For experienced players, a proper cupronickel sax mouthpiece may be more important than the sax itself. The mouthpiece is the sound source of the cupronickel sax, the interface between the musician and the instrument, the continuation of the body, so it must be paid attention to.

① Beginners and playing classical music generally use bakelite mouthpieces

Learning cupronickel sax generally starts with learning classical music, because classical music requires players to have a steady breath and a fixed mouth shape when playing the saxophone. Playing cupronickel sax with a bakelite mouthpiece conforms to this characteristic - the sound played is more stable and soft. The principle is that the bakelite mouthpiece is larger and thicker than the general metal mouthpiece. Because we practice with bakelite mouthpieces for a long time, a fixed mouth shape is formed, and the opening and closing of the upper and lower teeth form a basically fixed size. Therefore, every time we hold the mouthpiece, the upper teeth are biting on the flute. on the same point of the head to form a stable sound.

② More metal mouthpieces are used for pop and jazz performances

While it is also possible to play jazz with bakelite mouthpieces, metal mouthpieces are more commonly used for pop and jazz performances. The way of playing the cupronickel sax with a metal mouthpiece is very different from that of a classical mouthpiece. First of all, the effect of the pure breath of the metal mouthpiece is better than the effect of biting out. When blowing the metal mouthpiece, you need to use the muscles in the mouth to control it, instead of using the lower teeth to bite the reed. The easiest mistake to make when using a metal mouthpiece for the first time It's because I'm not used to it, so I can't control the sound. I bite the mouthpiece in a conditioned reflex, and the sound is even worse. The correct way is to relax the mouth and use the muscles of the breath and lips to control the mouthpiece. This may be difficult at first, but after getting used to it, you will find that the metal mouthpiece is more controllable than the classical mouthpiece, and the changes are full of fun.

Through the above introduction and analysis of cupronickel sax, hope it helps you.