Buffet Crampon Super Dynaction Tenor
- Grey Stone
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The Buffet Super Dynaction (SDA) tenor saxophone, a vintage French horn from the 1960s–1970s, is known for its warm, round, dark, and rich tone with excellent intonation and a "big" sound when properly set up. It often pairs well with mouthpieces that enhance its natural depth without making it too bright or thin.
Recommended Mouthpieces
These are commonly suggested by players and sellers who own or have tested the horn. The SDA can be somewhat mouthpiece-sensitive (metal pieces sometimes produce an unpleasant sound, while hard rubber often brings out its best qualities).
Otto Link hard rubber (e.g., 6, 7, or 7**)** Classic choice for vintage French tenors. Provides warmth, subtone capability, and a focused yet round tone that complements the SDA's dark character. Many players find it brings out the horn's "huge" sound without fighting the instrument.
Meyer 5M, 6M, or 7M Excellent for a balanced, centered tone with good projection and control. Often recommended for the SDA's natural warmth—helps achieve a smooth, lyrical sound ideal for jazz or ballads.
Brilhart (vintage or reissue) Frequently comes with or is paired with SDAs in original setups. Offers a woody, vintage vibe that matches the horn's French heritage and produces a rich, complex tone.
Berg Larsen hard rubber (e.g., 105/2 or similar) Good for players wanting more edge and projection while retaining body. Works well on the SDA for a slightly brighter, more modern feel without losing warmth.
JodyJazz HR or similar modern hard rubber* A contemporary option that many use successfully on vintage horns like the SDA for clarity and even response.
Peter Ponzol (B&S design, e.g., 230) Mentioned in recordings with the SDA—provides power and focus, especially for rock or louder styles.
Famous Saxophonists Associated with the Buffet Super Dynaction Tenor
The SDA is sometimes called a "sleeper" horn—highly respected but less common than Selmer Mark VIs, so fewer big names are definitively linked to it long-term. However, several notable players used one at points in their careers:
Don Rendell (British jazz tenor saxophonist) — Known to have played an SDA tenor; praised for its musicality.
Tina Brooks (hard bop tenor player) — Associated with Buffet horns, including the SDA era.
Art Pepper, Pharoah Sanders, and John Coltrane — Reportedly used Buffet Super Dynaction tenors at various times (though they are more famously linked to Selmer Mark VIs overall).
The horn's relative rarity (Buffet produced far fewer saxophones than Selmer) explains why it's not as commonly seen with major artists, but players who have owned one often describe it as having a uniquely thick, dark, and expressive voice.
Tips for Choosing
Start with a medium tip opening (around 6–7) in hard rubber to match the horn's natural darkness.
Avoid overly bright or metal mouthpieces unless you're deliberately seeking a different color.
The best fit depends on your embouchure, reeds, and style—try several if possible.
Many SDA owners report that hard rubber Otto Links or Meyers "return the horn to normality" compared to mismatched pieces.
If you have a specific playing style (e.g., bebop, ballads, rock) or current mouthpiece, I can narrow these recommendations further!
