Saxophone Mouthpieces
Browse classical recommendations with technical specifications for each mouthpiece.
Choose a saxophone to see recommended models and their specifications.
Compare tip openings and facings by saxophone.
Explore the artist equipment reference.
Classical recommendations
There is an enormous, and growing, selection of classical saxophone mouthpieces. Choosing one is a personal experiment. Each player will respond differently to each mouthpiece. Here are some that I recommend:
(⭐ denotes Dr. Rosenberg’s current equipment)
There are some obvious selections that are missing from this list. I haven’t had an opportunity to try every mouthpiece available. However, if I do find others that I like, I will update the list.
Tip opening is the gap between the reed tip and the mouthpiece tip. Facing length is the distance from the tip to where the reed meets the flat table. Manufacturers publish either a length in millimetres or a relative category such as Medium Long. These categories are retained as published.
Specifications checked October 21, 2026. Compare models side by side.
Soprano Saxophone
Tip opening: 1.07 mm · Facing: 18 mm.
Focused. Slightly bright when pushed.
Tip opening: 1.06 mm · Facing: 21 mm.
Dark and focused. Narrow tip can feel stuffy.
Tip opening: 1.14 mm · Facing: Medium Long.
Bright. Comfortable to play.
Tip opening: 1.11 mm · Facing: Medium.
Colorful. Verging on bright at times. Needs strong reeds.
Specifications unknown for soprano.
More open than LM1, and darker. Not a 1:1 comparison to the alto models.
Alto Saxophone
Tip opening: 1.45 mm · Facing: 24 mm.
Focused and clear; but, needs finesse to avoid brightness.
Tip opening: 1.65 mm · Facing: 24 mm.
Comfortable and easy to play. Can get a edgy when pushed.
Tip opening: 1.52 mm · Facing: 24 mm.
Dark. Slightly stuffy due to narrow tip.
Tip opening: 1.65 mm · Facing: 24 mm.
Dark and focused. Comfortable to play. Everyone sounds good on this (except me).
Tip opening: 1.52 mm · Facing: Medium Long.
Dark, round sound. Can feel stuffy. Limited in loudness for some players.
Tip opening: 1.68 mm · Facing: Medium Long.
An “improved” AL3. Can still get a little strident when pushed. Easy to play.
Tip opening: 1.50 mm · Facing: Medium Long.
Focused and colorful.
Tip opening: 1.60 mm · Facing: Not published.
Dark, round sound. Colorful when pushed. Easy to play.
Tip opening: 1.53 mm · Facing: Not published.
Dark round sound. Easy to play.
Tenor Saxophone
Tip opening: 1.80 mm · Facing: 23 mm.
Focused and clear.
Tip opening: 2.04 mm · Facing: Medium.
Dark and round. Can get edgy when pushed.
Tip opening: 1.76 mm · Facing: Medium Short.
Dark and focused. Can feel slightly stuffy.
Tip opening: 2.05 mm · Facing: Medium.
Dark and round. Colorful when pushed.
Baritone Saxophone
Tip opening: 2.05 mm · Facing: 27 mm.
Focused, clear, and colorful. Requires slightly more air to drive.
Tip opening: 1.85 mm · Facing: Short.
Dark, and focused. Stays dark when pushed.
Technical comparison
Open the comparison charts to see models side by side.