What does 'HR*' stand for in the JodyJazz series?

HR* stands for Hard Rubber. This refers to the vulcanised rubber material used to construct the mouthpiece, which is known for producing a warmer and more traditional jazz tone compared to metal or plastic.

What type of chamber does the JodyJazz HR* Alto 5M have?

It features a rounded, medium-sized chamber. This design is intended to provide a balance between a warm, traditional sound and the projection needed for modern playing styles.

Is the JodyJazz HR* 5M suitable for beginners?

While it is a professional-grade mouthpiece, the 5M tip opening is moderate enough that an advancing student could use it. However, absolute beginners might find it more demanding than a standard entry-level mouthpiece like a Yamaha 5C.

Can this mouthpiece be used for classical music?

Although primarily designed for jazz, big band, and bebop, its warm character allows it to be used in some classical settings. However, most classical players might prefer a mouthpiece specifically designed with a smaller square chamber.

What is the typical price for the HR* Alto mouthpiece?

The typical price for this model is approximately £195. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

Which reeds are recommended for use with the HR* 5M?

It pairs well with various jazz reeds, such as D'Addario Organic Select Jazz (Filed or Unfiled) and Vandoren Java series. The specific strength, such as 3 or 4, depends on the individual player's preference.

Does the HR* 5M come with a ligature?

Standard JodyJazz HR* packages typically include a ligature and cap, though many players choose to upgrade to options like the Vandoren Cuir Leather or Rovner 3RL Dark for different response characteristics.

How does the HR* compare to the JodyJazz Super Jet?

The HR* is made of hard rubber and focuses on warmth and traditional jazz tones. The Super Jet is typically a metal mouthpiece designed for significantly more volume, brightness, and 'cut' in loud environments.

What playing styles is the HR* 5M best for?

It is excellent for traditional jazz, straight-ahead jazz, bebop, and big band playing. It also has enough projection to be used in more modern funk or fusion styles if paired with the right reed.

What instrument is the JodyJazz HR* 5M designed for?

This specific model is designed for the Alto Saxophone. JodyJazz does produce HR* models for other saxophones, such as Tenor and Baritone, but the specifications differ.

How does the medium chamber affect the sound?

The medium chamber provides a versatile middle ground; it is not as 'boxy' as a small chamber nor as 'airy' as a very large chamber, allowing for a focused yet warm tone.

Is the JodyJazz HR* 5M hand-finished?

Yes, JodyJazz mouthpieces are known for being play-tested and hand-finished to ensure high standards of quality control and consistency across their product line.

Gear article

JodyJazz HR* Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece 5M

The JodyJazz HR* 5M is a professional hard rubber mouthpiece for alto saxophone that combines a traditional design concept with modern manufacturing techniques. It is engineered with a rounded medium-sized chamber to deliver a warm, versatile tone suitable for traditional jazz, big band, and contemporary styles.

See live prices

Overview

The JodyJazz HR* is a highly regarded alto saxophone mouthpiece designed to bridge the gap between vintage warmth and modern projection. The 'HR*' designation stands for Hard Rubber, the material traditionally preferred by jazz saxophonists for its resonant and flexible tonal properties. The 5M model indicates a specific tip opening that provides a balanced resistance, making it accessible for a wide range of players.

The mouthpiece is constructed with a rounded medium-sized chamber, a design choice that facilitates a classic 'straight-ahead' jazz sound. While it leans towards traditional aesthetics, the internal geometry is refined to ensure consistency and ease of play across all registers of the instrument.

Design and Key Features

The core of the JodyJazz HR* 5M's performance lies in its architectural specifications:

Material: High-quality hard rubber provides a natural feel and a complex harmonic profile.
Chamber: The rounded medium-sized chamber avoids the extreme brightness of small-chamber mouthpieces while offering more focus than large-chamber vintage alternatives.
Versatility: The design is intended to handle the nuances of a small jazz combo, the blend required in a big band section, and the projection needed for more modern performance environments.

Sound Character

The sound character of the HR* 5M is defined by its warmth and 'roundness'. It produces a rich, dark core that is quintessential for bebop and traditional jazz styles. However, unlike some strictly vintage-style mouthpieces, the HR* is capable of significant power. When pushed, it offers enough projection to cut through an ensemble, providing a versatile palette that responds well to the player's air stream and reed choice.

Player Suitability

The HR* 5M is particularly well-suited for:

Jazz Students and Professionals: Those seeking a reliable, high-quality hard rubber mouthpiece that works across multiple genres.
Big Band Players: Musicians who need to blend with a saxophone section but also require clarity for solo passages.
Traditionalists: Players who prefer the feel and response of hard rubber over metal mouthpieces.

While the 5M tip opening is moderate, it is often paired with reeds such as the D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Filed 4M to achieve a stable and controlled response.

Comparison and Compatibility

Compared to the JodyJazz Super Jet Baritone mouthpiece, which is designed for maximum 'bark' and volume, the HR* Alto is more conservative and warm. It occupies a similar market space to the Yamaha 5C but offers a more professional, hand-finished alternative with a more complex tonal range.

For optimal performance, players often pair this mouthpiece with high-quality ligatures like the Vandoren Cuir (Leather) or the Rovner 3RL Dark. Reed selection is equally critical; it is frequently used with D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java series reeds to fine-tune the resistance and brightness.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What does 'HR*' stand for in the JodyJazz series?: HR* stands for Hard Rubber. This refers to the vulcanised rubber material used to construct the mouthpiece, which is known for producing a warmer and more traditional jazz tone compared to metal or plastic.
What type of chamber does the JodyJazz HR* Alto 5M have?: It features a rounded, medium-sized chamber. This design is intended to provide a balance between a warm, traditional sound and the projection needed for modern playing styles.
Is the JodyJazz HR* 5M suitable for beginners?: While it is a professional-grade mouthpiece, the 5M tip opening is moderate enough that an advancing student could use it. However, absolute beginners might find it more demanding than a standard entry-level mouthpiece like a Yamaha 5C.
Can this mouthpiece be used for classical music?: Although primarily designed for jazz, big band, and bebop, its warm character allows it to be used in some classical settings. However, most classical players might prefer a mouthpiece specifically designed with a smaller square chamber.
What is the typical price for the HR* Alto mouthpiece?: The typical price for this model is approximately £195. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
Which reeds are recommended for use with the HR* 5M?: It pairs well with various jazz reeds, such as D'Addario Organic Select Jazz (Filed or Unfiled) and Vandoren Java series. The specific strength, such as 3 or 4, depends on the individual player's preference.
Does the HR* 5M come with a ligature?: Standard JodyJazz HR* packages typically include a ligature and cap, though many players choose to upgrade to options like the Vandoren Cuir Leather or Rovner 3RL Dark for different response characteristics.
How does the HR* compare to the JodyJazz Super Jet?: The HR* is made of hard rubber and focuses on warmth and traditional jazz tones. The Super Jet is typically a metal mouthpiece designed for significantly more volume, brightness, and 'cut' in loud environments.
What playing styles is the HR* 5M best for?: It is excellent for traditional jazz, straight-ahead jazz, bebop, and big band playing. It also has enough projection to be used in more modern funk or fusion styles if paired with the right reed.
What instrument is the JodyJazz HR* 5M designed for?: This specific model is designed for the Alto Saxophone. JodyJazz does produce HR* models for other saxophones, such as Tenor and Baritone, but the specifications differ.
How does the medium chamber affect the sound?: The medium chamber provides a versatile middle ground; it is not as 'boxy' as a small chamber nor as 'airy' as a very large chamber, allowing for a focused yet warm tone.
Is the JodyJazz HR* 5M hand-finished?: Yes, JodyJazz mouthpieces are known for being play-tested and hand-finished to ensure high standards of quality control and consistency across their product line.