Today, I am reviewing a new mouthpiece from D’Addario called the Select Jazz tenor saxophone mouthpiece. This mouthpiece was designed by Kevin Garren at D’Addario with the help of Jeff Coffin.
Jeff Coffin is a great saxophone player who has played and toured with Dave Matthews and Bela Fleck as well as many other artists. I have heard that Jeff plays on a custom Freddie Gregory Mark IV tenor sax mouthpiece. In fact, I heard from D’Addario that this new Select Jazz mouthpiece is modeled after Jeff Coffin’s custom Freddie Gregory tenor mouthpiece (If you don’t know about Freddie Gregory mouthpieces you can read some reviews of his pieces here). Here is a quote from D’Addario when asked what Jeff Coffin thought of the new D’Addario Select Jazz tenor saxophone mouthpiece:
Jeff loved the piece – we worked directly with him on the piece and he was involved every step of the way. He tested the Alpha, Beta and final production models and gave us feedback at every step………
D’Addario Select Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
Here is some more info from the Saxquest website about the D’Addario Select Jazz tenor saxophone mouthpiece:
At long last, the heralded D’Addario Select Jazz mouthpiece for the tenor sax. This piece has been buzzed about for a long time, and it is finally here!
The D’Addario Select Jazz mouthpiece captures the feel and tone of legendary mouthpieces from years past. Now, today’s saxophonists have a chance to discover for themselves the sound that, for decades, set the standard of jazz. The D’Addario Select Jazz mouthpiece brings forth a perfect union of tradition and innovation.
- 100% precision-milled, vintage-inspired jazz mouthpiece
- milled, not molded, from solid rod rubber, using D’Addario’s precise, computer-controlled mouthpiece making technology
- classic sound and response, with even intonation across the entire range of the saxophone
- made in the USA
Available in these facings:
- D6M – measures .100” (classic 7 opening)
- D7M – measures .105” (classic 7* opening)
- D8M – measures .110” (classic 8 opening)
- D9M – measures .115” (classic 8* opening)
D’Addario Select Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
D’Addario sent me two mouthpieces to review. The 7 (.105) and the 8 (.110) tip openings. After playing them for a few minutes, I could tell there was a difference in the facings of each piece from the response of the reed I was using so I emailed D’Addario to ask them about it. They told me the 7 has a 24 mm length facing and the 8 has a 25 mm length facing. I’ll talk more about the impact of the facing curve later………..
Both Select Jazz tenor saxophone mouthpieces look great to the eye. The side rails and tips are nicely cut and even. The side rails are thin and even and the baffle is smooth and flawless as it slopes down into the chamber. They have a medium rollover baffle. I used to own a Freddie Gregory Mark IV and the rollover baffle of the D’Addario Select Jazz is indeed similar to that model. I can’t say exact, but I think it is close to what I remember on my Freddie Gregory Mark IV……
D’Addario Select Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
The Select Jazz 7 and 8 played well with Rigotti Gold 2 1/2 strong reeds as well as Rigotti Gold 3 light reeds. I included sound clips of both reeds for each mouthpiece so you can hear what they sound like and the differences. I liked aspects of both reeds on each mouthpiece. As I listened back, it was hard for me to decide on just one clip to post so I’m posting all of them.
The 2 1/2 Rigotti Gold Strong felt easy to blow on each mouthpiece but I’m not sure they were hard enough to last a four hour gig or give the volume you might need on a gig. The Rigotti 3 light gave more resistance to blow against and I think they would last longer and give more volume on a live gig.
D’Addario Select Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
Now, let’s talk about facing lengths. The facing curve is the curve of the rails that the reed bends against as you play the saxophone. I have done a facing curve length experiment in the past and the results hold true for these mouthpieces. The 7 tip and 24mm length facing was a bit more resistant than the 8 tip with the 25mm curve. What this means is that a 2 1/2 reed on the 7 felt quite good. It had a good resistance to it and the reed felt strong. That’s because the curve is a little shorter and the reed has to bend at a greater degree as you play.
The 8 Select Jazz mouthpiece with the 25mm facing length is easier for that same reed to bend with. It has a longer curve and the rate of the curve is a little gentler so the reed blows easier and feels a little softer.
What does this all mean? Well if you like harder reeds, you will probably like a longer facing curve of 25+mm because that harder reed will play easier. On a shorter facing curve that same reed might feel a lot harder or even impossible to play. On the other side of the coin, the shorter facing curve makes softer reeds feel harder to the player. So if you like a softer reed you might like a 48 or less curve on your mouthpiece. You can read the blog post above for more information on the effects of facing curves…….
D’Addario Select Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
How did they play? Well, with the 2 1/2 Strong Rigotti reeds, I felt like both mouthpiece were in the middle of the dark to bright spectrum but leaning into the brighter side. Interestingly enough, I felt like the 3 Light Rigotti made the 7 tip a bit darker and more focused and the 8 tip opening a bit brighter and more focused.
The intonation was great throughout the range of the horn and the tone felt very smooth and even. The altissimo was easy to get but I felt like the 3 Light reed on the 7 tip gave the altissimo a bit more depth and substance. I did end up preferring the 7 tip with the Rigotti 3 light reed the most. I have a few favorite mouthpieces with 24mm facing curves so I think I just felt more comfortable on the 7 tip with the 24mm curve. The 8 with the 2 1/2 strong Rigotti played great also. I liked the 3 light on the 8 also but when listening back, I thought it sounds a bit brighter to my ears. I included it for those who like a brighter sound (think Coltrane…..Bergonzi……..)
I think D’Addario has done a great job with their new Select Jazz tenor saxophone mouthpiece. At this moment, the Select Jazz tenor mouthpiece is retailed at 199.00 at Saxquest.com. They are also available on the D’Addario website. That is a great price for this mouthpiece in my opinion. I wish I could have had a sax mouthpiece like this to choose from when I was a student in high school many years ago.
D’Addario Select Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
If you like the sound of the D’Addario Select Jazz tenor saxophone mouthpiece clips below and the mouthpiece catches your interest then give it a try. You can get more information and purchase the D’Addario Select Jazz tenor mouthpiece at www.saxquest.com or at D’Addario. Tell them Steve sent you………….!!
Let me know what you think in the comments below. Thanks, Steve
D’Addario Select Jazz 7 Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Rigotti Gold 2 1/2 Strong Reed
D’Addario Select Jazz 7 Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Rigotti Gold 3 Light Reed
D’Addario Select Jazz 8Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Rigotti Gold 2 1/2 Strong Reed
D’Addario Select Jazz 8 Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece-Rigotti Gold 3 Light Reed
I just tried these this weekend and absolutely loved the 9M. I’m guessing it had a longer facing curve, because it felt the least resistant to me with a jazz select 3M reed. Or maybe it just provided the amount of resistance that I like. I couldn’t quite get the other 3 sizes to work for me. Thanks for the review- great quality pieces.
I think you sound best on the 8 w/a 2.5 strong reed.
Your samples are without equal. It’s easy to see why people want you reviewing their products. This particular round of comparisons, I liked you better on the 7 size opening, but that’s just my personal taste. I thought it sounded smoother.
Thanks for the great reviews. You’re priceless!
Liked all of them .Personally The 8 with the 3 reed. It was so great, your review. Most melodic. Just a great pleasure. Thank You, Sincerely. Anthony Ferro
I listened again. I prefer the 7. It’s odd , but listening again I heard differently Again thank you. So happy we have your wisdom . Peace Anthony
Hi Steve,
nice sounding clips (both). Inspired by you i orderd an Select Jazz Tenor mpc from a local dealer… i compare with my Freddie Gregory Mark IV 🙂 (you should not have sold it). The Select Jazz comes not close… the FG to me is more in tune and it can change the sound much better than the Select Jazz one (especially when i use different reeds), i also can blow the FG a little louder. The Select Jazz is a very good one (like Jody Jazz HR, V16, …) for the money. I will not sell my FG 🙂
I ordered D7M via saxquest, really hope it would be delivered fast because I can’t wait to try it. Thank you for the review Steve, you helped me made my choice. Will get back to you with my feedback once I try it. Cheers!
Thanks for the review. 0.100 tip opening and Rigotti #3 light sounds pretty good. More full sounding than Rigotti 2 1/2, while having a singing denser mid-range tone. I find you are a bright player so I should do it at a dealer with a darker reed (may be D’addario Reserve #2 1/2 or 3) and my own embouchure see if I can get even darker tone, but the ballpark is pretty good. I think that singing quality of the mid-range probably was one of the highlights of the Gregory mouthpiece and generally that era of the sax sound so if that’s what is coming out of this mouthpiece, then it is good to have that sound for 200 dollars! Thanks again.
Hello Steve,I received the 7 D’Addario on the first of May. I used a Rico H ligature,then a Francois Louise. I am o.k. at present with F. L. I’m making progress. I find it extremely bright. I like it. It will take a little time to “balance”. I may try the mesh gold tone Rico ligature . I can’t remember the name. It looks like a mesh gold tone ‘tape’. I think it will just the right amount of ‘darkness’. Thank you for all your hard work .It is appreciated I’m sure by all of us. Peace good health. Anthony Ferro
I put the Olegatue on and it plays very well. It has an unusual but pleasing dark tone. The Ligature balanced the tone out. And in the upper register it is less sharp. And now The D’Addario plays really good for me. Thanks Steve!
Sincerely, Anthony Ferro
I realize this is your review site, but I was really impressed with these mpcs. Just for reference, my main tenor piece for 20 years has been a 7* EB STM. It plays pretty free and projects like an EB. I have always been kind of a link guy. I like the new vintage rubber pieces as well. Last week I tried 3 D’addario Select Jazz tenor pieces (6,7,&8) They all played great with a Select Jazz 3 med reed. Super easy down low and even from bottom to top. Because they were so easy to play down low, I decided to measure the facings. They all measured longer than 24 or 25. They were closer to 26. All the numbers were longer than many of the mouthpieces I have measured. Who knows, maybe that was why they had such a big resonant sound down low. I am still partial to my STM (24-), but the D’Addarios played so well for me that it was hard to leave them at the store. PS I went to Berklee with you, but I am not sure we met. I bet we were at some of the same Bergonzi and Garzone concerts at the willow and the Marriott.
hi Nathan, Your name sounds familiar. That longer facing would explain the low notes. That’s interesting………
Just came across 2 more D’Addario Tenor pieces today, and I wanted to report that these 2 measured right on at 24 and 25 mm facing lengths for a 7 and an 8.
That’s good to know. Thanks Nathan.
I have been trying these pieces for almost 2 weeks, Simon at tenor madness sent 3 pieces for me, 2 8 tip and one 9 tip, loving the 9 tip and I`m thinking of keeping it, great mouthpiece for the price.
Roger, That’s great to hear. I agree. I suggest these to tenor students that can’t go over 200.00 on price. They are even better priced for students when you find them on the used market. Steve
what about the sound of DAddario Select Jazz Limited Edition Sandstone Marble Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece love to hear it too.
I have the alto sandstone 6 and like it better than my Vandoren V16 m6
Thats why i question sandstone tenor if it plays as well as the alto I may have to retire my v16 tenor mouthpiece too.
Jeff, I haven’t tried the Sandstone Marble version of the D’Addario Jazz Tenor mouthpiece yet. Looking forward to trying it out. Steve
Hi Steve, Thanks for the review. Always great to have your objective view. I bought a D9M and loving it all round. Better than my Otto 8. much louder an precise. currently use Vandoren Classic 2 reed for gigs, 1 1/2 for practice.
Do you know the length of the lay for a D9M?
Cheers Paul
Paul, Sorry, I don’t. It must be on the internet somewhere but I didn’t search for the D9M because I didn’t try that one. Steve
I’m reviving this thread, because due to the wonders of ebay, I just got three of these bad boys (7, 8 and 9) for a little over $200. Here are my findings regarding facing lengths and tip openings: I suspect that these mouthpieces are being measured at the interior tip rail by D’Addario, because they all measure slightly longer and more open than factory spec. Here’s what I came up with: D7 – 25mm and .108; D8 – 26mm and .114; D9 – 27mm and .118. The tip rails are thicker on these pieces than on vintage Links or most of the newer boutique pieces (Navarro, Klum, etc, so I guess that works in a real-world kind of way. That being said, these pieces are phenomenal!!! More volume and punch than my heavily modded Link New Slant 8*, tons of response and flexibility, and that gorgeous classic tenor sound. I find the 8 and the 9 to be more alike than the 7. I’m currently going back and forth between the 7 and 8. The 7 is a little dryer and more direct, and the 8 is juicy and really, really flexible. That said, these pieces are ridiculously good. Thanks for the forum!!!
Thanks Jeff
I thought as much. your measurements coincide with my estimates for a D9M which I’m now playing. Got no sense from D’Addario. I think they want to keep it a secret. However the D9M is awesome with bags of power, great in the altissimo and in tune. takes a little effort but when you push the pedal down it rips.
Thanks again
I prefer the 8 with the 3 reed.
Hey Steve, another great review. I purchased the 7 and hooked up a ZZ3 with a Rico H lig. Not sure if the ZZ’s are stiff enough though: I’m going to order a pack of the JAVA Red 3’s and see if that helps. I’ve been playing on a Barkley POP8 marbled blue and black and it’s totally killer but difficult to control when playing, what I call, my signature blue sound. lol ? Anyway the neck opening is much smaller then my POP8 and fits my neck cork without plumbers tape. lol ? The D’Addario is every thing you said it is and much more focused then a Otto Link and I don’t see where it’s brighter although most critics say it is. Thanks again, Harley.
I have had the D7M Sandstone Model for a couple weeks , and it’s now my go to tenor mouthpiece . I was playing the Vandoren V16 7* large chamber . The V16 is free bowing and a great mouthpiece , but darker and more spread tone . I am enjoying the added projection and brightness from the Jazz Select , and still have the ability to get those smoky sub tones . Thank you for your review, you rock !
That’s great to hear! Glad you are happy with the D’Addario D7M and my review could help.
Somethng on the D’Addario Reserve tenor sax mouthpiece, medium-longfacing, MKR-D190?
Thanks,
Giuseppe.
Olá Steve! Está daddario 7 se assemelha a 10mfan robusto quanto a face de 24mm?
Translation: Is the D’addario 7 similar to a 10mfan Robusto in regard to the 24mm face?
Hi Alison, I’m not sure if I translated your question accurately. I no longer have the D’Addario mouthpiece here and I usually don’t measure the facing curves so I don’t know the answer to your question. Steve
I got the 7 for my son – turns out it was way too closed for him. Asked D’Addario to exchange it for a 9 – but they refused! So now I’m stuck with a $200 mouthpiece that he can’t use 🙁
Poor customer service, will never get anything from D’Addario again, I suggest you do the same.
Sorry to hear that. You could probably sell it online pretty easily although you will lose some money. That is too bad they wouldn’t let you exchange it.