Mouthpieces Guardala Studio vs RPC

[chengccs]

Hi all,

I'm using Guardala Studio on my Tenor and I'm using RPC 90R on my Alto. After reading Pete's web-site, I found out that Pete changed from Studio to RPC. Frankly speaking, I am very satisfied with the intonation of Studio on my Tenor. However, I am also curious about RPC on Tenor. I prefer the tune color of Lester Young, Stan Getz, Michael Brecker when I play Tenor.

So, Pete and others, may I know your opinion about these 2 mpcs? Why you choose Studio or why you choose RPC?

Thank you so much for your help.

-Stanley

 

[Pete Thomas]

I chose a studio because it was the best one when I tried a whole bunch of mouthpieces at Howarths. It was very loud which suited me at the time as I was doing quite a few R & B gigs with dodgy P.As.

When I discovered RPCs, I found that they are much more versatile (and still loud). With the Guardala I found that the mouthpiece was dictating my sound, the RPC let my own sound out of the cage.

 

[Saxlicker]

I have a hand made studio (stupidly preserved instead of played) a laser trimmed MBII and an RPC115B.

The RPC took me a while to get used to
(despite taking to my alto piece, a 90R immediately)
But now I agree its more versatile and colourful.

That said, after 15 years on slim metal pieces I have not yet used the RPC regularly when gigging. The MBII is still a comfort blanket but it will happen!

By the way its all Pete's fault!

 

[Pete Thomas]

Saxlicker wrote:
By the way its all Pete's fault!

Everything always is.

 

[Linky Lee]

I've even been considering getting a student loan to pay for an RPC as I don't want my metal link on tenor, they're too small, I prefer a larger sized mouthpiece and I'm curious... The trouble is, I may take out more and but loads of other things too, like a baritone and a sopranino and a... oops.

 

[phil_edwards]

Linky_Lee wrote:
.... The trouble is, I may take out more and buy loads of other things too, like a baritone and a sopranino and a... oops.

Lee, "may" just doesn't fit that sentence, does it? Come on, you know what'll happen. Still, good use of a student loan.

regards, Phil

 

[Bobby G]

Pete Thomas wrote:

Saxlicker wrote:
By the way its all Pete's fault!

Everything always is.

My partner Doreen would take issue with this statement as according to her everything is always my fault

 

[Pete Thomas]

Bobby G wrote:

Pete Thomas wrote:

Saxlicker wrote:
By the way its all Pete's fault!

Everything always is.

My partner Doreen would take issue with this statement as according to her everything is always my fault

OK, I'll tell my wife that, could be helpful. Next time the kids are late for school I'll tell her Doreen says it's Bob's fault. I'm now off the hook.

 

[josh_johnson]

See below..

 

[josh_johnson]

I play an RPC and used to use a Guardala. I find the RPC easier to play than the Guardala (sub-tones & low notes, as well as altissimo). It seems to have a fatter sound, as well having some edge to it. I did, initially, find it hard to play loudly and to retain some warmth in the sound.

I now also sound like me, which has made me want to improvise like me!

Although I have found it hard to play in a classical setting.

 

[chengccs]

After a while looking for the Tenor mpc, I'm now stick to the one that made by my friend "Cheong". I put my Studio in the drawer since I got the Cheong.

Today, after a while of using Cheong mpc, I take out the Studio and tried it again to see if I have found a better mpc. Now, the Studio is sitting quietly in the drawer again because I think that my new mpc is more versatile and more dynamic.

At the Alto, I'm still using the RPC, because I like the sound that it provides. And at the Soprano, I'm using another Cheong mpc.
Here is the pics of my mpc.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563152160NcDXsZ

Since Cheong mpc are available in saxquest.com now, so I think that I can share this experience with you. 🙂
http://www.saxquest.com/productDetails.asp?productcode=CheongSopMpcs
http://www.saxquest.com/productDetails.asp?productcode=CheongAltoMpcs
http://www.saxquest.com/productDetails.asp?productcode=GoldCheong110TSax

-Stanley

 

[rhysonsax]

chengccs wrote:
After a while looking for the Tenor mpc, I'm now stick to the one that made by my friend "Cheong". I put my Studio in the drawer since I got the Cheong.

Today, after a while of using Cheong mpc, I take out the Studio and tried it again to see if I have found a better mpc. Now, the Studio is sitting quietly in the drawer again because I think that my new mpc is more versatile and more dynamic.

At the Alto, I'm still using the RPC, because I like the sound that it provides. And at the Soprano, I'm using another Cheong mpc.
Here is the pics of my mpc.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563152160NcDXsZ

Since Cheong mpc are available in saxquest.com now, so I think that I can share this experience with you. 🙂
http://www.saxquest.com/productDetails.asp?productcode=CheongSopMpcs
http://www.saxquest.com/productDetails.asp?productcode=CheongAltoMpcs
http://www.saxquest.com/productDetails.asp?productcode=GoldCheong110TSax

-Stanley

Those Cheong mouthpieces look nice. Do you know whether they are available in the UK (a UK dealer or direct from the manufacturer) ?

Rhys

 

[chengccs]

Frankly speaking, I believe that currently there is an oral agreement/understanding between Cheong and Saxquest that Saxquest is an agent to sell the Cheong mpc. So I think that it is not good to let Saxquest sell the products and at the same sell the products via another channels.

Meanwhile, if you have any question regarding the specification of the mpc, I can help you to forward it to Cheong.

 

[rhysonsax]

chengccs wrote:
Frankly speaking, I believe that currently there is an oral agreement/understanding between Cheong and Saxquest that Saxquest is an agent to sell the Cheong mpc. So I think that it is not good to let Saxquest sell the products and at the same sell the products via another channels.

Meanwhile, if you have any question regarding the specification of the mpc, I can help you to forward it to Cheong.

That would be a Worldwide exclusive agreement which would be very unusual. Manufacturers would usually have different distributors or agents in different countries.

Maybe it is early days and Cheong doesn't have an agent or distributor in the UK or Europe, but most mouthpiece makers would sell their products directly as well as using distributors. It's very easy in this era of the internet - look at all the mouthpiece makers like Barone, Jary Custom, Jody jazz etc who sell their own pieces directly as well as through shops and distributors.

Best regards

Rhys

 

[chengccs]

Firstly, I am not sure whether it is a worldwide exclusive agreement or not. More likely, I would say that it is a gentleman's agreement. Personally, I believe that it is a get started arrangement between Cheong and Saxquest about the distribution of his mouthpieces.

I agree that it is common to have multiple distributor to sell the products worldwide, in particular of the manufacturing of mouthpieces as you mentioned. At the same time, I cannot deny the fact that the reputation of this mpcs has not yet as famous as the brand-name that you mentioned.

As one of his friends, IMHO, he used a lot of effort, time to develop the mpcs. E.g. material searching, technique for electro-plating, different combination of baffle, chamber, facing...etc.

And now, after a huge amount of time of trial and error, I am really happy that he comes up with the mouthpiece that comparable with other brand. Well, at least the comment from saxquest is not from Cheong. 🙂

I believe that Cheong is more than happy if many people are getting interested of his mouthpieces. So, please feel free to ask question regarding the mouthpieces, and I will try my best to forward it and get the answer.