Mouthpiece Tip Openings Explained
The tip opening is the gap between the reed and the tip of the mouthpiece. It controls how the reed vibrates and how the mouthpiece feels to play. Here's how the numbers work—and what's most common for each instrument.
What Is the Tip Opening?
When you look at a mouthpiece from the side, there's a small gap between the reed and the tip rail. That distance is the tip opening. It's measured in inches or millimeters, and given a number by each mouthpiece maker.
A larger number means a larger gap. A larger gap lets the reed move more—which means more volume potential, but also more air and embouchure strength needed to control it. A smaller gap is easier to control but limits how loud and flexible you can be(assuming the same strength reed).
Numbers Don't Mean the Same Thing Between Brands
A "5" from one maker is not necessarily the same gap as a "5" from another. Every brand uses its own numbering system. Always check the actual measurement in mm or inches when comparing mouthpieces across brands. The charts below use a standard reference scale.
Clarinet Tip Openings
Clarinet mouthpieces use smaller tip openings than saxophone. Most players land somewhere in the 3–6 range.
| Size | Inches | mm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | .039″ | 1.00 mm | |
| 2 | .042″ | 1.07 mm | |
| 3 ★ | .045″ | 1.15 mm | |
| 4 | .049″ | 1.25 mm | |
| 5 ★ | .053″ | 1.35 mm | |
| 6 ★ | .057″ | 1.45 mm | |
| 7 | .063″ | 1.60 mm | |
| 8 | .067″ | 1.70 mm | |
| 9 | .073″ | 1.85 mm | |
| 10 | .077″ | 1.95 mm |
Alto Saxophone Tip Openings
Alto players most often use a 6 or 7. Classical players tend to play a 5. Jazz players often prefer a 6, 7, or higher.
| Size | Inches | mm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0.061″ | 1.55 mm | |
| 4 | 0.066″ | 1.67 mm | |
| 5 Classical | 0.071″ | 1.80 mm | |
| 6 ★ | 0.076″ | 1.93 mm | |
| 7 ★ | 0.081″ | 2.05 mm | |
| 8 | 0.086″ | 2.18 mm |
Tenor & Baritone Saxophone Tip Openings
Tenor and bari openings are larger than alto. The half-size steps (5*, 6*, 7*) let you fine-tune between whole sizes. Classical players usually start around a 5. Jazz players often use a 6* or 7.
| Size | Inches | mm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 0.070″ | 1.78 mm | |
| 5 Classical | 0.080″ | 2.03 mm | |
| 5* | 0.085″ | 2.16 mm | |
| 6 | 0.090″ | 2.29 mm | |
| 6* ★ | 0.095″ | 2.41 mm | |
| 7 ★ | 0.100″ | 2.54 mm | |
| 7* ★ | 0.105″ | 2.67 mm | |
| 8 | 0.110″ | 2.79 mm | |
| 9 | 0.120″ | 3.05 mm |
Not Sure Where to Start?
Most players do well starting in the middle of the range for their instrument. For alto, try a 6. For tenor, try a 6 or 7*. For clarinet, try a 4 or 5. From there, adjust based on how the mouthpiece feels and sounds. If you need help choosing, we're happy to point you in the right direction.