• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Website of Steve Neff

  • BLOG
  • SHOP
  • MEMBER’S AREA
    • JOIN
    • FAQ
    • MEMBER LOGIN
    • Member Monthly Lessons
  • RAVES
  • CONTACT
You are here: Home / Reviews / Mouthpiece Reviews / Theo Wanne Gaia 2 Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

Theo Wanne Gaia 2 Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

February 18, 2017 by Steve 15 Comments

Today, I am reviewing another great mouthpiece made by Theo Wanne at TheoWanne.com.    Theo Wanne was one of the first mouthpiece makers to reach out to me and ask if I would be willing to do some reviews of his mouthpieces years ago.  I had heard his name for years as the guy to go to for mouthpiece work and when he started his own line of mouthpieces I had to try them out!   I have reviewed many of his mouthpiece on the site and if you do a search for “Theo Wanne”  you will find them.  Theo Wanne’s mouthpieces are innovative and some of the best playing mouthpieces on the market today.

This review is on the Gaia 2 soprano mouthpiece.  The first run Gaia has been my main soprano mouthpiece for the last 7 years (along with the Gerber LC which I also play quite a lot…….they both have different qualities I love……..please don’t ask me to choose as I can’t………)

Theo Wanne Gaia 2 Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece

The Gaia 2 looks similar to my first run Gaia but the body looks a bit fatter to my eye.  Looking at the baffle profile from the side the Gaia 2 looks to have a lower rollover baffle than the original Gaia. The chamber looks a little larger but I am not 100% sure about that. It does look that way to my eye though.  I would say it has a medium rollover baffle and a large chamber. In fact,  the Gaia is one of the few soprano mouthpieces out there with a true large chamber.

The workmanship is everything you would expect from a Theo Wanne mouthpiece. Tip, rails, table, baffle and chamber all look great!  It has a built in bite pad on it.  I think this is a good feature, although,  I always use a bite pad over the bite plate anyways as I don’t want to have to replace it later. The window on the Gaia 1 and 2 is quite a bit bigger than the windows of most other soprano mouthpieces I have played to date.

Theo Wanne Gaia 2 Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece

Here’s a description from Theo Wanne’s website on the Gaia 2 soprano mouthpiece:

“The GAIA 2 Soprano has revolutionized the soprano world. It has modern projection, but also a full rich, fat, and robust sound never before heard from a soprano mouthpiece. The GAIA 2 has been further updated with far more core and body to sound, while maintaining the big warm traditional sound the GAIA is known for!

The GAIA2 still uses a True Large Chamber, like most vintage soprano mouthpieces made in the first half of last century. However, those mouthpieces combined a large chamber with a low baffle and floor configuration, which made good classical mouthpieces, but never really worked for contemporary playing.  The GAIA2’s unique design opens up a whole new world for the soprano saxophone.  It maintains the ‘vintage’ beauty of sound, but adds depth and versatility never before possible.

Like all Theo Wanne™ mouthpieces, they are manufactured with accuracy higher than any other mouthpiece, vintage or new, and uses the highest quality materials in its construction.  The GAIA2 is truly revolutionary in bringing the vintage sound up to date both in design and construction.

For decades musician’s asked Theo for the perfect large chamber soprano mouthpiece.   He modified vintage Buescher and Slant Otto Link (among other) vintage mouthpieces.  Each of these had wonderful characteristics, but none were the ‘whole package.’ So Theo designed the GAIA 2.  The feedback has been overwhelming relief from many players who finally found the mouthpiece giving them the sound they always desired.”

 

Theo Wanne Gaia 2 Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece

The Gaia 2 seems to have a different facing curve on it than the first generation Gaia. I suck at measuring facing curves  so I am judging this on the fact that my original Gaia loves Vandoren Java 3 1/2 reeds.  I don’t think I have ever put a Java 3 1/2 on that didn’t work for me.

I tried a few Vandoren Java 3 1/2 reeds on the Gaia 2 and they just felt too hard.  It preferred a Java 3. Since the tip opening is a 7 like my original Gaia I am assuming the difference has to do with the facing curve.  I’d be curious to hear from Theo on whether I am correct or not………..

As anticipated from the baffle profile,  the Gaia 2 has a darker and fatter sound than the first run Gaia.  Although I loved the ease of play with the first run Gaia and how easy the upper register was for me (easiest upper register of any soprano sax mouthpiece I have tried……) at times, the original Gaia seemed a bit too bright and brash to me.  A little bit too edgy if you know what I mean……..

I’m not sure if I was the only one to feel this way but the Gaia 2 seems to be the answer to this. The extra bit of fatness and darkness takes that bit of brightness and edge away from the tone that sometimes bothered me.

Theo Wanne Gaia 2 Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece

The Gaia 2 is smooth and even throughout the range of the soprano sax.  At first it sounded a bit duller and less responsive than my original Gaia but I think that is just because I am so used to the Gaia 1.  After playing the Gaia 2 for about an hour it really opened up and I felt at home with it.

When I use the word dark, I am not saying this is a super dark mouthpiece but just darker than the Gaia 1 as I compare them.  I would describe the tone as alive and full.  It has a medium bright sound but also fat and smooth sounding.  It does have a singing quality on certain notes that I love.

Theo Wanne Gaia 2 Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece

I have only played the Gaia 2 for about an hour today but I plan on playing it more tomorrow to see if I want to upgrade from the Gaia 1.   (My Gaia 1 has been my go to mouthpiece for years now and I feel a bit sentimental about it.)

The one thing the Gaia 1 has over the Gaia 2 in my opinion is that it has more volume, brightness and edge when you push it.  I think the Gaia 2 out performs it on beauty of tone though………..

The intonation on the Theo Wanne Gaia 2 was excellent and it was very even up and down the range of the horn.

Theo Wanne Gaia 2 Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece

If you like the sound of the Gaia 2 soprano sax mouthpiece, you can order one from Theo on his website at www.theowanne.com.   Tell him Steve sent you………….Great work Theo!!   Can’t wait for the Gaia 3…………….

Let me know what you think in the comments below. Thanks, Steve

https://cdn.neffmusic.com/2017/Gaia2Soprano.mp3

Theo Wanne Gaia 2 Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece

Disclosure: I received the mouthpiece mentioned above with two other mouthpieces in the hope that I would try them and perhaps review them on my blog. I will be allowed to keep one of the three mouthpieces received. Regardless, I only review mouthpieces that I enjoy playing and believe will be good for other saxophone players to try also.    Steve

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Soprano Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Gaia 2, review, saxophone mouthpiece, soprano sax, Theo Wanne

Steve

About Steve

Steve Neff has been playing and teaching saxophone and jazz improvisation around the New England area for over 30 years. He is the author of many best selling jazz improvisation methods as well as founding the popular jazz video lesson site Neffmusic.com.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. SteveSteve says

    February 18, 2017 at 10:19 am

    I’ve had a few people ask how I recorded this already.

    I’m basically about 3-4 feet from the mic with the bell of the soprano pointed at the mic. At times maybe a little off center from the mic but basically pointed in it’s general direction………

    Reply
  2. SteveSteve says

    February 18, 2017 at 11:46 am

    I just spent an hour going back and forth between the Gaia 2 and my original Gaia. The resistance of the original Gaia with the 3 1/2 Java reed is similar to what I get with the Gaia 2 with the Java 3 reed.

    The original Gaia is much brighter in comparison to the Gaia 2. It is really evident when you play them side by side. After playing the Gaia 2 for the last day going back to the original Gaia is much brighter…………

    Reply
  3. AvatarPete says

    February 19, 2017 at 6:32 am

    I have been playing with Gaia 6 myself and I consider it perhaps slightly too bright and I would like to have some more good resistance, too. It is very easy piece to play. I have been mostly interested to try Gerber Solo LC 0.060 piece but now this new Gaia 2 seems also interesting. Can you compare the resistance and the darkness of Gerber and Gaia 2?

    Pete

    Reply
  4. AvatarKevin says

    February 21, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    Hey Steve, I own 2 of the original Gaia’s 7’s for soprano. One of mine is brighter than the other but the over all sound is very similar. Listening to you play both the 1 and the 2,
    I can hear that the 1 is a little brighter, but I think it has a little more “personality” to it.
    I really like the Gaia and the only challenge for me is that the beak is a little narrow and
    I seem to struggle with narrow beaks as I can tend to bite a little. I use a thick patch on the
    mouthpiece which does darken the sound but also helps me with the beak.
    Great mouthpieces no matter what and worthy to be auditioned by anyone.

    Reply
  5. AvatarDave says

    February 24, 2017 at 8:17 am

    Hi Steve
    Have you considered doing a sample with the mike mid-way over the soprano at about 2/3 feet distance? The trouble with miking on the bell is that it can sound quite thin and nasal, whereas I know you actually make a great sound with really good balance.
    My issue with the Gaia 1 soprano was that it was rather thin sounding generally, but it’s difficult to tell if the Gaia 2 improves this aspect when you mike it on the bell.

    Reply
    • SteveSteve says

      February 24, 2017 at 9:44 am

      Dave, I can try that. The problem I have had with recording that way is the notes further down the horn sound so different than the rest of the horn. If I put the mic in front of the E key then the D, Low C,B and Bb sound far away and tubby sounding in comparison to the rest of the notes. That has been my experience in the past anyways. Steve

      Reply
  6. AvatarDave says

    February 24, 2017 at 9:50 am

    I understand. I usually record with the mike pointing at the F/G midway point of the horn, actually a bit closer than I said, maybe 12″ to 18″ to minimize room sound and I find it pretty even. It would be very kind of you to do a recording like this, but I realize you have much to do! (Congrats on the site in general BTW).

    Reply
  7. AvatarHeath Watts says

    March 2, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    Hi Steve,
    Did you lose any of your altissimo range going from the Gaia 1 to 2? I hope you’re doing well.
    Thanks,
    Heath

    Reply
    • SteveSteve says

      March 14, 2017 at 11:20 am

      Heath, Sorry, I don’t play altissimo on the soprano and only rarely on the alto. I love how it sounds on the tenor but because I think I am so accustomed to the tenor range it just sounds so high and irritating to me on soprano. I didn’t try to test that out so I can’t answer your question. Steve

      Reply
    • SteveSteve says

      March 14, 2017 at 3:10 pm

      I am hoping to do a side by side comparison of the old Gaia with the new in the future also………

      Reply
  8. AvatarHeath Watts says

    March 14, 2017 at 11:30 am

    Thanks for replying, Steve. The Gaia is an altissimo machine on the soprano; using a good reed I can usually play two octaves above palm key F. I hope that they kept that characteristic in the Gaia2. Best, Heath

    Reply
    • SteveSteve says

      March 14, 2017 at 3:09 pm

      Holy Crap! Two octaves above palm F! I hope you don’t have a dog. I think that is close to their range of hearing……….

      Reply
  9. AvatarHeath Watts says

    March 14, 2017 at 3:21 pm

    Playing that high is not something that I can practice for a long time without wearing earplugs. I’ll stay tuned for your next review.

    Have you considered reviewing Joe Giardullo’s Metropolitan soprano mouthpiece? I’ve been look at them and listening to some sound samples. It seems like an interesting mouthpiece.

    Reply
  10. AvatarAngelo says

    March 17, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    Hi Steve, In this above review dated Feb. 18, 2017 of the Theo Wanne Gaia “2” Soprano mouthpiece there is no mention of the tip size?
    Usually just before you do a sound recording review you talk about make, model, tip size, reed name and size, & ligature being used. In thr begining of the recording there is no mention of tip size?
    Please forward if possible the tip opening of this piece!
    Thank you, Angelo -NY

    Reply
    • SteveSteve says

      March 17, 2019 at 8:27 pm

      Hi Angelo, In this review I write that it is a 7 tip opening. Steve

      http://www.neffmusic.com/blog/2017/04/comparison-of-the-theo-wanne-gaia-and-the-gaia-2-soprano-sax-mouthpieces/

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Heath Watts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Cart

Subscribe to the Neffmusic Newsletter for the latest reviews and best deals delivered straight to your inbox every month. Join now and you will also receive my 40 Ultimate Michael Brecker Licks free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to


Thanks for joining!


NEFFMUSIC PRINTED BOOKS

Testimonials

Steve’s monthly lessons are entirely valuable. Without brow beating, he tells you all the stuff you deep down know you really should be working on, instead of just relying on the same old patterns. In spite of the fact that you’re taking a video lesson, Steve’s presentation is comfortable and “real”. In a little more than a year, he’s developed a library of lessons that seem to offer any player a lifetime’s worth of practice material. I’m just glad I stumbled upon it.… Read more
Grant

I want to thank you for your “Ultimate II-V-I Primer”  which has sent me off on a much better path to improvisation.  The primer and the four bound books I have will keep me busy for a long time.  I like your lessons for two reasons.  The lessons work and THEY ARE FUN.  Thanks again.

Robert

Robert
I can’t say enough about my membership at Neff Music. Steve has taken the mystery out of playing the saxophone well and improvising both jazz and rock music. Like most struggling players I have a load of all sorts of books on my shelf just gathering dust. Books that I didn’t understand or know how to put to use…or just have the time to go threw them. Steve’s lessons really simplify things and he puts it in a way that I can understand. They inspire me to keep pushing and having him as my guide or… Read more
Ken
Thanks so much for putting all this great learning material out there. I don’t often have the time to take a lesson with a teacher, so the ability to download lessons is really invaluable. My playing has improved enormously (I think :)) – and the lessons are so varied there’s always something to be inspired by. Incredible value too!
Roger

Steve,  Just want to say thanks for all you are doing for all of us. I’ve learned more from you than anyone else in my 40 years of playing.

If you can give some tips on One Note Samba, Ceora, and Wave… that would be cool.  I really like learning how you apply your concepts to actual songs!

Have a great year,

Kevin Ledbetter

I've learned more from you than anyone else in my 40 years of playing.
I bought Steve’s dominant bebop book and took a couple of online lesson from him. I really appreciated Steve’s careful listening of what I wanted to get done in a lesson and his clear, concise ideas on next steps to improve my playing and musical interpretation.  His mastering  the Dominant Bebop Scale has lots of exercises to use a scale that addresses the largest percentage of chords I come across in pop/blues music. The dominant V7.  Needless say it has improved my playing.  I teach and a… Read more
Keith

After reading your story I will never feel quite right about complaining about any of my MINOR health issues!!    God bless Steve and I really hope that your health doesn’t stop you from fulfilling your calling.    These books have been such a help to open up my jazz vocabulary…   Thanks so much for sharing your story and for providing these great teaching tools…   John Leclerc   Saxophonist / composer/ EWI player and professional working musician of 35 years….

John Leclerc
I’ve been downloading your lessons for 4 months now (20 lesson) and I have noticed tremendous growth in my playing thus far! I’m so happy that I stumbled upon your site!
Bob

Steve, just a note to say thanks.

I’ve been playing a long time, but your material, laid out in such a thoughtful way, helps me to understand concepts in a new and deeper way.

You are a true gift to the jazz community.

60 lessons and going strong,

Kevin Ledbetter

Kevin Ledbetter
Hi Steve, I have been shedding your materials for quite a while now and I love them! They are extremely well organized and presented and there are tons of ’em! I really appreciate your methodical approach and find myself referring students to your resources often.  Thanks so much!  
Kenyon Carter

Featured Video Lessons

  • Mastering the Dominant Pentatonic Sound over a Blues (Digital PDF Book)
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $19.99
  • The Secret to Modern Outside Jazz Lines Lesson-Minor $9.99
  • Creating Modern II-V-I Lines with Simple Pentatonics Lesson
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • The Best Embouchure for Tone, Intonation and Endurance Lesson
    Rated 4.91 out of 5
    $9.99
  • The Secret to Altissimo (no one has ever told you about before) Lesson
    Rated 4.75 out of 5
    $9.99

Now over 600 video and audio lessons to choose from!
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY AND SAVE BIG ON EACH LESSON!

Free Lessons

  • Free Lesson on The New Ultimate II-V-I Primer-Major Keys
  • Free Video Lesson on Mastering Altered Pentatonics
  • Free Video Lesson on Mastering the Blues Scale Volume 1 & 2
  • Free Video Lesson on Mastering the Dominant Bebop Scale and Language Book 1 & 2
  • Free Video Lesson on Approach Note Velocity Book

Recent reviews

  • Creating Modern II-V-I Lines with Simple Pentatonics Lesson
    Rated 5 out of 5
    by Timothy
  • The Best Embouchure for Tone, Intonation and Endurance Lesson
    Rated 5 out of 5
    by Ray Holland
  • Mastering the Dominant Pentatonic Sound over a Blues (Digital PDF Book)
    Rated 5 out of 5
    by Lloyd Whitty
  • Mastering the Dominant Pentatonic Sound over a Blues (Digital PDF Book)
    Rated 5 out of 5
    by Murray Middleman
  • Mastering the Dominant Pentatonic Sound over a Blues (Digital PDF Book)
    Rated 5 out of 5
    by Paul

Footer

Recent Comments

  • Steve on 10mFan Supernova Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review
  • Vicente Serna on 10mFan Supernova Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review
  • Giuseppe C. on Retro Revival Modern Line Cutting Edge Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review
  • Felipe on Ted Klum London Model Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review
  • Safwat Rouf on Drake FG (Freddie Gregory) Model Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

Top rated products

  • The Dorian Mode Lesson
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • Cool Piano Voicings Lesson 1
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • The Best II-V-I's Overview Lesson
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • Straight No Chaser-Jazz Articulation Lesson
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • Overtones-The Path to Altissimo Lesson
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99

Product tags

alto sax alto saxophone approach notes audio lesson bebop scale beginner beginner saxophone blues blues licks blues patterns blues scale blues scales diminished scale dominant chords ear training fundamentals II-V-I improvisation jazz improvisation jazz lines jazz patterns jazz sax jazz saxophone jazz standard jazz standards licks Mastering the Blues Scale Michael Brecker modern improv modern improvisation online lesson patterns playing outside practice habits reading music sax basics sax lessons saxophone scales smooth jazz steve neff tenor sax tenor saxophone video lesson video lessons
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • SUPPORT

Neffmusic © 2005–2023