Selmer Reference 36 Tenor Mouthpieces
- Grey Stone
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Selmer Reference 36 tenor saxophone, modeled after the 1936 Balanced Action, features a rich, open, warm, and projecting tone that's particularly favored in jazz. Mouthpiece choice is highly personal and depends on the desired sound (e.g., darker vintage jazz vs. brighter modern), reed strength, and playing style, but several options pair especially well with its acoustic design.
Recommended Mouthpieces
Common recommendations from players include:
Selmer Super Session — Often the stock mouthpiece included with the Reference 36. It's a jazz-oriented hard rubber piece with a medium-large chamber, offering good projection and a full, flexible tone that complements the horn's vintage-inspired spread and warmth. Popular facings: E or F.
Selmer Soloist — A versatile hard rubber mouthpiece directly inspired by 1950s vintage Selmer designs. It provides a rich, centered, homogeneous sound with excellent modulation—ideal for the Reference 36's open character. Common jazz facings: E or F.
Selmer Concept — A modern hard rubber piece with a round chamber, ease of response, and rich, even tone. It's praised for comfort and consistency, especially in classical or hybrid setups, though it works well for darker jazz sounds on this horn.
Selmer Jazz Tribute (metal) — A newer brass/gold-plated jazz mouthpiece with a long facing curve, designed for traditional jazz heritage with modern playability. It evokes vintage large-chamber sounds suited to the Balanced Action vibe.
Otto Link Tone Edge (hard rubber) — Frequently mentioned by Reference 36 owners for its large chamber and dark, smoky tone that enhances the horn's warmth. Vintage or custom-refaced Links (e.g., Florida/no USA) are popular.
Other player favorites — Brilhart Tonalin, Phil-Tone customized Tone Edge, or Drake ceramic for more contemporary edge.
Many players experiment with large-chamber pieces to maximize the horn's vintage-like spread and projection.
Famous Saxophonists
Notable players associated with the Selmer Reference 36 tenor include:
Benny Golson → The legendary jazz composer and tenor saxophonist (known for classics like "Killer Joe" and work with Art Blakey) switched to the Reference 36 later in his career, describing it as transformative: "The sound was easy to get, pretty and smooth... The Reference 36 was the best I ever played."
Chico Freeman → A prominent modern jazz tenor player and son of Von Freeman, who endorses and performs on Selmer Reference models.
Jean Toussaint → Former Jazz Messenger (with Art Blakey) and respected jazz educator/performer, known to use Reference series tenors.
The Reference 36 has been popular among jazz professionals seeking a modern horn with vintage Balanced Action character, though it's now succeeded by newer Selmer models like the Supreme. Ultimately, try several mouthpieces in person if possible, as the best match depends on your setup and sound goals.
