Selmer Paris Density Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review
Overview
Selmer Paris recently introduced a brand-new addition to their classical mouthpiece lineup: the Selmer Paris Density alto saxophone mouthpiece. First unveiled at the Andorra SaxFest, Selmer set out to craft a mouthpiece that captures the effortless playability and ease of response that saxophonists love from the Concept series while infusing the focus, projection, and core presence found in the Claude Delangle model.
It’s an intriguing proposition, especially for educators and advancing students who want the sonic qualities of a Delangle without the demanding embouchure requirements of a wider tip opening.
Technical Specifications & Architecture
While all three mouthpieces share a sleek physical aesthetic on the surface, significant internal and physical design differences set them apart.
| Model | Tip Opening | Equivalent Facing | Sonic Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selmer Concept | 1.52 mm | Slightly closed | Responsive, broad, bright, and easy to play; pairing well with stiffer reeds (3.5+). |
| Selmer Density | 1.55 mm | Standard C* | Highly focused core, balanced resistance, warm tone, and excellent projection. |
| Selmer Claude Delangle | 1.65 mm | Slightly open C** | Flexible, rich shimmer, maximum projection for soloist work; requires a more developed embouchure. |
Selmer Paris utilized modern precision CNC machining and lithography techniques to refine the internal architecture of the Density mouthpiece:
Throat & Chamber: There is a subtle squeeze and sculpting as the lower throat transitions into a slightly smaller chamber.
Baffle & Descent: The internal descent from the tip into the throat features a more intricate contour, particularly along the sidewalls and corners.
Tip Balance: The 1.55 mm tip opening (same as a C*, and ~.03 mm more open than the Concept) provides a comfortable counterbalance to the slightly tighter chamber, preserving a full, warm sound without feeling choked or restrictive.
Comparison & Impressions
In the video comparison, all three mouthpieces were tested using a Légère French Cut 3.25 synthetic reed to maintain consistency across variables.
Selmer Claude Delangle: As my primary daily driver for the last several years, the Delangle feels like home. Its 1.65 mm tip opening works seamlessly with a slightly softer reed (like the Légère 3.25), allowing for maximum flexibility, brilliance, and acoustic projection over large ensembles and concerto orchestrations. However, it can be demanding for younger or developing players who haven't yet built up strong embouchure stability.
Selmer Density: The Density was my standout favorite among the alternatives. It delivers much of the focused core, core richness, and projection of the Delangle while being significantly easier to blow and control, and without becoming excessively bright. The Density is an outstanding alternative to traditional staples like the S90 190 or Concept for advancing students who want a focused, modern classical tone paired with effortless control.
Selmer Concept: The Concept remains a staple for a reason: it’s incredibly responsive, smooth, and easy to play out of the box. Because of its tighter 1.52 mm tip opening, it performs best with slightly stiffer reeds (3.5–3.75). On my specific setup, it trends a bit brighter and less focused than the Density or Delangle, but for players who naturally lean toward a dark or narrow sound, the Concept is a fantastic tool to fill out the sound.
Conclusion
Selmer Paris has hit a real sweet spot with the Density. It fills a meaningful gap in their catalog by combining approachable playability with a refined, focused tone. Many players currently on the Concept or S90 will be attracted to the increased focus and projection, all while appreciating the Density’s exceptional ease of response and control. Give it a try!
Disclosure: A special thank you to Conn-Selmer for providing review copies of the Density and Concept mouthpieces for this comparison. This review is independent and un-sponsored.
