How does the tip opening and facing length change the sound on an alto saxophone

Question:I'm tired of playing the cheap yamaha mouthpiece that come with my cheap yamaha saxophone that so loves to break. I have delved into the vandoren website and realized i'm in way over my head. I play in HS band and thinking of joining jazz band. Also play jazz at home just for fun. I'm using vandoren Java reeds (3.5 but I'm switching to 4 when I run out). Any advice on picking a mouthpiece?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm tired of playing the cheap yamaha mouthpiece that come with my cheap yamaha saxophone that so loves to break. I have delved into the vandoren website and realized i'm in way over my head. I play in HS band and thinking of joining jazz band. Also play jazz at home just for fun. I'm using vandoren Java reeds (3.5 but I'm switching to 4 when I run out). Any advice on picking a mouthpiece?

Sure.

A tight, short facing and a number four reed will yield tone and intonation fitting for symphonic performances. Most jazz players opt for a more open facing and softer reeds to yield a more growly tone and to permit bending the notes a bit.

Another thing to consider is the material of the mouthpiece. A hard rubber one will give you that darker tone that so many jazz musicians love, then again some prefer metal for the brassier sound. Your symphonic musicians will go for the hard plastic or crystal mouthpieces.

Invest in a Rovner ligature; you won't regret it, no matter what style you play. You can find them on ebay for good prices.

If you do a web search, you can find web pages that will show what kinds of set-up famous saxophonists use.

TR's advice is very good. The only thing I would add is that most of my students use the Selmer C* for concert playing and Meyers for jazz.

Most good music shops will let you test a few mouthpieces before buying.