10 Best Sax Mouthpieces 2026 in the United States

The Selmer S-80 C* Mouthpiece for Alto Saxophone is a well-regarded choice, particularly for musicians looking to elevate their playing experience. Its rubber material offers a warm and rich sound, which is often preferred by many saxophonists. With a tip opening of 1.70 and a facing length of 22.00, it caters well to a variety of playing styles, making it versatile for jazz, classical, and contemporary music. The square cross section in the chamber is designed to enhance sound production and response, contributing to a more dynamic performance.

This mouthpiece is particularly suitable for those who are stepping up from beginner to intermediate level, as it can significantly improve tone quality and ease of play compared to lower-quality options. On the downside, some players may find the tip opening a bit narrower compared to other models, which could limit certain playing techniques or styles, especially for those who prefer a more free-blowing experience.

Finally, being a rubber mouthpiece, it might not provide the same brightness and projection as metal options, which some players might prefer for certain genres. The Selmer S-80 C* Mouthpiece is an excellent choice for intermediate players looking to enhance their sound and performance across various styles of music.

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.

The JodyJazz HR* Model 7M (.083) alto saxophone mouthpiece is a hand-crafted rubber mouthpiece known for producing a warm and versatile tone that suits both traditional and modern styles. Its .083" tip opening strikes a balance that allows for good control while still offering free-blowing power and strong projection—great if you want an expressive sound that can cut through a band or ensemble. The mouthpiece’s chamber and facing are designed to blend warmth with brightness, making it a good fit for players seeking a rich tone that isn’t too edgy or too dark.

Being individually play-tested ensures consistent quality and reliability. On the downside, rubber mouthpieces like this one might require a bit more maintenance to keep clean compared to metal or synthetic options. Also, while it’s versatile, very aggressive or extremely bright playing styles might benefit from mouthpieces with different tip openings or baffles.

This mouthpiece appeals most to intermediate to advanced alto sax players who want a dependable, warm sound with good projection for jazz, contemporary, or even some classical settings.