THE SAXOPHONE MOUTHPIECE

A Brief Overview of the Mouthpiece

THE CHAMBER
The mouthpiece chamber is the open area in the middle of the mouthpiece between the baffle and the
bore. The size and shape of the chamber influences the sound: the smaller the chamber the brighter the
sound.



Large Chamber (a > b)
Large chamber mouthpieces produce a tone that is rich in fundamental and low overtones. Large
chamber mouthpieces are popular among jazz players.

Medium Chamber (a = b)
Medium chamber mouthpieces produce a clear and focused sound throughout the register. Medium
chamber mouthpieces are popular among classical players.

Small Chamber (a < b)
Small chamber mouthpieces produce a very focused and bright sound. Small chamber mouthpieces are
popular among rock, pop and R&B players.




THE BAFFLE

The mouthpiece baffle is the wedge shape built into the ceiling of the inside of the mouthpiece. The
shape and size of the baffle determines how bright or dark the sound will be. A high baffle (pictured
above) causes the airstream to flow faster, resulting in a brighter sound.


THE TIP OPENING


The tip opening is the gap between the tip of the reed and tip of the mouthpiece. The size of the tip
opening is one factor to consider when determining the strength of reed to use. In general, small tip
openings require harder reeds and large tip openings require softer reeds. Classical players tend to use
mouthpieces with smaller tip openings and jazz players tend to use mouthpieces with larger tip
openings.


THE FACING


The mouthpiece facing is the distance from the tip of the mouthpiece to the point where the reed and
mouthpiece meet. The length and curve of the facing play a crucial role in the response and tone of the
mouthpiece. The facing is the main factor to consider when determining the strength of reed to use. In
general, a shorter facing requires a softer reed and a longer facing requires a harder reed. Jazz players
tend to use mouthpieces with shorter facings and larger tip openings and classical players ten to use
mouthpieces with longer facings and smaller tip openings.






CHOOSING A MOUTHPIECE
It is admitted that choosing and recommending mouthpieces is a subjective process. If there is any
uncertainty as to which mouthpiece to use a local professional should be consulted. However, for the
sake of the busy classroom music teacher in need of guidance, a few popular mouthpiece choices have
been listed below.

CLASSICAL: Selmer S-80 C*, Vandoren Optimum AL 3
JAZZ: Meyer 5 or 6, Otto Link 5 or 6
short medium long