Selmer S80 G

[saxguy9345]

A friend of mine is getting rid of his Selmer S80 soprano mouthpiece for a good price. Its in good condition and everything, but...

Its a G facing. From mouthpiece charts I see that this is rather open for a soprano mouthpiece? Will I have lots of trouble playing on this open mouthpiece (coming off an alto C*)?

Any opinions on the different sound produced from a more open soprano mouthpiece as compared to a more closed one? Thanks.

[Beowulfmk]

G is a huge change from c*. I would say even E is a huge change especially when you play small tip opening mpc like soprano's. You will also have to change reed strength, and it will take a while to adjust to the new opening. I would go for E if you are looking for a louder sound, but not G. From my experience, larger opening mpcs can produce purer sound, but they are a lot harder to control.

[Straightsax]

Will I have lots of trouble playing on this open mouthpiece (coming off an alto C*)?

If you didn't, it would be a miracle. And expect to have trouble for a significant amount of time, until your embouchure can adjust for the difference. It's got to be about more than just the tip opening. If this piece was doing everything you friend wanted it too, he or she wouldn't be selling it.

As far as what a tip opening will do or not do for you, check out Theo Wayne's Mouthpiece Heaven and click on the mouthpiece links. There is a ton of information there and it will put it in better perspective.

From Soprano C* to Soprano G is radical enough. From Alto C* Now that's radical. Why do I get visions of someone trying to swim in the bathtub and then thinking they can go out into the Pacific Ocean and fight the undertow when the tide is going out.

I'm not trying to be critical, just trying to be honest. If I was playing a Selmer C* on Alto, I'd pass on the Soprano G facing. At least until you can master something in-between.

Happy hunting on Theo Wayne's site. I totally agree with the preceding post.

As always, Peace.

Chris.