I've Got a Biiiiigggggg Mouth!!!!!!!!

[fballatore]

Apologies to Jackie Gleason...

I tried searching, but couldn't find anything on the topic of large soprano mouthpieces. No matter what soprano pieces I've tried, they all feel uncomfortably small in my mouth. I've played alto and tenor much more than soprano, and it may just be a matter of getting used to it, but can anyone point me in the direction of larger soprano mouthpieces that might feel more comfortable to me? I have a preference for hard rubber, but I'd be willing to look at metal also.

Thanks,

Frank

[kavala]

Well, it is a soprano after all.

Get used to it.

[Little Sax]

So what have you tried so far?

[odsum25]

I think it's just something you have to get used to, Frank. None of my soprano mouthpieces are really any bigger than the rest. Maybe a different style beak could help, but it sounds like that's not really the issue.

[saxmanglen]

I've found the HR Bergs or Yanagisawa's are slightly wider. I play a Jody Jazz ESP on Soprano that's a bit more narrow like a Runyon piece. Soprano is my least played horn and it took time to get used to the narrow beak.

Keep at it Frank.

[Bernards20040]

Wrap on some plumbers tape and use your alto piece:twisted:

Oh Hang on a minute it's Frank! use ONE of your alto pieces:twisted: :twisted:

[DukeCity]

I play a hard rubber Selmer S-80 G on soprano. One thing I do is put a mouthpiece patch on it (one of the thicker black rubber ones). Obviously, doesn't make the piece wider from side to side, but gets it to feel bigger, letting me open my mouth more when I play.

[fballatore]

Thanks for all the quick replies guys (even you B :D). Currently, I have a coouple of Runyons (blue custom and a Quantum metal) that are OK. I also have a Rovner, which I can't get used to at all. I had a Yanagisawa HR piece that I sold a few months ago (when I thought I was through with the sop - HA!) that I was probably most comfortable with. I use the thick rubber patches on all my mouthpieces, and it does help a bit.

[Little Sax]

I think it's just something you have to get used to, Frank. None of my soprano mouthpieces are really any bigger than the rest. Maybe a different style beak could help, but it sounds like that's not really the issue.


That really hasn't been my experience. I just snapped a quick (crappy) photo of a few of my sop mpcs (vintage and modern). There is definitely a difference in width...



Weather or not this difference is enough for fballatore to feel more comfortable is still up in the air.

[gary]

That really hasn't been my experience. I just snapped a quick (crappy) photo of a few of my sop mpcs (vintage and modern). There is definitely a difference in width.
Well, there you go Frank.

In the meantime, here's an exercise to help you with the feel and develop the right lip muscles.

Look in a mirror. Purse your lips tightly inward. Now - think of the south end of a cat going north. :D

[MojoBari]

Runyons are generally small. Some HR Bergs I've seen have like 45 deg beaks. Very odd for most players but would be worth a try. The Rico Metalite has a fairly large "mouth feel".

[Grumps]

...I have a coouple of Runyons (blue custom and a Quantum metal) that are OK. I also have a Rovner, which I can't get used to at all. I had a Yanagisawa HR piece that I sold a few months ago...
What, no Super Session? Not that it's larger than others, but it's just a good mouthpiece... and if you really like it, its size might not bother you so much.

[Little Sax]

What, no Super Session? Not that it's larger than others, but it's just a good mouthpiece... and if you really like it, its size might not bother you so much.

Although I've never tried a Super Session, the HR Selmers (modern and vintage) that I have tried tend to have some of the widest footprints while at the same time maintaining a comfortable beak angle.

You may want to try a Super Session or an S-80. (I prefer the old Scroll Shank Soloist type myself, but they're way too expensive for this type of "test".) I would also suggest that you try them taking nearly all of the beak in your mouth. If you do, you may not keep that embouchure, but it will help with the sensation problems you're currently having and will probably assist you in your soprano "adjustment".

Good Luck!

[J.Max]

Buescher mouthpieces are a bit larger because of the way that the beak is shaped. I've always had a tough time with them because of that...

[hakukani]

Maybe you could try playing oboe for a while. Then any sop mouthpiece will seem HUGE.;)

[fballatore]

Been meaning to try a Super Session. Thanks, I'll do that.

[gary]

Been meaning to try a Super Session. Thanks, I'll do that.
Frank please see your PM. Gary

[fballatore]

Gary -

PM'd ya back.

I've been searching for the answer to my next question, but can't find it. Funny, because I believe I've seen the question in the past. Since I'm going to check out a Super Session mouthpiece for my soprano, I'm wondering what size I should go with. I'm fairly new to soprano, and use alto mouthpieces in the .080-.083 range. What would you suggest on the soprano?

Thanks,

Frank

[Grumps]

The biggest tipped SS for soprano is a J, but compared to the facings of other brands, relatively speaking, it's not insanely open. I'm of the opinion that no matter what tips you're used to playing, the soprano SS's play better the more open they are. Get at least an I.

[MojoBari]

I think you can go up to .060-.065" tips without too much intonation control problems. An "I" is listed at .065" but is more like a .063" measured inside the tip rail like most pieces are.

[martysax]

Well, there you go Frank.

In the meantime, here's an exercise to help you with the feel and develop the right lip muscles.

Look in a mirror. Purse your lips tightly inward. Now - think of the south end of a cat going north. :D

What good would it do to make him pucker, then lick his lips?:?