Mouthpieces If you use a metal mpc, why?

[Woodpad]

It still challenges me in multiple ways.

First repetition of the year and no squeaks on a Dukoff crystalite.

 

[Ivan]

I'm a sucker for metal mouthpieces because I like the looks

But my only go to metal mouthpiece is for tenor...

The SA&B mouthpieces that play best for me are Pillinger black plastic or PPT onyxite

I have a well playing metal Lawton alto and a Lawton bari (which I think look ultra-cool), but the Pillingers beat them for dynamics

 

[thomsax]

So, if you use a metal mpc what were your reasons?

I bought my first metal mouthpiece, Classic/Amati, in 1973 because I was curious how it would be to play metal mouthpiece and since then I've been playing metal mouthpieces.

I like(d) metal mouthpieces because ...

• .... of hygienic reasons. Easier to clean and keep the outside and inside shiny.
• .... they are "slimmer". Easier to grip around the mouthpiece and don't lose air.
• .... they gave me a more "rapid reactions". A cutting (snärtig) tone/sound.
• .... give me better dynamics, when I push, play "louder"/more volume.
• .... metal mouthpieces last longer/stay in better condition longer.

I play electric blues, rock & roll R&B and I think metal was better for me in 1973. Today I can buy new mouthpieces that can give , almost, modern/new material with the same tone/sound/feeling. They were not available in 1973, at least not were I lived. For me it's a tradition to play metal mouthpieces.

 

[pablop]

I choose my Mouthpiece based on #1 tone and #2 intonation, on tenor and alto I have settled on Freddie Gregory Mark II Hard Rubber and alternate with Sakashama's OttoLink double ring clones (metal). Both the FG and Sakashama's have proven to be stable on intonation for my playing, they require less wild adjustments than other MPs I have played (Dukoff, Berglarsen, Meyer, ie)

 

[JSL]

• .... give me better dynamics, when I push, play "louder"/more volume.
• .... metal mouthpieces last longer/stay in better condition longer

I can play far louder on a HR RPC120B, ebonite PPT, 10mFan Chameleon, and other HR mpcs with a high baffle, than on a metal Otto Link. And I've gotten years of use out of HR mpcs with no deterioration in condition.

 

[thomsax]

When I decided to play metal back in 1973, RPC120B, ebonite PPT, 10mFan Chameleon, and other HR mpcs with a high baffle, were not available for me in Sweden. I doubt you could get a PPT in 1973 !!! As I wrote above; "Today I can buy new mouthpieces that can give , almost, modern/new material with the same tone/sound/feeling". I compared metal mouthpieces to plastic and hardrubber mouthpieces that were were available for me back then. I like(d) metal and prefer metal to plastic or hardrubber.

 

[JSL]

When I decided to play metal back in 1973, RPC120B, ebonite PPT, 10mFan Chameleon, and other HR mpcs with a high baffle, were not available for me in Sweden. I doubt you could get a PPT in 1973 !!! As I wrote above; "Today I can buy new mouthpieces that can give , almost, modern/new material with the same tone/sound/feeling". I compared metal mouthpieces to plastic and hardrubber mouthpieces that were were available for me back then. I like(d) metal and prefer metal to plastic or hardrubber.

Well yeah, back then there were far fewer choices. It's a completely different situation now. I'm sort of assuming the OP is asking about mpcs now; not over 50 years ago. And I like both metal and HR mpcs, depending entirely on their design. I wouldn't choose one strictly on the basis of the material it is made out of. There are lots of myths regarding metal vs HR mpcs that have nothing to do with the material and everything to do with the design. Of course, if you prefer the look of metal or the smaller profile and/or you've found one with the design that works for you, go for it.

 

[skeller047]

I can play far louder on a HR RPC120B, ebonite PPT, 10mFan Chameleon, and other HR mpcs with a high baffle, than on a metal Otto Link. And I've gotten years of use out of HR mpcs with no deterioration in condition.

I am digging my Chameleon for this reason, it can play louder than my Link or Tribute, and is still flexible. However, I will likely retire it... it does take a lot of air, actually all the air I can give it, but it's a bit tiring. I have a new piece that I just finished today, and it has the volume characteristics of the Chameleon, but in a 7 tip instead of 7**. And it's a skinny hard rubber piece, it takes an alto ligature, so feels more like my Link and Tribute. I've got a few more of the blanks so I may make a couple more....

The secret to the Chameleon is the long and high rollover baffle. It's less edgy than a Dukoff or Guardals, because there is no sharp edge or step, but still can produce the power. I dig it.

 

[lig]

Why? I love the way it plays. Love the way it sounds. I prefer the feel/shape of metal pieces vs. rubber. I he exception of the Beechler alto pieces which are just too small and some of the old Berg pieces that have a weirdly steep beak.

Aesthetically being finished like jewelry doesn't hurt either. 🙂

 

[thomsax]

"Metal mouthpieces last longer" ... of course a metal mouthpiece can be damage as well. Here is a Dukoff silverite mpc which my cat payed with. The tip was damaged. With higher weight a metal mouthpiece get more fragile? Silverrite is a soft material. I could get the mouthpiece to play again: I opened up the the tip to c.135", filed the lay ..... and I got a duckbill Dukoff with a steep lay/curve. Hugh sound.

 

[thomsax]

Even the hardest of the hard can be damaged. Here is a Berg Larsen ss straight bill/beak from the 60's. I don't know what happened, it came along with a sax I bought. The upper part of mouthpiece is bent. I can't bend it back. These are nice mouthpieces. Playing well.