deciphering 'piece lingo [Archive] - Sax on the Web Forum

Jazzophone

03-23-2003, 05:21 PM

I've realised just how inexperienced I am after being completely baffled in discussions related to mouthpieces. I've been playing with a student line plastic thing (okay, it really is a piece of junk) and so haven't really had the chance to look around and field-test any really good mouthpieces. Now that I do, I'm completely stumped because I don't know what to look for.

All the lingo is what's throwing me off track. People refer to baffle - what's that, and why is it important? The tip sizes are different, as are the barrel sizes -- what are the differences that that makes? And of course, jazz mouthpieces -- what do they do?

Aah! I guess I have a lot to learn.

Dave Dolson

03-23-2003, 05:49 PM

Jazzophone: I've been playing for over 46 years and never once picked a mouthpiece by the design of the chamber, the baffle, etc. I suppose there could be a case made for studying that sort of thing, but I came to my favorite mouthpieces through trial and error.

I know I like open mouthpieces (larger tip openings), so when I go somewhere that has a good selection, I opt for the open pieces. Then I put 'em on the horn and see if they blow for me. If they do, I buy 'em.

If you are not where a store has a good selection (or can't get to one), many catalog stores will ship you several pieces for testing for a small re-stocking fee. I'll bet most of us who've been around a while have a box full of discarded mouthpieces.

Most mouthpiece makers mark their pieces with letters or numbers to indicate their various tip-openings but those markings have no relationship to other makers' pieces. There are charts available that shows all the makers and how their markings relate to a common measurement.

I use a Selmer Super Session J for soprano. When I look inside it has a smallish-appearing round opening and a bigger tip-opening than other pieces I've played, yet it is wonderful - for me. Comparing it to the "I"-facing, the J feels more open and free-blowing than does the I. But the J and the I have no relationship to a Link 6 or a Meyer 5, or my JodyJazz 7, etc.

I play traditional jazz (1920's stuff) exclusively. When I've tried so-called classic mouthpieces, I could hardly get a sound out of them. I use soft reeds and don't own a reed hard enough to play a classic piece. Others may be able to better discribe those differences. As to baffles, chamber sizes, etc., it is all a mystery to me. All I know is what plays for me and what doesn't (and everyone is different).

Your cheap plastic piece is most likely pretty small. If you don't like it, you may want to obtain a few samples of more open pieces and go from there. You may also want to try harder reeds on your current piece (assuming it has a small tip-opening). It really IS a trial-by-fire method, but that's the only way you will come up with a better piece. DAVE