Objective characterization of saxophone mouthpiece playability

Abstract

In single-reed instruments, the mouthpiece and reed have an essential effect on instrument playability, since they largely determine the range of lip force and blowing pressure required to produce notes. This paper quantitatively examines the effect of three different mouthpiece designs (Selmer S80, Concept, and Spirit) on the range of lip force and blowing pressure combinations in which tone can be produced on the alto saxophone for notes ranging from D3 to D5. Average lip force, blowing pressure, loudness, and tuning are investigated as functions of notes and for three different reed strengths. Characteristics such as lip-force/blowing-pressure playability area (total playability area, TPA) and correctly tuned playability area (CTPA) are determined for different reed strengths and note values, and change of tuning as a function of notes is investigated. Apparent differences were observed between mouthpieces of different designs and even between mouthpieces with extremely similar tip openings. The Spirit mouthpiece is louder but requires higher lip force and more adaptation of lip force and of blowing pressure over note ranges. The Concept, with a remarkably similar tip opening and facing length as the S80, allows for a smoother transition between the low and high registers of the instrument and has better tuning stability. The new parameters < TPA > and < CTPA > are introduced as summarizing indicators of mouthpiece characteristics, averaged over note range and reed strength range. Such parameters can be used to define mouthpiece playability objectively and can form important input for parameter-based design improvement or customization.