Vandoren SM811S+ V16 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece; A5S+

I have been playing a New York Meyer on my alto for the last 45 years. It is such a fantastic mouthpiece that I cringe at the thought of damaging or losing it. It is irreplaceable - or so I thought. I have been checking out Baptiste Herbin who is promoting Vandoren. His sound is very similar to mine but clearly has a better altissimo. I therefore ordered the V16 alto SM811S+ A5S+ and the SM812S+ A6S+ to check it out for myself. Although Baptiste plays the A5S+, I found the A6S+ to play better for me coming off a Meyer. Over the years I’ve tried many mouthpieces. I even had the honor of playing Cannonball Adderley’s Meyer that he played for most of his career - which by the way has a terrible altissimo. This is the very first time that I have fallen in love with a different mouthpiece and have actually switched - mouthpiece infidelity! The SM812S+ A6S+ has a wider dynamic range than my Meyer, but I can still subtone low notes. The best characteristic is the improvement in my altissimo which I have only experienced with metal mouthpieces in the past. Overall the altissimo notes are easier to play, but my range has increased despite playing a soft JAVA red 2 1/2 reed. It plays up to altissimo E whereas my Meyer topped out at D and struggled to reach an Eb. With the V16 I can force out even higher notes, but I hit them inconsistently. I’m okay with E being my every day range limit, but perhaps my range will increase over time - I’ll let you know. In summary, the SM812S+ A6S+ V16 alto mouthpiece plays better than my New York Meyer 5 medium chamber made in the 1950’s that I played for the last 45 years. It is more responsive than my Meyer. The altissimo speaks easier despite a soft reed and my range is increased without having the undesirable characteristics of a metal mouthpiece or a harder reed.

Mouthpiece is easy blowing. Sound is bright.

I read a lot about this model of mouthpiece and I was thinking of getting A5 s+ or A6. I went with A5s+ and I can only say go for it! Such an amazing mouthpiece, great and fast response and it’s so easy to play. I have vintage Conn Naked Lady sax, I play mostly Jazz, Big Band, Funk, Hip Hop music. Highly recommend this mouthpiece. I would definitely buy one for my tenor, just don’t know which one, any recommendations?

Amazing mouthpiece, great tone, versatility. Is the same of the Dadario but best price

nothing special

Excelente !!

Compraba marcas más económicas y no tenían buena duración, esta es una excelente compra, me da mejor sonido y tiene más duración

This mouthpiece is easy to play and has a bigger sound than Yamaha 4C mouthpiece.