No going back?

[Bobby G]

I've recently started playing both alto and tenor using mouthpieces with bigger tip openings than previously, and am now totally comfortable with them.

I've gone from a Selmer D to F on alto, and a C* to a Jumbo Java T75 on tenor, which was quite a jump, although I couldn't tell you what that measures in thou.

Earlier, I tried some of my old alto mouthpieces, namely a HR Meyer 5 and a HR Otto Link 5 and both sounded a lot better than they used to, maybe because my breath control has got better with the wider opening, but they felt a bit restricted and quiet.

Is it worth persevering with these admittedly good-sounding pieces, or would it be better to concentrate on my newer mouthpieces?

Cheers, Bob

 

[Linky Lee]

to much change is bad. If you want to work on your embouchure then consistency is the key.

You might want to keep them for a rainy day or when you suddenly come across a superb mouthpiece/instrument/accessory. Then you could part exchange them.

 

[Bobby G]

The thing with these narrower opening mpc's is that although they all sound different, they play in a very similar way - when I was using the Selmer D, I could change effortlessly between that, the Link and the Meyer, it's just that I preferred the sound of the Selmer. Now, for whatever reason, the sound I'm getting from the older ones is much better, it's the feel that's not so good now I'm used to the Selmer F.

I think, having played around a bit, that the Selmer is best suited to the Yamaha, whereas the Dolnet would work better with the Meyer, or even the Link. Maybe (and I've thought about this before, but now I have a reason to get it done) I should get the narrower ones refaced to something similar to the Selmer F.

Cheers, Bob

 

[Linky Lee]

they're probably easier to play because they are of a smaller tip opening and you are now comfortable with that.

Your embouchure will still be developing and everything all the time so the new mouthpieces you have will gradually become better and better than your previous ones because of having a larger tip opening.

If you refaced the other ones, then they'll probably be better than your 'original' wide mouthpieces if they're done well as hand finishing always beats the factory when done well.

 

[Bobby G]

Any idea of the cost of refacing? If they've got a buy 2 get the 3rd one free I might as well get the tenor Selmer C* piece opened up too.

Am I right in thinking there's a chart somewhere showing relative tip sizes, or measurements in thou etc.? Mind's going awol again. Babies all over and mucho overtime. Plus side of extra worktime is more saxtime
🙂

Cheers, Bob

 

[mfox]

nice one bob, welcome to the dark side, nice feeling isn't it?
link dose have a point though about swapping and changing..i'm a great believer of just having 1 MP per horn, when ever i change mouthpiece the old one go's bye bye, stick it in a draw or something. develop and love your MP learn how to do all the things it will let you do. I know i sound a bit kung-fu grasshopper but " when you can snatch the pebble from my palm it will be time for tea"