What is the primary material of the Selmer S90 180?

The mouthpiece is constructed from high-quality hard rubber, also known as ebonite, which is expertly milled and finished by hand for durability and tonal depth.

Is the S90 180 suitable for beginners?

While it is a professional-grade mouthpiece, it is highly recommended by teachers as a 'first professional mouthpiece' for students moving beyond entry-level equipment.

How does the S90 compare to the Selmer S80?

The S90 is based on the illustrious S80 design but is engineered to be more stable and reliable, offering a slightly different internal geometry for a versatile, all-purpose performance.

What kind of chamber does the S90 have?

The S90 features a square chamber design, which is a characteristic feature of Selmer Paris mouthpieces intended to provide a focused and centered tonal core.

What genres of music is this mouthpiece best for?

It is ideal for classical, concert band, and chamber music. Because of its stable and flexible nature, it is often used by musicians who need a single mouthpiece for multiple professional settings.

Does the S90 180 come with a ligature and cap?

Typically, professional Selmer mouthpieces are sold individually. Users often pair them with high-quality aftermarket options like the Rovner 3RL Dark ligature or the Vandoren Cuir leather ligature.

Why is the S90 called a 'benchmark' mouthpiece?

It is used as a benchmark for testing because of its extreme reliability and neutral response, allowing players to hear the true characteristics of the saxophone itself.

What does the '180' in the name signify?

The '180' refers to the specific tip opening measurement. It is one of several sizes available in the S90 range, offering a specific level of resistance and air intake.

Where is the Selmer S90 manufactured?

The S90 is manufactured in France by Selmer Paris, where it undergoes a process of precision milling and manual finishing.

Which reeds work well with the S90 180?

It is compatible with various high-quality reeds including Vandoren Java or D'Addario Organic Select Jazz. The choice depends on the player's preference for either filed or unfiled cuts.

How does the S90 180 affect saxophone tone?

The S90 is designed to enhance every aspect of the tone, providing a more stable, reliable, and rich sound compared to standard student mouthpieces.

How much does a Selmer S90 Tenor mouthpiece typically cost?

The typical price range for this specific model is approximately GBP 193, reflecting its status as a professional-level handcrafted tool.

Gear article

Selmer Paris S90 Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece 180

The Selmer Paris S90 180 is a professional-grade hard rubber mouthpiece designed for tenor saxophone players seeking stability and tonal reliability. Based on the architecture of the celebrated S80 series, it is frequently cited as a benchmark for classical and concert performance due to its precise milling and hand-finished quality.

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Overview and History

The Selmer Paris S90 series represents a refinement of the manufacturer's long-standing mouthpiece design philosophy. Historically following the success of the S80 series, the S90 was developed to offer a more stable and flexible alternative for musicians who require a 'one-stop-shop' solution for various musical settings. It is expertly milled from high-quality hard rubber and finished by hand in France to ensure strict tolerances and consistent performance across individual units.

Design and Construction

The S90 180 features a unique square chamber design, a hallmark of Selmer's professional range. This geometric internal structure facilitates a focused and direct air column. Each mouthpiece is hand-finished to ensure the rails, table, and tip are perfectly symmetrical, which directly impacts the ease of reed vibration and response. The '180' designation refers to the specific tip opening, which is tailored for a balanced resistant feel that suits a wide range of player proficiencies.

Sound Character and Performance

The S90 is noted for its exceptional stability and reliability. Its sonic character is typically described as warm and homogeneous across all registers of the tenor saxophone. Unlike brighter jazz-oriented mouthpieces, the S90 focuses on a pure, centered tone that enhances the natural resonance of the instrument. It is widely regarded as a 'benchmark' for mouthpiece testing due to its neutral and predictable response.

Target Audience

Professional musicians and advanced students frequently utilise the S90 180. It is widely recommended by educators as a 'first professional mouthpiece' for students transitioning from beginner plastic models to high-grade ebonite. Its versatility makes it suitable for orchestral work, chamber music, and solo classical performance, where control and tonal consistency are paramount.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other professional options, the S90 sits as a more flexible successor to the S80. While it maintains the centered qualities of traditional Selmer mouthpieces, it offers a slightly different resistance profile. Unlike high-baffle mouthpieces such as the JodyJazz Super Jet, which are designed for projection and 'edge', the S90 prioritises a blendable, round sound. It is often paired with high-quality reeds such as the D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java series to fine-tune its response.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Selmer S90 180?: The mouthpiece is constructed from high-quality hard rubber, also known as ebonite, which is expertly milled and finished by hand for durability and tonal depth.
Is the S90 180 suitable for beginners?: While it is a professional-grade mouthpiece, it is highly recommended by teachers as a 'first professional mouthpiece' for students moving beyond entry-level equipment.
How does the S90 compare to the Selmer S80?: The S90 is based on the illustrious S80 design but is engineered to be more stable and reliable, offering a slightly different internal geometry for a versatile, all-purpose performance.
What kind of chamber does the S90 have?: The S90 features a square chamber design, which is a characteristic feature of Selmer Paris mouthpieces intended to provide a focused and centered tonal core.
What genres of music is this mouthpiece best for?: It is ideal for classical, concert band, and chamber music. Because of its stable and flexible nature, it is often used by musicians who need a single mouthpiece for multiple professional settings.
Does the S90 180 come with a ligature and cap?: Typically, professional Selmer mouthpieces are sold individually. Users often pair them with high-quality aftermarket options like the Rovner 3RL Dark ligature or the Vandoren Cuir leather ligature.
Why is the S90 called a 'benchmark' mouthpiece?: It is used as a benchmark for testing because of its extreme reliability and neutral response, allowing players to hear the true characteristics of the saxophone itself.
What does the '180' in the name signify?: The '180' refers to the specific tip opening measurement. It is one of several sizes available in the S90 range, offering a specific level of resistance and air intake.
Where is the Selmer S90 manufactured?: The S90 is manufactured in France by Selmer Paris, where it undergoes a process of precision milling and manual finishing.
Which reeds work well with the S90 180?: It is compatible with various high-quality reeds including Vandoren Java or D'Addario Organic Select Jazz. The choice depends on the player's preference for either filed or unfiled cuts.
How does the S90 180 affect saxophone tone?: The S90 is designed to enhance every aspect of the tone, providing a more stable, reliable, and rich sound compared to standard student mouthpieces.
How much does a Selmer S90 Tenor mouthpiece typically cost?: The typical price range for this specific model is approximately GBP 193, reflecting its status as a professional-level handcrafted tool.