What is the primary material used for the Selmer S80?

The mouthpiece is precision-milled from a solid rod of hard rubber, also known as ebonite, which is preferred for its warmth and durability.

Where is the Selmer Paris S80 manufactured?

Every S80 mouthpiece is manufactured and hand-finished in France by Selmer Paris.

What is unique about the S80 chamber design?

The S80 features a distinctive square chamber, which is designed to provide better control over intonation and a more focused projection compared to round chambers.

Is the C** tip opening suitable for beginners?

Yes, the C** tip opening is widely recommended for students and teachers because it offers a balanced resistance that helps develop proper embouchure.

How does the sound of the S80 compare to jazz mouthpieces?

The S80 produces a warm, broad, and classical tone, whereas jazz mouthpieces like the JodyJazz Super Jet are designed for brightness and high volume.

Does this mouthpiece include a ligature and cap?

Generally, the S80 is sold as the mouthpiece alone (with a cushion), though players often pair it with accessories like the Rovner 3RL Dark or Vandoren leather ligatures.

When was the Selmer S80 first introduced?

The S80 series has been in production and widely used since the 1970s.

What kind of reeds work best with the S80 Baritone C**?

It pairs well with classical reeds such as D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java series, depending on the player's preference for strength and cut.

Is the Selmer S80 hand-made?

While it starts as a precision-milled rod, each mouthpiece is carefully finished by hand to ensure consistent playability.

What is the typical price for a new Selmer S80 Baritone mouthpiece?

The typical price for this model is approximately £270.00.

Why is the S80 considered a reference mouthpiece?

It is considered a reference point due to its long history of reliability, consistent manufacturing, and its status as the standard for classical saxophone tone.

Does the S80 come with a mouthpiece cushion?

Yes, a mouthpiece cushion is included with the S80 to provide additional comfort for the player.

Gear article

Selmer Paris S80 Baritone Saxophone Mouthpiece C**

The Selmer Paris S80 Baritone Saxophone Mouthpiece is a professional-grade hard rubber mouthpiece widely regarded as a reference standard for classical saxophone performance. Hand-finished in France, it features a distinctive square chamber design intended to provide precise intonation and a warm, broad tonal profile.

Selmer Paris S80 Baritone Sax Mouthpiece C**

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History and Development

Introduced in the 1970s, the Selmer S80 series was designed to meet the evolving demands of classical saxophonists who required greater control and a more standardised response than vintage designs offered. Over the decades, it has become one of the most popular mouthpieces globally for baritone saxophone, serving as a benchmark for teachers and conservatoire students.

Each unit is manufactured from a solid rod of high-quality hard rubber. The production process involves precision milling followed by manual finishing in France to ensure the facings are consistent and meet the manufacturer's quality standards.

Design and Key Features

The defining characteristic of the S80 is its internal square chamber. Unlike traditional round chambers, this geometry is engineered to focus the airflow, supporting accurate intonation across the full range of the baritone saxophone.

Key features include: * Precision Milling: Machined from hard rubber rods for durability and resonant properties. * Hand-Finished: Final adjustments are performed by hand to ensure dependability straight out of the box. * C Tip Opening**: This specific opening provides a balanced resistance suitable for many playing styles. * Accessories: Each mouthpiece is typically supplied with a mouthpiece cushion for player comfort.

DAddario Organic Select Jazz Unfiled Tenor Sax Reeds 4H (5 Pack)

Sound Character

The S80 Baritone Saxophone mouthpiece is known for its warm, broad, and dark tonal quality. It lacks the aggressive 'edge' or brightness found in jazz-oriented mouthpieces, making it ideal for ensemble blending. The square chamber assists in controlled projection, allowing the player to maintain a stable sound even at lower dynamic levels, which is often a challenge on the baritone saxophone.

Target Audience

Due to its reliable response and classical voicing, the S80 C** is frequently recommended for students and educators. However, its high build quality and consistent performance also make it a staple for professional orchestral and chamber musicians. It is particularly well-suited for players who use traditional reed setups, such as Vandoren or D'Addario offerings, and who require a setup that facilitates precise articulation.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to contemporary alternatives, the S80 C** occupies a middle ground of resistance and ease of play. For example, the Yamaha 5C is a more entry-level, budget-friendly option often used by beginners. In contrast, high-baffle designs like the JodyJazz Super Jet Baritone mouthpiece are built for significantly more volume and brightness, catering to rock and fusion genres rather than the classical focus of the Selmer S80.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for the Selmer S80?: The mouthpiece is precision-milled from a solid rod of hard rubber, also known as ebonite, which is preferred for its warmth and durability.
Where is the Selmer Paris S80 manufactured?: Every S80 mouthpiece is manufactured and hand-finished in France by Selmer Paris.
What is unique about the S80 chamber design?: The S80 features a distinctive square chamber, which is designed to provide better control over intonation and a more focused projection compared to round chambers.
Is the C** tip opening suitable for beginners?: Yes, the C** tip opening is widely recommended for students and teachers because it offers a balanced resistance that helps develop proper embouchure.
How does the sound of the S80 compare to jazz mouthpieces?: The S80 produces a warm, broad, and classical tone, whereas jazz mouthpieces like the JodyJazz Super Jet are designed for brightness and high volume.
Does this mouthpiece include a ligature and cap?: Generally, the S80 is sold as the mouthpiece alone (with a cushion), though players often pair it with accessories like the Rovner 3RL Dark or Vandoren leather ligatures.
When was the Selmer S80 first introduced?: The S80 series has been in production and widely used since the 1970s.
What kind of reeds work best with the S80 Baritone C**?: It pairs well with classical reeds such as D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java series, depending on the player's preference for strength and cut.
Is the Selmer S80 hand-made?: While it starts as a precision-milled rod, each mouthpiece is carefully finished by hand to ensure consistent playability.
What is the typical price for a new Selmer S80 Baritone mouthpiece?: The typical price for this model is approximately £270.00.
Why is the S80 considered a reference mouthpiece?: It is considered a reference point due to its long history of reliability, consistent manufacturing, and its status as the standard for classical saxophone tone.
Does the S80 come with a mouthpiece cushion?: Yes, a mouthpiece cushion is included with the S80 to provide additional comfort for the player.