 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2018-02-15 05:32
I have a very talented 5th grade clarinet students who has just discovered her grandfather's alto sax (a Conn Constellation, from the '50s her mom thinks) and will be adding it to her arsenal. The Brilhart mouthpiece that's in the case is badly damaged so she'll need a new one. I don't want to send her mom after an expensive custom piece until the student is a little more experienced - she's already spending a small fortune getting the Conn overhauled. I've only taught beginner sax students in a school setting using rental instruments, mostly Yamahas with 4C mouthpieces. Does anyone have a favorite entry level alto mouthpiece?
I'm seeing modern Brilhart Ebolins and also a Fobes Debut alto mouthpiece online in the same mid-$30s price range. I have a Brilhart Tonalin, an old one, that I like for tenor and have no experience with Clark's sax mouthpieces, although I like the clarinet Debut. Is either one of those a reasonable choice?
Karl
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Author: Jim22
Date: 2018-02-15 06:10
Vandoren Optimum AL3, I Absolutely adore mine. It instantly transformed my sound from lousy to professional.
Jim C.
CT, USA
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2018-02-15 06:32
Meyer 7
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2018-02-15 07:06
Isn't that fairly open? I played on a Meyer 5 alto mouthpiece for several years and found it hard to control.
Karl
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Author: gwie
Date: 2018-02-15 07:14
The Fobes Debut alto sax mouthpiece is a superb choice.
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2018-02-15 07:16
That's actually what I'm using these days, and I like it, too. It's a little pricier than I had hoped to recommend. They've recently spent a good deal on clarinet equipment and the Conn will cost a good deal of money to restore to playing condition. I'm trying to find something serviceable - and not too expensive to replace in case of accidental damage (she's still young - 10-ish) - in a student-oriented price range.
Karl
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2018-02-15 07:27
Sure you can do with the 5. It's not that open. I use 3 1/2's on the 7 and I like light set ups. It's an all around good MP for everything. Not too expensive and it will last for years, even some of my fellow studio musician friends still use them. Unless you want to play hard rock and want that metal jazz mouthpiece this will carry you through college and beyond.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: JazzBrewer
Date: 2018-02-15 08:07
Honestly, since she's a saxophone beginner, and because it's a really good mouthpiece, not just for its price, but overall, a Yamaha (plastic) 4C can't be beat. Runs around $30-$35, and is an absolute killer.
And at $35, it's a great way to get to know the sax, and find out if she likes the sax, without investing too heavily into a mouthpiece.
EDIT: Can easily be found for under $30.
Post Edited (2018-02-15 08:17)
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Author: Burt
Date: 2018-02-15 08:15
I have a Meyer 7 and like it, but would not recommend it for a beginner. It's a bit open and its tone is more suited for jazz. I recommend a Selmer C* for school band.
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