What is the difference between saxophone mouthpiece tip openings?

There are many characteristics that change from mouthpiece to mouthpiece, but one of the key factors is tip opening. The tip opening of a mouthpiece is the measurement from the tip of the mouthpiece to the reed. Mouthpieces open up from the table of the mouthpiece to the tip opening (part of this area is called the facing length, which is another important mouthpiece measurement), but the degree to which it is opened up at the end is significant, as that is where the tip of the reed vibrates. The bigger the space for the reed to vibrate creates a different tone.

Some saxophone players like having a large space for the reed to vibrate (a large tip opening), and some prefer having a smaller space (a small tip opening) and of course there are many sizes of both and in between. A larger tip opening does mean that a player needs to have certain control of the embouchure, otherwise the reed may not vibrate to it’s full extent. The tone is different from a smaller tip opening to a larger one, due to the amount of vibration the reed is allowed. Because of this extra control required, the larger tip openings generally work well with a softer reed; jazz and contemporary players tend to prefer this combination. Conversely, a smaller tip opening works well, generally, with stronger reeds, providing the dark and full tone preferred by classical saxophonists.

However, there are many variations in preference, and every player, with their unique embouchure and oral cavity, will have their own choices for mouthpiece and reed combination.