For a while I've been focussing on Soprano Mouthpiece recommendations, and have been aware that there are not that many choices at the cheaper end of the market.
I have previously used a Rico Graftonite B7 which I have found does a pretty good job. Nothing else apart from the Yamaha 4C seems to exist below £50, other than used pieces as and when they appear. With my recent reviews of Windcraft Etude Alto and Tenor mpcs, both of which were very positive experiences, I contacted Dawkes about whether a Soprano Etude would ever be forthcoming. Sadly the news was that it was unlikely to be cost-effective, and initial set up costs would be rather prohibitive.
So, on to the Bari Esprit range, which produces an exceptional Alto (Esprit II) and excellent Tenor both for £14. I ordered a Soprano Esprit for £14, post free from Ackerman Music, which arrived today. What a lovely surprise! I have been trialling it for an hour or so, comparing it with my Soprano Planet Via Coro, and it has equipped itself surprisingly well.
It is a slightly fatter mouthpiece, and made out of "durable hard composite" (matt finish). It had a really good tone, almost mellow, with no squeakiness or screechiness, and the description of "rich and vibrant" seems quite reasonable. Intonation was very good, and the sound had some depth, but not that complex overall. I played a few tenor tunes on it and it acquitted itself very well, with good body to the sound which was never that bright - almost "matt" like.
I played the Bari Esprit with my Marc Jean ligature and both Marca Jazz 3 and Alexander DC 2.5 reeds. I most enjoyed the Marca Jazz - it was a little brighter and more full bodied. The DC reed had a slightly deeper sound and
less volume, so ideal for more sombre/melancholic music.
The more I played it the more I liked it and thought that it was better than the Rico and the Yani HR I used to play.
A Big Recommendation, therefore. Amazing to see such quality at such a low price. It was a free and easy blow, and would also be an excellent beginner mouthpiece.
Kind regards
Tom
I have previously used a Rico Graftonite B7 which I have found does a pretty good job. Nothing else apart from the Yamaha 4C seems to exist below £50, other than used pieces as and when they appear. With my recent reviews of Windcraft Etude Alto and Tenor mpcs, both of which were very positive experiences, I contacted Dawkes about whether a Soprano Etude would ever be forthcoming. Sadly the news was that it was unlikely to be cost-effective, and initial set up costs would be rather prohibitive.
So, on to the Bari Esprit range, which produces an exceptional Alto (Esprit II) and excellent Tenor both for £14. I ordered a Soprano Esprit for £14, post free from Ackerman Music, which arrived today. What a lovely surprise! I have been trialling it for an hour or so, comparing it with my Soprano Planet Via Coro, and it has equipped itself surprisingly well.
It is a slightly fatter mouthpiece, and made out of "durable hard composite" (matt finish). It had a really good tone, almost mellow, with no squeakiness or screechiness, and the description of "rich and vibrant" seems quite reasonable. Intonation was very good, and the sound had some depth, but not that complex overall. I played a few tenor tunes on it and it acquitted itself very well, with good body to the sound which was never that bright - almost "matt" like.
I played the Bari Esprit with my Marc Jean ligature and both Marca Jazz 3 and Alexander DC 2.5 reeds. I most enjoyed the Marca Jazz - it was a little brighter and more full bodied. The DC reed had a slightly deeper sound and
less volume, so ideal for more sombre/melancholic music.
The more I played it the more I liked it and thought that it was better than the Rico and the Yani HR I used to play.
A Big Recommendation, therefore. Amazing to see such quality at such a low price. It was a free and easy blow, and would also be an excellent beginner mouthpiece.
Kind regards
Tom