What is the difference between an S80 C* and an S80 C**?

The C** has a slightly larger tip opening than the C*. This allows for a bit more volume and air flow, though it requires slightly more embouchure strength to control.

What material is the Selmer S80 made from?

It is made from high-quality vulcanised hard rubber, also known as ebonite. This material is preferred for its resonant qualities and durability compared to standard plastic.

Is the Selmer S80 C** suitable for jazz?

While it can be used for jazz, it is designed for a classical 'dark' tone. Most jazz players prefer mouthpieces with larger tip openings and different chamber shapes for more projection.

Does this mouthpiece come with a ligature and cap?

Typically, Selmer Paris mouthpieces are sold individually. You will likely need to purchase a separate ligature, such as a Rovner 3RL or a Vandoren Cuir, to secure your reed.

Why does the S80 have a square chamber?

The square chamber is a signature Selmer design that helps focus the air column. This results in superior intonation and a very stable, consistent sound across all registers.

Where are Selmer S80 mouthpieces manufactured?

They are manufactured in France. Each piece is precision-milled from a hard rubber rod and then finished by hand to ensure quality.

What reed strength works best with a C** opening?

Since the C** is a medium-close opening, it usually pairs well with medium to hard reeds. Many players use Vandoren Traditional (Blue Box) or D'Addario Organic reeds in strengths 3 to 4.

Can I use this mouthpiece on a tenor saxophone?

No, this specific model is designed for the alto saxophone. However, Selmer Paris produces S80 models specifically scaled for soprano, tenor, and baritone saxophones.

How do I clean my Selmer S80 mouthpiece?

Clean it with lukewarm water and mild soap. Avoid hot water, as it can discolour the ebonite and cause it to turn a brownish-green or smell like sulphur.

Is a mouthpiece cushion included?

Yes, manufacturer descriptions indicate that a mouthpiece cushion is included. This protects the ebonite from tooth marks and provides extra comfort for the player.

Is the S80 C** a good choice for a beginner?

It is excellent for an advancing student. While true beginners might start on a cheaper plastic mouthpiece, the S80 C** is a common first 'professional' upgrade.

What is the typical price of an S80 mouthpiece?

The typical price in the UK is approximately £159.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific tip opening selected.

Gear article

Selmer Paris S80 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece (C**)

The Selmer Paris S80 C** is a professional-grade alto saxophone mouthpiece manufactured in France from high-quality ebonite. Characterised by its unique square throat design, it is a global industry standard for classical performance, education, and orchestral settings.

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Background and History

Introduced in the 1970s, the Selmer Paris S80 series was designed to meet the demands of the modern classical saxophonist. It sought to provide a reliable, consistent alternative to vintage designs, quickly becoming the reference point for academic and professional playing. The S80 has maintained its status for decades as one of the most popular mouthpieces in the world, frequently recommended by teachers for students transitioning into advanced studies.

Every S80 mouthpiece is produced in France using traditional methods combined with modern precision. The process begins with solid rods of hard rubber, which are precision-milled to the required dimensions. Following the machining phase, each mouthpiece is finished by hand to ensure the facing and tip rail meet Selmer's strict quality control standards.

Technical Design and Construction

The defining feature of the S80 is its internal square chamber (or throat). While many mouthpieces utilise a round or horseshoe-shaped interior, the square geometry of the S80 is engineered to focus the airflow and stabilise intonation across the full range of the instrument. This design contributes to a predictable resistance that helps the player maintain control over their dynamics.

The C (C double-star) designation refers to the specific tip opening. In the S80 hierarchy, the C offers a slightly wider opening than the standard C*, providing a bit more projection and flexibility while remaining narrower than jazz-oriented mouthpieces. This balance makes it a versatile choice for players who need more volume without sacrificing the classical 'core' of their sound.

Sonic Character

The S80 C** is renowned for a warm, broad, and homogeneous tone. It produces a sound that is rich in fundamental frequencies, avoiding the overly bright or 'buzzy' characteristics associated with metal or high-baffle mouthpieces. This makes it ideal for blending within a saxophone section or an orchestra.

Key sonic attributes include: * Intonation: Exceptionally stable, particularly in the palm keys and altissimo register. * Response: Quick and dependable, allowing for precise articulation in fast passages. * Projection: Controlled and refined, suitable for concert halls rather than amplified jazz clubs.

Target Audience

The S80 C** is primarily aimed at classical saxophonists, ranging from intermediate students to professional educators and performers. Because of its consistency, it is the most common recommendation for students upgrading from the plastic mouthpieces typically bundled with entry-level instruments.

While it is most at home in a wind ensemble or chamber group, it can also serve as a 'legit' mouthpiece for doublers who need a reliable alto setup for musical theatre or orchestral work. It is less suited for players seeking the aggressive, cutting edge required for contemporary pop or funk music.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Selmer catalogue, the S80 C** sits alongside the S90, which features a slightly different chamber design, and the Concept, which offers a more ergonomic, modern feel. Compared to student alternatives like the Yamaha 5C, the S80 provides significantly more tonal depth and better response due to its ebonite construction versus Yamaha's plastic.

When compared to jazz mouthpieces, such as the JodyJazz Super Jet or D'Addario Select Jazz series, the S80 C** has a much smaller tip opening and a lower baffle. This results in a darker, more focused sound with more resistance, whereas jazz mouthpieces are designed for maximum volume and brightness.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an S80 C* and an S80 C**?: The C** has a slightly larger tip opening than the C*. This allows for a bit more volume and air flow, though it requires slightly more embouchure strength to control.
What material is the Selmer S80 made from?: It is made from high-quality vulcanised hard rubber, also known as ebonite. This material is preferred for its resonant qualities and durability compared to standard plastic.
Is the Selmer S80 C** suitable for jazz?: While it can be used for jazz, it is designed for a classical 'dark' tone. Most jazz players prefer mouthpieces with larger tip openings and different chamber shapes for more projection.
Does this mouthpiece come with a ligature and cap?: Typically, Selmer Paris mouthpieces are sold individually. You will likely need to purchase a separate ligature, such as a Rovner 3RL or a Vandoren Cuir, to secure your reed.
Why does the S80 have a square chamber?: The square chamber is a signature Selmer design that helps focus the air column. This results in superior intonation and a very stable, consistent sound across all registers.
Where are Selmer S80 mouthpieces manufactured?: They are manufactured in France. Each piece is precision-milled from a hard rubber rod and then finished by hand to ensure quality.
What reed strength works best with a C** opening?: Since the C** is a medium-close opening, it usually pairs well with medium to hard reeds. Many players use Vandoren Traditional (Blue Box) or D'Addario Organic reeds in strengths 3 to 4.
Can I use this mouthpiece on a tenor saxophone?: No, this specific model is designed for the alto saxophone. However, Selmer Paris produces S80 models specifically scaled for soprano, tenor, and baritone saxophones.
How do I clean my Selmer S80 mouthpiece?: Clean it with lukewarm water and mild soap. Avoid hot water, as it can discolour the ebonite and cause it to turn a brownish-green or smell like sulphur.
Is a mouthpiece cushion included?: Yes, manufacturer descriptions indicate that a mouthpiece cushion is included. This protects the ebonite from tooth marks and provides extra comfort for the player.
Is the S80 C** a good choice for a beginner?: It is excellent for an advancing student. While true beginners might start on a cheaper plastic mouthpiece, the S80 C** is a common first 'professional' upgrade.
What is the typical price of an S80 mouthpiece?: The typical price in the UK is approximately £159.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific tip opening selected.