Menu
Account

Theo Wanne Alto Sax Mouthpieces – Most Popular?

9th May 2023

In this blog, with accompanying video, we check out the two most popular Theo Wanne Alto Sax Mouthpieces. We’ve teamed up with pro-player Simon Bates to discuss and demonstrate the Durga and Gaia Alto Sax models in more detail.

Theo Wanne Alto Sax Mouthpieces

Made in the USA by master craftsman Theo Wanne, this range of mouthpieces is aimed at advanced players, or indeed anyone upgrading from a standard level mouthpiece. Whilst there are a number of models in the Theo Wanne range, we’ve chosen the two most popular models for this review and demonstration.

Theo Wanne Gaia – Alto Sax Mouthpiece

The Gaia is modelled on a classic Meyer-style design. It offers a really vintage feel and sound, it’s the warmer and rounder of these two mouthpieces (vs the Durga). This feeling of warmth is due to the larger chamber and lower baffle. This model would be more suited to smaller group jazz and big band, compared to a pop soloist style sound you’d find in the Durga.

  • Full, fat, rich traditional Alto sound
  • Large-Stadium Chamber with sculpted roll-over baffle
  • Premium Hard Rubber
  • 24k Gold Plated Liberty Ligature

Theo Wanne Durga – Alto Sax Mouthpiece

The Durga is a brighter sounding mouthpiece than the Gaia. It has a higher baffle and a medium sized chamber. All this combines to add more punch, more clarity and extra ‘ping’ in the sound. It’s brighter and brasher, so it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re seeking a red-hot sound with plenty of cutting power then the Durga is for you.

  • Great for jazz, pop, funk
  • Medium-Stadium Chamber with long step baffle
  • Premium Hard Rubber
  • 24k Gold Plated Liberty Ligature

Equipment Used

During this test Simon used a Vandoren Java Green #3 on the mouthpieces with their original ligatures. He is playing his own Yamaha YAS-875EX Custom Alto Saxophone.