Stop right there. It does not exist. What’s good for the goose isn’t always good for the gander. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Insert any other catchy phrase that sums up the first few words.
I talk to people everyday looking for the right mouthpiece for them. I always say we (CE Winds) are a good starting point, because you can get expert (term used loosely) advice, and we have a few mouthpiece options that give you different variations in the sound you may be looking for. I think we have everything covered with the Gold Genesis and the Silver Shocka mouthpieces, even though we are coming out with a few new pieces later this year. The best CAN get better!!! J Just a joke, no, not really.
The first thing I ask people is ‘what do you play’. This usually gets an answer like ‘alto’, ‘tenor’, ‘Yamaha’…. Those are the right answers to a vague question, and important to know, but what I want to know is ‘what do you PLAY!” What style, what’s your sound, your influence? Sometimes it’s just one sound, but most of the time players are looking for variety in their sound, because a gigging musician needs to play a wide range of music to please the crowds.
Once you identify that, it’s generally easy to find a mouthpiece to work for you. The good thing is, especially with CE Winds mouthpieces, they come with a money back guarantee. Generally 7 days from the time you get the item, but if you need more time, we understand.
If you are not sure what you want, you just want to play easier, louder, softer, etc…., brick and mortar music stores will have some demo mouthpieces that you can try. It’s always good to try a few mouthpieces, but also try a few reeds with each mouthpiece. From that point you can narrow down your options to just a few, and then look at the costs to see what you can purchase.
I think over a lifetime of playing, you will go back and forth between pieces. Don’t fall for the idea though that the more a mouthpiece costs, the better it is. Don’t get me wrong, have you ever played a New York Meyer 4M alto mouthpiece? Or even a vintage Otto Link “Slant Sig” tenor mouthpiece? They are GREAT mouthpieces, but they also come with a hefty price tag. I feel that if that ‘expensive’ is the best mouthpiece for you and your trade, then you should buy one no matter the cost. Consider it an investment in yourself. Just don’t buy one because it’s ‘trendy’, or someone else says it’s the best for them.
If you ever have any questions on selecting the right mouthpiece, whether vintage or new, don’t hesitate to give us an email or call. We would be glad to help.
Brian
CE Winds
CE Winds
904.996.9312
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