The Selmer C* is a very good classical mouthpiece, but pricey. (200 bucks) Vandoren makes good metal mouthpieces use for a jazz band.(note that metal mouthpeices are not good for beginers) Rosseau makes a good classical mouthpiece at a well price on the price tag. Most are usually under 135 bucks.
I play a Meyer, it cost $125, if you buy online it's cheaper. Before I bought it, I was using the no-name piece that came with my student model sax, and as soon as I started playing the Meyer, I could play a higher volume, and had a much stronger tone throughout my range. I'm sure it goes without saying, but if you're going to put money into your horn, put in the time as well. If you really want tone improvement, make sure you breathe correctly, make sure you're taking in enough mouthpiece, and practice playing for long amounts of time to develop your embouchure.
While a great mouthpiece is an ok investment I would recommend a great reed over a great mouthpiece and make sure you know how to play Im playing a busher mouthpice that came with my sax and it sounds great
IN ADDITION
I believe that the Meyer 5 is a mouthpiece that is flexable, and something that can be used for concert and or jazz band. The C* is a little restricted for my liking...it is a strictly concert/classical toned MP, so if you anticipate playing both classical and jazz, I would go with the Meyer...It's what I play with on an "everyday" basis. When I have a jazz performance, I play a Jody Jazz DV Metal MP, both for Alto and Tenor...I highly recommend.
The best mouthpiece is the one where you like your sound the best, and that's really all there is to it. Whether you feel you sound best on a Selmer C* or a Theo Wanne Vintified Ambika is up to you. As far as shopping around goes, it all depends on what you want. For jazz I would recommend starting with some Otto Links or some Meyers, and for classical I don't think it gets much better than Rousseau's, but then again, I'm a jazz guy so I may not be the best guy to ask. Bottom line, it's all up to you, man.
There are many good choices depending on your level of playing ability. If your a new clarinetist, go with Vandoren mouthpieces such as the B45. Slightly more advanced players may want to try the Vandoren M13. If you are at a professional level, you will probably want to go with the handmade mouthpieces. I would highly recommend Brad Behn at www.clarinetmouthpiece.com. His vintage line is truly amazing. Others I would also recommend are Walter Grabner, Richard Hawkins, Clark Fobes, and Ridenour.
Yamaha and Boston are two recommended brands...for their price. unless you are looking at a Yamaha custom, buying a Yamaha is a waste of money unless you are a beginner. Your can't go wrong with a Selmer Paris or P. Mariot. these are the two greatest instruments I've ever had the fortune of playing on.
It depends on what your level is. If you are a beginner the Yamaha YAS-23 they last about 15 years. Or if your a jazz player or Pro go with Selmer Paris or a Pro Yamaha. whatever you do never ever go with Bandnow or Selmer USA Barrington is all right but Heavy
i just got a new one and i have gone through 3 now and each one has costed about $10 - $20, if you want a professional one they can go up to 80 because of a brand. Also vintage ones go for a lot
The alto sax is its own instrument so there is not a "best" alto sax but if you mean notes try to do theese notes: b (first finger on the top keys) a (first and second fingers on the top keys) and g (all three of the top fingers) if you pratice theese notes they look up some new ones. =)
Vandoren reeds are the best wooden reeds for Alto Saxophone. Legere are the best plastic reeds.
Farm out alto sax notes
it allows the alto sax to make a different sound.
I think that the sax is cooler. It's partially because I play the alto sax, but I think the sax is easier too.
The alto sax is generally not known as "an E flat sax", as a baritone saxophone is also in E flat.
Get a alto sax music book and read the instructions
Farm out alto sax notes
Neotechs are the best
it allows the alto sax to make a different sound.
Adolphe Sax
If you choose to start on sax, the alto is usually the best choice.
I think that the sax is cooler. It's partially because I play the alto sax, but I think the sax is easier too.
Great escape is a good song to play for alto sax
Get a alto sax music book and read the instructions
The alto sax is generally not known as "an E flat sax", as a baritone saxophone is also in E flat.
Adolphe Sax
Learn Alto Sax and find out what the notes are.
Yes and no, a symphony does have an alto sax sometimes but it is not required for it to have one. It really depends if the symphony is classical, blues, or jazz. Jazz and blues should always have an alto sax. Classical doesn't really need an alto sax, but it does make classical sound better.