Mouthpieces alto graphtonite A5 mouthpiece

[chadders]

I am used to using a Berg Larson 4 mouthpiece with jazz select 3S reeds and have been given a Graphontonite A5 mouthpiece for Christmas

I am finding the Graphtonite difficult to blow/control with the same reed set up. Dropping down to a 2 or 2.5 rico royal gives me back some of the control I have with the Berg but still not as easy to bend notes. I am finding the A5 a bit straight laced.

My wife now wants to get me a Graphtonite B5 ( Cause I had originally asked for a B5). As the difference between the A5 and the B5 is purely in the chamber size, would there be any difference in the playability of the mouthpiece , or would it be just in the tone?

Cheers
Chad

 

[Pjonah]

I have a B5 on alto with RJS2.5 and it sings.

Also have B5's on Baritone and sop too, easy as you like, but I use No.3 reeds on those.

 

[TomMapfumo]

The Rico Graftonite A5 and B5 are both 0.80 tip openings which are quite large for Alto, unless you are an experienced player, so playing it straighter may be what you end up doing. I use an 85 tip opening now, but I would perhaps suggest a B3 (0.70) for a little more control. It is the same size as a Meyer 5M - standard alto mouthpiece size.

Otherwise get some Marca Jazz reeds if you want to do some bending (2.5's should be fine).

Kind regards
Tom 8)

 

[jonf]

Hi Chad

As you go from A to B to C on the graphtonite, they get progressively brighter. You should find for each number within the letter that they play much the same - ie, a B5 will play much the same as an A5, but the B5 will be brighter. I think the best of the range are the C series. Try a C3 or C 5 with an RJS 2M. They really sing, and are great for the money.

 

[chadders]

Thanks for the responses - I will try either a B3 or C3 and some Marcas on th A5

Cheers

Chad