What is the primary material used for this mouthpiece?

The Selmer Paris Jazz Tribute is crafted from gold-plated brass. This choice of material is designed to enhance both the brightness of the sound and the physical durability of the mouthpiece over time.

What tip opening size does this specific model feature?

This model features an 8* tip opening. This is a relatively large, open size that allows for increased airflow and greater volume compared to smaller numbered openings.

Does the mouthpiece come with accessories?

Yes, it is supplied with a custom-designed ligature and cap. These components are specifically engineered to provide an optimal fit for this metal tenor mouthpiece.

What genre of music is this mouthpiece best suited for?

It is designed primarily for jazz and contemporary music. Its high projection and expressive dynamic range make it ideal for soloists and ensemble players in these genres.

What is the 'free-blowing' feel mentioned in the description?

The free-blowing feel refers to the lack of resistance when blowing into the mouthpiece, largely due to the large 8* tip opening. This allows the player to push more air through the instrument with less effort.

How does the gold plating affect the sound?

Gold plating on brass is intended to add depth and a certain level of brightness to the tone. It helps balance the natural warmth of the brass with a clear, resonant edge.

Is this mouthpiece suitable for beginners?

Generally, an 8* tip opening is recommended for advanced or professional players. Beginners may find the large opening difficult to control and may prefer a more closed tip like a Yamaha 5C.

What are some recommended reeds for this mouthpiece?

Saxophonists often pair this with jazz-specific reeds such as D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java Tenor reeds. Because of the large 8* opening, players might choose a slightly softer reed strength like 2.5 or 3.

How does it compare to the JodyJazz Super Jet?

While both are high-projection metal mouthpieces, the Selmer Jazz Tribute is designed to balance its power with a rich, dense tone. The Super Jet is often characterized by even higher levels of brightness and 'cut'.

Why is precision machining important for this mouthpiece?

Precision machining ensures consistency across every unit produced. This means the facing, rails, and chamber are exactly to specification, providing reliable performance for the player.

Can this mouthpiece be used for classical music?

While possible, it is not the intended use. The brightness and high volume of a gold-plated metal 8* mouthpiece are typically considered too aggressive for the standard classical saxophone aesthetic.

What is the typical price for the Selmer Paris Jazz Tribute?

The typical retail price for this professional-grade mouthpiece is approximately £457. This reflects its high-quality materials and French manufacturing heritage.

Gear article

Selmer Paris Jazz Tribute Metal Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece 8*

The Selmer Paris Jazz Tribute Metal Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece 8* is a professional-grade gold-plated brass mouthpiece designed for high-volume projection and expressive jazz performance. Featuring an expansive 8* tip opening, it is engineered to provide a free-blowing experience that balances tonal depth with modern clarity.

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Overview

The Selmer Paris Jazz Tribute Metal Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece 8* represents a specialized offering within Selmer’s mouthpiece catalogue, specifically tailored for the demands of contemporary jazz and ensemble playing. Unlike traditional hard rubber alternatives, this metal mouthpiece utilizes a gold-plated brass construction to achieve a denser, more resonant acoustic profile. The 8* tip opening is one of the more open configurations available, aimed at players who require maximum airflow and the ability to push the instrument to higher decibel levels without sacrificing tonal integrity.

Design and Construction

Precision machining is central to the Jazz Tribute series, ensuring that each unit maintains strict consistency in its internal geometry. The use of gold-plated brass serves two primary functions: enhancing the aesthetic appeal and durability of the piece, and contributing to a brighter harmonic spectrum compared to standard nickel or raw brass. The mouthpiece is supplied as a complete set, including a custom-designed ligature and cap, which are specifically voiced to match the dimensions and vibrational characteristics of the metal body.

Sound Character and Performance

The sonic signature of the Jazz Tribute 8* is defined by a balance between warmth and clarity. While the metal construction provides the 'bite' and projection necessary for soloing over a loud band, the internal chamber design ensures the tone remains rich and dense rather than thin or shrill. The 8* tip opening facilitates a 'free-blowing' sensation, offering the player significant dynamic range and the flexibility to manipulate pitch and timbre for expressive purposes.

Suitability and Comparison

This mouthpiece is primarily suited for advanced and professional saxophonists who have developed the embouchure strength to manage an open 8* tip. It is particularly effective in jazz, fusion, and contemporary pop settings where projection is paramount. Compared to closed-tip mouthpieces like the Yamaha 5C, the Jazz Tribute offers significantly more volume and character. While it shares some high-energy characteristics with pieces like the JodyJazz Super Jet series, the Selmer Jazz Tribute maintains a distinct French tonal heritage that emphasizes a blend of power and finesse.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for this mouthpiece?: The Selmer Paris Jazz Tribute is crafted from gold-plated brass. This choice of material is designed to enhance both the brightness of the sound and the physical durability of the mouthpiece over time.
What tip opening size does this specific model feature?: This model features an 8* tip opening. This is a relatively large, open size that allows for increased airflow and greater volume compared to smaller numbered openings.
Does the mouthpiece come with accessories?: Yes, it is supplied with a custom-designed ligature and cap. These components are specifically engineered to provide an optimal fit for this metal tenor mouthpiece.
What genre of music is this mouthpiece best suited for?: It is designed primarily for jazz and contemporary music. Its high projection and expressive dynamic range make it ideal for soloists and ensemble players in these genres.
What is the 'free-blowing' feel mentioned in the description?: The free-blowing feel refers to the lack of resistance when blowing into the mouthpiece, largely due to the large 8* tip opening. This allows the player to push more air through the instrument with less effort.
How does the gold plating affect the sound?: Gold plating on brass is intended to add depth and a certain level of brightness to the tone. It helps balance the natural warmth of the brass with a clear, resonant edge.
Is this mouthpiece suitable for beginners?: Generally, an 8* tip opening is recommended for advanced or professional players. Beginners may find the large opening difficult to control and may prefer a more closed tip like a Yamaha 5C.
What are some recommended reeds for this mouthpiece?: Saxophonists often pair this with jazz-specific reeds such as D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java Tenor reeds. Because of the large 8* opening, players might choose a slightly softer reed strength like 2.5 or 3.
How does it compare to the JodyJazz Super Jet?: While both are high-projection metal mouthpieces, the Selmer Jazz Tribute is designed to balance its power with a rich, dense tone. The Super Jet is often characterized by even higher levels of brightness and 'cut'.
Why is precision machining important for this mouthpiece?: Precision machining ensures consistency across every unit produced. This means the facing, rails, and chamber are exactly to specification, providing reliable performance for the player.
Can this mouthpiece be used for classical music?: While possible, it is not the intended use. The brightness and high volume of a gold-plated metal 8* mouthpiece are typically considered too aggressive for the standard classical saxophone aesthetic.
What is the typical price for the Selmer Paris Jazz Tribute?: The typical retail price for this professional-grade mouthpiece is approximately £457. This reflects its high-quality materials and French manufacturing heritage.