What material is the D7M-MB mouthpiece made from?

It is milled from solid rod rubber rather than being moulded from plastic or composite materials. This construction method is intended to provide a more consistent and vintage-like resonance.

What is the tip opening of the D7M model?

The D7M model features a medium tip opening of 0.105 inches. This size is considered a standard '7' opening in tenor saxophone terms, balancing projection with control.

How does the 'Marble' finish affect the sound?

The marbled finish is primarily an aesthetic, limited edition feature. The internal dimensions and milling process are identical to the standard Select Jazz line to maintain a classic sound.

What type of chamber does this mouthpiece have?

It features a medium-sized chamber. This design helps in achieving a balanced sound that is versatile enough for various jazz styles without being too extreme in tone.

Is this mouthpiece moulded or milled?

This mouthpiece is milled using computer-controlled (CNC) technology. This ensures that every mouthpiece is manufactured to the exact same specifications and standards.

Which instruments is this mouthpiece compatible with?

This specific model is designed for the tenor saxophone. It is not compatible with alto, soprano, or baritone saxophones.

What is the typical price for the D7M-MB?

The typical price for this mouthpiece is approximately GBP 237. This reflects its status as a professional-grade, precision-milled accessory.

Who is the ideal player for this mouthpiece?

It is perfect for precise players and soloists who want a classic jazz sound. Its medium opening and facing length suit those who need a balance of intonation and expression.

What reed types are recommended for use with this mouthpiece?

While it can be used with various reeds, it is often paired with D'Addario Organic Select Jazz (filed or unfiled) or Vandoren Java reeds to enhance its jazz characteristics.

Does it come with a ligature and cap?

Standard listings for the mouthpiece typically do not include a ligature. Users often pair it with high-quality options like the Rovner 3RL Dark ligature.

What era of jazz sound does this mouthpiece evoke?

It is designed to evoke the sound of vintage jazz mouthpieces. The combination of rod rubber and medium chamber geometry replicates the response of mid-century equipment.

How does the facing length affect playability?

It has a medium facing length. This provides a balanced feel that is neither too resistant nor too free-blowing, aiding in consistent intonation across the saxophone's range.

Gear article

D'Addario Select Jazz Marble Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece D7M-MB

The D'Addario Select Jazz Marble Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece is a professional-grade accessory milled from solid rod rubber using precision computer-controlled technology. Designed to replicate the vintage jazz aesthetic and response, this model features a 0.105" tip opening and a medium chamber to provide balanced intonation across the instrument's entire range.

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Overview and Manufacturing

The D'Addario Select Jazz Marble Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece (model D7M-MB) represents a blend of vintage-inspired design and modern manufacturing techniques. Unlike traditional mouthpieces that are often moulded, this unit is milled from solid rod rubber. This process utilises computer-controlled technology to ensure high levels of consistency and precision across each unit produced.

The D7M-MB is distinguished by its limited edition marbled finish, offering a unique visual aesthetic that departs from the standard black rubber appearance common in professional woodwind accessories. Its design philosophy centres on providing the response and feel associated with classic jazz mouthpieces from the mid-20th century.

Technical Specifications

This specific model, the D7M, features a tip opening of 0.105 inches. It is designed with a medium-sized chamber and a medium facing length. These dimensions are engineered to provide a balance between air resistance and free-blowing characteristics. The precision milling ensures that the rails and tip are uniform, which contributes to stable intonation and evenness of tone throughout the saxophone's registers, from the low Bb to the altissimo range.

DAddario Organic Select Jazz Unfiled Tenor Sax Reeds 4H (5 Pack)

Sound Profile and Character

The sound profile of the Select Jazz Marble is described as classic and expressive. By using solid rod rubber and a medium chamber, the mouthpiece produces a tone reminiscent of historical jazz recordings. It offers enough projection for soloists while maintaining the warmth and complexity required for ensemble work. The 'Marble' edition retains the same internal geometry as the standard Select Jazz series, focusing on a versatile, core-driven sound that is neither overly bright nor excessively dark.

Suitability and Use Cases

This mouthpiece is primarily suited for:

Jazz Soloists: The 0.105" tip opening allows for significant expressive flexibility and pitch bending.
Professional Players: Those requiring the precision of CNC milling for consistent performance across different environments.
Ensemble Musicians: The medium chamber provides a balanced tone that blends well within a saxophone section.
Collectors: The limited edition marbled finish makes it a distinct choice for players who value visual style alongside acoustic performance.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to mass-produced moulded mouthpieces, the D'Addario Select Jazz offers superior consistency due to its milling process. While entry-level mouthpieces like the Yamaha 5C Soprano or tenor equivalents offer ease of play for beginners, the Select Jazz D7M-MB requires more controlled air support due to its larger tip opening. Unlike high-baffle mouthpieces like the JodyJazz Super Jet, which are designed for maximum volume and 'cut', the D'Addario focuses on a more traditional, rounded jazz timbre. It is often paired with high-quality reeds such as the D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java series to further refine the response.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the D7M-MB mouthpiece made from?: It is milled from solid rod rubber rather than being moulded from plastic or composite materials. This construction method is intended to provide a more consistent and vintage-like resonance.
What is the tip opening of the D7M model?: The D7M model features a medium tip opening of 0.105 inches. This size is considered a standard '7' opening in tenor saxophone terms, balancing projection with control.
How does the 'Marble' finish affect the sound?: The marbled finish is primarily an aesthetic, limited edition feature. The internal dimensions and milling process are identical to the standard Select Jazz line to maintain a classic sound.
What type of chamber does this mouthpiece have?: It features a medium-sized chamber. This design helps in achieving a balanced sound that is versatile enough for various jazz styles without being too extreme in tone.
Is this mouthpiece moulded or milled?: This mouthpiece is milled using computer-controlled (CNC) technology. This ensures that every mouthpiece is manufactured to the exact same specifications and standards.
Which instruments is this mouthpiece compatible with?: This specific model is designed for the tenor saxophone. It is not compatible with alto, soprano, or baritone saxophones.
What is the typical price for the D7M-MB?: The typical price for this mouthpiece is approximately GBP 237. This reflects its status as a professional-grade, precision-milled accessory.
Who is the ideal player for this mouthpiece?: It is perfect for precise players and soloists who want a classic jazz sound. Its medium opening and facing length suit those who need a balance of intonation and expression.
What reed types are recommended for use with this mouthpiece?: While it can be used with various reeds, it is often paired with D'Addario Organic Select Jazz (filed or unfiled) or Vandoren Java reeds to enhance its jazz characteristics.
Does it come with a ligature and cap?: Standard listings for the mouthpiece typically do not include a ligature. Users often pair it with high-quality options like the Rovner 3RL Dark ligature.
What era of jazz sound does this mouthpiece evoke?: It is designed to evoke the sound of vintage jazz mouthpieces. The combination of rod rubber and medium chamber geometry replicates the response of mid-century equipment.
How does the facing length affect playability?: It has a medium facing length. This provides a balanced feel that is neither too resistant nor too free-blowing, aiding in consistent intonation across the saxophone's range.