Mouthpieces Mouthpiece Upgrade Question

[MikeMorrell]

That was pre-COVID around here. Not a chance for that anymore in the bigger stores.

Good Point, @LostCircuits. I've not been in store to try out a mpc since many years before Covid. But I can well imagine that things are different post-Covid. Although everything's been back to normal for years 'post-covid in NL', people still of course get Covid. And there are still people with a higher than average vulnerability to infections like Covid.

I have no idea how stores 'sterilize' tried-out mpc's. Interesting question.

Mike

 

[ToneRanger]

I went back through the case and the original packaging for the mouthpiece was in there - definitely a budget, no name mpc with a $14 price tag (probably late 90's so maybe $25-30 in today's $?) Posted a couple of pics on SOTW and I could almost audibly hear the gasps of horror.

What is the general consensus on the BetterSax Signature Classic? Seems like Jay Metcalf's answer to the Yamaha 4/5/6C - same price range - decent or junk?

 

[greenstripe]

The Better Sax Signature Classic is a pretty new product. I didn't know how many people you'll find with first hand experience of one.

One thing that would put me off:

"These are 100% made in the USA, and hand finished by experts at the JJ Babbitt factory in Elkhart, IN for precision at the tip, rails, facing and table."

JJ Babbitt produced mouthpieces are known for not being very consistent -think Meyer or Otto link for example. The thought of hand finishing on the cheap wouldn't fill me with confidence for a learner or returner, where known values (consistency) is priority.

I'd go with the Yamaha or as someone mentioned ESM Jazz if you want something with a baffle which broadly speaking gives brighter sound.

 

[mizmar]

If I could.
In this and your other threads you've got solid advice for a "get going" MP and that your instrument is probably better than decent.

Sure, you'll need a box of reeds, and a fresh swab... But don't get more hangup on kit than that. Fight your inner geeetarist - and accept that you're as well set-up as you'll need to be for a few years, probably...
... Time to play.

 

[LostCircuits]

"These are 100% made in the USA, and hand finished by experts at the JJ Babbitt factory in Elkhart, IN for precision at the tip, rails, facing and table."

Somebody who I very highly respected once said about this: "You mean a glorified blank?"