It may be small, but the saxophone mouthpiece can play a vital role in getting you towards the sound you want as a jazz musician.
Of course, the saxophone you’re using is important, but in this guide we’re going to dive into the world of mouthpieces to see what options are out there.
We’ll look at which jazz greats played which mouthpieces, the difference between rubber ones and metal ones, as well as specific recommendations for choosing both tenor sax mouthpieces and alto sax mouthpieces.
So, whilst the question of ‘best’ saxophone mouthpiece for jazz will be personal to each individual player, we hope this guide will give you some useful insight and help with the decision-making process!
Before we get into the details, here are our favourites..
| Image | Model | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 Tenor pick!  | A great all-round jazz mouthpiece for tenor sax | Check Price on Amazon | |
 | A classic rubber mouthpiece for tenor | Check Price on Amazon | |
#1 Alto Pick!  | Classic, with a clear, even tone | Check Price on Amazon | |
 | Special Mention (alto sax) | Check Price on Amazon |
The best alto saxophone mouthpieces for jazz
Meyer ebonite
The American Meyer brothers first began making sax mouthpieces in 1916, and their products were played by numerous saxophonists during the golden age of jazz, including Sonny Stitt and Cannonball Adderley.
To be honest, if you’re searching for the best alto sax mouthpiece, it’s hard to go wrong with a Meyer.
Considered something of a ‘blank canvas’, this is an extremely versatile mouthpiece that can be played in almost any style. It is noted for its clear, even tone across the range of the instrument.
With a relatively affordable price, this is a great option for advancing students and professionals alike.
| Image | Model | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 Alto Pick! | Meyer 5MM Rubber Alto Sax Mouthpiece A versatile, easy-blowing mouthpiece, with a clear, even tone. | 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
Vandoren Java
The famed French reed makers Vandoren also produce well-regarded clarinet and saxophone mouthpieces.
This ebonite mouthpiece is designed specifically for jazz and commercial styles, with Vandoren’s Java or V16 reeds in mind: it aims to combine the bite and edge of a metal mouthpiece with the comfortable feel of hard rubber.
It has an unusual tip opening measurement system, ranging from A35 to A75 on alto.
| Image | Model | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | designed specifically for jazz and commercial styles, with Vandoren’s Java or V16 reeds in mind | 8.1 | Check Price on Amazon |
JodyJazz HR*
This versatile ebonite mouthpiece is especially suited to straight-ahead jazz and bebop playing and is noted for its ability to blend with other players in a saxophone section.
Founded by acclaimed saxophonist Jody Espina, JodyJazz prides itself on its hand-finished products, which are made in America, and its rigorous play testing and quality control.
This free blowing mouthpiece makes a slightly brighter sound than a Meyer or an Otto Link due to a smaller chamber.
| Image | Model | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | designed specifically for jazz and commercial styles, with Vandoren’s Java or V16 reeds in mind | 8.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
The best tenor saxophone mouthpieces for jazz
Otto Link Tonemaster
With 24K gold plating, this mouthpiece certainly stands out aesthetically.
Like Meyer, Otto Link is another classic American manufacturer, whose products have been used by numerous great tenor sax players in particular: this one is similar to the metal model used to such distinctive effect by jazz legend John Coltrane.
Otto Link Tonemaster’s are noted for their excellent projection and durability.
| Image | Model | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 tenor pick  | Otto Link Super Tone Master (Metal) A true jazz classic! | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
Guardala MB
The Guardala MB is named after jazz great Michael Brecker who used this mouthpiece on tenor sax.
Another metal selection, it incorporates a moderately high baffle with a large bore and each one is handmade by Nadir Ibrahimoglu who worked with the legendary mouthpiece guru Dave Guardala.
The Guardala MB was originally designed as a less resistant replacement for the Otto Link and Dukoff mouthpieces Brecker used until a throat injury meant he needed something more free-blowing.
Theo Wanne Hard Rubber Datta
One of the newer manufacturers in this list, Theo Wanne aims to take inspiration from the great jazz mouthpieces of days gone by and bring them firmly into the 21st Century.
The Datta range come in both metal and hard rubber, in a range of sizes, but our pick is the rich, resonant sound of the hard rubber version favoured by many modern tenor players.
Gerald Albright, for example, plays the #8 version of the Theo Wanne Datta in Hard Rubber and they are also reportedly used by saxophonists including Chris Potter, Courtney Pine and Jan Garbarek.
SYOS Custom
SYOS is a fairly new French company that has made waves with its innovative approach to the manufacture and sale of mouthpieces.
Their Custom mouthpiece requires the customer to fill in an online form, which includes questions on musical style and desired brightness/darkness of tone, with comparisons to famous saxophonists as reference points.
SYOS (which stands for Shape Your Own Sound) then creates the mouthpiece to the customer’s exact specifications using ABS plastic and 3D printing technology, with an array of distinctive, bright colours and designs available.
The customer then has 30 days to send the mouthpiece back for any further adjustments if required, and may continue to do this until fully satisfied.
A cheaper Signature model allows the player to order a mouthpiece with the exact specifications of one of an array of SYOS signature artists, including Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Dayna Stephens and Tivon Pennicott.
About the saxophone mouthpiece
The saxophone mouthpiece is another small but vital component of your set up, which will have a huge impact upon the sound you make, and how it feels when you play your instrument.
However, choosing the best jazz mouthpiece for you personally can seem like a daunting prospect, with a huge array of makes and models on offer. Then there is the question of ebon