Kessler Custom by Theo Wanne Soprano Sax Mouthpiece

Kessler Custom by Theo Wanne Mouthpieces
Jazz Soprano Sax Mouthpiece

We have worked with Theo for long time and have always wanted to do a collaboration mouthpiece, but the concept of high performance at an affordable price is paramount to our Kessler Custom branding. While Theo’s mouthpieces are truly on a different level than the rest, they also sat at the upper echelon in price! That all changed in late 2024 with the Theo Wanne Essentials Series of mouthpieces. This new line of mouthpiece from Theo brings incredible quality and affordability. That’s when we realized that it was time for the Kessler Custom by Theo Wanne mouthpiece line to finally come to life! Introducing the Kessler Custom by Theo Wanne Soprano Sax Mouthpiece!

We worked with Theo and his team to create this new model. This is not just a standard Essentials Series model rebranded, but a unique model based around a specific concept of performance made for the modern player.

Kessler / Wanne Soprano Design
The single biggest problem with playing soprano is that people make wrong assumptions. They assume that what works on alto/tenor sax, or even clarinet, should work on soprano. This is flawed because soprano sax is a unique instrument. However, that doesn’t mean that there wouldn’t be some sense to making a mouthpiece play like what customers expect… so that’s what we did!

We sought out to make a mouthpiece for soprano that plays the way that sax players assume it should coming from alto or tenor (sorry clarinet players – but we do have recommendations for you if needed).

The chamber, baffle and reed window are all designed to make soprano FEEL more like the blow of the larger sax. This allows for a much more natural breath support for the alto/tenor player on soprano. We are using a large chamber, but a longer rollover baffle so you have power but also low resistance. This combined with a super thin table floor to keep the resistance at a minimum.

The mouthpiece is also left intentionally on the short side (length wise) so that the player is somewhat “tricked” into pushing their mouthpiece on further than than they would otherwise. This is actually the biggest assumption that people get wrong on soprano is not pushing on far enough. Modern sopranos are actually longer than older horns which requires traditional mouthpieces to be pushed on further… but many players do not know to do this and instead end up pinching their embochure. So instead of trying to teach you to push on further and fight your instincts, making it shorter gets the player to push on where it needs to be without thinking.

The end result is an affordable performance jazz soprano sax mouthpiece with great tonal body and warmth that is combined with a free-blowing, easy response.

Kessler / Wanne Soprano Facings
Currently, we offer 2 facing options:

• • 5: .060″
  • 7: .070″

To some, these seem bigger than they should – which is true. Most companies call a .060″ closer to a 6 or 7… but remember, we are trying to make these FEEL more like what the alto and tenor player assume that a 5 or 7 should feel like on soprano. Plus, combined with the larger chamber, the slightly larger tip opening is really needed in order to obtain proper response.

Ligature Bundle
Your ligature makes a big difference in performance. So it is important to us that you get the right ligature for your new mouthpiece to fit your desired performance. We offer 3 ligature bundle options with the mouthpiece:

• Rovner Light Ligature
  Due to the perfectly flat table (instead of a concave table), the Rovner Light ligature works really well with the mouthpiece to produce a mellow, but responsive tone. Additionally, customers can find that inverting the Rovner ligature (placing the screw on the reed side of the mouthpiece) can actually add a little richer tonal core to the setup as well. So if you test and don’t love the ligature with the screw on top, then simply flip it around and test it out with the screw on the reed side. Trust us, it works!
• D’Addario H-Ligature
  If you prefer the quickest response, the D’Addario H-Ligature is a great option for performance. An inverted metal ligature, 24k Gold plated, these offer minimal reed contact for as much vibration as possible. The only draw-back to the H-Ligature is that it can scuff / scratch the mouthpiece’s textured exterior. So if you choose the H-Ligature, make sure to be careful not to damage the mouthpiece during testing.
• Rovner VERSA-X
  Based on the heavy mass concept of the original VERSA model, the VERSA-X offers a dark, rich tonal core with exceptional response and versatility. The X model integrates the “Mass Loaded Resonating Ribs” into the ligature to simplify its use. The original VERSA model allows for the customer to change out how much weight is present, but those weights can fall out… so the VERSA-X model eliminates that issue.
• No Ligature
  You can also opt for no ligature if you prefer at a small discount.

Kessler & Sons Music offers a 3 day trial / return policy by default on instruments and mouthpieces (excludes special order sizes). There are no cleaning fees or restocking fees (assuming that the item is returned in proper condition).

Please read our terms & conditions (link at the bottom of the page) for full details on this policy.