What does the 'A' in A3 stand for?

The 'A' refers to the chamber size of the mouthpiece. In the Graftonite series, the 'A' chamber is the largest, which is designed to produce the darkest sound compared to the B or C chambers.

What does the '3' in A3 stand for?

The '3' indicates the tip opening size. For this specific alto saxophone model, the tip opening is measured at 0.070 inches.

What material is the D'Addario Graftonite A3 made from?

It is made from a durable polycarbonate material. This revolutionary material is designed for longevity and ease of tone production.

What is the typical price for this mouthpiece?

The D'Addario Rico Graftonite A3 typically retails for approximately £36. This makes it a cost-effective option for students and intermediate players.

Is this mouthpiece suitable for beginners?

While it can be used by beginners, it is specifically described as ideal for advancing students. The 0.070 tip opening and large chamber help these players find a more powerful and dark sound.

How does the sound of the A3 compare to other Graftonite models?

The A3 produces the largest and darkest sound in the series. Other models in the Graftonite line (like the B or C series) are designed for more brilliance or different levels of projection.

What is the pitch specification of this mouthpiece?

Each Graftonite mouthpiece is pitched at A=440Hz. This is the standard concert pitch used by most modern orchestras and wind ensembles.

Does this mouthpiece include a ligature?

The Graftonite A3 is typically sold as the mouthpiece only. Players often pair it with accessories like the Rovner 3RL Dark ligature or D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds.

Is the Graftonite A3 suitable for jazz?

Yes, particularly for players who prefer a darker, more traditional jazz sound. For those seeking a very bright, modern jazz sound, a 'B' or 'C' chamber might be more appropriate.

How durable is the Graftonite material?

The polycarbonate material is highly durable and resistant to the wear and tear common in student environments. It is less prone to cracking or warping than traditional hard rubber.

What reed strengths are recommended for the A3?

While reed choice is personal, it is often paired with D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds (such as 4M). The 0.070 opening works well with medium to medium-hard reeds for most advancing players.

How does the Graftonite A3 compare to a Yamaha 5C?

The Graftonite A3 is specifically designed for a darker sound profile through its large 'A' chamber. The Yamaha 5C is often seen as a more neutral all-purpose student mouthpiece, whereas the A3 offers a distinct tonal character.

Gear article

D'Addario Rico Graftonite Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece (A3)

The Rico by D'Addario Graftonite A3 is a polycarbonate mouthpiece designed for the alto saxophone, specifically engineered to produce the darkest and largest sound within the Graftonite range. It features a 0.070" tip opening and is pitched at A=440Hz, making it a reliable choice for advancing students and ensemble players.

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Background and Construction

The Rico Graftonite series was developed by D'Addario to provide woodwind players with an affordable yet high-performing alternative to traditional hard rubber mouthpieces. This specific model is constructed from a revolutionary polycarbonate material, which is chosen for its durability and consistent response. Unlike natural materials that may warp over time, the Graftonite remains stable and resistant to chipping.

The A3 model is designed with a specific chamber and baffle configuration that distinguishes it from the B and C variants in the same series. It is manufactured to strict tolerances and is factory-pitched at A=440Hz, ensuring compatibility with standard tuning requirements in concert bands and orchestras.

Sound Profile and Character

The A3 variant is noted for producing the 'largest and darkest' sound in the Graftonite series. This tonal profile is achieved through its internal architecture, which promotes a rich, round sound with fewer bright overtones compared to its siblings.

Key characteristics include: * Dark Timbre: Ideal for classical, concert band, and traditional jazz settings. * Ease of Production: The material and design choices aid the player in tone production across the full range of the saxophone. * Volume: Despite its dark character, the 'large' nature of the sound allows for significant projection in ensemble settings.

Technical Specifications

The A3 model features a tip opening of 0.070 inches. In the Graftonite nomenclature, the 'A' designates the largest chamber size (resulting in the darkest sound), while the '3' refers to the specific tip opening size. This moderate opening provides enough resistance for control while being open enough to allow for a powerful sound. This balance is particularly beneficial for advancing students who have moved beyond their initial beginner mouthpiece but are not yet ready for extremely wide professional jazz openings.

Player Suitability

This mouthpiece is primarily targeted at advancing students who are beginning to develop their own tonal identity. Because it facilitates a powerful yet dark sound, it is highly recommended for school ensembles, wind bands, and students seeking a more 'mature' sound than standard plastic stock mouthpieces allow. While it is an entry-level professional/advanced-student hybrid, its durability also makes it a practical backup for professional players.

Compatibility and Accessories

The Graftonite A3 is designed to work with standard alto saxophone reeds. To complement its dark character, players often pair it with D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Filed Alto Sax Reeds (4M). For those seeking further tonal refinement, aftermarket ligatures like the Rovner 3RL Dark can be used, though it is compatible with most standard alto saxophone ligatures. It is frequently compared to other student-tier mouthpieces like the Yamaha 5C, though the A3 specifically focuses on a darker tonal palette.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the 'A' in A3 stand for?: The 'A' refers to the chamber size of the mouthpiece. In the Graftonite series, the 'A' chamber is the largest, which is designed to produce the darkest sound compared to the B or C chambers.
What does the '3' in A3 stand for?: The '3' indicates the tip opening size. For this specific alto saxophone model, the tip opening is measured at 0.070 inches.
What material is the D'Addario Graftonite A3 made from?: It is made from a durable polycarbonate material. This revolutionary material is designed for longevity and ease of tone production.
What is the typical price for this mouthpiece?: The D'Addario Rico Graftonite A3 typically retails for approximately £36. This makes it a cost-effective option for students and intermediate players.
Is this mouthpiece suitable for beginners?: While it can be used by beginners, it is specifically described as ideal for advancing students. The 0.070 tip opening and large chamber help these players find a more powerful and dark sound.
How does the sound of the A3 compare to other Graftonite models?: The A3 produces the largest and darkest sound in the series. Other models in the Graftonite line (like the B or C series) are designed for more brilliance or different levels of projection.
What is the pitch specification of this mouthpiece?: Each Graftonite mouthpiece is pitched at A=440Hz. This is the standard concert pitch used by most modern orchestras and wind ensembles.
Does this mouthpiece include a ligature?: The Graftonite A3 is typically sold as the mouthpiece only. Players often pair it with accessories like the Rovner 3RL Dark ligature or D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds.
Is the Graftonite A3 suitable for jazz?: Yes, particularly for players who prefer a darker, more traditional jazz sound. For those seeking a very bright, modern jazz sound, a 'B' or 'C' chamber might be more appropriate.
How durable is the Graftonite material?: The polycarbonate material is highly durable and resistant to the wear and tear common in student environments. It is less prone to cracking or warping than traditional hard rubber.
What reed strengths are recommended for the A3?: While reed choice is personal, it is often paired with D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds (such as 4M). The 0.070 opening works well with medium to medium-hard reeds for most advancing players.
How does the Graftonite A3 compare to a Yamaha 5C?: The Graftonite A3 is specifically designed for a darker sound profile through its large 'A' chamber. The Yamaha 5C is often seen as a more neutral all-purpose student mouthpiece, whereas the A3 offers a distinct tonal character.