Rico Graftonite Tenor Sax Mouthpiece B5 - Bright, Durable Tone

In this review of the Rico Graftonite Tenor Sax Mouthpiece, B5, the bottom line is simple: this is a practical, durable mouthpiece for students and advancing players who need a bright, projecting tenor voice without fragile materials. The B5 combines a medium B chamber with a.095' tip opening and a 23mm facing length to favor brilliance and projection, while the Graftonite polycarbonate construction resists chips and cracks. The review focuses on playability, tonal character, and value, and explains why the B5 is frequently recommended for classroom use and live situations where a reliable, full sound matters.

Key Features

• Medium B chamber: Delivers a bright, projecting tone that helps the tenor cut through ensemble textures.
• .095' tip opening: Balances response and resistance so students can produce a full tone without excessive effort.
• 23mm facing length: Provides predictable articulation and flexibility across registers for consistent playability.
• Graftonite polycarbonate material: Offers high durability so the mouthpiece will not chip or crack in typical student and gigging use.
• Pitched at A=440: Ensures standard concert pitch compatibility with typical school and ensemble setups.
• Designer heritage: Arnold Brilhart's original design intent supports ease of tone production and a range of tonal colors.

Who It's For

The B5 is aimed primarily at students, educators, and working musicians who need a dependable tenor sax mouthpiece that emphasizes projection and a clear, brilliant center. It suits classroom settings, marching band, small ensembles and players who favor a forward sound that helps the tenor be heard without relying on fragile hard rubber or metal pieces.

Players seeking a very dark, chambered jazz sound or those who prefer extremely open tip sizes for advanced contemporary techniques should look elsewhere; this B5 favors clarity and projection over maximal darkness or the extreme flexibility of custom metal mouthpieces.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Bright, projecting tone that helps ensemble presence and solo projection.
• Durable polycarbonate construction resists chips and cracks, good for students.
• Balanced.095' tip and 23mm facing make tone production accessible for many players.
• Designed by Arnold Brilhart, providing a trusted approach to playability and tonal variety.

Cons

• Playability is mixed for some horns; a few customers reported compatibility issues with specific saxophone models.
• Not ideal for players seeking an especially dark, rounded tone or very large tip openings.

Specifications

Model	Graftonite Tenor Sax Mouthpiece, B5
Tip opening	.095'
Facing length	23mm
Chamber	Medium B (bright, projecting)
Material	Durable Graftonite polycarbonate
Pitch	A = 440

Our Verdict

The Rico Graftonite B5 is a sensible, cost-effective choice for students and working players who need a bright, projecting tenor sound and a mouthpiece that will withstand regular use. Its combination of a.095' tip opening, 23mm facing and durable material delivers consistent tone and good value, though players chasing a darker jazz timbre or very specific ergonomic fits may prefer alternate models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this mouthpiece suit a beginner tenor saxophonist?
The B5 is well suited to beginners and students because its tip and facing provide manageable resistance and a full tone with less effort.

Is the Graftonite material fragile?
No, Graftonite is a durable polycarbonate designed not to chip or crack under normal student and gigging use.

Does it work with all tenor saxophone brands?
It is compatible with standard tenor saxes, but a few customers reported mixed playability with specific models, so trying one on your horn when possible is advisable.