10 Best Sax Mouthpieces 2025 in the United States

The JodyJazz HR CUSTOM DARK Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece 7* offers a warm, rich, and vintage-style sound, thanks to its use of proprietary Chedeville hard rubber and a large open chamber with rounded side walls. This design helps produce a complex, multifaceted tone that many players find pleasing for traditional and modern jazz styles. Made of brass with a heavy 24kt gold-plated ring, it adds body and enhances harmonics, which can give your sound more depth and presence.

Its superior facing curve and carefully hand-finished tip rail and baffle allow for an easy, free-blowing response, making it comfortable to play even during extended sessions. The tip opening size of 7* (.105) is fairly versatile, suitable for players who want a balance of control and brightness without being too edgy or too soft. Note that this mouthpiece does not include a ligature, so you’ll need to use your current one or purchase a JodyJazz POWER RING ligature for an optimal setup.

Some players might find the brass material a bit heavier compared to traditional hard rubber mouthpieces, and the price is on the higher side, reflecting its premium craftsmanship. With generally positive reviews, this mouthpiece is ideal for tenor saxophonists seeking a warm, dark tone combined with excellent playability, especially if they favor a modern design with vintage tonal qualities.

The Vandoren SM711 AL3 Optimum Series Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece is designed with classical saxophonists in mind. Made of brass, it offers durability and a solid feel, which is a key factor for any musician looking for a reliable mouthpiece. The tip opening of 152 (1/100mm) and the medium long facing length make it versatile and suitable for a range of playing styles, though it particularly shines in classical music due to its exceptional roundness of tone.

The chamber size is not explicitly mentioned, but the mouthpiece's design aims to produce a warm and rich sound, which aligns well with its classical focus. The mouthpiece works best with Vandoren #2.5-#4 reeds, providing flexibility for players to find their preferred reed strength. However, those who prefer softer or harder reeds may find this limiting. The baffle design is not specified but contributes to the balanced and refined sound quality.

With a weight of just 0.8 ounces and compact dimensions, it is easy to handle and transport. While it may not be the best fit for jazz or contemporary music styles, it excels in providing a classic, warm tone ideal for classical performances. The Vandoren SM711 AL3 is a strong choice for alto saxophonists aiming for a high-quality, reliable mouthpiece dedicated to classical music.

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.