Selmer Model 22 Alto Mouthpieces

The Selmer Model 22 (produced in the 1920s) is an early vintage alto saxophone from Henri Selmer Paris, known for its smaller bore (sometimes called "pea shooter") and distinctive intonation characteristics. Mouthpiece choice is highly personal and depends on your playing style (classical, jazz, etc.), but vintage Selmers like this often pair well with pieces that provide good control, centered tone, and flexibility to match the horn's darker, focused sound.

Recommended Mouthpieces

Here are commonly recommended options based on player experiences with vintage Selmer altos:

Selmer Soloist (modern reissue or vintage): Directly inspired by 1950s designs, it offers a rich, warm, centered sound with excellent intonation and response. Popular facings: C* or D for classical/control; E or F for more openness in jazz. Vintage short-shank or scroll-shank Soloists are especially prized on early Selmers for their tight core and versatility.

Selmer S80 (especially C* facing): A classic hard rubber piece, widely regarded as a reference for warm, broad tone. It's stable across registers and works well on vintage horns for classical or general playing.

Selmer Concept: Modern design with ease of play, rich even tone, and precision. Great for contemporary classical on vintage instruments, with a compact, projecting sound.

Meyer (hard rubber, medium facing like 6M): A go-to for jazz on vintage Selmers—warm, flexible, and responsive without overwhelming the horn's character.

Vandoren V16 or Optimum: Alternatives for jazz (V16 for brighter edge) or classical (Optimum for control), often recommended when seeking variety from Selmer pieces.

Vintage Selmer metal (e.g., scroll shank or early Jazz models): For a brighter, projecting option that matches the era—some players love these on pre-Mark VI Selmers for added power.

Vintage horns like the Model 22 can be sensitive to modern high-baffle pieces, so medium-chamber hard rubber options tend to shine. Try multiple facings/reeds, as tip opening affects resistance and tuning on older bores.

Original mouthpieces from that era were early Selmer hard rubber designs (pre-Soloist), but they're rare and often not ideal by modern standards—most players upgrade. The best advice is to test in person if possible, as setup (reeds, ligature) and your embouchure play a huge role.