Are Metal Mouthpieces Better Than Hard Rubber?

Have you ever wondered why some sax players choose metal mouthpieces while others stick to hard rubber? I spent years extensively testing every kind of saxophone mouthpiece imaginable and discovered key differences most players never even consider. In this post, I’ll break down the differences that actually matter, debunk a persistent myth about metal versus hard rubber mouthpieces, and help you confidently choose the best type for your playing style. I’m also going to reveal a brand-new metal mouthpiece that is the best I’ve ever played.

The Otto Link Comparison

To start, let’s compare two of the most famous and popular saxophone mouthpieces of all time:

• The Otto Link Tone Edge (hard rubber)
• The Otto Link Super Tone Master (metal)

Result:
If you’ve ever played both of these mouthpieces, you’d not only hear a big difference in how they sound but also feel a big difference in how they respond. The metal Otto Link plays louder, brighter, and has more projection than the hard rubber one.

Many saxophonists believe that metal mouthpieces are always louder and brighter than hard rubber ones because of the material. But that’s just not true, and I’ll explain it to you shortly.

Importance of Internal Design Over Material

The brightness and projection of a saxophone mouthpiece are mostly determined by what’s on the inside, not the material it’s made from.

Think of it like this: if you have two straws, one metal and one plastic, but the same diameter, the material doesn’t change how easy it is to sip your smoothie. But the diameter of that straw changes everything, right?

• The hard rubber Tone Edge is darker and rounder because it has a lower baffle and a larger chamber. This means the air moves through it more slowly.
  
• The metal Super Tone Master has slightly more baffle and a smaller chamber, so the air moves faster, resulting in a louder, brighter, and more projecting sound.
  

Now, what happens when the interior dimensions stay the same but the material changes? Let’s find out.

The Vandoren V16 Comparison

This time, I compared the Vandoren V16-T7 medium chamber in hard rubber and its metal counterpart. I used the same exact BetterSax 2.5 Jazz Cut reed on all mouthpieces for consistency.

Result:
These two sound more similar than the Otto Links did. That’s because their interior dimensions are nearly the same. Both have a similar rollover baffle and curved sidewalls that lead into a medium chamber.

Impact of External Size on Mouth Feel 

Here’s the interesting thing: the hard rubber mouthpiece is physically larger on the outside, which means when I’m playing it, my mouth has to open wider. This difference in external size is actually one of the main reasons saxophonists choose one material over the other. Even with identical internal dimensions, the metal mouthpiece will usually feel brighter and louder because it takes up less space in your mouth, allowing you to keep your mouth slightly more closed.

Try humming a note while adjusting how open your mouth is. Small differences in mouth opening can have a big impact on the sound, at least from the player’s perspective.

There’s also the question of comfort. Some players feel more comfortable with a larger hard rubber mouthpiece, while others prefer a smaller metal one. You’ll need to try some to know what works best for you.

Introducing the Burnin’ Metal Mouthpiece

Now I want to show you some more key differences between hard rubber and metal mouthpieces. To do that, I’m using a brand-new metal mouthpiece that I designed together with Jody Espina of JodyJazz.

We worked on this for a long time because I wouldn’t accept anything that didn’t beat every other mouthpiece I have. That’s not easy, because I’ve got a lot of great mouthpieces, including the original BetterSax Burnin’ hard rubber mouthpiece in a 7* tip opening.

I absolutely love this mouthpiece (BetterSax Burnin’ hard rubber) and have been playing it exclusively since we made it. When we decided to make a metal version of the Burnin’, we had our work cut out for us.

It’s not just a case of making the same exact mouthpiece but out of metal. Our first prototypes were based on a blank with a smaller diameter, and we couldn’t get the same depth and warmth as the hard rubber version. We had to make it larger, and then discovered that the facing curve of the hard rubber Burnin’ didn’t work as well on the metal version. After many prototypes and iterations, we finally achieved this version – the BEST metal tenor sax mouthpiece I’ve ever played.

The Burnin’ Metal Mouthpiece is now available from your BetterSax dealers. These are made in the USA at the JodyJazz factory, gold-plated, hand-finished by expert craftspeople, and come in three tip openings: 6*, 7*, and 8*. They also include a ligature, mouthpiece cap, and velvet pouch.

Pros and Cons: Metal vs Hard Rubber

How a mouthpiece plays and feels aren’t the only considerations when choosing what’s best for you.

• Price: Metal mouthpieces are typically more expensive because of raw materials and the additional labor involved in making them.
• Durability: Metal mouthpieces are more durable and less prone to cracks. Hard rubber mouthpieces can degrade over time, especially with exposure to UV light.
• Comfort: The external size affects comfort, and everyone has their own preferences here.

Remember when I said I’d prove that metal mouthpieces aren’t always louder and brighter than hard rubber ones? The Burnin’ Hard Rubber is a perfect example. My hard rubber Burnin’ 7* can play louder, brighter, and with more projection than the Otto Link and some other metal mouthpieces I have. That’s because of the internal dimensions, not the material.

Choosing a mouthpiece isn’t easy. There are so many variables: baffle, chamber, tip opening, and more.

Get your BetterSax BURNIN’ Metal Tenor Mouthpiece today!

NEW BetterSax BURNIN’ Metal Tenor Mouthpiece

Want to learn more?

Check out our other mouthpiece-related posts below where we explain everything you need to know about mouthpiece parts and how they work. You’ll be an expert in no time!

How Saxophone Mouthpieces Work – Everything You Need to Know

We Designed the Ultimate Bari Sax Mouthpiece for Beginners

How the Best Saxophone Mouthpieces are Made

Your FIRST Saxophone Mouthpiece

Why are Jody Jazz Mouthpieces So Good?