Barnes & Mullins Vandoren Optimum Ebonite – Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

THE STANDARD ALTO MOUTHPIECE 

The Optimum mouthpiece features a completely redesigned structure, starting from the exterior and extending inward. From its distinctively shaped form reminiscent of vintage mouthpieces to its comfortably designed beak and meticulously crafted facing, rails, and table, the Optimum series is engineered for enhanced freedom of blowing and responsiveness. Offering precise articulation and complete control across all dynamic ranges, the Optimum mouthpieces also maintain Vandoren’s hallmark of precise intonation.

FEATURES

• Material: Hard Rubber

• Made In: France

• Chamber: Large

• Baffle: Small

• Ligature: Not included

• Manufacturing Method: CNC machined and hand-finished

• Recommended for: Students and professionals alike. 

 Tip Opening/Facing Length

AL3 (1.52mm/Medium Long Facing) The narrowest tip opening of the Optimum range, roughly comparable to a Selmer C*. With its exceptional roundness, it is the ultimate classical mouthpiece. 

AL4 (1.631mm/Medium Short Facing) A little more open than the AL3, while maintaining the sound aesthetic of the Optimum series.

AL5 (1.68mm/Medium Long Facing) This mouthpiece has all of the same sound qualities of the AL3 with a slightly larger tip opening. It offers a perfect balance with number 3 reeds.

Staff Review

I used an Optimum AL3 for my classical saxophone studies at University, and I couldn’t fault it. Free-blowing with a pure tone across the whole range of the instrument. The tone of the Optimum doesn’t particularly stick out by default, so I found this to be a great mouthpiece when trying to blend with an orchestra. You can certainly project in a solo setting with this piece though if you give it plenty of oomph! My reed of choice on this mouthpiece was a Vandoren V12 in either a 3 or 3.5. – Oren Gurney