Today I am reviewing a new Kanee tenor saxophone mouthpiece. This is called the “Florida” model and is in the Kanee professional series of mouthpieces.
About a year ago, I reviewed the Kanee O7 and V7 custom tenor mouthpieces. These were great playing mouthpieces that were introduced to the market at a very affordable price. These first models were called the custom series. The florida model I am reviewing today is from the professional series which is a new line from Kanee.
The new Florida models are made out of a brushed hard rubber instead of the shiny glossy hard rubber of the O7 and V7. Also, the side walls are rounded so that these new pieces are more akin to the vintage Otto Link style of mouthpieces.
The Kanee mouthpieces are made by the Kanee company is China. The company was founded in 2004 and specializes in woodwind accessories manufacturing.
Kanee “Florida” Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
The Kanee Florida model I have is a 7 tip opening. It came in a nice wood box with a sliding top on it. Inside the box, the mouthpiece is well protected by cushioning on all sides of it.
The mouthpiece looks to be very well made. Like I said above, the rubber isn’t shiny and glossy like the Kanee “custom” models but has more of a brushed look to it. I personally think that this look is pretty cool although the rubber does seem to mark easily from ligatures and mouthpieces patches. The table looks flat and the rails and tip look even. The shape of the tip is very close to the shape of my Vandoren Java reed tip which is a good sign.
Kanee “Florida” Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
This mouthpiece has a nice and high rollover baffle right at the tip that is very short and then descends down into the medium to large chamber. The baffle and chamber look to be very similar to my Early Babbitt Florida link. To my eye they look to be very close. The only difference that I can see is that my EB Florida link looks to have a larger bore to it.
The mouthpieces played well and I found it smooth and even up and down the horn. The high rollover baffle at the top of the baffle gives the tone some nice highs and power. It has a bit of a “zing” and “sizzle” to the tone. The low notes are nice and full sounding. They have a bit of graininess to them that makes the tone more complex sounding to my ear. It was easy to subtone down low. I usually prefer a 7*-8 tip opening so this mouthpiece felt a tiny bit more closed than I am used to but it played great.
Kanee Custom Florida Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
These mouthpieces are very reasonably priced for the quality that you get. To get wider market recognition and feedback, the Kanee company is starting another passaround of these mouthpieces on SOTW (Sax on the Web). I can’t speak for the overall quality of every Kanee piece but the fact that they will send their mouthpieces out to sax professionals and enthusiasts to try………… is a sign that they are confidant in their products.
I’m looking forward to what other sax players that try these mouthpieces have to say. It’s great to see a quality mouthpiece out there at an affordable price. Keep up the great work Kanee. If you would like to try one of these mouthpieces check out the free pass around (you just have to pay for shipping) on SOTW. You can also visit the Kanee website to find out more about these mouthpieces.
Kanee Custom Florida Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
About Steve
Hello, this is Kane, the founder of Kanee mouthpieces, so appreciate for Steve’ kind reviews made, and yes! I hold pass around on SOTW at http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?169050-Kanee-new-mouthpieces-launching-and-passing-arounds, you are welcome to join us, and we are happy to hear any of your thoughts about our product, that we target to work out most affordable professional mouthpieces for saxophone fans. Thanks, Kane
I’m wondering where to buy this Kanee Florida Pro line piece. I liked the O one I tried OK, but your description makes me think this one will be closer to the mark….
any idea who will sell this thing?
thanks
I’m not sure if it is out officially yet as I don’t see it on their website yet. There is a pass around going on on “Sax on the Web”. You should sign up for that and you can try it out for yourself.
Hi Steve. In my 26 years of playing, I have owned and played about 4 mouthpieces. I have been playing the Kanee Florida for about a month on a Grassi tenor. Your review is spot on. I played a Bergonzi style slant sig for five years before I had to take about a year break from the horn. When I picked it back up I took a chance on this mpc. I have always wanted a piece with as much versatility as possible. Plus I don’t want to have to take out a loan for a pro piece. In short, this is a very good piece I don’t have to fight with. It has some very nice shades. I recommend it. Thanks for the review!