Soprano mouthpiece for YSS 875 custom

[Andrea]

I am playing my soprano YSS 875 in a sax quartet, more jazz than classical, and would like to change my setup. I sincerely don't know which mouthpiece could give the horn the right sound for a sax quartet.
I am using a Selmer S80 E.

Would like to have suggestions about the following pieces: and which size for a dark and full sound

Vandoren
Otto Link HR
Bari
Meyer

[oppai]

For a dark and full sound, I think the Selmer does it quite nicely. Kenny Garrett plays a Selmer on soprano, check him out. In fact they can be played on the brighter side as well.

As for "the right" sound for a sax quartet, I think it really depends on your taste. It's worthwhile checking out a few of your favorite soprano players' sound and see what sort you like.

The soprano projects quite well and tends to be bright by nature so going for a dark piece to blend in is one option, especially with Yamaha horns (I found they play on the brighter side). However, I mainly play with electric guitar and keyboard (and thus have to compete with them) and so my personal setup is towards the loud and bright side, a metal Yanagisawa with Rico Plasticover. I am thinking of even going brighter and louder!

I personally don't like the Meyer on Soprano - very stuffy, poor projection, reed unfriendly. Otto Link STM is bright but can be played mellow. I found them quite versatile. I've not played Bari but a lot of soprano players use the Bari Gold (I think Eric Marienthal plays one?), the sound is somewhat like Selmer. I don't have a predilection for metal pieces on soprano, its just that I've not tried a lot of HR pieces.

As usual, it is best to try a few that are available and compare them side by side. Good luck in finding the right piece!

[MB-913]

I also got a YSS-Custom, here is my suggestion:

For low cost solution (Less than US$100):
- Yamaha Custom (excellent if you are a beginner, very cheap, easy to play)
- Vandoren S-35
- Bari HR (Bright)
- Selmer HR
- Selmer Super Session (Bright)


If you are willing to play more (US$200 to $250):
- Lawton P Chamber (Dark but very rich sound, need to use bright reed to get some edge. Otherwise, can be too dark & stuffy. Java is very good choice)

- Lawton B Chamber (Medium Brighter than P chamber)

- Selmer metal

- Beechler Bellite (but it's too narrow, some people may not feel comfortable).

However, Lawton is not easy to handle especially for beginner. But once if you master it, excellent sound. Ernie Watts is one of the case.

I also get a Otto Link STM but it's too bright, too sharp even I use Hemke reed. Sometime it can hurt my ear (just personal feel).

ESP Gold soprano is coming soon. Let see.

[kevvieg]

I have an 875 custom and I use a Bari HR. I don't find them bright at all. I tend to get a covered Branford sort of sound

[Brian]

I use a Yanigisawa Metal #7 on my Yss875. Its bright, yes, but also very full and open sounding. Plays easily into the palm keys.

[Andrea]

just ordered four Bari HR< pieces from saxofoonwinkel, .66 size, which is reed is best used on them?

also which is the setup of J. Redman on soprano?

[m3pilot]

For around $150 (I think), I would strongly recommend a Tenney perfected hr Link.

[singlereed]

I have just got myself a Ed Pillinger Soloist type soprano mouthpiece in C* facing and it is fantastic. Tremendous control and ease of playing - I was looking for a smooth response for classical, and this has so much more as well. My other real favourite on sop is the Selmer Metal Classic in D, like Ed's piece it has a small round chamber and throat and has plenty of power and control. There is nothing wrong with the S80 E and I have used one of those extensively too, but this Soloist type I have just acquired has more tone and is so easy to play. Although the Selmer C* on soprano is relatively more closed than the alto equivalent, it might still be worth trying a closer lay and harder reed than the E you are using. For classical, the closer facing tends to rein in those wild notes and generally keep your tone and intonation on track.

FWIW I have never got on with the Vandoren soprano pieces (though I use them for alto and tenor) - another one to try is the Yanagisawa piece that comes as standard with those horns, these have a good smooth sound too.

[cmelodysax]

Andrea, I notice you mention 'Otto Link HR' - which I assume is the hard rubber Tone Edge, not the metal STM.

It has a totally different sound from the metal STM that everyone else talks about. I've used an older HR one - 6* - on all my soprano's and it can be mellow or bright with Rico or LaVoz reeds. Never needed anyhing else for any style of playing.

Only reservation is about the reported quality of the new ones (mine is 60's or earlier). Try several, or look for a vintage one, and you really won't be disappointed.

Regards, Alan.

[MB-913]

Does anybody using a Lawton B chamber on their YSS-876 (or 675) ?
Will it too bright & too much cut ?

[rollen]

For a darker sound, go with a tip opening that will allow you to use a harder reed.


I just got a new Link Tone Master that plays really (extremely) well. I actually was trying other pieces, and just had them include it in the order on a whim. I had no intentions on buying a Link. However, I wound up sending the others back and keeping the Link. So there are good newer Links out there. Just gotta get lucky.

[shmuelyosef]

I actually had the same experience. Ordered a sampling from WW&BW, included the Link STM, just cause I had never played one. It plays really well...I am now torn between the Link and the Selmer SS that I had thought I would end up with...I'm replacing an old Meyer that I've never been happy with, as I am playing more soprano of late.

[Andrea]

Recently I got a Ed Pillinger soprano soloist model, a copy of the old soloist, is a 5 size, and it plays fantastic.
I don't know if the search has ended up, but it is a very very good piece, I reccomend it!!