RPC vs. Selmer Metal Jazz, for alto

[chengccs]

Hi all,

I just discussed with Ron and placed an order of his RPC for Alto (90R).
And I would like to ask your opinion about some comparison between RPC alto (90R) and Selmer Metal Jazz (F) ("SMJ").

1. Frankly, I always have problems in high register when playing Alto (high F/F#) using the SMJ. I can slur from High E to above. But in terms of tonguing, it's really difficult for me to tongue the High F/F# at the first note.
2. I don't have this problems in my soprano or tenor.
3. Until Recently, I gave my SMJ to my friend for refacing. Now it's much easer for me to tongue the High F/F# (~70% hit rate).
4. I tried my friend's "Guardala King like" alto mpc. Wooo....amazing, I can just hit the 'difficult notes' right away without any effort.

I understand that it probably is the problem at my embouchure. However, I still would like to ask. Would I probably get the high notes 'easier' (compared with SMJ) by using the RPC mpc?

Also, subtone at lower register is always my concern. It's ok for me to get the subtone using the SMJ. But again, would it be 'easier' for me to get the subtone by using the RPC?

Thank you so much for all your help.

-Stanley

 

[Pete Thomas]

chengccs wrote:
I understand that it probably is the problem at my embouchure. However, I still would like to ask. Would I probably get the high notes 'easier' (compared with SMJ) by using the RPC mpc?

Also, subtone at lower register is always my concern. It's ok for me to get the subtone using the SMJ. But again, would it be 'easier' for me to get the subtone by using the RPC?

It's going to be hard to predict. I think the RPC has a more open tip, so hopefully altissimo should come more easily. I've found my RPC very versatile so I would also hope the subtone shoud be easier, but you never know, what works for one person may not work for another.

I did find the alto RPC took a bit of getting used to.

 

[chengccs]

Hi Pete,

Thank you so much for your information.
Yes, I always have the worst performance in my Alto. So, I think that when the RPC arrives, I need to spend more time on it. Currently, I may be focus on Tenor and Soprano and try to "boost up" their performance first. Then when the RPC arrives (Ron said he needs to use 2-3 months to complete the mpc), I can concentrate back my Alto. 😛

-Stanley
P.S. May be I can post the same message in other forum to see others' opinions too. 🙂

 

[Pete Thomas]

chengccs wrote:
P.S. May be I can post the same message in other forum to see others' opinions too. 🙂

SOTW would be useful

 

[Linky Lee]

Possibly the higher baffle is what is giving you the ease in the higher register, as a higher baffle is kind of sympathetic to high frequencies whereas a low baffle likes the lower frequencies, which is what helps it to have that 'bright' or 'mellow' sound.... I think!

 

[chengccs]

Pete Thomas wrote:

I did find the alto RPC took a bit of getting used to.

May I know which parts of playing the mpc made you take a bit of getting used to? I mean, is it because of the "shape"? or different "air pressure" used? or different of reed strength? or is it just generally not used to when picking up the mpc?

 

[Pete Thomas]

chengccs wrote:

Pete Thomas wrote:
I did find the alto RPC took a bit of getting used to.

May I know which parts of playing the mpc made you take a bit of getting used to? I mean, is it because of the "shape"? or different "air pressure" used? or different of reed strength? or is it just generally not used to when picking up the mpc?

None of those, the mouthpiece felt really good to play, the sound seemed a bit harsh. After a while it was fine. Just a question of getting used to it.

Which is why you often can't make a quick decision about a mouthpiece.

 

[chengccs]

Pete Thomas wrote:

None of those, the mouthpiece felt really good to play, the sound seemed a bit harsh. After a while it was fine. Just a question of getting used to it.

Which is why you often can't make a quick decision about a mouthpiece.

haha.....I see your point. Thank you so much.
Now I am really looking forward to playing the mpc. 🙂