Syos Originals: A Review by Norma Moon

Syos Originals: A Review by Norma Moon

Spanish saxophonist Norma Moon puts our three Originals mouthpieces to the test, comparing them with her trusted Otto Link. Her verdict? She's making the switch to Syos, discover why in this detailed review.

Spanish YouTuber Norma Moon recently shared her thoughtful review of our Syos Originals mouthpieces. For our non-Spanish speaking community, I've prepared this detailed summary of her testing session.

Choosing a saxophone mouthpiece requires careful consideration. In this video review, Norma shares her experience testing our three Syos Originals mouthpieces: Smoky, Steady, and Spark. Coming from a metal Otto Link background, her perspective on these 3D-printed mouthpieces offers useful insights for both beginners and experienced players.

Initial Observations

The review begins with an appreciation of Syos' packaging evolution - the mouthpieces now come in magnetic boxes, an improvement from the previous simple bags. Using a synthetic reed throughout the tests, she proceeds to evaluate each mouthpiece systematically.

The Three Characters

Smoky

  • Produces the darkest tone of the three
  • More reserved in power compared to other models
  • Well-suited for the lower register
  • Provides a warm, mellow sound character

Steady

  • Offers a balanced, flexible sound
  • Versatile characteristics
  • Initially caught Norma's attention
  • Provides consistent response across registers

Spark

  • Notable power and projection
  • Bright sound character
  • Well-suited for situations requiring volume
  • Norma noted its effectiveness in ensemble settings

Progressive Analysis

What makes this review noteworthy is how Norma's opinion evolved during the testing. While she initially preferred the Steady model for its versatility, she came to appreciate the distinct qualities of each mouthpiece as she spent time with them.

She makes an important point about mouthpiece testing: with practice, a player can adapt to any of these mouthpieces and develop their potential. The key is choosing one that suits your primary playing style and musical needs.

Technical Notes

  • The Spark model delivers power while maintaining control in softer dynamics
  • The Smoky shows particular strength in the lower register
  • Each mouthpiece requires specific embouchure adjustments
  • Reed selection matters - the same reed may respond differently on each mouthpiece

Closing Thoughts

The reviewer notes that beginners might find it challenging to choose a mouthpiece, as they haven't yet developed enough playing experience to know their preferences. She also acknowledges how Syos has refined their products over time.

In a notable moment at the end of the video, Norma announced her decision to switch from her long-time companion, the Otto Link metal mouthpiece. While expressing gratitude for the many good moments with her Otto Link, she's ready to embrace change.

For those interested in professional options, she mentions that Syos offers "Signature" models based on parameters chosen by established saxophonists.

Essential Observation

A central insight from this review: while each mouthpiece has its characteristics, a dedicated player can achieve comparable sounds across all three models with proper embouchure control. The choice comes down to which mouthpiece allows you to achieve your desired sound with the most natural comfort.

Thank you Norma for this considered review and for sharing your experience with our mouthpieces!