Chris98
Senior Member
- Messages
- 1,079
... well it's been at least a few months!
I’ve got a Vandoren Java A35 and an A45 but I struggle to feel a difference between them! At the moment I’m playing an E. Rousseau NC4 as it’s easier to play but lacks some of the character of the A35. Yeap the grass is always greener! If I could combine the A35 with the NC4 I’d be a happy player… I think!
I’ve put the A45 up for sale but no-one seems interested so I’m wondering if it might be worth seeing if it can be re-faced into something more suitable for me, I’ve heard about mouthpieces being widened but can they be closed?
The second and perhaps more appealing idea is to buy something new, I’ve long had my eye on the Mouthpiece Café’s N.Y. Cafe Bros, but I’m also curious about Edward Pillinger’s pieces, from his website:
NYA Classic, New York 1950s style be-bop mouthpiece.
HB Vibrant, clean, well centred tone with excellent intonation. Dynamic and versatile mouthpiece with excellent projection. Excels 'on mike' and for recording.
'Soloist' Alto Classic, early French style (domed throat).
And the new: LA Alto Medium Chamber, New York Meyer style alternative to basic NYA. Currently recommended with the new 6*M facing.
I think the Meyer is probably the direction I’ll go in but I’ve not got an idea of how a Soloist compares, I’d be grateful if anyone could describe the differences for me.
For what I play and where I play my priority for the piece is not projection or to be able to cut through, what I’m looking for is a flexible piece with good intonation and a good balanced tone with definition. I’m also thinking of a smaller tip opening, in the region of a Meyer 5 or 6.
I’d be grateful to hear from anyone who has played any of the Pillinger alto pieces, or anyone with advice or suggestions.
Best wishes,
Chris
I’ve got a Vandoren Java A35 and an A45 but I struggle to feel a difference between them! At the moment I’m playing an E. Rousseau NC4 as it’s easier to play but lacks some of the character of the A35. Yeap the grass is always greener! If I could combine the A35 with the NC4 I’d be a happy player… I think!
I’ve put the A45 up for sale but no-one seems interested so I’m wondering if it might be worth seeing if it can be re-faced into something more suitable for me, I’ve heard about mouthpieces being widened but can they be closed?
The second and perhaps more appealing idea is to buy something new, I’ve long had my eye on the Mouthpiece Café’s N.Y. Cafe Bros, but I’m also curious about Edward Pillinger’s pieces, from his website:
NYA Classic, New York 1950s style be-bop mouthpiece.
HB Vibrant, clean, well centred tone with excellent intonation. Dynamic and versatile mouthpiece with excellent projection. Excels 'on mike' and for recording.
'Soloist' Alto Classic, early French style (domed throat).
And the new: LA Alto Medium Chamber, New York Meyer style alternative to basic NYA. Currently recommended with the new 6*M facing.
I think the Meyer is probably the direction I’ll go in but I’ve not got an idea of how a Soloist compares, I’d be grateful if anyone could describe the differences for me.
For what I play and where I play my priority for the piece is not projection or to be able to cut through, what I’m looking for is a flexible piece with good intonation and a good balanced tone with definition. I’m also thinking of a smaller tip opening, in the region of a Meyer 5 or 6.
I’d be grateful to hear from anyone who has played any of the Pillinger alto pieces, or anyone with advice or suggestions.
Best wishes,
Chris
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