Designed by Arnold Brilhart, the Graftonite line of mouthpieces incorporate revolutionary materials so students can achieve easier tone production at an affordable price.
🎷 RICO GRAFTONITE B3 VS. B5 — SOPRANO SAX MOUTHPIECE COMPARISONRico’s Graftonite series is extremely popular for school-aged soprano sax players. The B3 and B5 offer different playing characteristics depending on a student’s level and breath support.
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SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
B3 (Medium-Close Tip Opening)
• More resistance
• Easier to control
• Focused tone
• Best for beginners to early-intermediate students
• Works well with harder or standard student reedsB5 (Medium-Open Tip Opening)
• Freer blowing
• More projection
• Bigger, brighter tone
• Best for intermediate and advancing players
• Works well with medium-strength reeds———
RICO GRAFTONITE B3 — OVERVIEW
The B3 is the ideal starter mouthpiece for most young soprano sax students. Its slightly closer tip opening helps players stay in tune and develop a centered sound.
Best for:
• Beginners and early-intermediate players
• Concert band, lessons, and general school use
• Students needing more stability and controlKey benefits:
• Clear and focused sound
• Easy pitch control
• Very durable for school and rental environments———
RICO GRAFTONITE B5 — OVERVIEW
The B5 features a slightly more open tip that allows more air to pass, giving students additional flexibility, volume, and expressive capability.
Best for:
• Intermediate and advancing players
• Students with stronger breath support
• Jazz band or players needing more projectionKey benefits:
• Bigger, more resonant sound
• Freer-blowing response
• Excellent upgrade from standard student mouthpieces———
WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Choose the B3 if the student:
• Is a beginner or still developing breath support
• Needs help with tuning and control
• Plays mostly in concert band or lessonsChoose the B5 if the student:
• Has strong, confident air support
• Wants more projection or flexibility
• Plays in jazz band or advanced ensemblesIf you’re unsure, the B3 is typically the safest and most appropriate starting point.
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FAQ (QUICK ANSWERS)
• Main Difference: B3 = more control. B5 = more projection and flexibility.
• Is B5 harder to play? Only if breath support is weak.
• Do they fit all soprano saxes? Yes, both use standard reeds and ligatures.
