10 Best Alto Saxophone Mouthpieces 2026 in the United States

The Selmer S-80 C* Mouthpiece is a versatile option for alto saxophonists looking to improve their sound and response. Made from rubber, it features a square cross-section in the chamber that enhances tonal quality, making it an excellent choice for players who want to elevate their skills, especially those transitioning to a higher-quality mouthpiece. With a tip opening of 1.70 and a facing length of 22.00, it strikes a good balance between ease of playability and control, suitable for a range of musical styles from jazz to classical.

One of the standout strengths of the S-80 C* is its adaptability; it can meet the needs of various playing styles and preferences, providing a rich and focused sound. This mouthpiece is particularly beneficial for intermediate players aiming to step up their performance, as it promotes better sound production and response.

Potential drawbacks may include the rubber material, which, while providing warmth and comfort, may not suit everyone’s taste compared to more traditional hard rubber or metal options. Additionally, the relatively close tip opening may not be ideal for players who prefer a wider opening for a more free-blowing experience. The Selmer S-80 C* Mouthpiece is a solid pick for players looking to refine their sound and technique, offering a nice blend of quality and versatility. It is well-suited for those ready to invest in a quality mouthpiece, though it may require some adjustment for those used to different materials or wider openings.

The Vandoren SM813M A7 mouthpiece is made of brass, which often results in a bright, powerful sound and good projection—qualities that many saxophonists appreciate. It has a medium tip opening of 204 (measured in hundredths of a millimeter), which provides a nice balance: it’s not too tight or too open, making it suitable for players who want control without needing excessive breath pressure. The medium-long facing length helps shape a smooth tone and easier response, especially helpful for players looking for dynamic flexibility.

The medium chamber size generally supports a warm and rich sound, while the design suggests a balanced power and dynamic range, fitting well for jazz and contemporary styles. It's recommended to be used with Vandoren reeds in the #2 to #3.5 range, which is a common choice that supports versatility. On the downside, brass mouthpieces usually require some care to avoid wear and can be heavier than hard rubber or plastic options.

This mouthpiece is ideal for intermediate to advanced alto sax players who want a versatile, expressive tool that balances power and tonal clarity.

The JodyJazz HR CUSTOM DARK Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Model 4 (0.066") is designed to offer a warm, dark, and vintage sound, making it a great choice for saxophonists looking for a rich tonal quality. Its use of proprietary Chedeville Rubber is a standout feature, contributing to the mouthpiece's ability to deliver a rich, warm sound. The heavy 24kt gold-plated brass ring not only adds to the mouthpiece's aesthetics but also boosts the body of the sound and enhances harmonics.

This mouthpiece features rounded side walls and a large, open round chamber, which helps produce a complex and multifaceted tone that many musicians will appreciate. The expert hand-finished tip rail and baffle ensure incredible response and playability, which is crucial for performance consistency. However, it's worth noting that this mouthpiece does not come with a ligature, so users will need to use their existing ligature or purchase one separately.

The Model 4 tip opening of 0.066 inches makes it suitable for players who prefer a smaller opening, but there are other tip openings available if a larger size is needed. At 3.2 ounces, it is lightweight and easy to handle. Some users might find the lack of a ligature inconvenient, and the price point might be higher compared to other mouthpieces in the market. However, the quality and sound characteristics offered by this mouthpiece could justify the investment for serious saxophonists.