Selmer Model 22 Tenor Mouthpieces

The Selmer Modele 22 (also known as Modèle 22 or Series 22 in its earliest form) was Selmer's first saxophone model, introduced in 1922 and produced through around 1926. It was an early, foundational design with innovations like an automatic octave key, but it had limitations in tuning, ergonomics, and power compared to later Selmer models (like the Balanced Action or Mark VI).

The tenor version was available in both Bb and C (C-Melody) variants, with the C-Melody being particularly popular in the 1920s jazz era before the shift to Bb tenors.

Mouthpiece choice is key to unlocking its potential, as vintage Selmers like this respond well to pieces that complement their inherent openness and warmth.

Vintage-Style Recommendations

These evoke the classic 1940s–1950s jazz sound (think focused core, warmth, and ring in the upper register) and pair nicely with the Modele 22's era-appropriate character:

• Vintage Selmer Soloist (e.g., "D" or "E" facing, or refaced versions): Inspired by 1940s originals, these offer a warm, centered, homogeneous sound with good volume and modulation. The modern reissues are close copies, but true vintage ones (short shank) provide that golden-age jazz tone—focused with a bit of brightness if pushed.

  
  

• Otto Link Tone Edge (hard rubber) or early metal Otto Link (e.g., 5*–7* tip): A go-to for vintage Selmers, providing warmth and projection. Players often pair these with vintage horns for a dark, rich sound reminiscent of swing-era legends.

  
  

• Selmer Larry Teal Soloist (vintage dedicated model): Larger, rounder chamber for a fuller, classical-leaning warmth.

  
  

These can enhance the Modele 22's free-blowing nature into a big, vintage roar, though they may require a good tech setup on the horn itself.

Modern Recommendations

These provide reliability, better consistency, and easier response—ideal if you want to modernize the horn without losing its character:

• Selmer Soloist (modern version): Directly inspired by the 1940s originals, with a rich, warm, centered tone that's versatile for jazz or classical. Facings like E or F suit tenor for control and core; it's praised for sounding "vintage" while being precisely made.

  
  

• Selmer Concept (tenor, ~2.10mm tip): Excellent for a defined, clean, rich sound with flexibility and even response across registers. It's darker/more controlled than brighter jazz pieces, with good resistance—great for taming an open vintage horn while keeping warmth.

  
  

• Selmer S80 (D or E facing): The "reference" modern Selmer piece—warm, grained, broad, and full. It's stable and projects well, suiting the Modele 22's openness without overwhelming it.

  
  

• Selmer Jazz Tribute (metal, e.g., 7)*: A newer metal option blending vintage jazz inspiration with modern clarity, density, and ease. It delivers round timbre and projection—versatile for jazz/modern styles and complements vintage Selmers like SBAs (similar era feel).

  
  

• Other strong modern contenders: Vandoren V5 or Optimum series (for focused classical warmth) or Theo Wanne pieces (as used on modern Selmer homages to vintage models).

Famous players associated with the Modele 22 tenor (or its early series) include:

• Frankie Trumbauer — He made the C-Melody tenor saxophone famous in the 1920s jazz scene, and the Selmer C-Melody version of the Modele 22 gained popularity through his influence as a bandleader and innovator.

• Coleman Hawkins — He started on a C-Melody saxophone and played Selmer models early in his career, including references to the Modele 22 era before transitioning to later models like Balanced Action in the late 1930s. Hawkins is often credited with helping establish Selmer's reputation among American jazz players.

The Modele 22 era was pre-jazz boom for Selmer in the U.S., so it didn't have the massive roster of endorsers that later models (Balanced Action onward) attracted from players like Lester Young, Ben Webster, or John Coltrane.

Most iconic tenor players from the swing/bebop era favored post-1930s Selmer designs.

Regarding mouthpieces and facings used with the Modele 22 tenor: Specific historical records for exact pairings are scarce, as this was an early model from the 1920s, and many players used whatever was available or custom-refaced at the time. No widely documented famous players are tied to specific

General Tips

• Start with medium facings (e.g., equivalent to Otto Link 6–7 or Selmer D–E) to match the horn's vintage openness—too open might get wild, too closed could feel stuffy.

• Pair with medium-strength reeds (e.g., 2.5–3.5) for balance.

• The Modele 22 benefits hugely from a pro setup (pads, regulation) before mouthpiece testing—its age means it may not play to potential otherwise.

• Try before buying if possible, as individual horns vary. Vintage pieces add character but can be inconsistent; modern Selmer ones offer plug-and-play reliability while nodding to tradition