 hours to technically master something specific. That means around 10 years if you practice no less than 3 hours a day. If you average 1 a day, it goes to around 30.
How often should I change my saxophone reed?
Expect a reed to last for around a week to two weeks. When you change from a reed you’ve been using for some time to a new reed, the sound of your instrument will change with it.
What tip opening is a Yamaha 4C?
Standard Series
| Model | 4C | |
|---|---|---|
| Alto Saxophone | Tip Opening | 1.60mm |
| Facing Length | 23.0mm | |
| Tenor Saxophone | Tip Opening | 1.70mm |
| Facing Length | 24.0mm |
What are Yamaha mouthpieces made of?
phenol resin
Yamaha’s Standard Series mouthpieces are made out of high quality phenol resin (plastic) and feature a design based upon the top grade Custom series. They are extremely consistent in specifications and playing quality and offer excellent value for money.
How important is a sax mouthpiece?
It is common to credit the mouthpiece with the tone produced by a saxophonist. Quality saxophone mouthpieces play a vital role in allowing a player to achieve desired results. This is the conscious or subconscious “desired” tone and can be referred to as a “mental concept” of a tone prior to producing it.
How long does a saxophone mouthpiece last?
In general, mouthpieces DO wear down over time due to the normal wear and tear that it is subject to during performance, as well as breakdown from saliva. Even the reed vibration alone is enough to, over time, physically change a mouthpiece. On average, regular players seem to notice these changes after 2-3 years.
What is the difference between 4C and 5C mouthpieces?
Why does my saxophone sound fuzzy?
Every saxophonist deals with the “spitty” sound. This sound comes from excessive moisture in the mouthpiece, and when it attaches itself to the inside of the mp or reed, it can be difficult to remove. It’s a sound that you can hear, and your audience can hear as well. We definitely need to get rid of it.
Does mouthpiece affect saxophone?
What pitch does an alto sax mouthpiece and neck make?
It is important not only in determining the correct tension for the embouchure, but it also matches the frequency of the mouthpiece and neck to that of the “missing cone”. In short, the pitch for alto should be Ab concert and the pitch for tenor should be E concert.
What do the numbers mean on a saxophone mouthpiece?
It’s common to see these measurements displayed in numbers and even sometimes accompanied by a star; 8*. Most mouthpiece makers use a numbering system to identify the range of the tip opening. A wide tip opening will give you a brighter, bigger sound but is harder to play as it requires more air to make the reed vibrate.
How much does an alto saxophone mouthpiece cost?
They last a long time and come in a package of 6 for around $9. My favorite alto saxophone mouthpiece swab is made by BG. This also fits the neck and it is absolutely essential that you swab out your mouthpiece and neck after every playing session.
Where is the tip number on a mouthpiece?
This number is usually on the side of the mouthpiece body, or on the table. The smaller the tip size the more narrow the opening; the larger the tip size the larger the opening. This chart shows common tip sizes for various types of music. Compare your mouthpieces tip opening size to other modern and vintage brands with the PDF charts below:
Which is the best chamber for alto sax?
A smaller chamber gives a more powerful and brighter sound while a medium chamber gives a more mellow and rounded sound (generally speaking). Important Tips…