Rico by D'Addario MKM-9 Metalite Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece - Medium Chamber, M9 | Piano Gallery, Idaho Falls
The Rico by D'Addario MKM-9 Metalite Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece delivers the bright, projecting character of a metal mouthpiece at a fraction of the cost — making it a long-standing favorite among jazz players and advancing saxophonists. Crafted from a durable, resonant Metalite material, the MKM-9 produces a focused, cutting tone with the kind of edge and presence that tenor saxophone players need to cut through an ensemble. Whether you're gigging around Idaho Falls or working through jazz repertoire in the practice room, this mouthpiece punches well above its price point.
Product Overview
The Metalite material used in Rico's MKM-9 is specifically chosen for its acoustic properties — it resonates in a way that closely approximates the bright, lively response of a true metal mouthpiece, while remaining far more affordable and resistant to the dents and damage that metal mouthpieces can sustain. The result is a tone that is clear, forward, and immediate, with the kind of articulation definition that jazz and commercial playing styles demand.
The M9 features a medium chamber design that strikes a balance between tonal warmth and projection. Rather than pushing entirely toward a dark, classical sound or a razor-sharp, ultra-bright tone, the medium chamber gives players a versatile foundation that works across jazz, funk, pop, and commercial settings. It responds well to a range of reed strengths and playing styles, making it an adaptable choice for advancing players.
Available in a range of tip openings, the Metalite lineup lets tenor saxophonists at Piano Gallery in Idaho Falls find the exact configuration that suits their embouchure and musical goals. The MKM-9's M9 facing is well-suited for players who want a moderately open feel with expressive flexibility.
Ideal For
- Jazz tenor saxophone players seeking a bright, projecting tone without the cost of a true metal mouthpiece
- Advancing intermediate players ready to move beyond a student mouthpiece and develop a more defined sound
- Gigging musicians who need a durable, road-worthy tenor sax mouthpiece for regular performance use
- School band and community jazz ensemble players in Idaho Falls looking to upgrade their tone
- Saxophonists exploring the best tenor saxophone mouthpiece for jazz and commercial playing styles
Key Features
Metalite Construction
Rico's proprietary Metalite material is engineered to deliver the bright, resonant tonal characteristics of a metal mouthpiece at a significantly lower price point. It is also more durable than traditional metal, resisting dents and dings that can affect playability and intonation over time.
Medium Chamber
The medium chamber design produces a balanced, versatile tone that sits between the warmth of a hard rubber mouthpiece and the cutting brightness of a full metal piece. This makes the MKM-9 a strong all-around choice for jazz, funk, and commercial tenor saxophone playing.
M9 Tip Opening and Facing
The M9 facing provides a moderately open tip opening that gives players expressive flexibility and dynamic range without becoming difficult to control. It pairs well with a variety of reed strengths, making it easy to dial in your preferred setup.
Variety of Tip Openings Available
The Metalite series is offered in multiple tip opening configurations, so players can choose the exact feel and response that best suits their embouchure and playing style — all available to explore at Piano Gallery in Idaho Falls.
What's Included
- Rico by D'Addario MKM-9 Metalite Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece - M9
- Manufacturer warranty
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rico by D'Addario |
| Model | MKM-9 |
| Instrument | Tenor Saxophone |
| Material | Metalite |
| Chamber | Medium |
| Facing | M9 |
| Player Level | Intermediate / Advanced |
Experience This Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Today
Head into Piano Gallery in Idaho Falls to try the Rico by D'Addario MKM-9 Metalite Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece and hear the difference a quality mouthpiece makes in your tone. Our staff is ready to help you find the right fit for your playing style and musical goals — stop by our Idaho Falls location or contact us through our website to check availability today.
