Mouthpieces PPTs

[Jules]

How's everyone getting on with their PPTs? I'm gigging mine for the first time this Saturday after a couple of weeks getting used to it.
The long beak is a new one nn me- my previous pieces mostly feel to have a 'right' point for how much mouthpiece to take into your mouth.
PPT has a lot more flexibility on this front- initially a bit odd, but actually meant there's a fair bit of learning how to make it sound in different ways- lots of in-built tonal flexibility and, I'm reasonably sure, enough cut for R&B gigs.....
will report back on this one post-gig. B.T.W.- for me, at least, LaVoz reeds seem to be the way to go....

 

[Pete Thomas]

waiting with baited breath...

I realise that this mouthpiece may take a bit of getting used to, my alto RPC took ages. Interesting that you've decided on La Voz, I'd be interested to get feedback on how different reeds have behaved for you.

I don't find the beak long, it seems to be shorter than my RPC - but versatility is definitely one of the concepts behind this. I think maybe it's the beak angle that is causing this impression.

 

[Jules]

Pete Thomas wrote:

I don't find the beak long, it seems to be shorter than my RPC -

After various Berg Larsens it feels very long & flat. Point taken- it's the fact you pop a Berg in and when it reaches the "right" point, it's the flattness which makes for the different playing sensation, not the length....

 

[thehunt]

I have trialled various reeds, la voz included, did not get on with them. Also used Alexander superials, i do not like them at all very shrill and bright. Also tried some Vandorens, could not get on with them either.
It is true that the PPt takes getting used to. Have finally settled on Rico Jazz select 2m reeds. I tried the 3's but could not get the low notes so easily, i'm happy with the sound i'm producing though.
I did a test between my other mp's and the PPT and found i produce more saliva . Do you think this is due to the wider tip opening?
Phil

 

[Luluna]

I'm sorry to say I haven't been able to give it a go yet.

Still waiting for my MVII to get out of repair ~ maybe the poor man's frozen to death in the midst of a repad. Band rehearsal at the university starts in 10 days - I may have to invest in a spare horn because the suspense is killing me!

I appreciate reading everyone's reed experimentation - in the meantime I can order a few different brands so I'm ready.

 

[helena]

oh stop it!!!
I am waiting for mine, so this is just teasing me!

But seriously thank you for the reed advice
Helen

 

[Bobby G]

Unlike thehunt, I find the Jazz Selects brighter than the Alexanders, which just goes to show. I feel like I'm missing out not owning a PPT, maybe I should treat the tenor to one seeing as the alto had a new mpc a few months ago....

 

[thehunt]

Hi Bobby G, I eat my words, i tried some more Alexanders 2/12 out the tin last night as i thought i would see if there was a difference, the reed i put on last night was definitely more mellow. Used PPT 8*. Took a little while to settle in, but i think with a bit more playing should become a good reed. Just goes to show every day is bloody different with these p**y reeds. Phil

 

[Jules]

Stuck a Superial DC on mine last night at band practice (also tried a Francois Louis Lig but that kept slipping off- very slidey things, PPTs!). Yup, DCs certainly cut it on the R&B honkage front.....
Still feel I've got a lot to learn about this 'ere PPT, which is probably a good thing....

 

[Luluna]

Conducted several non-scientific experiments with the PPT ~ I must say I love the sound and prefer to use a plasticote reed lately. (I'm sure this will change, it seems to fluctuate like the weather).

For some reason, the tone makes me want to play boogie woogie...no excess salivation problems - really love it! My MK7 needed a re-corking as well as some pads/springs replaced. I notice all my MPs fit more snugly - I didn't realize the cork had flattened out so much.

I know there is a thread kind of "downing" the Selmers - I'm glad I have mine from the 70s - the PPT sounds great with it I believe due to the heft of it. IMHO However, I will also admit a weakness for those Yamaha's.

8)

 

[Jules]

Luluna wrote:


I know there is a thread kind of "downing" the Selmers -

I think most of it is actually downing the excessive reverence that people hold toward Selmers, there's no doubt they're good horns but the "Oo, the only good saxophone ever made is the Mark VI, if you play anything else you're a loser" attitude is what's asking to be "downed".
Yup- PPTs are shaping up very nicely indeed. I gigged mine last week, it's got one hell of a kick to it when it gets going. The altissimo feels a lot different to my bergs & I reckon i've got a bit ot learn about how to beef up the low ontes, but it's definately a contender.

 

[thehunt]

Been playing my PPT since mid December, i too find it's really good for playing funk, although i do normally play more bluesy jazz type music. Still loving it