The alto saxophone is one of the most versatile instruments in the sax family. It has a warm, full sound that’s great for jazz and classical music, and the high altissimo range can produce effects that can only be described as ethereal. There are a lot of alto saxophones out there and choosing the right one can feel like a daunting task.
To help you find your sound, we’ve rounded up the best alto saxophones and their corresponding mouthpieces for you to test out for yourself.
Read on to find the best alto saxophone for you.
Our Editor’s Best Alto Saxophones Mouthpieces Reviews
- Yamaha's official original-equipment 4C alto sax mouthpiece, identical to what's included with new Yamaha standard, intermediate and professional series alto saxophones.
- The 4C size was designed by Yamaha so that even a beginner can make a terrific sound.
- Made from safe and durable phenol resin plastic.
- State of the art manufacturing produces an extremely high quality and consistent mouthpiece
- Fits any brand of standard alto saxophone.
- ✅ ALL IN ONE. Include alto saxophone mouthpiece, metal ligature, plastic cap, 16 Pcs mouthpiece pads and 10 Pcs 2.5 reeds. Everything you need for your tenor saxophones.
- ✅ EASE TO PLAY. The sax mouthpiece is made of ABS which combine perfect pitch and high-quality properties. In addition, our alto sax reeds feature a thinner vamp and unfiled cut design, offers a rich tone and allow you enjoy playing sax.
- ✅ PERFECT PROTECTION. The alto sax mouthpiece pad can protect mouthpiece and your teeth. Also comes with a plastic cap to keep mouthpiece clean and from damage, and a metal buckle to fasten reed.
- ✅ TOP QUALITY SAX MOUTHPIECE KIT. Our alto Sax Mouthpiece is made of eco and fresh ABS material, sax reeds are made of grown-up premium quality reed and UV disinfection for safety use, and mouthpiece pads are made from food grade silicone. All are special designed for your best experience.
- ✅ WIDELY USE. Our alto saxophone mouthpiece kit is easy to install, use and remove, are ideal choice for professional musicians or students, educators and saxophone beginners.
- Durable construction: Crafted with premium-grade plastic designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and maintain its structure over time, ensuring long-lasting reliability.
- Superior Playability: Precision-crafted with a balanced design, this mouthpiece responds evenly across the full range of the saxophone, making it easier to play both high and low notes with control.
- Easy to clean: Thanks to its smooth, non-porous surface, this product is incredibly easy to maintain. Cleaning is straightforward, helping to ensure hygiene and extending the product's lifespan.
- Cost-effective solutions: BetterSax provides an affordable alternative for students and school band programs, ensuring quality is maintained without placing a heavy financial burden on budgets.
- Premium Construction – Made in the USA using high-quality materials, this mouthpiece is built for durability and reliability, offering students a consistent and comfortable playing experience.
- With its exceptional roundness, the ultimate classical mouthpiece
- Tip Opening - 152 (1/100mm)
- Medium Long Facing
- Works best with Vandoren #2.5-#4 Reeds
- ALL-IN-ONE: Equipped with saxophone mouthpiece, superior ligature, Strength 2.5 reed, plastic cap and mouthpiece pad. Everything you need for your tenor saxophones.
- EXCELLENT SOUND: Coming out with a terrific sound, fits any brand of standard alto saxophone.
- DURABLE QUALITY: Made of high quality ABS material and metal buckle, durable and sturdy enough for long time daily use.
- SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS: Special designed to meet the requirements for students or beginners' practice.
- IDEAL GIFTS FOR MUSICAL LOVERS: Also a great and unique gift for friends, family, teachers, students, children and so on.
- Model: YAC1286
- ideal for professionals and beginners
- Easy to obtain a balanced, clear, and focused tone in any octave, ideal for professionals and beginners
- 4C
- Yamaha Alto Sax Mouthpiece
- Square cross section in the chamber
- Great for a "step up" Mouthpiece
- Tip opening: 1.70
- Facing length: 22.00
- Facing length: 22.00, tip opening: 1.70
- Model: YAC1287
- Tip opening: 1.7
- Facing length (in mm): 23
- 5C
- M7 model for Alto Saxophone
- Tip opening: .090"
- Facing length: 21.5mm
- Durable; will not chip or crack
- Available in two tip openings
Best Alto Saxophones Mouthpieces Buying Guide
Before choosing the best alto saxophone you should consider following options:
1. The bore: The bore of the saxophone is the first thing to look at when buying a new one.
Bores can vary in size, ranging from large to small. The size of the bore, in combination with the tone hole placement, has a direct impact on the overall sound of the saxophone.
The larger the bore, the brighter the tone. Conversely, smaller bores produce a darker sound.
Notwithstanding the differences in sound, the actual bore size isn’t as important as you might think.
Branded manufacturers create their saxophones with bores based on what they believe to be the most optimal design. In fact, the actual bore size is rarely listed in the specifications of a saxophone.
The only instance in which bore size is relevant is when you decide to purchase a vintage saxophone.
In addition to altering the sound, bore size also impacts the kind of reeds the saxophone can support. Smaller bores generally support thicker reeds while larger bores support thinner ones.
2. The bell: Another important feature to look at when purchasing a new saxophone is the bell. The bell plays a vital role in shaping the overall tone by accentuating certain frequencies.
The bell is somewhat similar to the bore in that it can be large or small. However, the difference is that the bell is often specifically designed for a certain sound.
For example, the bell on a jazz horn is designed to produce a warm tone. On the other hand, the bell on a classical horn is designed to enhance the higher frequencies.
As with the bore, the bell size often isn’t listed in the specifications. Consequently, you’ll have to rely on expert reviews to find out more.
3. The keywork: The keywork of the saxophone plays a significant role in playing ease and tone quality.
Generally, the more keys a saxophone has, the easier it is to play. However, too many keys can alter the overall sound of the instrument.
Many saxophones are designed with a split keypad, which allows for easier tone production.
Also, the tone of the saxophone is greatly impacted by the style and design of the neck. Neck styles include straight, curved, and bass, which can influence the overall sound of the saxophone.
4. The finish: The look of the saxophone is a personal preference. Some people prefer a saxophone with lots of gold while others prefer a more minimalist look.
Regardless of the look you prefer, make sure the saxophone has a durable finish.
You never know when you might drop your horn or bang it against a door frame. A saxophone with a durable finish will help it last longer, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
5. The price: Even though all saxophones are expensive, the price can vary a great deal.
A number of factors can impact the price of a saxophone. For example, the materials used to make the horn can greatly alter the price.
Brass, for example, is a cheaper alternative to silver. Also, the complexity of the keywork can influence the price of the horn.
If you’re a beginner looking to purchase a saxophone, you might want to consider purchasing a cheaper alternative. This is because you probably won’t need many keys to play a number of songs.
On the other hand, if you’re a professional sax
What else you should know about alto saxophones mouthpieces
1. What is the difference between an alto saxophone mouthpiece and a tenor saxophone mouthpiece?
The difference between an alto saxophone mouthpiece and a tenor saxophone mouthpiece is that the tenor saxophone mouthpiece is larger.
2. What are the different parts of an alto saxophone mouthpiece?
The mouthpiece of an alto saxophone consists of a reed, a ligature, and a mouthpiece. The reed is a small piece of wood or plastic that vibrates to produce sound. The ligature is a strap or band that holds the reed in place. The mouthpiece is the part of the saxophone that the player blows into.
3. How do you choose the right alto saxophone mouthpiece for your instrument?
When choosing an alto saxophone mouthpiece, you should consider the following factors:
-The size of your instrument
-Your playing style
-The type of music you want to play
4. How do you care for your alto saxophone mouthpiece?
To care for your alto saxophone mouthpiece, you should clean it with a mouthpiece brush and warm soapy water after each use. You should also remove the mouthpiece from the saxophone and store it in a safe place when you’re not playing.
5. What are some common problems with alto saxophone mouthpieces?
Common problems with alto saxophone mouthpieces can include mouthpiece warping, mouthpiece cracking, and mouthpiece leaking.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best alto saxophones mouthpieces. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best alto saxophones mouthpieces will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.