Mouthpieces Yet another mouthpiece query

[Bobby G]

The size of the chamber, baffle, etc has an effect on tone - if it's a smaller chamber and/or high baffle, it's going to sound brighter due to the increase in air movement, right so far?

Now, going the other way, if you had a piece with a large chamber, could you produce that vintage i.e. 30's-ish 'fruity' tone, even on a modern sax? Are such mouthpieces available, or would you have to track down a vintage mouthpiece?

Cheers, Bob

 

[Pete Thomas]

I'm sure you would get that tone.

When I was after a typical vintage mouthpiece the make that was recommended was Sumner, but I've got no experience.

 

[Bobby G]

So, Pete, are you saying I'd need a vintage mpc or is there an equivalent modern one available? For instance, I've seen old Selmers advertised, and was wondering if there was a difference between, say, a vintage and modern piece like for example a C*?

Also, is my assumption about chamber size correct?

Cheers, Bob

 

[Bobby G]

Ken wrote:
pmfji with what is probably a totally daft remark, but have I heard/read somewhere that vintage mpc's are less than ideal on a modern horn!?... just curious.

A good question, I think, also relates to my original questions. Would a vintage piece on a modern horn cause intonation problems perhaps (just a guess)?

Cheers, Bob

 

[Pete Thomas]

Bob Green wrote:
So, Pete, are you saying I'd need a vintage mpc or is there an equivalent modern one available? For instance, I've seen old Selmers advertised, and was wondering if there was a difference between, say, a vintage and modern piece like for example a C*?

Also, is my assumption about chamber size correct?

Cheers, Bob

The Sumner is a modern equivalent I think, however it's quite easy to get a vintage mouthpiece on ebay, but they do tend to have narrow tip openings.

http://tinyurl.com/fk96d

http://tinyurl.com/zyh3o

These would be ideal I think for a 20s - 30s sound. The later Selmer soloists and vintage Links you mostly see have a smaller chamber than these old ones and are better for a more modern sound, ie 40s/50s onwards.

I think you're about right re: chamber size. One thing I don't really know is whether using a large chambered old mouthpiece (or modern equivalent e.g. Sumner) would be likely to result in impaired intonation. Theoretically modern horns are designed for modern mouthpieces, which is why modern mouthpieces can cause intonation problems on older horns, but not necessarily. I had a S1920s Selmer tenor once that was fine with a 1970s Otto Link. My 1940s Conn Tenor is fine with most modern mouthpieces, but I find earlier Conns to have a problem with modern mouthpieces.

 

[ken_aust]

A vintage mouthpiece will give you a vintage sound.
Who wants a vintage sound ?


Ken Aust

 

[Bobby G]

Thanks Pete, I think that answers my questions. I knew older horns sometimes had problems with modern mouthpieces, I wondered if it worked the other way. I suppose the only way is to try it.

Cheers, Bob