Vandoren AP2/3/4 Alto Sax Mouthpiece - Profile Series - Ebonite

Sale Price: $235.95 Original Price: $400.50
Model # - Tip Opening:

Expertise and technology at the service of saxophonists. The Profile mouthpiece combines design, projection, warmth, and ease of playing. The qualities of the best mouthpieces are brought together in this Profile mouthpiece, offering new possibilities for expression.

  • Material: Ebonite

  • Instrument: Alto Saxophone

  • Series: Profile

Vandoren’s Expert Opinion:

(AP2 / SM912 - Medium-Long Table - Tip Opening: 145) - The ultimate easy and accessible mouthpiece. Unprecedented roundness and homogeneity give this mouthpiece a rich tone for an unparalleled playing experience.

(AP3 / SM912 - Medium-Long Table - Tip Opening: 158) - An instinctive extension of the air column with a natural fluidity in all registers, and an infinite palette of colors. Particularly recommended with Traditional, V•12 and V21 reeds.

(AP3 / SM912 - Medium-Short Table - Tip Opening: 167) - A mouthpiece with projection suited to solo playing. A compact and consistent playing style without compromising on ease of use.

Model #s:

  • SM912 (AP2)

  • SM913 (AP3)

  • SM914 (AP4)

Technical Elements:

What is a beak made of? The mouthpiece is made of ebonite, without any other plastics being used.

  • Vulcanized rubber (coded 'NR' (Natural Rubber))

  • A material produced entirely from natural materials: natural rubber (latex extracted from Hevea brasiliensis, therefore renewable), sulfur (approximately 30%) and linseed oil.

  • The ebonite used by Vandoren is a certified non-toxic material, in accordance with European Directive EU 2009/48/EC, Annex II, Part III.

The Structure of a Bucket:  (Vocabulary Elements)

  • Table : where the reed is placed

  • Opening : the space that exists at the end of the mouthpiece between the reed and the table 

  • Chamber : the part in which the sound is formed, and which receives air pressure directly from the mouth; the bore channels the air to send it into the instrument.

  • Ceiling : this is the upper part of the room (the part that has the most influence on the sound)

  • Bore passage : the surface that separates the chamber from the bore.

Opening a Spout: This is the space that exists at the end of the mouthpiece between the reed and the table.

The mouthpiece must maintain the instrument's intonation. This intonation is paramount, but the pitch can vary from one country to another or from one orchestra to another (hence the creation of the 13 series at the American pitch of 440 Hz). A larger bore lowers the instrument's pitch and can eliminate the need for a separate barrel.

  • For the same opening:

    • Longer table = stronger reed

    • Shorter table = easier reed

  • For the same table length:

    • More open mouthpiece = easier reed

    • Closer mouthpiece = stronger reed

Technical Recommendations:

  • The characteristic odor of ebonite is due to sulfurous fumes emitted from the material, particularly during the first few months of use. These fumes are completely harmless to the user but can, over time, cause silver coins stored nearby to tarnish..

  • Ebonite's number one enemy is light, especially sunlight. A mouthpiece that receives little exposure will remain black and shiny for a very long time. On the other hand, a mouthpiece that is constantly exposed to light will become sensitive to various agents such as hot water, alkaline soaps, and alcohol, and may then change color. But don't worry, a simple polish will restore your mouthpiece to its full shine!

Very Important Player Item**

We will get it for you!

** This product is a Prof “VIP” special order item and is not normally stocked in-store. Once you place your order, we’ll dedicate attention to sourcing it through our industry supplier network, prioritize the shipment to our location, inspect and certify the item, then send it to you. Typical turnaround is 7–14 days. Although we don’t keep this item on hand, our strong supplier relationships allow us to obtain it quickly. When available from our suppliers, we’ll provide an estimated delivery date and tracking number after the item ships. Ça c’est bon & C’est tout!

Expertise and technology at the service of saxophonists. The Profile mouthpiece combines design, projection, warmth, and ease of playing. The qualities of the best mouthpieces are brought together in this Profile mouthpiece, offering new possibilities for expression.

  • Material: Ebonite

  • Instrument: Alto Saxophone

  • Series: Profile

Vandoren’s Expert Opinion:

(AP2 / SM912 - Medium-Long Table - Tip Opening: 145) - The ultimate easy and accessible mouthpiece. Unprecedented roundness and homogeneity give this mouthpiece a rich tone for an unparalleled playing experience.

(AP3 / SM912 - Medium-Long Table - Tip Opening: 158) - An instinctive extension of the air column with a natural fluidity in all registers, and an infinite palette of colors. Particularly recommended with Traditional, V•12 and V21 reeds.

(AP3 / SM912 - Medium-Short Table - Tip Opening: 167) - A mouthpiece with projection suited to solo playing. A compact and consistent playing style without compromising on ease of use.

Model #s:

  • SM912 (AP2)

  • SM913 (AP3)

  • SM914 (AP4)

Technical Elements:

What is a beak made of? The mouthpiece is made of ebonite, without any other plastics being used.

  • Vulcanized rubber (coded 'NR' (Natural Rubber))

  • A material produced entirely from natural materials: natural rubber (latex extracted from Hevea brasiliensis, therefore renewable), sulfur (approximately 30%) and linseed oil.

  • The ebonite used by Vandoren is a certified non-toxic material, in accordance with European Directive EU 2009/48/EC, Annex II, Part III.

The Structure of a Bucket:  (Vocabulary Elements)

  • Table : where the reed is placed

  • Opening : the space that exists at the end of the mouthpiece between the reed and the table 

  • Chamber : the part in which the sound is formed, and which receives air pressure directly from the mouth; the bore channels the air to send it into the instrument.

  • Ceiling : this is the upper part of the room (the part that has the most influence on the sound)

  • Bore passage : the surface that separates the chamber from the bore.

Opening a Spout: This is the space that exists at the end of the mouthpiece between the reed and the table.

The mouthpiece must maintain the instrument's intonation. This intonation is paramount, but the pitch can vary from one country to another or from one orchestra to another (hence the creation of the 13 series at the American pitch of 440 Hz). A larger bore lowers the instrument's pitch and can eliminate the need for a separate barrel.

  • For the same opening:

    • Longer table = stronger reed

    • Shorter table = easier reed

  • For the same table length:

    • More open mouthpiece = easier reed

    • Closer mouthpiece = stronger reed

Technical Recommendations:

  • The characteristic odor of ebonite is due to sulfurous fumes emitted from the material, particularly during the first few months of use. These fumes are completely harmless to the user but can, over time, cause silver coins stored nearby to tarnish..

  • Ebonite's number one enemy is light, especially sunlight. A mouthpiece that receives little exposure will remain black and shiny for a very long time. On the other hand, a mouthpiece that is constantly exposed to light will become sensitive to various agents such as hot water, alkaline soaps, and alcohol, and may then change color. But don't worry, a simple polish will restore your mouthpiece to its full shine!

Very Important Player Item**

We will get it for you!

** This product is a Prof “VIP” special order item and is not normally stocked in-store. Once you place your order, we’ll dedicate attention to sourcing it through our industry supplier network, prioritize the shipment to our location, inspect and certify the item, then send it to you. Typical turnaround is 7–14 days. Although we don’t keep this item on hand, our strong supplier relationships allow us to obtain it quickly. When available from our suppliers, we’ll provide an estimated delivery date and tracking number after the item ships. Ça c’est bon & C’est tout!