What is the primary material used in the Selmer S80?

The S80 is constructed from high-quality hard rubber, also known as ebonite. It begins as a solid rod that is precision-milled and then finished by hand to ensure consistency.

What makes the S80 chamber design unique?

It features a distinctive square chamber rather than the traditional round chamber. This specific geometry is designed to improve intonation accuracy and provide a more controlled projection.

Is the Selmer S80 D suitable for jazz?

While it can be used for jazz, it is primarily designed for classical and concert settings. Its warm, broad sound lacks the bright 'cutting' power typically required for modern jazz or fusion.

How long has the S80 been in production?

The S80 series has been a reference point for saxophone players since its introduction in the 1970s. It remains one of the most popular classical mouthpieces in the world today.

What is the tip opening of the 'D' model?

The 'D' facing is a medium-sized tip opening. It is slightly wider than the standard C* (C-Star) model, offering a bit more resistance and a broader sound for experienced players.

Does this mouthpiece include a ligature?

The standard package for the Selmer S80 typically does not include a ligature or cap. Users often pair it with options like the Rovner 3RL Dark or Vandoren Cuir leather ligatures.

Where is the Selmer S80 manufactured?

Every Selmer Paris S80 mouthpiece is manufactured and hand-finished in France. This ensures the high level of craftsmanship expected from the historic Selmer brand.

Is a mouthpiece cushion included?

Yes, a mouthpiece cushion is included with the S80. This provides added comfort for the player and protects the hard rubber surface from wear.

How does the S80 D compare to the Yamaha 5C?

The Yamaha 5C is a plastic student mouthpiece, whereas the S80 D is a professional hand-finished hard rubber piece. The S80 offers superior tonal depth, better intonation, and a more refined response.

Can beginners use the S80 D?

Yes, the S80 D is suitable for students, though many beginners start with the slightly smaller C* opening. The D opening is an excellent choice for advancing students who have developed a stronger embouchure.

What reed types work best with this mouthpiece?

Classical reeds are generally preferred to match the S80's design. While the manufacturer does not specify one brand, professional players often use high-quality unfiled or filed reeds depending on their preference for resistance.

Why is intonation so important for this specific model?

Soprano saxophones are famously difficult to play in tune. The S80’s square chamber is specifically engineered to help the player maintain pitch stability across the instrument's entire range.

Gear article

Selmer Paris S80 Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece (D Opening)

The Selmer Paris S80 Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece is a professional-grade hard rubber mouthpiece widely regarded as a reference point for classical saxophone performance. Manufactured in France since the 1970s, it is distinguished by its unique square chamber design and hand-finished craftsmanship.

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Overview and Construction

The Selmer Paris S80 series is a staple in the woodwind world, serving as a standard for students and professional classical saxophonists alike. Each mouthpiece is precision-milled from a solid rod of hard rubber (ebonite) before being meticulously hand-finished in France. This manufacturing process ensures high consistency across facings and reliable playability for the end user.

The D facing specifically represents a moderate tip opening that balances ease of control with a slightly more open feel than the C* or C** variants. Included with the mouthpiece is a cushion to enhance player comfort and protect the beak from teeth marks.

The Square Chamber Design

The defining technical feature of the S80 is its internal square chamber. Unlike traditional round chambers, the square geometry is engineered to support exceptionally accurate intonation and controlled projection. This design helps the player maintain a stable pitch centre across the entire range of the soprano saxophone, which is notoriously difficult to keep in tune. The chamber's shape contributes to the 'Selmer sound'—a focused, clear, and resonant tone that is highly sought after in formal settings.

Tonal Character and Response

The S80 D is known for a warm, broad, and lyrical sound. It offers a smooth response that facilitates easy articulation and fluid transitions between registers. While it provides enough projection for soloists and chamber ensembles, it remains refined and lacks the harsh 'brightness' often associated with jazz-oriented metal or large-chamber mouthpieces. The D opening provides a bit more resistance and volume potential than smaller facings, making it a popular choice for advancing players.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This mouthpiece is primarily suited for classical students, teachers, and professional orchestral performers. Its predictable response makes it a dependable tool for educational environments.

When compared to alternatives like the Yamaha 5C, the S80 D offers a more sophisticated tonal palette and superior construction materials. While the Yamaha 5C is an excellent entry-level plastic mouthpiece, the hand-finished hard rubber of the S80 provides a deeper resonance. Conversely, compared to jazz-specific pieces like the JodyJazz Super Jet, the S80 D is significantly more focused and mellow, prioritising control over extreme volume or 'edge'.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Selmer S80?: The S80 is constructed from high-quality hard rubber, also known as ebonite. It begins as a solid rod that is precision-milled and then finished by hand to ensure consistency.
What makes the S80 chamber design unique?: It features a distinctive square chamber rather than the traditional round chamber. This specific geometry is designed to improve intonation accuracy and provide a more controlled projection.
Is the Selmer S80 D suitable for jazz?: While it can be used for jazz, it is primarily designed for classical and concert settings. Its warm, broad sound lacks the bright 'cutting' power typically required for modern jazz or fusion.
How long has the S80 been in production?: The S80 series has been a reference point for saxophone players since its introduction in the 1970s. It remains one of the most popular classical mouthpieces in the world today.
What is the tip opening of the 'D' model?: The 'D' facing is a medium-sized tip opening. It is slightly wider than the standard C* (C-Star) model, offering a bit more resistance and a broader sound for experienced players.
Does this mouthpiece include a ligature?: The standard package for the Selmer S80 typically does not include a ligature or cap. Users often pair it with options like the Rovner 3RL Dark or Vandoren Cuir leather ligatures.
Where is the Selmer S80 manufactured?: Every Selmer Paris S80 mouthpiece is manufactured and hand-finished in France. This ensures the high level of craftsmanship expected from the historic Selmer brand.
Is a mouthpiece cushion included?: Yes, a mouthpiece cushion is included with the S80. This provides added comfort for the player and protects the hard rubber surface from wear.
How does the S80 D compare to the Yamaha 5C?: The Yamaha 5C is a plastic student mouthpiece, whereas the S80 D is a professional hand-finished hard rubber piece. The S80 offers superior tonal depth, better intonation, and a more refined response.
Can beginners use the S80 D?: Yes, the S80 D is suitable for students, though many beginners start with the slightly smaller C* opening. The D opening is an excellent choice for advancing students who have developed a stronger embouchure.
What reed types work best with this mouthpiece?: Classical reeds are generally preferred to match the S80's design. While the manufacturer does not specify one brand, professional players often use high-quality unfiled or filed reeds depending on their preference for resistance.
Why is intonation so important for this specific model?: Soprano saxophones are famously difficult to play in tune. The S80’s square chamber is specifically engineered to help the player maintain pitch stability across the instrument's entire range.