Best Sax Mouthpiece Under $50?
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What's the best alto saxophone mouthpiece under $50? We review the modern Brilhart Ebolin alto saxophone mouthpiece to see if it's the answer. It's plastic but perhaps the best bargain available.
Check out getasax.com for vintage pieces
Saxophone Academy Podcast:
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most underrated channel ever, short and to the point, yet very informative... great video, more please :)
That's very kind, thank you. I'll be gearing up for another season very soon. Happy practicing!
The man is effortlessly funny! And brilliant at the same time! 🤯
Awwww, thank Leo!
Around 1966 I was a sax student of Joe Allard. He always recommended a Brillhart 3* as the mouthpiece for his students on tenor sax. I still have mine, although I now play a Hite or my metal Otto Link also from 1966.
Here four years later. It's $125 now
So after 48 years of sax playing , I had an ebolin alto model that I played rock gigs in Alaska with in 1986. I met Bud Shank who used one and sounded great in 1982. I watched a Benny Carter TV show special 1980, where he was playing on a Brilhart Ebolin. I met Arnold Brilhart and attend his 90th birthday party at IAJE convention in California. He was such a humble and professional person. Other mouthpiece makers were there too, like Santy Runyon and Dave Guardala. Really far out....I just recently found a white Brilhart tonalin in this sax case on an old French sax made by REVERE , and its killer! When I play it, it is the sound of Bird!!! I measured the tip, it's a .071", perfect with my Java 3.5's! What a sound! I agree that this mouthpiece is perfect for students on a budget, or any classical player who need a good jazz piece, how-ever I usually recommend they get a Meyer 6MM.
Selmer stopped making these, which I think is just sad and pathetic. The used market has many, and sometime the shanks needs to be banded, like Bud Shanks, Cannonballs Meyer was banded with a brass band or even wedding rings. Your tone is beautiful on this Brilhart!!!!
Dr. Wally... many times you are the happiest, most delightful person I see on YT. Playing with Megatron and making those noises is priceless..Spiderman too! You are FUN! So needed in these times, Sanity and Fun.. You exhibit both, plus great playing skills, tone and ability to make learning easy. Many blessings.
I've known several alto players who have played on Brilhart mouthpieces, and they were all players that I respected. I've never used one, but most of the gigs I played required a harder sound!
"Can it play Cherokee at 300bpm in 12keys?... Yes!" - Love it!!
(*footage not found*)
I loved your sound with that plastic Brilhart, like Paul Desmond. With my standard Meyer 6 on my vintage 1928 Buescher Silver plated True Tone Alto , plays easily but get a too fat woolly, tenor sax sound. My Selmer older Super Session F fits the bill with a Rovner Dark adjustable ligature for both classical and lighter , brighter jazz tone.
The Clark Fobes Debut is an amazing classical mouthpiece on sax and clarinet. It beats the pants off of any Yamaha. If I have any beginner student stick around for more than 3 months, I always recommend they pick one up.
I've got one, and AGREED! Great lil' beginning piece. Liked it better than the "pro" model.
As a trombone player, I also enjoyed this video..... great job as always!
This was the second time I've encountered Transformers and saxophone playing in the same place. The first time, I was shocked. This time, well, I was surprised at first, but it makes a certain kind of sense that this happened.
The problem with the vintage Tonalins are two fold. One being it is hard to find one with a large enough tip opening, the other is most of them have developed cracks over the years. I found one about six months ago with a #5 facing. It had a couple hair line cracks on the shank which I re-enforced with a metal band. Long story short, best mouthpiece I've ever played.
I have one my dad bought in 1960. The box was better back then. It does sound nice, except it is thin at the top. The one I have is a 3*, which is probably why it's thin. Today I use a Theo Wanne Gaia 2, #7, on my same King Super 20. The Gaia 2 sounds better, but they are hard to find for under $50.
This guy is amazing funny and flawless on any mouthpiece
My saxophone teacher used to play on a Tonalin. If you look up Bernstein's 1976 Rhapsody in Blue performance on TH-cam, you can see it at 4m 50s.
Cool! I've switched to a mid-1960s tonalin. I adore it. Happy end of summer, Jacob!
Man I love your playing....thanks for the tone amd swing. You are one of the few.
Thanks Monroe, very kind of you!
Selmer stopped making the Brilhart a couple of years ago. If you can find one, grab it quick!
Whaaa?! It's such a great design, I haven't found any modern pieces that have that chamber/throat shape. I'm not saying panic, but.....PANIC! Good to know, thanks Mr.Mocha!
can i order one for alto
Rico Graftonite! I have been playing tenor for lots of decades. I have retained two Morgans and a Ponzol, but I use a $20 Graftonite B5. Edit: They were designed by Arnold Brilhart.
I actually have a Tonalin for my Tenor. I do like the sound. Dare I say it fits me better than my S80 ?
Is it available for tenor? Thank you for your wonderful humorous presentation.
Hi Bob, they do make them for tenor, but I’ve never liked them (on tenor). I ordered 4, but even the 5* weren’t open enough for me. I REALLY wanted to like them, but alas...
Thanks for saving me time and money!
Your tone is great - probably not the piece, but you convinced me :-)
Chris Butler very kind, thanks! Next weeks video is “Best Under $100” - might be a better option!
@@drwallysax Oh nice! I play a Meyer 5M for jazz. Just got a jumbo java for rock/pop gigs - very loud! I'm guessing the Meyer might make your list. I'm curious about Rousseau pieces as well but hear quality is a mixed bag on them.
I love those same sounds, Bird, Stitt, P. Desmond but have not found a mouth piece I really enjoyed until I tried the Lakey. I am still open and was thinking of maybe trying the Brilhart to see if it works for me.
Hey Lester, I'm releasing a mouthpiece in a few days - based off my best vintage Brilhart. Hand faced - it's a beast - stay tuned!
@@drwallysax Okay Doc. I will be looking for your mouthpiece update.
Hi Doc ! Thank you very much !!! . I appreciate a lot the quality and the humour of all your videos. About this one, could you please telle me where i can buy such a mouthpiece nowdays?
Best regards from France 😊
from what i've found, these mouthpieces are discontinued :(
Such a great video... and you sound so much like Paul Desmond! Love it and I'll look for a Brilhart mpc, maybe it will help me on the alto!
That's very kind, thank you Paolo! They seem to be out of stock in most places recently, but good luck in the hunt! Honestly, I sound like "me" on almost any mouthpiece. Transcription (playing along with recordings of Desmond/Pepper/Konitz) will do FAR more than any mouthpiece! Good luck, and hit me up with questions!
This channel deserves so many more subs! It's informative and funny, and I love your playing! Quick question: Where could you buy this mouthpiece? I noticed there's no link in the description, and I can't find where to buy this mouthpiece anywhere. Thanks!
Unfortunately, they're discontinued! That's part of the reason I partnered with Windy City Woodwinds to make my new mouthpiece (which I like better)!
There’s a metal mouthpiece from a Chinese company yibuy that is $30 and works really well
Thanks for the tip, I’ll try to check one out!
Question about the facings... Would a 3*=about a meyer 5? 4*=about a Meyer 6? I see a couple on ebay..might try to pick one up on the cheap.
There INCREDIBLY inconstant, so it's really hard to say. My 3* measures closer to a Meyer 6. But I have a 5* that's nearly identical. That said: I'm working through some prototypes right now that I feel VERY confident will be a great option. Give me a couple of weeks and I think I'll have something you'll love.
Good Coffee Monday to you Dr. Wally, My question is what is your take on the Claude Lakey? I play on a jazz 7*3 on alto.
Hey Lester! They're fine mouthpieces, just a bit aggressive for my taste. I adore the more mellow sounds of Parker, Ammons, Getz, Pepper, etc. But, the Lakey is loved by a great number of sax players!
Can you reccomend this mouthpiece for with a somewhat beginner skill level? I've played a Yamaha 4C and the cheap sowjet mouthpiece that came with my vintage Amati alto sax (one of the decent ones, fortunately). While the Yamaha sounded to clean for my tase, I liked the amout of articulation the Amati mouthpiece allows. Yet, I get the feeling, I lack control in some areas.... long story short: Is it very difficult to play with?
Happy to help! What type of music do you love, and what price range are you looking?
@@drwallysax Thanks for the swift reply!
Well, I love all kinds of music. With the saxophone I'm primaly going towards jazz right now, but will defenitely play some funk or fusion in the future. Sound wise I generally like a more smoky, grimy sound... until I listen to Paul Desmond again and also want to sound like a dry martini. Price range... well, cheap would be good, since I'm living on a tight buget at the moment. Maybe up to 100$.
I liked your video and thought I’d try one out. Sounded so good on my tenor, I just ordered one for my alto and bari.
Thanks!
So glad to hear this! How did you end up liking the piece?
The 5* facing feels somewhat similar to a Meyer 7. Any other good sub-$100 mouthpieces you guys recommend?
Rico Metalite M5. The M7 is kind of ass but I cannot speak highly enough of the M5.
@@gaigemercado2763 I tried the M7 - you're right. I'll try the M5.
@@drwallysax Give it some time to adjust, its kinda weird to get used to, but once you’re used to it you are vibin.
Three days ago I was watching this video, immediately looked for Brillhardt mouthpieces but couldn’t find them. Saw this particular comment thread, have been playing the Rico M7 since I started playing 5 months ago and immediately purchased the M5 based on your comment. Just finished playing a few things after it arrived today and it’s night and day!! I’m so happy I checked the comments! Even 2 years later.
Are the Rico Graftonite and Metalite comparable to the Brilhart Ebolin? I wish I had bought an Ebolin back when they were still in stock on WWBW, but I do dig the sound of my D'Addario Jazz Select.
It's been waaaay too many years since I've played those Ricos. Sorry I can't be more help. But you're right, the D'Addario is a pretty great piece.
Scored a nice vintage alto ebolin 3* for like $40 last week on ebay.. For the price I thought WTH? It's one with a serial number stamped in the side and according to my 15 minutes of research.. probably dates it to 1958-1960ish. I'll spend the next week or so testing it with several different reed strengths.. Seems to be a good all around mouthpiece... So a few days later I saw a tenor Ebolin 3* again for $40 with what's probably an early 60's vintage... Will see how it pairs with my 1932 King Tenor.. Nothing like the toxins in those vintage plastics!!
Wait, wut? There's toxins in the plastics?
I prefer free range cruelty free organic mouthpieces sourced from Indigenous people thru fair trade.... Or maybe some 1950s plastics will do..
@@madyeti3224 Kidding Asie - I am paranoid about playing certain materials (and some super sketchy cheap mouthpieces with a weird smell). For that reason, I've been working on something I actually am VERY comfortable with....It's gonna be good!
Don't forget Maceo Parker. I believe he plays an Ebolin on alto. Not bad!
He mentioned Maceo 1 second after I posted my comment!
@@john_in_denver_colorado_usa Ha! He deserves to be listed with names up front. Love his sound.
Which better betwen this and rico m5?
I was under the impression that Stan Getz played on a ridiculously open Otto link slant signature with a 2 by 4 as a reed
He actually played on a ridiculously closed transitional link or early babbit. A five I believe with 5 reeds near the end.
@@owenwalter451 I remember hearing about him refacing it and gradually opening it up to around an 8
When was the modern Brilhart Ebolin manufactured? Or is that mouthpiece just vintage?
Since they were manufactured by Conn/Selmer until, apparently, just a year or so ago. Unfortunately, seems that they've been discontinued.
how to order clude lakey 6#3 and how much
HI Dr wally ,
Once again i want to ask is how this mouthpiece is compared to Selmer Soloist D?? I have below mouthpieces but looking at them it looks like those all are classical mouthpieces .. so please suggest me if i should buy it or not.
Mouthpieces i have-
1. YAMAHA 5C
2. SELMER SOLOIST D
3. SELMER S90
4. DUKEOFF(REPLICA)-D6
5. VANDOREN AL3
So if i want some Jazz style then if any of the above is good?? I should go for Meyer-6 or Ebolin is ok??
I have YAMAHA YAS-62 SAXOPHONE
sir can order for alto mouthpiece clude lakey 6#3
Is there a breakdown of facing numbers and tip openings? I play a Meyer 6M (you may be familiar with), so would that be about a 5?
Close. They play SO differently than the Meyer it's not really apples to apples. 5* (shorter facing length) feels really good with a 2.5 Java or Medium Soft D'addario Select Jazz
Also, where do you buy these? I see a few on Amazon, but not on the usual suspects' sites (WWBW, Prowinds)
Ebay, Amazon, and in the dusty shelves of Mom n' Pop music stores across America! The hunt is half the fun...well, maybe 20% of the fun.
If it's good enough for Maceo . . . it'll do for me!
What reed and reed size would you recommend for a beginner?
Your Average Brian, generally, I have my students start on a 2.5 Vandoren blue box. I find they work very well with most student/stock mouthpieces.
Saxophone Academy thank you! You have a great channel that’s doesn’t have enough attention lol!
Your Average Brian that’s very kind. I’m new to the platform, hopefully we can grow a cool lil’ community. Let me know any questions/topics you’d like to see covered!
Saxophone Academy is there any alto saxophone you would recommend for a beginner
Is a jean Paul As400 good or should I look into getting something else
Your Average Brian I don’t have any experience with the Jean Paul, sorry!
how to order this mouthpiece
Cool. How do the Brilhart sizes compare to Meyer or HR Links? Thanks.
@@zvonimirtosic6171 Perfecto! Thanks so much for this.
are ''classical'' mouthpieces good for playing jazz style?
Not really. Generally, classical mouthpieces have smaller tip openings paired with harder reeds (the serious players, anyway). This creates a much more "even" attack profile with less pop and "bloom" to the sound profile. Jazz, traditionally, has a more front loaded articulation best achieved with a larger tip opening. Not to say you couldn't make it work, but it's like using a sock for a glove. Just not the best tool for the job.
@@drwallysax cool, thanks for the response.
What reed do you suggest pairing with this?
Hey Actrue - depends on your experience, embouchure development, and a host of other variables. But, likely a 2.5 or 3 Java or other jazz cut reed. Happy practicing!
I put my mouth piece on and the cork began to tare( I left it on for now)
What should one do
On my clarinet I always used cork grease - never used it with my saxophone
cork grease (just a little) works well on the saxophone cork as well!
How can I repair the cork tear?
Mrs S heridan @Stephen Sheridan
@@stephensheridan93 You'llhave to replace the cork - should be an inexpensive repair, but I'm certainly not a repair technician!
Can you leave the web address for ordering this mouthpiece. Thank you
Hi, I noticed that the ligatures on different saxes that you showed are set different . One is upside down ( screw is facing down ). Is that a difference or preference ?
Great question, Ivanei! Inverted ligatures (screw on top) have become quite popular. Less material on the reed allows it to vibrate a bit more freely (it's subtle, but it's there). You can always tell which way a ligature should go by looking at the screw direction - always facing to the right (sorry left handed people).
this mouthpiece I think disappeared from all stores. Any idea where to buy it?
It was discontinued right around the time I made the video. Luckily, a little birdie told me they might reboot it. fingers crossed!
@@drwallysax the most decent jazz TH-cam channel by the way.. just stay honest with the reviews. Like this video you are 100% true that this mouthpiece was sweet. I might ask my student to sell it back to me 😂😂
Funny and intersting at the time
Thanks, Axel. Happy practicing!
Is it about 7*size I presume?
It's labeled a 5*, but yes, about equivalent to a 7 Meyer or Ottolink alto.
Do they sell these new anymore? I can’t find them anywhere online.
Unfortunately, no. They stopped making them and the available stock got bought up soon after I made this video :(
@@drwallysax Conn Selmer is bringing them back.
Anyone know where to get one?
Unfortunately, they're out of production. That's actually why I partnered with WCW to release my mouthpiece: The 56
I see. Thanks for the reply : )
Awesome!
when the fly just flew on his saxophone💀
Where can i get a brilhart ebolin under $50 ?😱😱😱
Sorry for the slow reply - I actually answered this on a recent episode of our podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saxophone-academy/id1449923784
Short answer: It seems to have sold out at my usual vendors! Hopefully some more will turn up!
I just bought one from a German shop for about 64€. They seem to have at least some still in stock.PMS-online Shop. But they only have the ‚5‘, without the star*
Wish I’d found this video three years ago. Looks like the going rate is $169 USD now!
They've rebooted it and it's NOT WORTH the money! They write Carlsbad on the side (from the vintage style) but just used the terrible mold (thin window and overly fat side rails) for the reboot. I ordered 3 - terrible, truly terrible, even the hand faced one. Big disappointment. Luckily, I'm rebooting the best ever made with GS Mouthpieces (micro CT scan of my favorite).
Looks like they're back but no longer under $50 USD lol. Sweetwater shows them for 169.00 USD. Top kek!
What a name wally wallis/us
Ah, I see someone else so nice, their mother named them twice.
Where’s a good place to get one? Can’t seem to find a 5* anywhere
Huh! When I was putting this together a few weeks ago they were on the usual sites - now seem to be sold out! Interestingly, that may not be a problem. I visited getasax.com and tried half dozen Tonalins - the tip openings seemed to have NO relation to the numeric marking. I wanted a 5* but bought one marked 3* because the tip opening was nearly identical (no signs of refacing, either). Plastic mouthpieces VARY wildly as they cool, apparently. So my advice: try a few 3s or 4s, but also keep an eye on eBay and the shelves of local mom n' pop stores. I've seen them stocked next to the Bundy and Yamaha 4C pieces. Good luck!
MACEO PLAYS THE PLASTIC 47 DOLLAR ONE?
Same materials and shape - that's going to define projection. His might be had faced (vintage), but I've played both, projection is similar (and better on the modern in some cases).
It's not $50 anymore
And out of production, unfortunately.
5yrs later and the cheapest I can find this mouthpiece for is $169. Not worth it at that price!
Where was Optimus Prime, and Batman ?
😆
Coming up in the “Best Ligature” video, OBVIOUSLY Willis.
@@drwallysax 😂😂