Gear article
Meyer Baritone Saxophone Mouthpiece Ebonite 7M
The Meyer Baritone Saxophone Mouthpiece Ebonite 7M is a professional-grade hard rubber mouthpiece manufactured in the USA, known for its balanced 0.104" tip opening and versatile tonal profile. It is designed to provide a rich, resonant sound suitable for a wide range of musical genres including jazz, classical, and funk.

Historical Context
Meyer mouthpieces have a long-standing heritage in wind instrument manufacturing, with production originating in the USA in 1916. Over the decades, the brand has become synonymous with the development of the modern jazz saxophone sound. While particularly famous for their alto saxophone mouthpieces, the baritone models carry the same design philosophy of free-blowing responsiveness and sweet tonal characteristics that have made the brand a staple for professional musicians globally.
Design and Construction
The 7M model is crafted from high-quality hard rubber, often referred to as ebonite. This material is favoured for its acoustic properties, offering more resonance and warmth compared to metal or plastic alternatives. The '7M' designation refers to the specific combination of a medium-sized tip opening (0.104 inches) and a medium facing length. This configuration is engineered to provide a balanced resistance, allowing the player to maintain control over intonation while still having enough flexibility for expressive note bending and vibrato.

Tonal Character and Performance
The Meyer Ebonite 7M is characterised by a full, round, and dark tone. Unlike high-baffle mouthpieces that can sound thin or overly aggressive, the Meyer focuses on a 'sweet' harmonic profile that remains rich across the baritone saxophone's entire range. Its design allows for an easy response, making it easier for players to articulate technical passages in big band settings or perform lyrical melodies in a classical context.
Application and Suitability
Due to its versatile nature, this mouthpiece is suitable for diverse musical environments. In a jazz or big band setting, it provides the necessary projection and 'fat' bottom end required for the baritone chair. Conversely, its ability to produce a controlled, round tone makes it a viable option for classical ensembles. It is particularly recommended for intermediate to professional players who require a single, reliable mouthpiece that can adapt to different genres without sacrificing tonal quality.
Included Accessories and Compatibility
The mouthpiece is supplied as a complete kit, including a matching ligature and a protective mouthpiece cap. While it performs optimally with a variety of reeds, it is often paired with professional-grade options such as D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java reeds to further refine the response. For players seeking different tonal colours, it is frequently compared to the JodyJazz Super Jet for more projection, or the Yamaha 5C for a more entry-level, restricted response.
Related gear
£21.70 ($28)Daddario
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£31.00 ($39)Rovner
Rovner 3RL Dark Bass Clarinet/Saxophone Ligature and Cap
£23.50 ($30)Vandoren
Vandoren Java Tenor Saxophone Reeds 1.5 (5 Pack)
£25.25 ($32)Daddario
DAddario Organic Select Jazz Filed Alto Sax Reeds 4M (10 Pack)
£7,531.00 ($9,564)Yamaha
Yamaha YBS480 Baritone Saxophone Silver Plate
£40.00 ($51)Yamaha
Yamaha 5C Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece
£80.90 ($103)Vandoren
Vandoren Cuir Alto Sax Ligature Leather with Leather Cap
£392.00 ($498)JodyJazz Inc.
JodyJazz Super Jet Baritone Saxophone Mouthpiece 6
Frequently asked questions
- What is the tip opening of the Meyer 7M Baritone mouthpiece?
- The 7M model features a medium tip opening measured at 0.104 inches. This size is designed to balance ease of play with the ability to project and bend notes.
- What material is this mouthpiece made from?
- It is constructed from high-quality hard rubber, also known as ebonite. This material is chosen for its classic, rich, and resonant sound profile.
- Where are Meyer mouthpieces manufactured?
- Meyer mouthpieces have been produced in the United States since the company was founded in 1916. They maintain a reputation for American-made quality.
- Is a ligature included with the Meyer 7M?
- Yes, this mouthpiece comes included with both a ligature and a protective mouthpiece cap. This allows the player to use the product immediately without additional purchases.
- What musical genres is this mouthpiece suitable for?
- The Meyer 7M is highly versatile and suitable for jazz, funk, big band, and classical music. Its balanced tone makes it adaptable to almost any professional setting.
- How does the sound of the Meyer 7M compare to metal mouthpieces?
- Generally, the hard rubber Meyer provides a darker, sweeter, and rounder tone than most metal mouthpieces. It offers a more traditional 'woody' resonance favored in many jazz settings.
- What does the 'M' stand for in the 7M model name?
- The 'M' refers to the medium facing length and medium chamber design. This provides a middle-ground response that is neither too resistant nor too open.
- Is this mouthpiece easy for beginners to use?
- While its free-blowing nature helps, a 7 tip opening (0.104") is typically considered a medium-to-large opening. It is generally better suited for intermediate to professional players rather than absolute beginners.
- Can I use D'Addario Select Jazz reeds with this mouthpiece?
- Yes, D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds are a popular choice for this mouthpiece. They complement the Meyer’s responsiveness and help articulate its rich tonal qualities.
- How does the Meyer 7M compare to the JodyJazz Super Jet?
- The Meyer 7M offers a darker, more traditional sound, whereas the JodyJazz Super Jet is designed for significantly more brightness and projection. The Meyer is typically preferred for blend and sweetness.
- What is the typical price range for this model?
- The typical retail price for the Meyer Baritone Saxophone Mouthpiece Ebonite 7M is approximately £298. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
- Does this mouthpiece help with intonation?
- Yes, the design of the Meyer 7M specifically focuses on balancing evenness of intonation across the registers. The medium opening allows for stable pitch while still permitting expressive inflection.
