Yanagisawa Metal Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

Having tried a few metal tenor mouthpieces (without success), I had a feeling from the moment I blew this one (just the mouthpiece and neck assembled) that it was going to work. And so it proved. Perfect intonation, solid and well projected modern sound and easy articulation with a wide dynamic range. It comes with a serviceable ligature, cap and robust plastic box. I’m using the no 7 with 2.5 Vandoren ZZ reeds. It’s a beautifully crafted mouthpiece with no flaws that I can spot and a good bit cheaper than the competition. I took a risk in using it on a gig without a trial rehearsal and it performed perfectly, even earning a few compliments from my horn section colleagues. It has a low baffle and produces as much volume as I need with great ease. It’s also relatively easy to play really long phrases. Yanagisawa is not known primarily as a mouthpiece manufacturer, but I feel that needs to change.

Yanagisawa metal mouthpieces would seem to me to be sadly underrated. Problem is that they don't really appear on the mouthpiece radar. Which is weird, because they are absolutely wonderful! Powerful, yet never tinny bright, clear, expressive, comfy to play, what else? They just don't get a mention though, which probably explains why - in comparison to some other more hyped up names - they are so affordable. I play them on all three saxophones, sop, alto, tenor, and they are all just as satisfying.

Have been playing metal Yanis for years, but realised I needed a narrower tip opening for tenor (sax). Went from #8 to #6. Very good price from Dawkes, rapid delivery, packaging. I have tried so many mouthpieces, but always seem to prefer the Yanagisawa metal.

Great alternative to the hard rubber version, blows very similar but with cutting sound!!

I returned this item after trying it out along with another mouthpiece was tempted to buy it but couldn’t justify buying two