Mouthpieces Next Mouthpiece

[Owen]

Hi, I've been playing Alto Saxophone for about 2 years and practice regularly, I have weekly lessons so in my opinion I'm making reasonable progress. I need to change my Yamaha 4c mouthpiece as it has a small chip, not on the rail but I don't like it chipped. Can members please suggest what my next choice of mouthpiece should be. I play grade related music with my Tutor - Grade 3 - 4 and I like to play Popular Music, Soul and Motown. Reason why you would suggest a particular mouthpiece would be good as it will help my learning.

 

[Saxlicker]

I'm gonna sound like a stuck record before the flood gates open but......

Vandoren Java A45 (not jumbo java)

Meyer 7 (modern meyers are smaller than the old ones) maybe.

 

[Nick Wyver]

Yamaha 5C

 

[johnboy]

Owen,
The Arnold Brilhart designed Rico Metalite mouthpieces are now available for alto, and are ideal for the Pop/Soul sound you want. Given that you've been playing for two years, an M5 would be a good idea. At around £15 they are a steal
Hi Trev.

John.

 

[TomMapfumo]

Good choices there!

The Java A45 costs £80.50 inc. shipping via www.thomann.de
The Rico Graftonite B3 or B5 (not metallite but excellent) are £13.61 inc. shipping from www.rapidreeds.com

I do not think that Rico currently produce a Metalite Alto piece as there is low demand, but the Graftonite is an excellent buy - I have one.

 

[TomMapfumo]

I stand corrected! The Rico website list the M5 and M7 for Alto, but I cannot locate any available in UK. I'll do some ongoing research.

When you highlight soul andMotown type music are you looking for a brighter sounding piece, with some edge, or something a bit gentler?

 

[Saxlicker]

Hi Trev.

John.

Hi John

Taking care I hope.
Trev

 

[johnboy]

Hi John

Taking care I hope.
Trev

Hi Trev.
How are your lovely family.
I've still got some probs. but it's only to be expected. Carole busted her arm but that's doing fine, but she can't drive, so I can't drink :crying:
Back to topic -
Owen,the Rico Graftonite are availabl in three types, 'A', 'B' and 'C'. The 'B' series are fine, but the 'A' is definitely not for Pop/Soul, I have both types and used a 'B' for R&B, until the return of the Metalite.
Don't know about the 'C'.

John.

 

[kevgermany]

I stand corrected! The Rico website list the M5 and M7 for Alto, but I cannot locate any available in UK. I'll do some ongoing research.

When you highlight soul andMotown type music are you looking for a brighter sounding piece, with some edge, or something a bit gentler?

From memory these were only re-released in July, so I guess they'll be here sometime soon.

 

[AlanU]

Selmer S80?

 

[kevgermany]

Selmer S80?

Very nice piece, easy to play. But rather expensive compared to the others.

 

[TomMapfumo]

Very nice piece, easy to play. But rather expensive compared to the others.

Never really considered getting a Selmer S80 for Funk, Rock, Soul and Motown........... :shocked:;}

You might also want to add a Lebayle HR Studio 6 and a Runyon Custom 6 to your possibilities in the musical styles you mention. For what it's worth Maceo Parker uses a Brilhart Ebolin 3 mouthpiece!

 

[johnboy]

Hi Owen,
You should be really confused by now, I am.;}:shocked:

John.

 

[allansto]

Yeh Im pretty confused too
I think when Im ready to upgrade my mouthpiece (currently yam 4c)
I am just going to go go to a good shop and try them all until I find the one I like.;}

 

[TomMapfumo]

I understand the logic of doing that but the dilemma for me is that most shops have a smallish supply of mouthpieces (some have a vast choice), and some of the best mouthpieces you will never find in a shop in Australia or anywhere. As long as you are OK with that, then no worries.

Also, the important thing is the combination of mouthpiece, ligature and reeds, not just the mouthpiece. Some reeds do not suit some mouthpieces, and we create our optimum sound through some experimentation with the three.

 

[allansto]

Thanks Tom
Yes I realise I may be limiting my choices but I figured it was a good place to start.
I hope to find a shop with vast choices, or maybe more than one shop.
I guess its all a journey and getting there will be half the fun!!
I also hear what your saying about the lig, reed, mp, setup I will take this onboard when I
do my trials.
I just thought this might be a more economical way to try new mps rather than buying a heap off the internet and only liking half, or some, of them ............and what to do???? with the ones I dont like.:welldone

 

[johnboy]

I understand the logic of doing that but the dilemma for me is that most shops have a smallish supply of mouthpieces (some have a vast choice), and some of the best mouthpieces you will never find in a shop in Australia or anywhere. As long as you are OK with that, then no worries.

Also, the important thing is the combination of mouthpiece, ligature and reeds, not just the mouthpiece. Some reeds do not suit some mouthpieces, and we create our optimum sound through some experimentation with the three.

Hi Tom,
That's why I advocate matching the reed to the mouthpiece by sanding. Can't wait for my ATG System to arive
Tom, I didn't thank you for pointing me in the direction of the Saluzzis, love em. I've dropped hints for my next birthday present ;}. In 1952 I used to play sax alongside Madam Courtney's Girl Accordion Band. I had a lovely short trousered, puff sleeved, outfit in silk
Go on Allansto splash out on a Rico Metalite, and join the fan club ;}

John.

 

[TomMapfumo]

Knowing Allansto, he will end up with heaps of Metalites..................most of which will have too big a tip opening.......:shocked:;}

The secret is to develop your own concept of what sound you most like in a saxophone, and start with reeds first - bright or dark sounding or inbetween. I mainly play filed reeds as I like their texture of sound more than unfiled. Ligatures are usually material, which is slightly dampening of sound (which may be desirable) or metal, which is often brighter. I rarely use material ligatures (only really my trusted Rovner EVO-5's on Alto and Tenor HR)

Mouthpiece wise most are very playable, usually differing slightly from each other (with several exceptions). There are ones more suited to classical playing, others more suited to jazz, and then ones better for rock, funk, popular music and similar. A bit of background reading and research works wonders, and helps clarify what you are looking for. Knowing your right size of tip opening is helpful.

My first two alto mouthpieces were a Selmer Super Session (mellow and for jazz) and a Jody Jazz Classic (very lively and good with rock, funk etc.). It was about 3 years before I bought another one over the internet, leaning more towards the jazz sound, wanting something less mellow - Vandoren V16 A7m.

Good luck, whatever you do, but get a Metalite anyway. Tou can order one via www.musiclinks.com.au in Victoria!

 

[Owen]

Thanks to everyone for the very useful advice. The various mouthpieces suggested are now my shortlist for looking at closer before I buy one or more. Thanks again Owen

 

[allansto]

Thanks John
I`ll put that on top of the (to Try ) list.
I hope to do some trials in the next month , Ive got a birthday coming up too.;}