What material is the D'Addario D8M made from?

The D8M is manufactured from solid rod rubber rather than being moulded from plastic or resin. This material choice is intended to provide a more traditional jazz resonance and increased durability.

How is this mouthpiece manufactured?

D'Addario uses computer-controlled (CNC) milling technology to carve the mouthpiece from a solid block. This ensures that every mouthpiece is built to exact specifications with minimal variation between units.

What type of saxophone is the D8M designed for?

This specific model is designed for the tenor saxophone. It is part of the Select Jazz series, which aims to provide a professional-grade jazz sound for tenor players.

What is the typical price for the D'Addario Select Jazz Tenor mouthpieces?

The typical price for this model is approximately £191. This places it in the mid-to-high range for professional rubber mouthpieces.

Does the D8M provide even intonation?

Yes, the manufacturer specifies that the D8M is designed to achieve even intonation across the entire range of the saxophone. The precision milling helps maintain a stable internal geometry for consistent pitch.

Is this mouthpiece moulded or milled?

It is milled from solid rod rubber. Most mass-market mouthpieces are moulded, but D'Addario uses milling to achieve greater precision and consistency.

What sound character should I expect from the D8M?

The D8M is designed to deliver a 'classic' jazz sound. It offers a balance of warmth and response that is evocative of vintage jazz recordings.

Which reeds are recommended for the Select Jazz Tenor mouthpiece?

While it can be used with various brands, it is frequently paired with D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Unfiled Tenor Sax Reeds or Vandoren Java Tenor Saxophone Reeds.

Can I use this mouthpiece for classical music?

While primarily designed for a jazz response and sound, its even intonation makes it versatile; however, its core design is focused on the classic jazz aesthetic.

How does the D8M differ from the Yamaha 5C?

The D8M is a professional-tier mouthpiece milled from solid rubber, whereas the Yamaha 5C is a plastic student-grade mouthpiece. The D8M offers a more complex jazz tone and refined response compared to the 5C's entry-level design.

What ligature fits the D'Addario Select Jazz Tenor mouthpiece?

It fits standard tenor saxophone ligatures. Common choices include the Rovner 3RL Dark ligature or the Vandoren Leather ligature, which provide different dampening and response characteristics.

Is the D8M suitable for beginners?

The D8M features a professional-spec tip opening that may be more challenging for absolute beginners than a student mouthpiece. It is generally better suited for intermediate to professional players.

Gear article

D'Addario Select Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece (D8M)

The D'Addario Select Jazz D8M is a professional tenor saxophone mouthpiece precision-milled from solid rod rubber. It is designed to offer a classic jazz sound with even intonation and response across the full range of the instrument.

See live prices

Overview

The D'Addario Select Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece, specifically the D8M model, represents a modern approach to vintage mouthpiece design. Unlike many mass-produced mouthpieces that are cast in moulds, D'Addario utilises computer-controlled (CNC) technology to mill these units from solid rod rubber. This manufacturing method ensures a high level of consistency from one mouthpiece to the next, addressing the common issue of variability found in traditional manufacturing.

Manufacturing and Design

The primary distinction of the Select Jazz series is the use of solid rod rubber rather than moulded plastic or composite. By employing precise CNC milling, D'Addario eliminates the need for extensive hand-finishing while maintaining tight tolerances. The D8M designation refers to the specific tip opening and chamber configuration, which is engineered to provide a balanced resistance and a classic jazz profile.

Sound and Response

Characterised by its even intonation across all registers, the D8M is capable of producing a classic jazz sound. The solid rubber construction contributes to a traditional resonance and response. It is designed to be versatile, allowing players to achieve a vintage-inspired tone that is suitable for small group jazz, big band, and solo performances without compromising the instrument's natural scale.

Compatibility and Accessories

To achieve the best results, the D8M is often paired with specific reeds and ligatures. Recommended pairings include D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds (both filed and unfiled versions) or Vandoren Java reeds. For securing the reed, players often look toward versatile ligatures such as the Rovner 3RL Dark series or leather options like those produced by Vandoren, which help dampen unwanted overtones while maintaining the mouthpiece's core character.

Target Audience

The D8M is suited for advancing students and professional saxophonists seeking a reliable, vintage-style mouthpiece without the unpredictability of 'boutique' or vintage hardware. Because of its consistent manufacturing, it is an excellent choice for players who require a dependable backup or a primary mouthpiece that performs identically to others of the same model.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is the D'Addario D8M made from?: The D8M is manufactured from solid rod rubber rather than being moulded from plastic or resin. This material choice is intended to provide a more traditional jazz resonance and increased durability.
How is this mouthpiece manufactured?: D'Addario uses computer-controlled (CNC) milling technology to carve the mouthpiece from a solid block. This ensures that every mouthpiece is built to exact specifications with minimal variation between units.
What type of saxophone is the D8M designed for?: This specific model is designed for the tenor saxophone. It is part of the Select Jazz series, which aims to provide a professional-grade jazz sound for tenor players.
What is the typical price for the D'Addario Select Jazz Tenor mouthpieces?: The typical price for this model is approximately £191. This places it in the mid-to-high range for professional rubber mouthpieces.
Does the D8M provide even intonation?: Yes, the manufacturer specifies that the D8M is designed to achieve even intonation across the entire range of the saxophone. The precision milling helps maintain a stable internal geometry for consistent pitch.
Is this mouthpiece moulded or milled?: It is milled from solid rod rubber. Most mass-market mouthpieces are moulded, but D'Addario uses milling to achieve greater precision and consistency.
What sound character should I expect from the D8M?: The D8M is designed to deliver a 'classic' jazz sound. It offers a balance of warmth and response that is evocative of vintage jazz recordings.
Which reeds are recommended for the Select Jazz Tenor mouthpiece?: While it can be used with various brands, it is frequently paired with D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Unfiled Tenor Sax Reeds or Vandoren Java Tenor Saxophone Reeds.
Can I use this mouthpiece for classical music?: While primarily designed for a jazz response and sound, its even intonation makes it versatile; however, its core design is focused on the classic jazz aesthetic.
How does the D8M differ from the Yamaha 5C?: The D8M is a professional-tier mouthpiece milled from solid rubber, whereas the Yamaha 5C is a plastic student-grade mouthpiece. The D8M offers a more complex jazz tone and refined response compared to the 5C's entry-level design.
What ligature fits the D'Addario Select Jazz Tenor mouthpiece?: It fits standard tenor saxophone ligatures. Common choices include the Rovner 3RL Dark ligature or the Vandoren Leather ligature, which provide different dampening and response characteristics.
Is the D8M suitable for beginners?: The D8M features a professional-spec tip opening that may be more challenging for absolute beginners than a student mouthpiece. It is generally better suited for intermediate to professional players.