Mouthpieces RPC for Alto.

[Saxlicker]

On Alto I'm ready to move on.

I happily stuck with a yamaha mouthpiece for a long time but opened up to a 6C .
Then I bought a vandoren Java A45 a few years ago which gave much more.

Infact, no stock mouthpiece I've seen since really appeal more but I am getting an unusual touch of GAS (I don't suffer to badly with Alto normally)

I fancy an RPC.

Pete,
Your soundfile for 'Another night in the Naked City' is really appealing.... Great sound!

Could you tell me what model you have and what Ron did to it?
I appreciate that what works for you may not work me.... e.t.c, e.t.c. but your vandoren on 'Bodacity' sounds similar to my Java A45, so I think we're in the ball park.
Thanks

 

[Pete Thomas]

It was an RPC 90 with (I think) rollover baffle. The latest ones have blue lettering but this one has red lettering (I also have a blue letter one but currently prefer the old red one).

The vandoren is a good mouthpice actually, the RPC is better as its more versatile and allows for me a more personal and flexible sound.

If you buy an RPC you'll find out more, because to buy one involves a chat with Ron who will be able to tell you more about my mouthpiece probably. Good luck.

 

[Saxlicker]

Thanks Pete

 

[Saxlicker]

Anyone know how long Ron takes to get back to you these days?
I e-mailed him a week ago today but haven't heard anything back yet.

 

[Bobby G]

What is a rollover baffle, and how does it affect the sound or flexibility of a mouthpiece?

Cheers, Bob

 

[spike]

Hi Bob, here's a bit of bafflology for you
Totally Baffled
Also some step baffles have a bullet shape cut out, which I didn't notice mentioned in Theo's descriptions
ciao fer now - spike

 

[Rogerb]

Saxlicker wrote:
Anyone know how long Ron takes to get back to you these days?
I e-mailed him a week ago today but haven't heard anything back yet.

I dunno about email.. I just phoned him (v cheap, with Skype!) and had a little chat.
Nice guy. He said it would take about 3 months to get one made!

 

[Saxlicker]

Thanks Roger,
3 months is a long time but I have thought about what mouthpiece I would like for alto for a lot longer than that with out lifting a finger myself! :S
I guess I'll wait.
There's nothing else I've tried in the same price bracket as the RPC to beat my JavaA45 and I have high hopes given what I have heard from Pete and other sources that it will be better than a lot of the more expensive mass produced mouthpieces.

Did you buy one after your chat?

 

[Rogerb]

Saxlicker wrote:
Thanks Roger,
3 months is a long time but I have thought about what mouthpiece I would like for alto for a lot longer than that with out lifting a finger myself! :S
I guess I'll wait.
There's nothing else I've tried in the same price bracket as the RPC to beat my JavaA45 and I have high hopes given what I have heard from Pete and other sources that it will be better than a lot of the more expensive mass produced mouthpieces.

Did you buy one after your chat?

No, he advised me it was a bit too early in my 'development' and that I'd be advised it to leave it a few months!
A straight-up guy, I thought (even if he isn't short of work 😉 ).

I think his prices are very reasonable, too for the sort of personalised service he offers.

I actually bought a third-hand Lamberson M from a UK-based SOTW forum member at about the same price, but without paying extra for VAT, etc .
(He sent a clip of himself playing it on his MkVI...Wow!)
I like it, although I'm still far from being good enough to make it 'sing' 🙁

Maybe, one day I'll try an MPC!

 

[Saxlicker]

Im just trying to buy one on SOTW now & will go ahead with the purchase from Ron when it comes up and simply keep the one that suits me best.

Hope you like the Lamberson. I have never heard one.

 

[Rogerb]

Send me your email add and I'll (try to!) send you the clip Michael Ward sent me 🙂

Neither RPCs nor Lambersons appear to have many detractors.

I think mine (an M with a tip customised to .077") is a bit like Ron's rollover model, very easy to blow and suitable for a wide range of music types.

It doesn't like my BG lig much, so I've got a Vandoren Optimum being sent from "J.Max" on SOTW which I'm told should grip better.

 

[Saxlicker]

Rogerb wrote:

It doesn't like my BG lig much, so I've got a Vandoren Optimum being sent from "J.Max" on SOTW which I'm told should grip better.

I have PM'd you my e-mail,

I have been visiting SOTW recently and JMax posted about enquires from people wanting metal mouthpieces.
Those guys love to fight! there was a keyboard riot going on in responses.
Coincidently I see you have fought the Lamberson corner 😛

 

[Rogerb]

Yes, there are some very thin-skinned people there!

I can't see your PM, but I'll havva look.... no can't find it, I have PM'd you with my email!

 

[Rogerb]

Did you get it, SL?

 

[Saxlicker]

Hi Roger,
And thanks,
I have the sound clip of your mpc!
That is gorgous...he has a nice style.
Well you know what it can do...go for it!

 

[ken_aust]

Which RPC model does Gary Foster ( lead Alto with the Toshiko Akiyoshi big band ) play ?
Ken.

 

[Rogerb]

My guess/deduction is the 80B, as Ron's website only mentions Mark Vinci as playing the 90R.

 

[ken_aust]

Thanks Roger
Ken