Mouthpiece selection

[dolbob]

I've noticed that when going for that extra edge and volume needed for the jazz/rock type of sound that I am taking most of the mouthpiece into my mouth, often without thinking. I am using an Otto link metal tone edge 6* and a 2 reed.
When playing normally I would only have a third of the mpc in my mouth, and I can play over the whole(nominal) range without problems.
Should I be looking at a harder reed or a bigger tip opening and will this affect my " normal" playing. I,d be grateful for advice

 

[jazzdoh]

Is this for tenor or alto?
If its for tenor then you would normally take a little more mouthpiece in the mouth than for alto.
I would go first for a harder reed and see if this helps mainly due to the reed only costs a few pounds where as a new mouthpiece or reface is going to cost a lot more.
If you want edge to your playing then there are better pieces for achieving this other than a link STM which is normally associated with a darker sound depending which kind of link you have got i.e. new or vintage.

Hope this helps

Brian

 

[dolbob]

Thanks Brian, Im playing Tenor, and the problem is being able to play a variety of types of music with the same mpc and red of course perhaps others use the method I use?

 

[jazzdoh]

Thanks Brian, Im playing Tenor, and the problem is being able to play a variety of types of music with the same mpc and red of course perhaps others use the method I use?

Difficult depending on the types of music you play,a link might be great for jazz but not so good if you play funk and pop.
You will probably find one or two mpc's that give you the sound concept you are after.

On tenor i found a vintage Berg HR that takes care of the loud stuff and a EB link STM takes care of the softer side.

Best of luck with your search.

Brian

 

[Kingsleyhk]

For what it's worth (not much actually) I use a Link 5* for jazz/section work and a Dukoff D7 (on tenor) when I have to show the rock guitarists who's boss!

 

[daveysaxboy]

Get yourself a laser trimmed Guardala, MBII is awesome for LOUD cut and very easy blower,also the King is fantastic and the Studio model.The Superking is very very loud but sounds very thin.I have,do use guardalas for donkeys of years for all my mental loud stuff.Nothing can compete with these in my book.For ease of playing,great construction and all reed friendly.Or if you want a handmade as good as or even better than a original guardala which go for around a grand check out Sakshama mouthpieces.He has made me 5 guardala lost wax copys in solid bronze.There amazing and way cheaper.I'm using his Studio G's on alto and tenor for my loud stuff now.

 

[U CAN CALL ME AL]

For what it's worth (not much actually) I use a Link 5* for jazz/section work and a Dukoff D7 (on tenor) when I have to show the rock guitarists who's boss!

Strange but true I use Vintage Link 6* (jazz & band) Dukoff D6 (rock & pop) on Conn 12m Bari

 

[kevgermany]

I can just imagine you with your lips around the crook, gagging. 🙂))

Seriously, if it works, why go through the hassle of finding another mouthpiece/reed.