Mouthpieces Mouthpieces

[funkymonk]

I've been playing sax now for about 4 years, I started on Alto and moved to tenor about two years ago. Just over a year ago I got a Berg Larsen stainless steel bullet sms 105. I've been really happy with it over all except for my upper register, which although in tune is quite weak. The other day I gave my old mpc a go (a yamaha 5c -big difference in tip opening I know!) I was quite shocked; my upper notes sounded so much better and I preferred the smoother sound. However overall I found the sound not as meaty or full. I know it's a big question but where should I go from here? Now when i play the berg I'm not happy, neither am I happy with the yamaha. Maybe I should try some new mouthpieces, if so any ideas? Or am I jumping ahead by looking for a new mouthpiece?

Thanks guys.

 

[kevgermany]

I'm a big fan of the PPT... Full meaty, with easy clean rich high notes. Screams when you push it... But big and meaty when you want that.

 

[saxnik]

I use a Vandoren Java T75, very flexible and full sounding throughout. I changed from doubling up between a Link 7* and a Larsen 110, then bought this to replace both.
Not tried a PPT, but then I'm not a fan of changing mouthpieces often, my take is that you need to play a mouthpiece for at least six months to really know if it works, since your chops will gradually alter to match.
In the OP you said how you're not happy with either piece, so now is the time to change, but you'll probably need to go to a specialist shop like sax.co.uk, Howarths or Allegro (in Oxford), try a few out (i.e. rule some out) then take your guess depending on budget and how comfortable each feels.

Good luck!

Nick

 

[TomMapfumo]

Visiting these olaces is not so easy from Heidelberg - might cost more than the mouthpiece! What tenor do you play? I used to play a Yani which has a smaller bore, and the upper octave could often sound thin. I now play a larger bore tenor (System 54) which has more body in the upper octave. If you are looking for a smoother sound but a full sound then some of the Lebayle mouthpieces would suit (Jazz. LR & LRII) or the Vandoren Java as saxnik says. If you have a small bore tenor a Francois Louis mouthpiece would be a high recommendation (I have played all the above - Lebayle Jazz is the smoothest sounding). Problem is that it is quite a personal choice. Thomann has good prices, but you may heed to try some at a store.

 

[funkymonk]

Thanks for the advice guys, I'm going to try some other mouthpieces soon. @TomMapfumo, I play a walstein tenor, does that have a small bore?

 

[TomMapfumo]

It does seem to be a large bore tenor from what I read in The BW Owners Club thread on this website.

 

[johnboy]

You could try a Rico Metalite, an amazing mouthpiece for the money (it has a big following). I have been using one for a few months now and find it works really well (some have compared them favourably to much more expensive pieces). For the cost of around £20 they are well worth trying, I don't think you would regret it. Have a look on Rapidreeds.
While here, I'd better say hello to Compound, he's another fan!

John.

 

[Justin Chune]

I'm thinking of following your advice myself Johnboy. Which Metalite would be closest to a Selmer C**? I want to give a friend a blow on my baritone and acquire a spare for myself.

Jim.

 

[johnboy]

Hi Justin,
Looking at the Baritone charts, your Selmer C** has a tip opening of 0.080" and a med/long facing.
The nearest Metalite is the M5, which has a tip opening of 0.100" and a short facing.
The M7 has a tip opening of 0.110" and a medium facing.
The M9 has a tip opening of 0.120" and a long facing.
At the price, I think it is worth giving the M5 a go, perhaps with a softer reed.
Of course you could always sand/balance your reeds to suit ;}
I have ordered an ATG Reed System and will be reporting on it's performance soon

John.

 

[Justin Chune]

Thanks John, I will give the M5 a go and I'll be interested in hearing about the ATG Reed System.

Jim.

 

[jonf]

Metalites are great, particularly the baritone ones. Fantastic value for money.

 

[compound]

You could try a Rico Metalite, an amazing mouthpiece for the money (it has a big following). I have been using one for a few months now and find it works really well (some have compared them favourably to much more expensive pieces). For the cost of around £20 they are well worth trying, I don't think you would regret it. Have a look on Rapidreeds.
While here, I'd better say hello to Compound, he's another fan!

John.

Hi John, How are you my friend? hope the wife is ok now. Keep the faith. Kind regards Rob.

 

[johnboy]

Hi John, How are you my friend? hope the wife is ok now. Keep the faith. Kind regards Rob.

Hi Rob, Yep Caroles fine now. You see I'm still pushing the Metalite (not on commission yet though), I still think mine is excellent.
I found an archery club about half an hour away, so I may have to dust off my 1965 Black Widow ;}

John.

 

[compound]

Hi John,
Glad Caroles ok, guess you can relax again now ;} Talking Archery if i were you i'd consider taking it up again, keeps you fit my friend. My Compound is up for sale at the moment, i've gone to Longbow much more fun and a lot cheaper.

If you've got a Black Widow that old be very careful, old bows can be lethal. Unless your talking about the Catapult one.
Best Wishes to you both
Rob.

 

[johnboy]

Thanks John, I will give the M5 a go and I'll be interested in hearing about the ATG Reed System.

Jim.

Hi Jim, Please let us know your thoughts after trying it out.
I'm buying the ATG System to see if it comes anywhere near the results I get from sanding. One other member has bought one and has found it o.k., so we will see.
Rob, the Black Widow is perfect/beautiful, but my main bow is a Samik carbon jobby.

John.

 

[funkymonk]

Good day to all,

I just thought I'd just update you on the situation. I tried many different mouthpieces over the past few months (some suggested in this thread) and took my time in deciding. In the end i bought the java t75. I feel it's got the potential for the sound I want to shape.

As a result I'm enjoying sax so much more now, esp longtones. I realise now how much I was fighting the berg I had before. My tone is a lot more even and focused. I can control the dynamics of my sound in a way I just couldn't on the berg. But more importantly I feel a lot more confident on it!

So I'd just like to thank all those in this thread for the advice given.

FM

 

[TomMapfumo]

When I first got a Tenor Sax I purchased a Vandoren Java T55 from Thomann, which I still have, and occasionally play - good sound, and especially for more contemporary music. Well made, good value, and no particular flaws that come to mind.

Thanks for the update!
Tom

 

[johnnyboy46]

Personally, im a vandoren t77 fan. i played a rosseau 4r for a long time and managed to get that edgy sound out of that. Here's a trick i learned from a good friend of mine: put a quarter inch of electrical tape on the part of the mouthpiece that goes in your mouth; really opens up the sound on any mouthpiece

 

[compound]

Personally, im a vandoren t77 fan. i played a rosseau 4r for a long time and managed to get that edgy sound out of that. Here's a trick i learned from a good friend of mine: put a quarter inch of electrical tape on the part of the mouthpiece that goes in your mouth; really opens up the sound on any mouthpiece

Hi John,
Where exactly do you put the tape , on the bite plate, or completly around before the reed goes on? Never heard that one before. Rob.