Selmer Paris S80 C* vs S90 190: What's the Difference?

I’ve had many students ask me about the differences between two similar mouthpieces: the classic Selmer Paris S80 C*, and the somewhat newer Selmer Paris S90 190. Both of these mouthpieces feature a similar square chamber, tip opening, facing curve, and in theory should play similarly. However, I feel there are some significant differences between them.

I generally find the S80 C* to be an easier blow, but it will accept lesser maximum air and becomes brighter as you push it. Meanwhile, the S90 190 requires a bit more air support, however, it offers more room to push and generally will not cap out when using lots of air. Both mouthpieces offer ease and clarity of articulation. In general, I find the S90 190 to sound and feel more homogenous across registers, especially when entering into the altissimo; the S80 C* has different response and player feedback across registers. Overall, I find both to be a great option but serve different purposes.

The S80 C* is the classic first step-up mouthpiece but also scales well into advanced playing for general use. It pairs especially well with horns featuring a bore more similar to that of the classic Selmer Paris Mark VI, such as the Selmer Paris SA80 Series II and Yamaha Custom Z. Meanwhile, the S90 190 requires a bit more mature air support but in exchange, offers more flexibility for advanced players and pairs especially well with modern-bored horns like the Selmer Paris SA80 Series III and Yamaha Custom EX.

Listen to difference for yourself, below:

Review: Selmer Paris Claude Delangle Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

Hello again, long time no see! I hope you are all keeping safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and doing everything you can to stay sane in this challenging time. To distract you from the news, today I will be reviewing the brand-new Selmer Paris Claude Delangle Mouthpiece! The mouthpiece was provided by Conn-Selmer, and some of the video content was provided courtesy of Selmer Paris.

If you want to learn more, be sure to visit the following links:
Learn more from Conn-Selmer: https://bit.ly/ConnSelmerDelangleInfo
Watch the Selmer Paris Video: https://bit.ly/Selmer-Paris-Delangle-Video

Check out my video review (complete with playing comparisons) below.

TLDW: This is a fascinating new addition to the Selmer Paris mouthpiece lineup! While this mouthpiece is rather expensive and out of the reach of many players, it offers something truly unique and is without direct competition in today’s market. Don't forget the boutique unboxing experience!

Review: Yanagisawa Classical AC140 and SC120 Alto and Soprano Mouthpieces

Welcome back, all! Today, I will be reviewing a new series of mouthpieces from Japanese saxophone make, Yanagisawa, the AC140 and SC120. Prior to this new series, Yanagisawa mouthpieces were limited to a single hard rubber line and metal line, both of which were generally regarded to be more jazz-oriented. It’s great to see more and more great manufactures jump into spaces that had previously left classical saxophonists wanting! These mouthpiece review units were graciously provided by Conn-Selmer.

If you want to learn even more about Yanagisawa Classical series:
Learn more from Conn-Selmer: http://bit.ly/yani-sixs-ligature-and-mpc

Check out my video reviews (including playing comparisons) below.

TLDW: The AC140 alto mouthpiece has a smaller more intimate sound but plays with best-of-class response and articulation across the registers. The SC120 soprano mouthpiece has a bigger rounder sound but a bit more resistance than I was expected, given the characteristics of the alto mouthpiece. Both are well-made and a good value relative to other products on the market, even if the packaging and presentation are left a bit wanting in comparison to Selmer or Vandoren.