The Yanagisawa 5 Alto Metal Mouthpiece is a precision crafted piece that reflects the Japanese manufacturer's long standing reputation for quality and consistency in saxophone gear. Aimed at intermediate to advanced players looking for a bright, focused sound without sacrificing control, the 5 tip opening sits comfortably in the middle of the spectrum, making it a versatile choice for a range of musical settings.
Tone Quality
This mouthpiece offers a clear, brilliant tone with a slightly edgy character, typical of metal mouthpieces but with a bit more refinement. The sound has a tight core, with an excellent projection that can easily cut through a mix, making it ideal for jazz, pop, funk, and fusion. That said, it avoids sounding overly harsh or shrill, which can be a risk with metal designs Yanagisawa clearly tuned it to maintain warmth and colour in the higher registers.
Playability & Response
The Yanagisawa 5 metal mouthpiece plays very evenly across the range of the alto saxophone. Articulation is crisp, and the response is immediate notes pop out with very little effort. The tip opening, which is moderate, offers a comfortable resistance level that works well with medium-strength reeds (around 2.5 to 3). Altissimo is accessible but not overly emphasized; players who regularly venture into that register might prefer a larger tip opening.
Construction & Craftsmanship
As expected from Yanagisawa, the craftsmanship is superb. The mouthpiece is made from high quality brass with a polished finish , and the facing is consistent and smooth. The ligature that comes with the mouthpiece is serviceable, though many players might prefer to upgrade to something more customizable depending on their reed preferences.
Best For:
Intermediate to professional players
Jazz, funk, pop, and contemporary genres
Those transitioning from hard rubber to metal mouthpieces
Players seeking projection with tonal clarity, not extreme brightness
Not Ideal For:
Classical saxophonists (the tone is too bright and cutting)
Players who prefer a darker, more spread sound
Those who want a large tip opening for extreme dynamic range or altissimo use
Verdict: The Yanagisawa 5 Alto Metal Mouthpiece is a well balanced, high quality option for saxophonists seeking a brilliant, focused sound with the reliability and craftsmanship Yanagisawa is known for. It's not a radical or niche mouthpiece, but that's its strength. It's a dependable, musical tool that rewards good air support and embouchure control with excellent sound and flexibility.
