10 Best Jazz Tenor Sax Mouthpiece 2025 in the United States

The JodyJazz HR CUSTOM DARK Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece is designed for tenor sax players seeking a warm, rich, and vintage jazz sound. Made from brass with a special proprietary hard rubber facing, it delivers a dark and traditional tone thanks to its large, open round chamber and rounded side walls. This setup helps create a complex, full-bodied sound favored in jazz music. The tip opening you choose—ranging from .085 to .135 inches—allows for customization in response and volume, and the 7* size (.105 inches) is a popular middle ground for many players.

The mouthpiece features a carefully shaped baffle and hand-finished tip rail that contribute to its easy, free-blowing feel, making it suitable for expressive playing. Additionally, the heavy 24kt gold-plated brass ring adds both aesthetic appeal and helps enhance harmonic richness. It does not come with a ligature, so you’ll need to use your current one or buy a compatible JodyJazz ligature separately.

This mouthpiece is highly praised for its sound and playability, though some users might find the brass material heavier than other options. Players who prefer a brighter or more modern jazz tone might want to explore other mouthpieces. It fits well for jazz players aiming for a classic, warm sound with good flexibility and projection.

The JodyJazz DV NY Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Model 8* is a metal mouthpiece with a modern style, designed to offer a bright, focused sound typical for jazz players who want projection and clarity. Made from gold-colored metal, it provides durability and a smooth feel. The tip opening is .115 inches, which is moderate and should suit players who want a balance between ease of play and ability to control dynamics and tone. JodyJazz mouthpieces are known for modern designs that often feature a medium chamber and slightly higher baffle to enhance brightness and edge in the sound. This mouthpiece is ranked well within tenor sax mouthpieces and has positive user ratings, indicating it meets the expectations of many jazz saxophonists.

Being metal, it may produce a brighter and more cutting tone that might not appeal to players seeking a warmer, darker sound typical of traditional hard rubber mouthpieces. Also, some players might find the tip opening size requires a bit more breath support compared to smaller openings. The JodyJazz DV NY 8* is a solid choice for jazz tenor sax players looking for a modern, bright, and projecting sound in a durable metal mouthpiece, especially if you prefer a moderate tip opening that balances playability and tonal control.

The D'Addario Select Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece, specifically the D6M model, is designed for musicians seeking a blend of traditional and modern qualities in their saxophone setup. A standout feature is its sandstone hard rubber material, which not only offers durability but also contributes to a warm and rich tone that many players appreciate. The mouthpiece is tailored for versatility, with a medium facing length and chamber size that can accommodate a range of playing styles, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and more experienced saxophonists.

With various tip opening sizes (6, 7, 8, and 9), players can select the one that best fits their playing style, whether they prefer a brighter sound for more expressive jazz solos or a fuller tone for ensemble playing. The mouthpiece is made in the USA, assuring quality craftsmanship.

However, while this mouthpiece has many strengths, it may not be ideal for everyone. The medium chamber and baffle may limit its appeal to those who are looking for a more customized sound profile. Additionally, players accustomed to larger or smaller tip openings might need some time to adjust when switching to this mouthpiece. Some users might find the price point slightly higher compared to other beginner options, although many would argue that the quality justifies the investment.