Vandoren SM711 AL3 Optimum Series Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

I bought this on the strength of the reviews here, and am glad I did. Using this with my Yamaha YAS-62 pro alto, it produces warm, strong tones and greatly improved playability compared to my other mouthpieces.When it comes to sax mps, it's a good idea to experiment with a handful of different mouthpieces and different reeds. I'm using this with Vandoren 3 Java reds Vandoren Java Red Alto Saxophone Reeds #3, Box of 10 and it sounds terrific. Easier to play low notes; plus something I especially like is I can get clear strong tones on my high D/E/F/F# that's better than anything else I've used.I've played this alto for over 30 years, it never sounded better, than with this Vandoren A3 mp w/Red java 3 Vandoren reeds. Initially I held off because I'm used to playing mps from classic mp producers, many of which are outstanding.With a smooth, balanced, open tone, this produces well at all ends of the playing range, which is extremely important. Most mps are good at easy mid-tone production, what separates mouthpiece (and sax) quality, is that it's often harder to produce clear tones at low sub-low D (for low C/B/Bb) and high above high-D tones, this mouthpiece solves that and makes playing across the entire range easier.Another plus is how easy it is to play using 3-strength reeds, with no chirps/squawks/hard pressure. I've typically used 2 1/2 reeds for decades, because of problems using 3s on my other mps. This AL3 makes using 3s as easy as using 2 1/2s, which alone makes it worth getting, since 3s are better to play with.Pleasantly surprised, this is one of the better music-related buy decisions I've made; highly recommended for both new and us veteran horn players. Thanks Vandoren - you guys got it right. Much appreciated. Now I'm off to play classic jazz...( I like Bird, Trane, Desmond)- Ken

My previous mouthpiece, a Yamaha 4C, broke so I decided I'd upgrade to a better mouthpiece. I searched up some of the best jazz mouthpieces for relatively cheap and this one came up. My band director also recommended it and uses this one. I went ahead and got it and it took some getting use to at first, but once I did it played great. If I need a new mouthpiece in the future I'll probably get one of these again, it plays perfectly for the style I'm trying to do. I pair this mouthpiece with Vandoren Java Red or Green reeds usually, but sometimes go for their ZZ Jazz reeds or V16 jazz reeds. All very nice picks.If you're looking for a mouthpiece that doesn't break your bank (that much at least) and produces great sound this is the one for you. I'd highly recommend this for any saxophone player looking to upgrade their mouthpiece.

Bought this on our music teacher’s recommendation, and it is most definitely worth the money and time spent researching and choosing among alternatives. I considered some other big brand names as well, but eventually decided on this.This was to replace the default Jupiter mouthpiece that came with our alto sax, and the difference was evident from the absolute first use! The sound is richer, fuller and overall plays just really well. The color and finish are clearly superior quality, and it fit the neck of the sax perfectly. So far, it’s lasted well - it’s been a couple of months, and the difference shows every day!It has actually enhanced the playability of our old sax, and literally elevated its sound quality, for a fraction of the price of a new sax!

I purchased the Vandoren alto sax mouthpiece (SM713 AL5 Optimum Series) and immediately there was a marvelous difference in the sound and responsiveness of my horn. I noticed that the shape of the tip of the mouthpiece is an exact likeness to the tip of the Vandoren reeds that I have used for a long time. It seems that this allows the reed to vibrate more adequately without any additional force of air flowing from me. It seems like a natural fit with outstanding results. My alto sax is a Selmer Super Action 80, series I, and I was using the mouthpiece that came with the horn (Selmer S-80 C*). The new Vandoren mouthpiece is by far better for my use.

The Vandoren company produces a very dependable line of mouthpieces, reeds, etc. My experience with the Vandoren Optimum A4 is that it is a great mouthpiece. In my experience it has a nice warm tone and something I would definitely recommend over something like a Selmer C*. In my opinion, though a great mouthpiece for beginning-intermediate students, I personally like the warmth and resonance of a Selmer Concept much more. If you plan on upgrading mouthpieces from something like a Yamaha or Selmer C* and don’t have $60 more I would say this is the best option for a classical saxophonist, but no classical mouthpiece I have tried compares to the Selmer Concept.