When it comes to jazz, one of the key phrases is “self-expression.” It can be quite hard to point out what exact texture, timbre, tonal color, etc is best for jazz music. However, jazz although having its unique standard, is greatly about individuality, as every performer is expected to sound just like whoever they wish to sound like. Over the years, the tenor saxophone has become a sort of standardized symbol for jazz music. This means that the tenor sax has assumed a crucial place in jazz music, both sonically and visually. On that note, choosing the most befitting jazz mouthpiece for your tenor sax is one thing you should never take for granted regardless if you are a beginning or pro jazz tenor sax player. In this article, we will present to you some of the best tenor saxophone mouthpieces for jazz.
 | 1.Editor’s choice for best tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz – Vandoren SM723 TL5 Optimum Series With a big and warm sound that fits jazz, blues, and other related styles, this Vandoren mouthpiece is one of the best you could ask for, regardless of your jazz playing level. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 2.Best cheap tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz – Selmer Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece (7713) An awesome choice for players who are on a budget but wish to upgrade to a useable and professionally designed tenor sax mouthpiece for jazz. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 3. Best metal tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz – JodyJazz DV Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece 7 (.108″ Tip) Giving you the best of both the upper and lower register, this tenor saxophone mouthpiece was designed by an actual jazz saxophone player to give other players an edge in jazz, regardless of their playing levels. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 4.Best professional tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz – D’Addario Woodwinds Select Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece, D6M Merging tradition and innovation, this vintage-inspired jazz mouthpiece is all you might need for that perfect and unique jazz tone as a pro-level jazz tenor saxophonist. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 5. Best 3D printed tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz – Syos Originals Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece, Steady Model, 7 Tip Using 3D printing technology, Syos designs a perfect and easy-blowing tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz that works just fine both for the beginner and seasoned professional. | Buy on Amazon |
5 Best Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece for Jazz Reviewed
Editor’s choice for best tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz: Vandoren SM723 TL5 Optimum Series
In the woodwind world, especially saxophones, Vandoren remains a respected and coveted name. The SM723 line of tenor saxophone mouthpiece is another awesome tenor saxophone mouthpiece for the beginner and seasoned jazz player. In jazz saxophone playing, projection, warmness, and fullness will always remain some of the most sort-after tonal features, be it on the tenor, alto, or soprano saxophone. This Vandoren tenor saxophone mouthpiece gives you that warm and full sound that will make you stand out and cut through the rest of the band while taking those fluid jazz solos.
Being a jazz saxophone mouthpiece, it shines and plays just fine across all registers. With the tip opening of the TL5, you can be sure of that big and warm sound that is just perfect for jazz and other contemporary and related genres. Having a tip opening of 205 (1/100mm), this mouthpiece is a perfect synthesis of the TL3 and T20. The larger the tip opening, the more projection and fullness of sound you will get; this makes the TL5 perfect for jazz playing. Apart from the fact that Vandoren has built a solid reputation as a maker of some of the best woodwind accessories, this tenor saxophone mouthpiece just speaks for itself and will stand up against even some more expensive models.
With a slightly softer reed like 2.0 or even 1.5 (for beginners), you will be able to access the lowest of notes (including your low Bb), and the highest possible pitch you can on your tenor saxophone. This is a mix of dark, vintage, and bright tenor saxophone tones, thereby giving you a unique tone that will set you apart either as a jazz soloist or as a blending ensemble player.
Pros
- Perfect for players of all levels.
- Available in different tip openings to fit players of different playing capabilities.
- Plays evenly across all registers.
- Makes your lower notes much easier to access.
- With the right reed, you can easily access your low Bb and high F# notes respectively.
- Versatile enough for other styles and genres.
- Projection is superb.
- Easy blowing and ergonomically designed.
Cons
- Some players (especially beginners) might find the wider tip openings harder to blow.
- Not exactly the most affordable tenor saxophone mouthpiece on the market.
Best cheap tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz: Selmer Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece (7713)
Anyone who has spent even the shortest time playing saxophone will quickly recognize the brand name “Selmer.” Being one of the leading players of saxophones and top makers of saxophone accessories, you should not expect anything less from this mouthpiece, however cheap the price is. Getting an amazingly designed jazz mouthpiece for your tenor saxophone should not always require you to break the bank or exhaust your savings, especially if you are just starting out on the instrument and with a limited budget. This Selmer 7713 bridges the big gap that normally exists between top-quality jazz mouthpieces and affordability. The best has long been unaffordable, but this is different.
With awesome intonation, playability, and a professional design, this is one mouthpiece every beginner, intermediate, and professional tenor sax player should have in their mouthpiece collection. Made from the best of quality, you will get even intonation, flawless response across all registers, and a projection that fits jazz and other related styles while not spending just a little. The Selmer Goldentone mouthpiece gives an impressive sound while also helping you to develop good embouchure, tonal control, and overall playing techniques. For this reason, it is one of the most suitable mouthpieces for beginners, young, and players who are learning and exploring jazz music.
Aside from being awesome in regards to tone and in the aspect of playability, it is also made from the best of materials that will enable it to hold up to long hours of practice and even extensive performances. In the hands of the seasoned player, this mouthpiece will hold up against even more expensive models. In the hands of a beginner, this mouthpiece will provide just the necessary help and support they need to learn not only jazz but overall tenor saxophone playing. This is an absolutely perfect choice for beginning musicians and players who are on a budget.
Pros
- Affordable enough for most players.
- Perfect for even absolute beginners starting out on jazz music.
- Makes accessing lower and higher registers a lot easier.
- Helps with the development of embouchure and overall playing technique.
- Long-lasting.
- An affordable upgrade for most beginner players.
Best metal tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz: JodyJazz DV Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece 7 (.108″ Tip)
Metal mouthpieces have always had their place in jazz saxophone playing, with players like John Coltrane being often spotted with a metal mouthpiece. Because most metal mouthpieces are relatively slimmer, they always spot a unique look, feel quite different in the mouth, and sound brighter (arguably) than its rubber and plastic counterparts. Metal although not being exactly better, definitely has its place in jazz tenor saxophone playing. The JodyJazz DV tenor saxophone mouthpiece remains one of the best tenor saxophone mouthpieces you can ever lay hands on. Apart from looking amazingly stunning, it also sounds quite awesome, especially for jazz.
With a tone the manufacturers describe as “medium bright,” this mouthpiece is the most popular of all JodyJazz models. It features a “Big Fat,” warm, and well-projected tone that makes it just amazing for jazz playing. It will give you a full-bodied tenor saxophone sound by adding some extra mid and low harmonics to your sound. Also, it features a state-of-the-art computer numeric control (CNC) machined 24 karat gold plated virgin bell brass. Finished by expert artisans and play-tested before being sent into the market, just so you can rest assured about overall quality, playability, and even the smallest of details.
Being created by an actual jazz saxophonist in the person of Jody Espina, you can be sure that this was made with the jazz saxophonist in mind. Each of these mouthpieces is being hand-crafted in Savannah, Georgia, the USA with great attention to detail and overall playability. This mouthpiece plays effortlessly with a fat tone and power in both the upper and lower registers. This makes it an outstanding jazz saxophone mouthpiece, as it is awesome for both the beginner and seasoned professional looking to craft that special jazz saxophone tone for themselves. It comes with its ligature, cap, and mouthpiece pouch. Aesthetically, it is hard to beat the looks of this amazing tenor saxophone mouthpiece. The fact that it is made by actual musicians and not just technicians makes it one of the best mouthpieces you will ever play as a jazz player.
Pros
- Made by actual players who truly understand the overall tonal and ergonomic needs of tenor saxophone players.
- Awesome projection.
- Features a fat and warm tone that makes it just perfect for jazz music.
- Being a metal mouthpiece, you can be sure of its durability.
- Perfect for range expansion as it will open up your lower and upper registers.
- Top-notch aesthetics.
- Ergonomically designed.
- Perfect for both beginners and pro-level players.
Cons
- A bit too expensive for most tenor saxophone players.
Best professional tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz: D’Addario Woodwinds Select Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece, D6M
In the world of musical instruments (both strings and woodwinds), D’Addario is not just popular but also popular for making some of the best music accessories on the market. This tenor saxophone jazz mouthpiece is just another remarkable product from this remarkable and highly esteemed brand. Using the D ‘Addario’s precise, computer-controlled saxophone mouthpiece making technology, This jazz Mouthpiece line is not molded but milled from solid rod rubber. As a matter of fact, this vintage-inspired tenor sax jazz mouthpiece was one hundred percent milled.
It gives you not just a classic sound, and amazing projection, but also an even intonation and response across the entire range of your tenor saxophone. Specifically designed for jazz, it features a medium chamber and is also available in four tip openings which are 6, 7, 8, and 9. With this D ‘Addario Jazz mouthpiece, you will be sure to get the feel and tone of legendary tenor saxophone mouthpieces from years back. Building on that tone which has over the years become the standard for jazz music, you can rest assured that you are not so far from history with this amazing mouthpiece. This is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, thereby creating a saxophone mouthpiece that takes you back and forth time.
With a lot of positive reviews from users on Amazon, this mouthpiece works just fine for both the seasoned pro and total beginner. If you are looking to incorporate that authentic sound that defines jazz music i to your saxophone playing, you might want to consider getting this for your tenor sax. It features an ergonomic design and an extended response, which means you can easily hit your lowest and highest notes on the tenor saxophone. For that warm, dark, and fat jazz tenor saxophone tone, this is the right mouthpiece for you.
Pros
- Has a vintage vibe that makes it just right for jazz.
- Easy blowing and good for even absolute beginners.
- Even intonation across the entire saxophone range.
- Features a more durable and accurate design because it was milled and not molded.
Cons
- A few players complain that it is too bright for jazz (but that is subjective).
- Not exactly the cheapest tenor saxophone in the market.
Best 3D printed tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz: Syos Originals Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece, Steady Model, 7 Tip
Tapping into 3D printing technology, this Syos original mouthpiece for jazz delivers an almost unrivaled sound. Also, it has that playability very hardly gotten from other mouthpieces in this price range. Combining a medium-sized chamber and medium step baffle makes this amazing mouthpiece such a true all-rounder. It is quite versatile and easy to play; you can easily switch between a dark or bright tone in just an instance. It stays in tune perfectly, is easy to play, and evenly responds across the entire range of your tenor saxophone.
Using the best technology in the mouthpiece-making industry, this amazing mouthpiece was designed in France. This Syos mouthpiece combines creativity, science, and durability to enable every player, regardless of their proficiency level, to play with great accuracy and ease. For the total beginner, this mouthpiece will help you progress much faster on the tenor sax. For the seasoned pro, this will open up new possibilities and also provide comfort and support you have never had before. Although this mouthpiece does not come with a ligature, it is compatible with regular ligatures from other brands like Vandoren, Selmer, Yamaha, and even Jody Jazz. Used by famous jazz musician Joe Lovano, this mouthpiece scores high on the scoreboards of many other famous players and even the 3-time Grammy award-winning tenor saxophone player, Tivon Pennicott.
Pros
- Super solid and durable.
- Flawless design.
- Used by many professional jazz and pop saxophonists.
- Versatile enough for different styles and tonal colors.
- Top-notch aesthetic design.
- Free blowing.
- Even response across the entire saxophone range.
Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece for Jazz Buying Guide
What is the meaning of “tip opening”?
Tip opening is the distance between the reed and the tip of your saxophone mouthpiece. You can see it by simply laying your mouthpiece flat on a flat surface. You will notice some millimeters of gap between your mouthpiece and the flat surface. That is the tip opening of your mouthpiece.
Saxophone mouthpiece makers usually indicate our wide or small the tip opening is with numbers. Sometimes, they don’t indicate the measurements in actual millimeters. Occasionally, manufacturers might use words like “wide” or “medium” to indicate how ide the tip opening is. Also, some brands like the D’Addario Woodwinds Select Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece, D6M use numbers like 6, 7, 8, and 9 to indicate tip openings. Tip openings will always have a big effect on the sound the mouthpiece produces.
What tenor saxophone mouthpiece tip opening is best for jazz?
The best tenor sax mouthpiece tip opening for jazz is that which is not too close and also not too wide for you. It should be just comfortable enough for you to project and also access all registers. However, this can be very subjective as individual players differ.
If the tip opening of your mouthpiece is too open (wide) for you, you will struggle to get sound out of it as it will require more air for sound to come to be produced. This gets worst if you are using a larger-sized reed like 3.0 or even 2.5. Also, if your tip opening is too closed, you will also find it difficult to play on. The tip opening will always affect your comfort while playing and above all, it will also affect t your projection.
If you slightly increase your tip opening with the same reed size you have been using, you will notice a significant increase in volume and projection – however, it might be a bit harder to play and might require some extra energy. It s always about readjustment. It is always advised to play on the most open (wide) tip opening possible. However, it is known that legendary players like Charlie “Bird” Parker, and even Coleman Hawkins played on mouthpieces with closed tip openings.
Which saxophone mouthpiece is best for jazz, metal, rubber, or hard rubber mouthpiece?
None is better than the other. They all have their unique places in jazz saxophone playing. However, some people might find the tone and feel of one more appealing than the other. It is greatly subjective.
To some players, metal feels a lot more comfortable in the mouth when compared to rubber, and hard rubber. On the other hand, some people perceive metal to be a little too bright as opposed to the dark and warm tone that jazz is known for. However, it is all about choosing which works perfectly for you.
Conclusion and Winner(s)
The Vandoren SM723 TL5 Optimum Series remains an amazing and all-round tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz. It is perfect for players of all levels and makes your low Bb and high F# easily accessible. As a matter of fact, this is way more than an amazing mouthpiece for jazz, it is a great tool for molding your tone and also expanding your range. It is easy-blowing and comes in different tip openings to fit different players. This is an amazing tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz, made by a reputable and respected brand.
Coming second on my list is the JodyJazz DV Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece 7 (.108″ Tip). Made by actual jazz musicians for jazz players, this is one of the best and most versatile tenor saxophone mouthpieces for jazz. With an awesome projection, even tone, ergonomic design, and overall playability, this mouthpiece will give you the best of both the upper and lower registers of your tenor saxophone, respectively. Perfect for players of all levels.
Last update on 2023-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
