Selmer S-80 C Tenor Sax Mouthpiece + Vandoren SR2225 Reeds - Step-Up

Our review of the Selmer S-80 C Tenor Sax Mouthpiece paired with Vandoren SR2225 reeds looks at why this combo is a sensible step-up for advancing players. The bottom line: the Selmer S-80 C mouthpiece delivers a consistently warm, dark tone with a square-chamber design that improves response and tone production, while the Vandoren SR2225 reeds add flexibility and a pure sound thanks to a thin tip and solid vertebral column. Together they give players a controllable, musical setup that balances projection and a centered tone.

Key Features

• Square chamber: the Selmer S-80 C uses a square cross section in the chamber to help with immediate response and clear tone production across registers.
• Tip opening and facing: the mouthpiece has a 1.80 tip opening and a 24.00 mm facing length for a medium-close feel that suits players stepping up from student models.
• Reed construction: Vandoren SR2225 reeds feature a very thin tip and a stronger spine so they produce a pure, focused sound while remaining playable.
• Flexible articulation: the SR2225 reeds are extremely flexible, allowing smooth legato or crisp staccato execution while maintaining a rich tone.
• Fresh packaging: Vandoren reeds come sealed in individual Flow Packs to preserve freshness and consistency until the first use.

Who It's For

This pairing is best for intermediate tenor saxophonists ready to move beyond student mouthpieces and seek a warmer, more centered sound without sacrificing responsiveness. Players who value consistent tonal color and straightforward control across registers will find the Selmer mouthpiece and Vandoren reeds complementary.

Those who prefer a very bright, cutting contemporary sound or who need an extreme tip opening for heavy jazz bending may want to audition other mouthpiece styles first, but classical and many commercial players will appreciate the balance and reliability here.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Warm, dark and consistent sound from the Selmer S-80 C that many customers describe as excellent value for money.
• Improved response and tone production attributed to the square chamber design of the mouthpiece.
• Vandoren SR2225 reeds offer flexibility and a pure sound due to a thin tip combined with a solid vertebral column.
• Reeds ship in Flow Packs to keep each reed fresh until use, improving consistency.

Cons

• The medium-close 1.80 tip opening may feel restrictive for players who prefer a much wider tip for louder, edgier styles.

Specifications

Product	Selmer S-80 C mouthpiece (S404C1) + Vandoren SR2225 reeds
Instrument	Tenor saxophone
Mouthpiece tip opening	1.80
Mouthpiece facing length	24.00 mm
Reed strength	2.5 (Box of 5)
Reed packaging	Flow Pack sealed for freshness

Our Verdict

The Selmer S-80 C mouthpiece combined with Vandoren SR2225 reeds is a smart step-up option for intermediate tenor sax players who want a warmer, reliable sound and responsive playability. It offers consistent tone, flexible articulation, and fresh reeds out of the package, making it good value for players focused on musical control rather than extreme volume or brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this mouthpiece work with a variety of reeds?
Yes, customers report the S-80 C pairs well with many reeds, and the included Vandoren SR2225 reeds provide a balanced starting point.

Is the tip opening suitable for advancing students?
Yes, the 1.80 tip opening and 24.00 mm facing length are described as a medium-close setup that is ideal for players stepping up from student models.

Are the Vandoren reeds fresh on arrival?
Each reed is sealed in a Flow Pack to ensure freshness and consistent performance when first opened.