I bought this mouthpiece as a step up mouthpiece from a Yamaha C4 mouthpiece on my Vito Alto sax after first trying a Vandoren V-12, A6. The V-12 A6 has a great full sound but it was was a step too far with a opening of 196 that left me winded and struggling after about 15 minutes. The SM711 AL3 with an opening of 152 is just right with the Rico Royal 2 1/2 reeds I'm using. Beautiful warm sound that is forgiving and easy to control. Overall a great value for the price.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I had the AL-4 but purchased this AL-3 with the lower tip opening because my endurance was not where I needed it to be as a player to use in the wind ensemble. So my review will be kind of a comparison. The AL-3 has slightly thicker rails and front rail than the AL-4 but the inside of the mouthpiece baffle, throat, chamber, ramp, look similar. I experienced the AL-3 to be slightly darker like others are saying, but I felt I get a similar sound out of the AL-3 as with the AL-4. I can still get high upper partials to the tone out of the AL-3 as with the AL-4. I'm happy with the over all tone I can get from the AL-3 although not quite as focused as with the Selmer Larry Teal. The resistance is noticable but not too much. With the AL-3 I had the same issue others were saying it not projecting due to the smaller tip opening, but with plenty of practicing and stiff enough reeds, you can still project with the AL-3. The bore inner diameter of the AL-3 is similar to the AL-4, no problems putting it on the neck cork. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is a very good mouthpiece for classical saxophone playing. Very consistent sound. Not really for jazz, if that's what you're looking for (Try a Vandoren V5 mouthpiece for that.) I find it works well with Vandoren Traditional and V21 reeds.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
By far my #1 mouthpiece!!!! I do own few other brands of Mouthpiece but Always like playing with my AL Optimum 3 Vandoren. It just work for me!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great alto mouthpiece, easy blowing, nice sound.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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