Okay, so I bought my very first sax (alto) at the ripe old age of 29. Just one of those ultra-cheap ones off ebay (I know, I know). After reading a couple of reviews of this level of sax, I thought I'd take the gamble. It seems to be fairly well made as far as I can tell. I'll be taking it into a shop to get a professional opinion - and some lessons, etc. (assuming the sax is good enough).
The thing is, the cheap plastic mouthpiece that came with it is quite loud (maybe it's just in my small apartment). The tip opening seems to be approximately 0.080", which seems to be on the larger side from what I can gather. The advice I have read favour replacing the included mouthpiece with something a bit better anyway.
Would a mouthpiece with a smaller tip opening, and/or a softer reed allow me to practice more quietly? I currently have reeds of strength 2.5.
Is there any difference from mouthpieces made of other materials?
I can pick up a rico royal graftonite at a local store for around the 30-40 aussie dollar mark. I would like to do things on the cheap for the time being, and that's about all that is on offer from the local retailers at that price range.
Of course, I could save a bit of money buying online, with probably a better range, but I don't want the same crappy mouthpiece that I already have. That said, good 'ol ebay have a couple of cheap options. :twisted:
There is a "primo" branded mouthpiece, supposedly made by selmer.
Then there is a generic "4C" mouthpiece, supposedly made from rubber.
Main questions are;
Is there such a thing as a relatively quiet mouthpiece/reed combination?
and;
Are there any mouthpieces around the $30 mark that are worth trying?
Cheers.
The thing is, the cheap plastic mouthpiece that came with it is quite loud (maybe it's just in my small apartment). The tip opening seems to be approximately 0.080", which seems to be on the larger side from what I can gather. The advice I have read favour replacing the included mouthpiece with something a bit better anyway.
Would a mouthpiece with a smaller tip opening, and/or a softer reed allow me to practice more quietly? I currently have reeds of strength 2.5.
Is there any difference from mouthpieces made of other materials?
I can pick up a rico royal graftonite at a local store for around the 30-40 aussie dollar mark. I would like to do things on the cheap for the time being, and that's about all that is on offer from the local retailers at that price range.
Of course, I could save a bit of money buying online, with probably a better range, but I don't want the same crappy mouthpiece that I already have. That said, good 'ol ebay have a couple of cheap options. :twisted:
There is a "primo" branded mouthpiece, supposedly made by selmer.
Then there is a generic "4C" mouthpiece, supposedly made from rubber.
Main questions are;
Is there such a thing as a relatively quiet mouthpiece/reed combination?
and;
Are there any mouthpieces around the $30 mark that are worth trying?
Cheers.