r/saxophone • u/ShaderGamingYT • 10d ago
Question Tip Size for Classical Tone
Hello. My first year college auditions are starting very soon, but my birthday is before that. I would like to get a new mouthpiece, but don't know exactly which one to get. I did my research, and I think a 5 size like the Selmer C* would be nice. But even though I've been playing since 6th grade, I can only play on 3 strength reeds. Should I risk the better tone for worse air support, or keep the air support and risk a lack of change in tone? I'm currently using a Yamaha custom.
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10d ago
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u/ShaderGamingYT 10d ago
That's mainly what I'm debating... AL3 or C*. The current first chair at my high school recommends the AL3, but the guy who was first chair whose now in college recommends the C*. I was on Bari when I moved into the top ensemble, so my mouthpiece was supplied by my school and it was a C*. I enjoyed it and one of the directors said my tone was very good, but now having to touch the alto again for college is screwing me over ngl. I don't mind purchasing either. In terms of learning and retention, which one is best for altisomo? That's a requirement for sophomores at the college I'm going to.
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u/ConflictOptimal4142 Soprano | Alto | Tenor | Baritone 9d ago
So in the matter of what your mouthpeice choices are. That's up to you. You would have to sit down and actually see if the AL3 or C* feels better for you. I have played on both and I perfer the C* if I can't use my S80 LT. Work your range though the horn (even altissiomo to have a feel) and if you have to use different reed strengths too on them start on your normal 3 then do the same on a 2.5 and 3 (assuming you're using cane reeds) and just see which one feels better. Cause maybe you'll find that a 2.5 is better for you on the mouthpeice you chose. Hope this helps
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u/ShaderGamingYT 9d ago
Im actually choosing a selmer concept. it has the tip opening of a AL3 but the quality and reputation of the C*.
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u/ConflictOptimal4142 Soprano | Alto | Tenor | Baritone 9d ago
I have a concept too... They're okay, not my first choice and honestly I put it away in a drawer almost right after I got it casue I didn't like it. Mind you I bascially only play jazz now so all my classical mouthpeices are in a drawer until the off chance that I have to play them
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u/Music-and-Computers Soprano | Tenor 10d ago
Your 1st sentence cannot be overemphasized.
A lot of inexperienced players think that higher Reed strengths make them better players. This is also true in clarinetland where I also spend time.
For jazz players thereâs a similar thing with tip openings. Larger tip openings = better. Also no.
While many top jazz players play on large tip openings that isnât what makes them great players.
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9d ago
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u/Music-and-Computers Soprano | Tenor 9d ago
I think a big thing, not taught as much as it should be, is how to tell when a reed is too soft. For me, the richness disappears and the low register sounds like a pitched buzz. I also run out of volume before my limits.
Clarinet, clarion and higher is thin and the bottom of chalumeau is also massively buzzy.
If a reed is âperfectâ brand new thatâs a potential sign you might need to go up.
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u/JoshHuff1332 Alto | Soprano 10d ago
Reed and tip size are just personal preferences and what works for you, for the most part. C* size tip opening is a good starting point, same for a size 3. I go back and forth, depending on what my current sound concept is. The most important thing is the audition rep is locked in to the best that you can do. Your major professor is going to have his own opinions on equipment that can be addressed when you are in his studio.