When it comes to metal and ebonite mouthpieces, there’s much more than just limiting them to bright and dark. In this article, we will delve deeper into comparison between the two materials and how they affect saxophone sound.
Saxophone Mouthpieces: Truth You Should Know
In the world of saxophones, musicians are mainly focused on the instruments rather than the mouthpiece, while it’s a mouthpiece, which creates sound. It makes sense why rock’n’roll, jazz, and classical players use mouthpieces, which differ in shape and design, as mouthpieces are a crucial part of creating the sound that fits a specific style.
Although the idea of metal mouthpieces as bright ones and ebonite mouthpieces as dark ones may be partly true, the main factor determining a sax sound is the internal geometry and shape of the mouthpiece. The material doesn’t affect sound as much as geometry. However, the material does affect the subtle layers within the overall scope of many things, creating the sound.
How Metal Mouthpieces Differ From Ebonite Mouthpieces
Let’s compare metal and ebonite saxophone mouthpieces in detail:
Ebonite Mouthpieces
Ebonite mouthpieces, also known as hard rubber mouthpieces, are widely used across genres. Ebonite mouthpieces are described as ones with a wide-spreading sound, which is easily adaptable to different settings.
Players admit that hard rubber mouthpieces provide more compression and add a bit more edge. Saxophonists mostly prefer pure rubber mouthpieces free from carbon for their ability to resonate well.
As hard rubber mouthpieces are made of organic compounds derived from hard latex, it’s not the best option for constant contact with the sun or heat. This makes them inappropriate options for musicians from marching bands. Being influenced by sun and heat, hard rubber mouthpieces oxidize, turn green, and start to release sulphur. Also, keep in mind that hard rubber mouthpieces should be cleaned in a proper way — by using cold, not hot water.
Metal Mouthpieces
Metal saxophone mouthpieces are known for their power and projection. They can be made of various metals, including brass, stainless steel, gold plate or silver plate, and bronze.
Using metal mouthpieces saxophonists can experience a full range of overtones and harmonics. They admit that there is more flexibility and a fuller body in the sound while they play them. Once they push the sound, metal mouthpieces offer more attack and more decibels, making the volume louder.
Metal saxophone mouthpieces also give an extra body to the sound at the mid level and provide good subtones once musicians drop the sound down.
Things to Consider While Choosing Between Ebonite and Metal Saxophone Mouthpieces
There are some significant things to take into account when selecting a proper mouthpiece:
-
Metal mouthpieces feel denser as they are typically smaller in diameter than hard rubber mouthpieces, while hard rubber ones are always bigger.
-
Metal mouthpieces aren’t brighter. As a material, metal only adds a little ring to the mouthpiece, making it seem brighter to many players, while hard rubber mouthpieces add a resonance.
-
It’s not a matter of material but how you experience playing with different mouthpieces. Actually, you can use metal mouthpieces and hard rubber mouthpieces for similar goals.
-
If you choose the wrong mouthpiece that makes you struggle with it through playing rather than enjoying what you do, it can spoil the overall impression. In this case, it doesn't even matter how great, expensive, and custom your saxophone is.
-
When choosing between hard rubber and metal mouthpieces, it’s significant to consider the chamber of the mouthpiece. If you seek a big fat sound, you should select mouthpieces with a big chamber. To get a pointed, rock’n’roll sound, you should go for small chambers.
How to identify chambers?
-
Compare two mouthpieces side by side: Look at the internal diameter (the bore) of each mouthpiece.
-
Understand the bore: The bore is the internal area where the mouthpiece fits onto the neck cork.
-
Check the mouthpiece center:
-
Large Chamber: If the interior diameter of the mouthpiece (the center) is larger than the bore, it creates a large chamber.
-
Medium Chamber: If the interior diameter is the same size as the bore, it creates a medium chamber.
-
Small Chamber: If the interior diameter is smaller than the bore, it creates a small chamber.
-
This process will help you identify and classify the chamber size based on the mouthpiece's design.
At the end of the day, the answer to the question which mouthpiece to choose: ebonite or metal is the one: choose and play the mouthpiece that makes you feel free. It's simple but it's a great way to approach the choice of mouthpieces. Once you find what works for you, it opens up the creativity in you.
Final Thoughts
With all different options available on the market, you should not be afraid to try different things to find what works for you. You should not follow someone else's trends, believing that some kind of stuff will definitely make you a great player because it has already made someone a great one. The truth is that as the musician grows their equipment gets smaller, because it’s all about finding your tone and sticking to it rather than following after some big ideas of how you should be.
We’ve already spoken a lot about the materials, but your mouthpiece needs a secure place during transport and storage, no matter if it’s ebonite or metal. For this purpose we have designed a range of high-quality mouthpiece pouches, available in single, double, and triple designs. You can also find other leather accessories for your saxophone in our catalogue. Would you like some help with selecting a reed? Recently we’ve shared tips on How to Choose the Right Saxophone Reed.