Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I’ve played an 8* mouthpiece for years. It’s been my default setup—open, flexible, big sound. But recently, I made a change I didn’t expect: I asked SYOS to bring my signature mouthpiece down to a 7*.
This wasn’t about chasing a different sound.
It was about control, intonation, and reducing the physical load of playing—especially over longer gigs and tours.
In this video I break down:
Why I made the switch (and what triggered it)
What actually changes between an 8* and a 7*
How it’s affecting my intonation and consistency
The trade-offs (this isn’t a silver bullet)
A side-by-side play test
If you feel like you’re fighting your setup, this might be worth a rethink.
Order my Syos tenor mouthpiece here bit.ly/syostenordf
Subscribe for Saxophone & Jazz Mastery: Click here goo.gl/YAvIc8 to join a community of jazz enthusiasts and saxophonists!
Elevate Your Saxophone Skills: Explore my eBooks and additional resources at Saxophone Shop - https://sax.coach/shop/
Explore My SYOS Sax Mouthpieces:
* Tenor Sax: bit.ly/syostenordf
* Soprano Sax: https://collabs.shop/xlwpab
* Alto Sax: https://collabs.shop/kpdfah
Stream My Music: bit.ly/3Ygbrbm
Visit My Website: danforshaw.com
Learn Saxophone: https://sax.coach
Receive Daily Saxophone Tips:
* Instagram: bit.ly/3YgJqAg
* Facebook: facebook.com/danforshaw
* Twitter: @danforshaw
* SoundCloud: Dan Forshaw on SoundCloud
* Flickr: bit.ly/4ex54WL
Discover My Sax Gear: danforshaw.com/equipment
Camera Gear for My Videos: danforshaw.com/equipment
Main Video Camera: amzn.to/3zMkyah
B-roll Camera: amzn.to/3zMPabJ
Lens for Camera: amzn.to/3zMPabJ
Canon 85mm Lens: amzn.to/3zMPabJ
This Mic: amzn.to/3zMPabJ
DJI Phantom 3 Drone: bit.ly/4hbnrT1
About Dan Forshaw
Dan Forshaw is a jazz saxophonist, educator, and YouTuber based in the United Kingdom. Subscribe to Dan’s channel for saxophone lessons, jazz improvisation tips, gear reviews, and to explore Dan’s extensive 680+ video library on all things saxophone. Learn from a musician who has visited the birthplace of the saxophone and tested over 50 saxophones and 100 mouthpieces. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, Dan is dedicated to assisting you in unlocking the full potential of your saxophone.
I’ve played an 8* mouthpiece for years. It’s been my default setup—open, flexible, big sound. But recently, I made a change I didn’t expect: I asked SYOS to bring my signature mouthpiece down to a 7*.
This wasn’t about chasing a different sound.
It was about control, intonation, and reducing the physical load of playing—especially over longer gigs and tours.
In this video I break down:
Why I made the switch (and what triggered it)
What actually changes between an 8* and a 7*
How it’s affecting my intonation and consistency
The trade-offs (this isn’t a silver bullet)
A side-by-side play test
If you feel like you’re fighting your setup, this might be worth a rethink.
Order my Syos tenor mouthpiece here bit.ly/syostenordf
Subscribe for Saxophone & Jazz Mastery: Click here goo.gl/YAvIc8 to join a community of jazz enthusiasts and saxophonists!
Elevate Your Saxophone Skills: Explore my eBooks and additional resources at Saxophone Shop - https://sax.coach/shop/
Explore My SYOS Sax Mouthpieces:
* Tenor Sax: bit.ly/syostenordf
* Soprano Sax: https://collabs.shop/xlwpab
* Alto Sax: https://collabs.shop/kpdfah
Stream My Music: bit.ly/3Ygbrbm
Visit My Website: danforshaw.com
Learn Saxophone: https://sax.coach
Receive Daily Saxophone Tips:
* Instagram: bit.ly/3YgJqAg
* Facebook: facebook.com/danforshaw
* Twitter: @danforshaw
* SoundCloud: Dan Forshaw on SoundCloud
* Flickr: bit.ly/4ex54WL
Discover My Sax Gear: danforshaw.com/equipment
Camera Gear for My Videos: danforshaw.com/equipment
Main Video Camera: amzn.to/3zMkyah
B-roll Camera: amzn.to/3zMPabJ
Lens for Camera: amzn.to/3zMPabJ
Canon 85mm Lens: amzn.to/3zMPabJ
This Mic: amzn.to/3zMPabJ
DJI Phantom 3 Drone: bit.ly/4hbnrT1
About Dan Forshaw
Dan Forshaw is a jazz saxophonist, educator, and YouTuber based in the United Kingdom. Subscribe to Dan’s channel for saxophone lessons, jazz improvisation tips, gear reviews, and to explore Dan’s extensive 680+ video library on all things saxophone. Learn from a musician who has visited the birthplace of the saxophone and tested over 50 saxophones and 100 mouthpieces. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, Dan is dedicated to assisting you in unlocking the full potential of your saxophone.
