I hate to say it for fear of appearing swayed by expense and “bling”, but when you played the Theo Wanne Gaia 2, I think it sparked you to play smoother, faster, and more dynamic. Your enhanced feel really popped. Thank you
That's true; Gaia 2 sounds like it is the most versatile and challenge-ready mouthpiece of them all. To cover several playing styles, Gaia 2 is worth the asking price because it can be the only mouthpiece a player needs to play different gigs.
The Theo Wanne Gaia 2 was just great from the first note you played. Just ordered my 100 NY Meyer. Can't wait to try it out as it's my first mouth peace I'm purchasing and it's a 6 as well. Thanx for the video. Most helpful
I actually upgraded from a Vandoren 16 A8 S+ to the 100 Year Anniversary New York Meyer 7M. I did this a couple months ago, I felt it played much better than normal Meyer mouthpieces and I could push as much air through it as possible. I still love it now as I play everyday on it. I only recommend finding another ligature as I believe the one it comes with has scratched the top of my mouthpiece.
I had the same issue with the Meyer ligature that came with my normal modern Meyer 6M as it scratched the sides of it. While | had the Meyer, I used a Rovner Versa ligature which was great on it.
@@bettersaxI had one of those for about a year, and it scratches every mouthpiece you put it on. It's a really bad ligature, but the connoisseur comes with a better one. Though I always recommend a single screw ligature as it's the easiest to use.
100 Year NY Meyer was the most pleasing sound and also the most pleasing price, going to order this MP next year and compare with my Theo Wanne NY Bros, thanks Jay for helping us learn more about Sax playing and sound.
It is very mention worthy how the sound of the player basically remains the same thru all the mouthpieces.Which means that every one has to play the mouthpiece we're gonna buy regardless all the videos in the world!
i like the Drake with ceramic inlay better than without. My winner is the Gaia 2 , sound wise, but it might not easy to be controlled, and the Meyer, phil tone is also great i mean it you having a great sound! so great review thanks a lot
I like the tone from all of the mouthpieces, the Drake NY is definitely darker to my ears but the ceramic chamber adds some brilliance which I found interesting....in other forums there has been much discussion on the impact of material (namely, metal -vs- HR) on tone and whether there is one. You sound great on all of them, the Meyer was a nice surprise, but the Rift and Drake/Ceramic are my favorites. My current alto piece for almost a year now is a 10mfan Daddy-O 6.
I have played the Aron Drake NY Jazz 6 for several years and this is a mouthpiece which works very well for me. I have also the NY Meyer 7 and that is really a nice mouthpiece, but also the Selmer Super Session D is a great choice for my Selmer Reference 54 alto sax. These 3 mouthpieces are mye best choice for now. I also play the Theo Wanne Gaia 8 on my Yanagisawa 901 soprano sax. :-) Tank you for a great video.
I preferred the sound of the Drake ceramic and the Phil-Tone. In a future test, would you do the same with upscale metal mouthpieces? Love your videos!
I liked the Drake ceramic better than the Drake standard. I was surprised that you didn't include a Jody Jazz. I bought a Jody Jazz HR* and it worked very well on my old Conn sax. When I upgraded to my Jean Paul USA .. It sounded great but I found that I settled on the JP AS-4 Optima, it played so well. Thanks Jay for doing this stuff. It is great to be a part of your world.
Great video. Very informative. I've had a Phil-Tone Rift 7 for several years. it's a killer mpc., my favorite. Phil does such a great job, I have 2 of his HR Tenor mpcs as well. I just purchased a 100 anniversary Meyer 7. I've had a Meyer 6M for many years but this new model just blows that old Meyer away, I can play it mellow but I can also turn up the heat and it will cut through but maintain a full sound. It doesn't get thin when pushed. But personally my favorite Alto mpc is the Rift. Right now I'm using the new Meyer for teaching and the Rift for gigging.
No wrong choice there. Your selection is spot-on. (PS. There are two more you could try in that price range: Aizen and Woodstone. Next time perhaps, in "Japanese Mouthpieces Contest" ).
Hey Jay! I recently got a really nice new Vandoren mouthpiece for my birthday (Can't remember the exact name) I went to my local saxophone and music store and I got to choose my preference just by trying a bunch of mouthpieces! On a final note, I just want you to know that I'm a fan and that you help me become a "Better Sax Player". Thanks Jay! -Paul
I play a NY Meyer 6, a Theo Wanne GAIA 2 7* and a Selmer Soloist D, all with Legere Signature reeds. Love all 3 but like you Jay, the GAIA has my keen preference. Thanks for the great video as usual 👍🏼
Fantastic demo ….. Always wanted to hear an a/b test on mouthpeices to see if I could really notice a difference. Thanks for taking the time to create this along with your other vids …. Just got my alto back from four years in storage in Northern Cal …. I started making … playing.... teaching Native American style flutes for about 12+ years …. and the saxophone got put on mouthballs for awhile... … now I am finding that I can now play the sax better since I made all the flutes in the minor pentatonic scales … I think I somehow learned to do more with less ... as in only 5 notes …. by learning to add more articulation …. Thanks for all your greatly appreciated info you share on the sax … I learned a lot tonight while binge watching as much as I can tonight ….and anxious to start watching in the daytime when I can actually play along …. as it is too late for sax playing at this time …. … which brings me to "Mutes" for sax …. do you have info on how to make one or use one or where to get one ….Does it make it harder to play …. any special adjustments needed to use one …..Or can I just as my brother would often yell at me … "Put a Sock in it" !!! Would that work ? I may be able to practice later into the evenings ….. Thanks for being you.... Bongo Dave - Good Happens / Love Shall Prevail
I play for a long time Drake NY Jazz 7 I just bought used Phil-Tone Rift 7 inspired by your video and I am really happy with this piece. It is so much fun to play it. I can't say now which of those two I prefer but both are great pieces. Thanks for your video!
I play on a Theo Wanne. Shiva 2 hard rubber with 8 tip opening. REALLY REALLY big and bright sound. Theo Wanne has some nice stuff if you want to pay the price point.
Loved them all. Recently got a Meyer New York 6m. Peculiar thing happened. Blew great for 10 mins then I couldn't get a note out of it. Examined everything but found that the table was warped. I returned it.
WOW, where do I start? I play the TW Gaia 2 with a 6 tip opening on a Yani WO20. The Gaia has outstanding range and the best MP for me on this sax. So check the box for the Gaia. The ceramic Drake sounds excellent as well. A now we have the Phil Tone Rift with a 7 T.O. the plays like a 6, your words.The Rift sings on your horn no doubt about that. I go over to the Phil site and they have a video of David Strong putting one thru its paces. WOW. Now I'll have to try one out. Thank you for this demo, outstanding!!!!
I likes the ceramic insert best. Played alto sax a long time and for me, the real challenge was to not sound like a cheap Italian movie. (Nothing wrong with either cheap not Italian,just wasn't my goal.) The drop-off going into the higher registers really smoothed the tone evenly.
It’s the TW Gaia 2 for me - but that’s the one I play on my alto (mine’s a 6 too) so I’m a bit biased. Biggest problem I had with the Gaia2 was to get the right reed on it. I found that Légère custom signature as well as Rigotti Gold to be the best ones for me. It did take a while to get used to it though as it plays differently to my Link HR. The Gaia 2 is a crazy price but I picked mine up second hand in almost mint condition for half the new price, so there are deals around
Pring Choons yes I did but I much preferred the Rigotti, though in the cane reeds, a D’Addario select jazz came a reasonably close second. Trouble is that it’s all personal preference. FWIW I now play a Jody jazz custom dark on my tenor and I play that with Rigotti’s- I personally find them the best cane reeds (at the moment 😊)
I followed your beginners course, and in one of the lessons it stipulated the importance of keeping your fingers very close to the keys. I noted in the first Theo Wanne section they were not exactly doing that.
Ah, a New video! I finally got my rovner platinum ligature for my beginner's yamaha 4c . I want to make a mouthpiece and reeds by myself as soon as possible. just for fun. Maybe. I should spend more time in practicing.
For me, here is my ranking of the mouthpieces you just played: 1) Phil-Tone Rift 2) (Tie) The Meyer 100 Anniversary and the Drake NY Jazz Ceramic. 3) Drake NY Jazz 4) Theo Wanne Gaia 2 The Theo Wanne, IMHO, was disappointing because it didn't impress me nor did it sound superior to any of the others. I don't think it can justify its price. The Phil-Tone was just... WOW!
You can never go wrong with a Meyer 6 or 7 for jazz, but as far as classical goes I use a Selmer Concept but it might be a bit bright on a strength 3, so I usually end up using 4s for everything
I'm playing a D'Addario Jazz Select right now and I really like it. Nice fat sound, and very versatile. Of the ones you played in the video.... hmmmm, I think I gotta go with the Rift. But they all sounded nice. I was thinking of getting a NY Meyer for my next mouthpiece, but that Rift has me rethinking that.
Jay I like the sound of the Drake NY Jazz Ceramic over the plan Drake NY Jazz. Out of the 4 you demo I preferred the GAIA 2 (which I have). I use a Jody Jazz HR and prefer it over the GAIA 2 ( just personal preference)
With ceramic, my vote. Wide tip openings = trouble for me as beginning student who used to play more. Narrower tip openings and softer reeds essential to have satisfaction with practice, and not fight the mechanics, wider later! 🚀
liked the ceramic drake vs the reg But the NY Meyer 100 yr and the Phil tone are stellar!! If I had to choose btw the 2 NY Meyer for me Loved the Theo Wanne too!! I play Theo Wanne Durga 3 gold alto/tenor 9s HR Gaia 9 soprano partial to TW but as we all do as sax players, Always lookin for a better or diff sound lol!! Thx Jay for all the info!! 😎🎷
I ordered a Phil Tone "The Rift" mouthpiece (7*) about 2 months ago. Phil was very friendly and send me the piece 4 days later. I am more than happy with it. I love the sound and its diversity. Great mouthpiece for me and worth every single € I spent on it.
I had drake Nyjazz without ceramic chamber, was great... but still play my Mayer 6 lapped facing(standat) but with reface. Happy and for me is perfect mpc. But jus after reface. So I'm glad to say that really great from unbox was Aaron Drake NY
Great video, Jay! Thanks for doing this comparison. You sound great on all them, but I understand why you chose the Philtone. I thought that one sounded the best and you really looked like you were enjoying playing. For me, it had the most complex sound. As to the Drakes, I preferred the one with the ceramic insert. I have a 100 Year New York Meyer Anniversary, but it's a 7. I got it in April and I love it! It's my main mouthpiece. I play lead alto in a big band and the Meyer allows me to blend with the section but still cut through and be heard (4 tenors, currently!) While soloing I get that bright, jazz tone with some edge that I love.
The Phil Tone had a massive wedge in it. It was was brighter than all the others. It is more of a David Sanborn type of mouthpiece. The reason the 7 plays like the 6 is because of the massive high baffle.
I'm currently playing a GAIA 2 on alto and my back up is a Phil Tone Solstice. Love them both, but feel I get a little more projection from the GAIA for big band work. I really enjoyed your sound on the GAIA and the Phil Tone, probably more than the others. I now have the Rift on my list of mouthpieces to try or buy on the future.
Hey Jay, love your videos. I've been playing sax for 14 years now. Could you please do a video comparing lacquered vs. unlacquered saxes? I'd appreciate it. Keep up with the nice job!!
I had an old Conn Bari Sax from the 20s that only went up to Eb that was unlaguered that vibrated & shook more than any other sax that I've owned....big sound but clacky keys & it looked like a science experiment color wise. I think lacquer tampers the sound.
I have the as400 saxophone which I paid 2000, but I didn't like the sound so I thought I would have to buy a new one. Luckily I found out it's just the mouthpiece. Thanks alot and great content. Edit: I do know alot of it is your embouchure but I've been playing for about 3 years now and its still not the sound I like that's why I was looking for something different.
Jay, you need to try SYOS piece. I suggest contact them and get one depending on your preferences as per their detailed questionnaire - I am certain they will grab the opportunity for review on your channel!. It probably catapaulted this newbie a year or two ahead and was way cheaper than the ones I was advised and are considered great out on web .
Hey I have a request....can you make a video demonstrating the different shades of sound. I’ve always been interested to see what other people consider “dark” “warm” “bright” “shimmering” etc....
I’m a sixth grader in middle school and we have a option to switch to saxophone. Either tenor sax, or alto sax. What do you think I should switch to? And why?
Twisted I say you should do alto. You are starting out on saxophone, and it is much easier to pick up than tenor. Next year, I say you maybe switch to tenor if you feel like it. If you like alto a lot, I say stick with it. All saxophones have the same fingerings, so don’t be worried. if you do alto this year and don’t like it a lot, try tenor next year. They have really different play styles, and the way they fit into a band, or any music group, is different. Right now I decided to stick with alto. Good luck! 🎷
So far I have not heard a mouthpiece that sounds more like jazz than the Meyer. Full, responsive, shimmer on the edges, mysterious. The Theo Wanne and Phil tone are nice and may be fun to play but they are less artistic to my ears. Does that make sense?
@@bettersax Jay are you still on the philtone rift 7. Seems like you have to order them directly from him. A great video would be a vintage mouthpiece vs new mouthpeice similar to the one you did with jaleel but with multiple pieces.
Wow, that Phil-Tone sounds real sweet, for me that wail beats all the rest, not surprised it's your fav of the moment. Thanks for some more great demos, inspiration and cool playing.
Liked all the mouthpieces and wish I had the bread to own them. Been using a Morgan Excalibur awhile but want a piece that is less shrill in the upper register. Had been playing a Meyer 5M but for some reason not remembered put them aside and sold them. Probably a mistake. Anyway, I like the new Meyer but have been put off by the Babbitt inconsistency. You say the one used in your demo came perfect so I’ll try it. The price is reasonable. I liked the first Drake but not the one with the ceramic insert. You said the fit on the cork is looser. Does that mean the chamber is larger? Thanks for the video and by the way l play a Yani W020, a fantastic alto!
Hard to choose between the Meyer (a little richer) and the non-ceramic Drake (a little clearer). (I tend to prefer dark, in case you couldn't guess.) The Gaia is really nice (Theo's work is nothing if not consistent), but just a little brighter than I'd want, given the previously-mentioned options. The thing that stuck out for me about the Phil-Tone was that I really didn't like how it sounded in the low register. Enjoyed hearing "Polka Dots" and "Anthropology." :)
I played the same reed on each mouthpiece. It was a rigotti 4 hard I think. These mouthpieces are very well made and will pair well with any good quality reeds.
I hate to say it for fear of appearing swayed by expense and “bling”, but when you played the Theo Wanne Gaia 2, I think it sparked you to play smoother, faster, and more dynamic. Your enhanced feel really popped. Thank you
That's true; Gaia 2 sounds like it is the most versatile and challenge-ready mouthpiece of them all. To cover several playing styles, Gaia 2 is worth the asking price because it can be the only mouthpiece a player needs to play different gigs.
Pp
I love your videos and it's a joy to listen to you play. Solid, unbiased info, well presented. Thank you Jay!
The Theo Wanne Gaia 2 was just great from the first note you played. Just ordered my 100 NY Meyer. Can't wait to try it out as it's my first mouth peace I'm purchasing and it's a 6 as well. Thanx for the video. Most helpful
I love the Phil Tone Rift!
I liked the buttery tone you were getting on the Gaia 2 the best! Thanks for making this video!
thank you
Waited two years to pick up my Rift (for cheap!) and it was WELL WORTH the wait and every penny and then some. Thank you!
The Drake ceramic was the most even to my ears. A great lead alto sound
It was actually a brass chamber I goofed
I actually upgraded from a Vandoren 16 A8 S+ to the 100 Year Anniversary New York Meyer 7M. I did this a couple months ago, I felt it played much better than normal Meyer mouthpieces and I could push as much air through it as possible. I still love it now as I play everyday on it. I only recommend finding another ligature as I believe the one it comes with has scratched the top of my mouthpiece.
I had the same issue with the Meyer ligature that came with my normal modern Meyer 6M as it scratched the sides of it. While | had the Meyer, I used a Rovner Versa ligature which was great on it.
Thanks for reminding me. That's why I don't use it. You can even see the same scratch on my mouthpiece from the only time I did...
@@bettersaxI had one of those for about a year, and it scratches every mouthpiece you put it on. It's a really bad ligature, but the connoisseur comes with a better one. Though I always recommend a single screw ligature as it's the easiest to use.
I agree with your assessment. The last mouthpiece is the best
100 Year NY Meyer was the most pleasing sound and also the most pleasing price, going to order this MP next year and compare with my Theo Wanne NY Bros, thanks Jay for helping us learn more about Sax playing and sound.
thanks for watching!
The Phil-Tone Rift 7 gets my vote, but I have too many others on the go right now to justify adding to the collection.
Phil tone was the best. Nice tone and open yet centered sound with beautiful color.
I'm pretty happy with my Selmer Larry Teal mouthpiece for my alto.
If you're happy don't change anything.
Great video Jay!! I own a Theo Wanne Gaia 2 and had the same reaction you did after playing on it for the first time. I love it!!
thanks
Thank you for the review! They all sound great, or more correctly YOU make them sound great.
Thanks Pal
It is very mention worthy how the sound of the player basically remains the same thru all the mouthpieces.Which means that every one has to play the mouthpiece we're gonna buy regardless all the videos in the world!
Wau - the Phil Tone Rift 7 - sounds really fantastic!
i like the Drake with ceramic inlay better than without. My winner is the Gaia 2 , sound wise, but it might not easy to be controlled, and the Meyer, phil tone is also great
i mean it you having a great sound!
so great review thanks a lot
I switched from a Meyer five M almost a year ago to the drake mouthpiece. I pair it with a François Louis ligature and the combination is wonderful.
nice
The Gaia has that large-chamber 'Cannonball' sound. The Phil-Tone has that modern narrow-chamber sound. Both are excellent!
Cannonball played on a medium chamber Meyer
I just listened to this and I like the Phil-Tone Rift 7.
I like the tone from all of the mouthpieces, the Drake NY is definitely darker to my ears but the ceramic chamber adds some brilliance which I found interesting....in other forums there has been much discussion on the impact of material (namely, metal -vs- HR) on tone and whether there is one. You sound great on all of them, the Meyer was a nice surprise, but the Rift and Drake/Ceramic are my favorites. My current alto piece for almost a year now is a 10mfan Daddy-O 6.
The Drake piece actually had a brass chamber not ceramic. oops.
I have played the Aron Drake NY Jazz 6 for several years and this is a mouthpiece which works very well for me. I have also the NY Meyer 7 and that is really a nice mouthpiece, but also the Selmer Super Session D is a great choice for my Selmer Reference 54 alto sax. These 3 mouthpieces are mye best choice for now. I also play the Theo Wanne Gaia 8 on my Yanagisawa 901 soprano sax. :-) Tank you for a great video.
You've got some nice mouthpieces there.
Theo's was my pick for the best one. Thanks for another great video Jay. See you next week.
see you then
I have a Theo Wane Mindi Abair and I love it. I also have a Aron Drake ceramic and Meyer. I prefer the Mindi Abair alto mouthpiece
Those are some serious(ly priced) mouth pieces. Thanks for this review.
yeah, the Meyer is priced well though if you can find one.
I preferred the sound of the Drake ceramic and the Phil-Tone. In a future test, would you do the same with upscale metal mouthpieces? Love your videos!
That’s the plan. Thanks
I liked the Drake ceramic better than the Drake standard. I was surprised that you didn't include a Jody Jazz. I bought a Jody Jazz HR* and it worked very well on my old Conn sax. When I upgraded to my Jean Paul USA .. It sounded great but I found that I settled on the JP AS-4 Optima, it played so well. Thanks Jay for doing this stuff. It is great to be a part of your world.
Great video. Very informative. I've had a Phil-Tone Rift 7 for several years. it's a killer mpc., my favorite. Phil does such a great job, I have 2 of his HR Tenor mpcs as well. I just purchased a 100 anniversary Meyer 7. I've had a Meyer 6M for many years but this new model just blows that old Meyer away, I can play it mellow but I can also turn up the heat and it will cut through but maintain a full sound. It doesn't get thin when pushed. But personally my favorite Alto mpc is the Rift. Right now I'm using the new Meyer for teaching and the Rift for gigging.
No wrong choice there. Your selection is spot-on. (PS. There are two more you could try in that price range: Aizen and Woodstone. Next time perhaps, in "Japanese Mouthpieces Contest" ).
Hey Jay! I recently got a really nice new Vandoren mouthpiece for my birthday (Can't remember the exact name) I went to my local saxophone and music store and I got to choose my preference just by trying a bunch of mouthpieces! On a final note, I just want you to know that I'm a fan and that you help me become a "Better Sax Player". Thanks Jay! -Paul
Vandoren makes some great mouthpieces. Thanks
When you were playing the Wanne I thought Art Pepper was in the room! Great video, thanks
thanks
I also liked the sound of the Phil Tone.
yeah, more people should be playing those...
The Phil-Tone Rift 7 immediately grabs me too. Great choice. I would be coming from a Selmer C* which if have used for a while.
I play a NY Meyer 6, a Theo Wanne GAIA 2 7* and a Selmer Soloist D, all with Legere Signature reeds. Love all 3 but like you Jay, the GAIA has my keen preference. Thanks for the great video as usual 👍🏼
thanks Thierry
But he chose the Phil Tone Rift 7, not the GAIA.
Definitely the Phil-tone rift 7 sounded the richest/greatest depth. Only the price stopping me buying one!
Fantastic demo …..
Always wanted to hear an a/b test on mouthpeices to see if I could really notice a difference.
Thanks for taking the time to create this along with your other vids ….
Just got my alto back from four years in storage in Northern Cal ….
I started making … playing.... teaching Native American style flutes for about 12+ years …. and the saxophone got put on mouthballs for awhile...
… now I am finding that I can now play the sax better since I made all the flutes in the minor pentatonic scales …
I think I somehow learned to do more with less ... as in only 5 notes …. by learning to add more articulation ….
Thanks for all your greatly appreciated info you share on the sax … I learned a lot tonight while binge watching as much as I can tonight ….and anxious to start watching in the daytime when I can actually play along …. as it is too late for sax playing at this time ….
… which brings me to "Mutes" for sax …. do you have info on how to make one or use one or where to get one ….Does it make it harder to play …. any special adjustments needed to use one …..Or can I just as my brother would often yell at me … "Put a Sock in it" !!!
Would that work ?
I may be able to practice later into the evenings …..
Thanks for being you....
Bongo Dave - Good Happens / Love Shall Prevail
Jay, you could make a car alarm sound good
Jay, I loved the Meyer (I did play a Meyer 8 for years..) until I heard you play the Phil Tone ! It does really sound great! I'll check it out...
This new Meyer is very different from others I have played
I’m married to my Meyer 8
@@bettersax ok, thanks
I play for a long time Drake NY Jazz 7 I just bought used Phil-Tone Rift 7 inspired by your video and I am really happy with this piece. It is so much fun to play it. I can't say now which of those two I prefer but both are great pieces. Thanks for your video!
I have a meyer 6 lapped facing, it came together with a buescher elkart 1920, silver, feels great
I play on a Theo Wanne. Shiva 2 hard rubber with 8 tip opening. REALLY REALLY big and bright sound. Theo Wanne has some nice stuff if you want to pay the price point.
nice and expensive indeed.
Loved them all. Recently got a Meyer New York 6m. Peculiar thing happened. Blew great for 10 mins then I couldn't get a note out of it. Examined everything but found that the table was warped. I returned it.
I always replay the intro song at least twice before starting the video! 😂
WOW, where do I start? I play the TW Gaia 2 with a 6 tip opening on a Yani WO20. The Gaia has outstanding range and the best MP for me on this sax. So check the box for the Gaia. The ceramic Drake sounds excellent as well. A now we have the Phil Tone Rift with a 7 T.O. the plays like a 6, your words.The Rift sings on your horn no doubt about that. I go over to the Phil site and they have a video of David Strong putting one thru its paces. WOW. Now I'll have to try one out. Thank you for this demo, outstanding!!!!
My mistake, my Drake has a brass chamber not ceramic... thanks
I likes the ceramic insert best. Played alto sax a long time and for me, the real challenge was to not sound like a cheap Italian movie. (Nothing wrong with either cheap not Italian,just wasn't my goal.) The drop-off going into the higher registers really smoothed the tone evenly.
It’s the TW Gaia 2 for me - but that’s the one I play on my alto (mine’s a 6 too) so I’m a bit biased. Biggest problem I had with the Gaia2 was to get the right reed on it. I found that Légère custom signature as well as Rigotti Gold to be the best ones for me.
It did take a while to get used to it though as it plays differently to my Link HR.
The Gaia 2 is a crazy price but I picked mine up second hand in almost mint condition for half the new price, so there are deals around
Yeah, I used the same reed on all the mouthpieces for consistency, but the TW would have beed even better with a different reed I think...
Pring Choons yes I did but I much preferred the Rigotti, though in the cane reeds, a D’Addario select jazz came a reasonably close second. Trouble is that it’s all personal preference. FWIW I now play a Jody jazz custom dark on my tenor and I play that with Rigotti’s- I personally find them the best cane reeds (at the moment 😊)
Thanks for all these videos! Have you done a comparison of metal alto mouthpieces? That would be great.
Bought myself a Theo Wanne Gaia 3 (7) for alto and absolutely love it! Wish I knew about the coupon code before I paid.....
I followed your beginners course, and in one of the lessons it stipulated the importance of keeping your fingers very close to the keys. I noted in the first Theo Wanne section they were not exactly doing that.
Yeah I wish I had taken my own course when I was starting out. Then I wouldn't have so many bad habits to break...
All of them sound good! As far as the Drakes, I like the non-ceramic chamber better than ceramic chamber; nice dark smooth sound.
thanks for the comment, Sorry, that was the brass chamber not ceramic. my mistake.
They all sound good when you play but for me the Gaïa sounds better
Thank you
I ended up picking up the NY Bros 2 by Theo Wanne, and love it
I will have to try that one.
I also play the NY Bros 2 (size 6) and love it.
Ah, a New video! I finally got my rovner platinum ligature for my beginner's yamaha 4c . I want to make a mouthpiece and reeds by myself as soon as possible. just for fun. Maybe. I should spend more time in practicing.
making reeds will be difficult
For me, here is my ranking of the mouthpieces you just played:
1) Phil-Tone Rift
2) (Tie) The Meyer 100 Anniversary and the Drake NY Jazz Ceramic.
3) Drake NY Jazz
4) Theo Wanne Gaia 2
The Theo Wanne, IMHO, was disappointing because it didn't impress me nor did it sound superior to any of the others. I don't think it can justify its price.
The Phil-Tone was just... WOW!
Ya the phil-tone really popped compared to all the other ones. I'm definitely going to get myself one of those.
You can never go wrong with a Meyer 6 or 7 for jazz, but as far as classical goes I use a Selmer Concept but it might be a bit bright on a strength 3, so I usually end up using 4s for everything
So I just discovered that the jazz piece that I bought myself for Christmas for 33% off at my music store was that first Meyer mouthpiece. Nice
they are fantastic
The Phil tone is my favorite one with the Drake ceramic.
I'm playing a D'Addario Jazz Select right now and I really like it. Nice fat sound, and very versatile. Of the ones you played in the video.... hmmmm, I think I gotta go with the Rift. But they all sounded nice. I was thinking of getting a NY Meyer for my next mouthpiece, but that Rift has me rethinking that.
If you like the DJS, you will probably like the Rift more...
I would add Navarro Bebop or Miestra. Just fantastic pieces. You sound best on the Phil Tone
Thanks for listening
Meyer, the best sound. But the first of the video was the very best.
Jay I like the sound of the Drake NY Jazz Ceramic over the plan Drake NY Jazz. Out of the 4 you demo I preferred the GAIA 2 (which I have). I use a Jody Jazz HR and prefer it over the GAIA 2 ( just personal preference)
The Drake was actually the brass chamber I misspoke.
Theo wanne hands down my preference. Phile tone, No metals. I have the Lawton *6 (the father)
With ceramic, my vote. Wide tip openings = trouble for me as beginning student who used to play more. Narrower tip openings and softer reeds essential to have satisfaction with practice, and not fight the mechanics, wider later! 🚀
Rocket, that was a brass chamber. I made a mistake.
I liked the Drake Ceramic the best. No shrillness on the highest notes.
the philtone is my fav -2nd the ceramic drake
To my taste (dark, trad tone), the TW Gaia, then the regular Drake, are the best...
Best sax channel
I have a Gaia 2 7, that I picked up used. I really like it, but I use a Rovner Dark ligature with it.
Big help, thanks
The Drake mouthpiece sounds awesome!
I think I love the first Drake mouthpiece
liked the ceramic drake vs the reg
But the NY Meyer 100 yr and the
Phil tone are stellar!!
If I had to choose btw the 2
NY Meyer for me
Loved the Theo Wanne too!!
I play Theo Wanne Durga 3 gold alto/tenor 9s HR Gaia 9 soprano partial to TW
but as we all do as sax players,
Always lookin for a better or diff sound lol!!
Thx Jay for all the info!!
😎🎷
I ordered a Phil Tone "The Rift" mouthpiece (7*) about 2 months ago. Phil was very friendly and send me the piece 4 days later. I am more than happy with it. I love the sound and its diversity. Great mouthpiece for me and worth every single € I spent on it.
Glad you like it too.
I love the sound of the fist one you played, but it's really hard to get it in Germany. But I also love the sound of my Claude lakey 7*3 :)
hard to get everywhere
You should review the new Dickerson Resonator Ligature for alto sax on Reverb & ebay - it's a game changer
I had drake Nyjazz without ceramic chamber, was great... but still play my Mayer 6 lapped facing(standat) but with reface. Happy and for me is perfect mpc. But jus after reface. So I'm glad to say that really great from unbox was Aaron Drake NY
I was actually mistaken. My NY Jazz has a brass chamber not ceramic.
My preference is for the Phil-Tone but then Jay can make anything sound fantastic.
Phil's pieces are legit! Sounds great man!
Yes they are. Thanks man!
Great video, Jay! Thanks for doing this comparison. You sound great on all them, but I understand why you chose the Philtone. I thought that one sounded the best and you really looked like you were enjoying playing. For me, it had the most complex sound.
As to the Drakes, I preferred the one with the ceramic insert.
I have a 100 Year New York Meyer Anniversary, but it's a 7. I got it in April and I love it! It's my main mouthpiece. I play lead alto in a big band and the Meyer allows me to blend with the section but still cut through and be heard (4 tenors, currently!) While soloing I get that bright, jazz tone with some edge that I love.
Next video : 4 more mouthpieces but for tenor
gab alias darkfire yes
and then for bari
Just all of the saxophones
I've got a similar video for tenor planned. It's going to be metal Link style mouthpieces.
@@bettersax what about bari jay?
The Phil Tone had a massive wedge in it. It was was brighter than all the others. It is more of a David Sanborn type of mouthpiece. The reason the 7 plays like the 6 is because of the massive high baffle.
When your the mouthpieces are much more expensive than your saxophone.
damn bro, I felt that lmfao
Theo wanne more expensive compered my saxophone 😂😂😂
@Kannon Dorian DAMN TWO BOT COMBO MEAL
@Adell Denapoli get the hell out of here!
I'm currently playing a GAIA 2 on alto and my back up is a Phil Tone Solstice. Love them both, but feel I get a little more projection from the GAIA for big band work. I really enjoyed your sound on the GAIA and the Phil Tone, probably more than the others. I now have the Rift on my list of mouthpieces to try or buy on the future.
Hi hello .. i really chose the phil tone and theowani ..it is best for me..
Hey Jay, love your videos. I've been playing sax for 14 years now. Could you please do a video comparing lacquered vs. unlacquered saxes? I'd appreciate it. Keep up with the nice job!!
It just changes the look. Any sound difference would be impossible to determine with any accuracy and would be negligible anyway.
I had an old Conn Bari Sax from the 20s that only went up to Eb that was unlaguered that vibrated & shook more than any other sax that I've owned....big sound but clacky keys & it looked like a science experiment color wise. I think lacquer tampers the sound.
I have the as400 saxophone which I paid 2000, but I didn't like the sound so I thought I would have to buy a new one. Luckily I found out it's just the mouthpiece. Thanks alot and great content. Edit: I do know alot of it is your embouchure but I've been playing for about 3 years now and its still not the sound I like that's why I was looking for something different.
I think you should try a Ivan Meyer Mounthpiece, it's custom made in Brazil by Luthier Ivan Meyer.
They're known for being extremely good!
I'll look out for them.
@@bettersax Check it out here: ivanmeyer.com
Jay, you need to try SYOS piece. I suggest contact them and get one depending on your preferences as per their detailed questionnaire - I am certain they will grab the opportunity for review on your channel!. It probably catapaulted this newbie a year or two ahead and was way cheaper than the ones I was advised and are considered great out on web .
Hey I have a request....can you make a video demonstrating the different shades of sound. I’ve always been interested to see what other people consider “dark” “warm” “bright” “shimmering” etc....
hey, that's a good idea I never thought of.
I wish you to try the mouthpiece woodstone made in japan.I love this one.I want to know
how do you feel about it.
I’m a sixth grader in middle school and we have a option to switch to saxophone. Either tenor sax, or alto sax. What do you think I should switch to? And why?
Twisted I say you should do alto. You are starting out on saxophone, and it is much easier to pick up than tenor. Next year, I say you maybe switch to tenor if you feel like it. If you like alto a lot, I say stick with it. All saxophones have the same fingerings, so don’t be worried. if you do alto this year and don’t like it a lot, try tenor next year. They have really different play styles, and the way they fit into a band, or any music group, is different. Right now I decided to stick with alto. Good luck! 🎷
Choose the one you are most drawn to. You can't go wrong with either.
So far I have not heard a mouthpiece that sounds more like jazz than the Meyer. Full, responsive, shimmer on the edges, mysterious. The Theo Wanne and Phil tone are nice and may be fun to play but they are less artistic to my ears. Does that make sense?
That's why there is so much choice available. these new Meyers are great.
@@bettersax Jay are you still on the philtone rift 7. Seems like you have to order them directly from him. A great video would be a vintage mouthpiece vs new mouthpeice similar to the one you did with jaleel but with multiple pieces.
Wow, that Phil-Tone sounds real sweet, for me that wail beats all the rest, not surprised it's your fav of the moment. Thanks for some more great demos, inspiration and cool playing.
thank you.
Like the ceramic
Sorry, but it is actually brass.
Liked all the mouthpieces and wish I had the bread to own them. Been using a Morgan Excalibur awhile but want a piece that is less shrill in the upper register. Had been playing a Meyer 5M but for some reason not remembered put them aside and sold them. Probably a mistake. Anyway, I like the new Meyer but have been put off by the Babbitt inconsistency. You say the one used in your demo came perfect so I’ll try it. The price is reasonable. I liked the first Drake but not the one with the ceramic insert. You said the fit on the cork is looser. Does that mean the chamber is larger? Thanks for the video and by the way l play a Yani W020, a fantastic alto!
Hard to choose between the Meyer (a little richer) and the non-ceramic Drake (a little clearer). (I tend to prefer dark, in case you couldn't guess.) The Gaia is really nice (Theo's work is nothing if not consistent), but just a little brighter than I'd want, given the previously-mentioned options. The thing that stuck out for me about the Phil-Tone was that I really didn't like how it sounded in the low register.
Enjoyed hearing "Polka Dots" and "Anthropology." :)
Hello Jay, Can you comment on the relative resistance and reed cut friendliness of each of the mouthpiece? Cheers.
I played the same reed on each mouthpiece. It was a rigotti 4 hard I think. These mouthpieces are very well made and will pair well with any good quality reeds.
Thanks I needed a new one
The Drake ceramic has a crisper sound I like it better
Your videos are amazing! i play on a concept mouthpiece (selmer) that's also a very good one
yes it is, but that's intended for a classical sound.