Mouthpieces Classical Baritone Mouthpiece

[GJ77]

I was playing with my sax quartet yesterday and doing some rough recording, and when listening back I realised how inappropriate my tone was for that ensemble.

I use an RPC mouthpiece which I love in most settings where you really want the Bari to cut through, however I'm struggling to get it to blend in this ensemble. It's a 120 tip opening with quite a high baffle, and the edge that I'm usually grateful for in most settings just doesn't work in this one. This quartet has quite a few bookings in the diary so I'm happy to invest in a mouthpiece to suit it.

I will obviously try any mouthpiece before buying but a few suggestions that others have had success with would be nice so that I've got a starting point.

It's for a Mk6 low a.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Selmer S80. Very good on Bari. It will whisper and roar.

 

[GJ77]

That was always going to be the first one I tried Colin, it's good to know that others have had success with it though.

 

[kevgermany]

The Absolute slimline is really good that way - and less of a mouthful than some bari pieces.

 

[GJ77]

When I had the absolutes on pass around I dismissed the Bari piece as lacking guts compared to my RPC. Little did I know that I'd find myself needing a more mellow piece two months later.

 

[Nick Wyver]

I use a Meyer 9M for classical on bari (not that I do much at the mo). I had an S80 D which I think I've lent to someone. I'm not in much hurry to get it back on account of its serious wimpiness. The Meyer has at least got some guts.

 

[GJ77]

Yeah, I don't want to go so far the other way that I don't enjoy my playing any more. I want to try a Meyer and a Vandoren Optimum too.

 

[nigeld]

I once tried a modern Otto Link that sounded good on my vintage bari. I still regret not buying it.

 

[Colin the Bear]

You really do need to try them on your horn before you decide. You need a three way compatibility. You, the reed and the horn. Try different reeds too.

 

[GJ77]

I will, I'm just trying to narrow the field a little first.

 

[Chilli]

Vandoren has recently released the BL5 which is quite like the BL3 but with a bigger tip opening, way more comfortable if you're used to large tip openings such as a .120" (the BL3 is a ridiculous .072, the BL5 a .092).
The sales representative told me that the most versatile is the BL4 (.090) which could be used in jazz (quiet jazz, obviously) whereas the BL3 and 5 are definitely classical mpcs. Very round and warm sound, if that means anything.

 

[GJ77]

The BL5 definitely sounds like it'll be worth investigating. Vandoren always make quality gear, it may not suit the individual, but it's always good quality.

 

[Chilli]

I am not trying to sell Vandoren stuff (I rather dislike their reeds and don't care for their V5 models) but I forgot to say that while they are "Jazz" mouthpieces, the V16s are easily tamed to be used in legit settings as well (the B9 might be too extreme). I used to have a B5 and now have a B7 which is my backup mpc for all kinds of music. They are slimmer and I find it very easy to switch to it, coming from either a Lawton or an HR Berg Larsen.

 

[rhysonsax]

Old Selmer Soloists are very nice and match the MkVI bari well.

Rhys

 

[GJ77]

They're also difficult to find unfortunately Rhys. That would be my first choice.

 

[ProfJames]

Might be worth asking these guys............Sections

 

[GJ77]

A Google search had already turned up Roberto's website. I'm a musician, not a banker.

 

[ProfJames]

A Google search had already turned up Roberto's website. I'm a musician, not a banker.

Understood. I shan't bother you again.

 

[GJ77]

Although, as crazy as their prices seem, a friend in that part of the world tells me that they're open to negotiations.

 

[Justin Chune]

The S80 C** works well for me.