Mouthpieces My next mouthpiece

[newageanubis]

I'm in the long, expensive stage of experimenting with reeds and mouthpieces. Recently, I discovered that the Link 7 HR I use is one of the crappy ones. Kind members over at SOTW have told me that it suffers from a messed up rollover. Refacing may not be a good idea for a beginner like myself.

And so, I'm planning to purchase another mouthpiece. I'd like to get a lot closer to the ONE mouthpiece, so I need a little help. The Link 7 HR I've been using has a tip opening of about .100 and my dynamics barely have any contrast and my sound is a little airy at times. How many facing numbers should I drop down to improve my sound?

Also, I don't think I should dive into the world of metal pieces yet. I'm not ready. If I'm playing for a standard jazz ensemble and a jazz quintet, what mouthpieces would you recommend to help (with practice) to achieve a dark, "old school", Plas Johnson-like sound?

 

[griff136]

your best bet is to get to a music shop an try a whole bunch of them, narrow your trial down to a few you like and put a deposit down and take them away for a week or two's approval.

moutpieces are a totally personal thing. but you could try amongst others

Selmer super session (based on the old scroll shank mouthpieces)
Selmer s 80
vandoren java
Jody jazz classic
Lebayle

 

[TomMapfumo]

I assume that you play Alto (?). Top recommendations from me would include a Ponzol Vintage HR (0.75 opening) or a Vandoren V16 HR 6M - both are top quality (the Ponzol is handmade and comes with a Rovner Ligature) and retail for about ?100 - they are great if you want something like an original Meyer.

For about ?60 you could look at a Bari Richie Cole 6 or a Beechler Diamond M6S, in similar vein. My favourite is the Ponzol - sax.co.uk would be a main option here.

Good luck
Tom 8)

 

[justin_chune]

The Selmer C** tenor mouthpiece has a tip opening of 75/945 lay. If you want stay with Otto Link then the equivalent would be an Otto Link 5 with a tip opening of 75/875. If you are new to the sax you can also try the Yamaha 4c/5c mouthpieces and save some dosh. The Links open up in increments of 5 thou. 5* 6 6* 7 etc.

A friend of mine plays Link 5 and I like my C**.

Good luck

Jim.

 

[Pjonah]

With Griff on this one, I find its too difficult to give any meaningful advice, other than to get your carcus along to a reputable dealer and spend a few hours in a sound booth putting loads of pieces through their paces.

For the record, I rate the Selmer Soloist C**, its so responsive, but I also like my trusty Brilhart. Which brings me onto Trevor Jones in Bristol.......Rico Graftonite at ?17 got a be worth a go, for that money its worth buying one and slinging it if your not happy! Ask Tom he knows!

Simon

 

[TomMapfumo]

On rereading I understand that it is actually a Tenor that you play. Ignore the above, in that case.

I recently tried several Tenor mouthpieces, and chose a Francois Louis Spectruoso T280 ML. Close were Lomax NY and LA, Vandoren V16 HR, and Lebayle Jazz Chamber HR.

Given that you are keen on a Plas Johnson type sound I would say that the Lebayle Jazz Chamber HR 6 is the closest match of those above, with a Francois Louis T235 ML also a possible (both are about .090 openings - 6) and worth considering. The V16's and Selmer Super Sessions are too large.

Finally, where would we be without the Rico Graftonite - a B3 or A3 (0.085 opening, with either medium or large chamber respectively) would be worth a try at ?17.41 from www.trevorjonesltd.co.uk

Good Luck
Tom 8)