What is the best mouthpiece? How do I know which mouthpiece to use? Your mouthpiece can transform your instrument! Many of us have been playing on the mouthpieces that our clarinet or saxophone came with for a long time, probably without questioning it.
If you are still playing on your beginner mouthpiece, it may be time to upgrade your mouthpiece. There are so many options for clarinet and saxophone mouthpieces and this post is here to help!
The Difference Between Mouthpieces
So what’s the difference between a mouthpiece that will set you back $20 and one that will cost you $150?
The Vandoren website has diagrams of the structure of a woodwind mouthpiece. The different parts of the mouthpiece, such as the side and tip rails (the edges around where the reed goes) and the baffle (the horizontal space where the reed goes), can all change in size, dimension, and style depending on the mouthpiece you choose.
The features of a mouthpiece greatly affect the sound of the instrument. Saxophone mouthpieces are often made with different materials, such as metal or rubber. Players will prefer a certain material depending on the style of music they play and the sound a material makes.
Why Step up Your Mouthpiece?
A step-up mouthpiece can be a great way to upgrade your instrument without purchasing a step-up instrument. A student who has been playing on a stock mouthpiece can greatly benefit from picking out a new mouthpiece after a few years of playing.
Since the mouthpiece is the part of the instrument that has direct contact with your embouchure (mouth position) and air supply, it has great potential to transform your sound. Upgrading the mouthpiece can also customize the instrument for different playing needs.
Which Mouthpiece is Best?
No one mouthpiece is best, but there is one that is right for you.
Trying out mouthpieces can be a great way to see which one works for you. When trying out mouthpieces, be sure to use the reed, ligature, and instrument you normally play on. That way you’re only changing one variable at a time.
At David French, you can always try out any of the mouthpieces we have in stock. We know how important it is for you to have the mouthpiece that best suits your playing abilities and style.
No matter your age or stage as a musician, a new mouthpiece can be an important investment in playing, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try out a new mouthpiece!
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How to Choose the Right Woodwind Reeds
What strength reed should I choose? How do I choose a clarinet reed? Ask any woodwind player and they will tell you: reeds are everything!
What is the woodwind family of instruments? How does the woodwind family produce sound? Many of the instruments in the woodwind family are no longer made of wood, but they form an important instrument family with a wide range of tone colors.
