Best Tenor Saxophones Mouthpieces of 2026

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Tenor saxophones mouthpieces are an essential part of any saxophonist's gear. These mouthpieces come in various sizes and materials, each with its own unique sound and feel. Some popular materials include hard rubber, metal, and plastic. The shape of the mouthpiece tip also affects the sound and projection of the saxophone. Many jazz and blues players prefer a larger tip opening for a brighter and more powerful sound, while classical players often opt for a smaller tip opening for a more controlled and refined tone. With so many options available, it's important for saxophonists to experiment and find the mouthpiece that best suits their playing style and sound preferences.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Yamaha 4C Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Cover #TOP 1
Yamaha 4C Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Yamaha Tenor Sax Mouthpiece 4C Cover #TOP 2
Yamaha Tenor Sax Mouthpiece 4C
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BetterSax Signature Classic Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Cover #TOP 3
BetterSax Signature Classic Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Tenor Saxophones Mouthpieces

#TOP 1

Yamaha 4C Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

YAC TS4C
Yamaha 4C Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Cover
Yamaha 4C Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece, Standard Series

Yamaha 4C Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece is the official original-equipment mouthpiece, made from durable phenol resin plastic. It is designed for beginners to make a terrific sound and can fit any brand of standard tenor saxophone. The state-of-the-art manufacturing produces a high-quality and consistent mouthpiece.

What We Like
Durable Phenol Resin Plastic
Designed for Beginners
High-quality and Consistent Sound
#TOP 2

Yamaha Tenor Sax Mouthpiece 4C

YAC1291
black
Yamaha Tenor Sax Mouthpiece 4C Cover
Yamaha Tenor Sax Mouthpiece 4C

The Yamaha Tenor Sax Mouthpiece is a high-quality mouthpiece designed for tenor saxophones. It is specifically crafted to deliver outstanding performance and comfort where it matters most - where the instrument meets the musician. This mouthpiece is highly consistent, making it a great choice for both beginning and professional musicians. With its 4C size, it offers a balanced and versatile tone that is well-suited for intermediate players. The Yamaha Tenor Sax Mouthpiece is an excellent option for anyone looking to enhance their playing experience and achieve a professional sound.

What We Like
High-quality
Comfortable
Consistent
#TOP 3

BetterSax Signature Classic Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

BS-A-TMP-11
BetterSax Signature Classic Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Cover
BetterSax Classic Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Made in the USA, Hand-Finished, Reed Friendly. Ideal for beginners in Concert band, Jazz band and Marching band

The BetterSax Mouthpiece is designed for ease of play, durability, impressive sound quality, and educational advantage. The optimal design promotes quick learning, making it perfect for beginners. Crafted from high-quality plastic, it ensures long-lasting use for daily practice. With impressive sound output, beginners can produce clear tones easily. This mouthpiece supports skill development critical for mastering wind instruments, such as airflow and embouchure techniques.

What We Like
Easy for beginners
Durable material
Impressive sound quality
#TOP 4

Yamaha 5C Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

YAC TS5C
Yamaha 5C Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Cover
Yamaha 5C Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece, Standard Series

The Yamaha 5C Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece, part of the standard series, is an authentic and reliable mouthpiece suitable for any brand of standard tenor saxophone. With its slightly larger tip opening, the 5C size offers a richer tone, excellent flexibility, and responsive playability. Made from safe and durable phenol resin plastic, this mouthpiece ensures longevity and consistent performance. The state-of-the-art manufacturing process guarantees an extremely high-quality product. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the Yamaha 5C Mouthpiece provides the convenience of a versatile mouthpiece that enhances your saxophone playing experience, allowing you to effortlessly produce a wide range of tones and express your musicality.

What We Like
Rich tone
Excellent flexibility
Responsive playability
#TOP 5

Selmer S-80 C* Mouthpiece for Tenor Saxophone

S404C1
Selmer S-80 C* Mouthpiece for Tenor Saxophone Cover
Selmer S-80 C* Mouthpiece for Tenor Saxophone (S404C1)

The Selmer S-80 C* Mouthpiece for Tenor Saxophone (S404C1) features a square cross section in the chamber, making it a great option for those looking to "step up" their mouthpiece. With a tip opening of 1.8 and a facing length of 24.00, this mouthpiece is perfect for tenor saxophonists looking for a high-quality, reliable option.

What We Like
Great for those looking to "step up" their mouthpiece
Square cross section in the chamber provides a unique sound
Tip opening of 1.8 and facing length of 24.00 makes it a reliable and high-quality option
#TOP 6

Vandoren Optimum Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

SM721
Black
Vandoren Optimum Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Cover
Vandoren SM721 TL3 Optimum Series Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece , Black

The Vandoren SM721 TL3 Optimum Series Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece, Black boasts roundness, depth, and precision to deliver excellent sound quality. The medium-short facing and 176 tip opening (1/100mm) make it easy to play, while it works best with Vandoren #2.5-#4 reeds.

What We Like
Delivers excellent sound quality
Easy to play with medium-short facing and 176 tip opening
Works best with Vandoren #2.5-#4 reeds
#TOP 7

Vandoren SM613B T75 Jumbo JAVA Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

SM613B
Black
Vandoren SM613B T75 Jumbo JAVA Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Cover
Vandoren SM613B T75 Jumbo JAVA Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece , Black

The Vandoren Jumbo JAVA Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece is a dynamic and flexible mouthpiece that offers versatility for saxophone players. With a tip opening of 265 (1/100mm) and a medium long facing, this mouthpiece works best with Vandoren #2-#3 reeds. The dynamic nature of this mouthpiece allows for a wide range of playing styles, from soft and mellow tones to powerful and bright sounds. The flexibility of the mouthpiece enables players to easily switch between different genres and musical expressions. Its versatility makes it suitable for both beginner and advanced players, allowing them to explore various playing techniques and styles effortlessly. The Vandoren Jumbo JAVA Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece is a reliable and convenient choice for saxophonists seeking a versatile mouthpiece for their performances.

What We Like
Dynamic and flexible
Versatile for different genres
Suitable for both beginners and advanced players
#TOP 8

Vandoren V16 Ebonite Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

SM823E
MultiColored
Vandoren V16 Ebonite Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Cover
Vandoren SM823E T7 V16 Ebonite Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

The Vandoren V16 Ebonite Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece offers a great combination of sound projection and tone quality. It features a tip opening of 270 (1/100mm) and a long facing, which makes it compatible with Vandoren #2.5-#3.5 reeds. This mouthpiece is perfect for intermediate to advanced players who want a versatile and high-quality mouthpiece for their tenor saxophone.

What We Like
Great combination of sound projection and tone quality
Compatible with Vandoren #2.5-#3.5 reeds
Perfect for intermediate to advanced players
#TOP 9

Rico Reed (MKM-7)

MKM-7
black
Rico Reed (MKM-7) Cover
Rico Metalite Tenor Sax Mouthpiece, M7

The Rico Reed for Tenor Sax is a high-quality mouthpiece designed specifically for tenor saxophones. With its M7 model, this mouthpiece offers a tip opening of .105" and a facing length of 24mm. The durable construction ensures that it will not chip or crack, providing long-lasting performance. Additionally, the Rico Reed is available in three tip openings, allowing players to choose the one that best suits their playing style. The generous tip opening and facing length of this mouthpiece contribute to a rich and resonant sound, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced players. Its durability and versatility make the Rico Reed a reliable choice for saxophonists of all levels.

What We Like
High-quality construction
Three tip openings to choose from
Rich and resonant sound
#TOP 10

BetterSax Burnin’ Tenor Sax Mouthpiece 7*

BSAXBT7X
Black
BetterSax Burnin’ Tenor Sax Mouthpiece 7* Cover
BetterSax Burnin’ Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece – Size 7*, .105” Tip Opening. Precision-Crafted for Exceptional Tone and Effortless Playability. Perfect for Jazz, Big Band, and Contemporary Styles

The BetterSax Burnin’ Mouthpiece offers a unique sound thanks to its roll-over baffle, which helps you stand out with a clear and focused tone while keeping warmth and flexibility in your playing. Its deep chamber adds richness and resonance, giving you a balanced and full sound. You’ll also appreciate the medium-facing curve and precision tip rails, designed for quick response and easy control, making articulation smooth and effortless. Made from genuine hard rubber, this mouthpiece delivers a warm, rich sound with great projection, perfect for jazz, big band, or contemporary styles.

What We Like
Clear, focused sound
Rich, balanced tone
Easy articulation
Warm, rich material
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I make my tenor sax sound better?

To improve the sound of your tenor sax, you can try practicing overtones, focusing on the mouthpiece alone, rolling the lower lip out, practicing long tones, playing using the 'EEE' sound, avoiding tension while breathing, practicing proper articulation, and not obsessing over finding better gear.

2. Is tenor sax harder than alto?

In theory, the tenor sax is slightly more difficult because it is heavier, requires larger hands, and takes a bit more air to play compared to the alto sax. However, for adults and teenagers, these differences are not significant. Younger children, especially those under 13, may find it more challenging to handle a larger instrument like the tenor sax.

3. What is the highest note a tenor sax can hit?

The tenor saxophone, which is in B♭, can reach high F♯ or even higher using altissimo fingerings. It is important to note that the highest note a tenor sax can hit can vary depending on the skill and technique of the player.

Editor's Notes

During our tenor saxophones mouthpiece research, we found 24 tenor saxophones mouthpiece products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,170 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tenor saxophones mouthpieces list. We found that most customers choose tenor saxophones mouthpieces with an average price of $153.57.

The tenor saxophones mouthpieces are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tenor saxophones mouthpieces, including Yamaha, BetterSax, Henri Selmer, Vandoren, D'Addario. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,998 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.