What is an Alto M5 mouthpiece?

Question

I recently picked up Jazz band at my school. I play the alto saxophone. I play a Keilwerth 'Shadow' to be exact.

Well, my Jazz teacher told me to get a M5 mouthpiece and h said not to accept anything else.

So... what is an M5 mouthpiece? I can't find it anywhere online!

Is it a type or a brand?

Answer 1

What an idiot...  anyway... your band director is telling you to get a MEYER 5.  This is sort of one of the standard jazz mouthpieces.. and is a good step up piece for a stronger high school player, and a piece that can last you a lifetime.

The 5 indicates the "facing" size.  This is the distance between the reed and the tip opening.   5 is a medium/small facing, and is a good starter size.

Now.. why did I say he was an idiot?...  sorry.. but he shouldn't dictate what mouthpiece you should play.  You need to try many pieces, and find the one that is the most comfortable for you.  Not that he gave you bad advice on a great place to start... but there are plenty of other great mouthpieces, in the same price range, or less, that will provide you with the same type of sound, and might work better.  The other issue, is almost no 2 mouthpieces of the same make/size play alike.. they are mass produced, and their are inconsistencies.  A good alternative is a Vandoren V16 or Vandoren Java or a Brilhart.

Answer 2

You should not let anyone tell you what mouthiece to get. Get advice sure.

Mouthpieces are weird things and different ones work for different people. I use a otto link ebonite 6 and that works for me but you need to try out some because different mouthpieces give you different tones so you need to check different ones out.