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10 Best Sax Mouthpieces 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Theo Wanne DU5-TG7S Durga 5 Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece - 7* Gold-plated

The Theo Wanne DU5-TG7S Durga 5 Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece is a high-quality option for tenor saxophonists seeking a modern sound. Its standout feature is the gold plating, which not only adds a luxurious look but also contributes to a brighter, more resonant tone. The tip opening of 0.105 inches (7*) is relatively large, making it suitable for experienced players who prefer greater flexibility and dynamic range in their playing.

Weighing 9.9 ounces and measuring 6.5 x 2.5 x 2.25 inches, it's a substantial piece that feels solid in hand. Customer reviews are highly positive, with users rating it 5.0 out of 5 stars, indicating satisfaction with its performance. It's ranked #110 in Tenor Saxophones Mouthpieces on Amazon, suggesting it's a popular choice among tenor saxophonists.

The main drawback might be its suitability for beginners due to the larger tip opening, which requires more skill to control. Also, the gold plating, while aesthetically pleasing and tonally beneficial, may make it a pricier option compared to other mouthpieces. This mouthpiece is best suited for intermediate to professional players looking for a high-quality, modern mouthpiece to enhance their sound.

#2

Vandoren SM813M A7 Medium Chamber V16 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

Rating
8.2
Material

Most important from
494 reviews

Material
The metal construction provides strong projection and clarity, though it can feel brighter compared to hard rubber options.

The Vandoren SM813M A7 Medium Chamber V16 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece is made of brass, which gives it a bright, powerful sound favored by many alto sax players. Its tip opening size of 0.204 mm and medium-long facing length strike a nice balance, offering good control and a comfortable playing feel that suits a wide range of styles. The medium chamber design helps produce a warm tone without sacrificing clarity.

This mouthpiece works best with Vandoren reeds in the #2 to #3.5 range, so pairing it with the right reed is important to get the best performance. Players will appreciate its dynamic range and the control it offers across volumes, making it suitable for both solo and ensemble playing. On the downside, brass mouthpieces like this can sometimes be a bit brighter or harsher compared to harder materials like hard rubber, which might not suit everyone’s preference.

If you prefer a larger or smaller tip opening, this one may feel restrictive or too open depending on your style. This mouthpiece represents a solid choice for intermediate to advanced alto saxophonists looking for a versatile, warm-toned option with good projection and tonal control.

Rating
8.2
Material

Most important from
494 reviews

Material
The metal construction provides strong projection and clarity, though it can feel brighter compared to hard rubber options.
#3

Selmer S-80 C* Mouthpiece for Tenor Saxophone (S404C1)

The Selmer S-80 C* tenor saxophone mouthpiece is made of rubber, which generally offers a warm, rich tone favored by many sax players. Its tip opening of 1.8 mm is moderate, making it a good fit for players moving up from beginner to intermediate levels who want more control and flexibility without sacrificing ease of play. The square cross-section chamber affects the sound by producing a focused and clear tone, ideal for jazz and classical styles.

With a facing length of 24 mm, it balances response and tonal richness well, giving players comfortable control over their sound. Because the material is rubber and not metal, it might not provide the brighter, more cutting tone some advanced players look for. The chamber design suggests a smoother, less edgy sound.

This mouthpiece is a popular choice for tenor sax players seeking a reliable and versatile mouthpiece that helps improve tone quality and playability. It may not satisfy those looking for extreme brightness or a very aggressive sound, but for many, it offers a solid step up in performance without being too challenging to handle.

Buying Guide for the Best Sax Mouthpieces

Choosing the right saxophone mouthpiece is crucial for any saxophonist, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player. The mouthpiece significantly affects the sound, playability, and overall performance of the instrument. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your playing style and needs. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a saxophone mouthpiece.
MaterialSaxophone mouthpieces are typically made from hard rubber, metal, or plastic. The material affects the tone and durability of the mouthpiece. Hard rubber mouthpieces are known for their warm, rich sound and are often preferred by classical and jazz musicians. Metal mouthpieces produce a brighter, more powerful sound, making them popular in rock and contemporary music. Plastic mouthpieces are usually more affordable and are often used by beginners. Choose a material that complements your musical style and sound preference.
Tip OpeningThe tip opening is the distance between the tip of the mouthpiece and the reed. It influences the ease of play and the sound produced. Smaller tip openings (close) are easier to control and require less air, making them suitable for beginners and classical players. Medium tip openings offer a balance between control and flexibility, ideal for intermediate players and those who play various styles. Larger tip openings (open) provide more volume and a brighter tone but require more air and control, making them suitable for advanced players and jazz musicians. Consider your skill level and the type of music you play when choosing the tip opening.
Chamber SizeThe chamber is the internal space of the mouthpiece and affects the sound's resonance and projection. Small chambers produce a focused, bright sound with more projection, suitable for contemporary and rock music. Medium chambers offer a balanced sound with versatility, making them a good choice for jazz and general playing. Large chambers create a warm, mellow sound with less projection, preferred by classical musicians. Select a chamber size that matches your desired sound and playing context.
Facing LengthThe facing length is the distance from the tip of the mouthpiece to the point where the reed meets the mouthpiece. It affects the response and flexibility of the mouthpiece. Short facings provide a quicker response and are easier to play, making them suitable for beginners and those who need fast articulation. Medium facings offer a balance between response and flexibility, ideal for intermediate players. Long facings provide more flexibility and a richer tone but require more control, making them suitable for advanced players. Choose a facing length that aligns with your playing ability and style.
BaffleThe baffle is the shape of the interior surface of the mouthpiece just behind the tip. It influences the brightness and projection of the sound. High baffles create a brighter, more powerful sound with increased projection, suitable for rock and contemporary music. Medium baffles offer a balanced sound with versatility, making them a good choice for jazz and general playing. Low baffles produce a darker, warmer sound with less projection, preferred by classical musicians. Consider the type of music you play and your desired sound when choosing the baffle.

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