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C Melody Saxophone Forum / Mouthpieces Reeds and Ligatures / Tenor MPC
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ESB
User ID: 8785553
Apr 10th 9:45 AM
I need a new tenor piece. I like the classic Otto Link tone, but am open to any suggestions. What do you fellows think for metal tenors?
Jungle Jim
User ID: 8332933
Apr 10th 10:01 AM
ESB - Otto Link, Berg Larson, Selmer Metal Jazz & Lawton (England). They all Kick A**. Also Guardella. If you are lucky enough to find one at a reasonable price. (They are incredibly overpriced, like Harley Davidson motorcycles). Choose your qwn facing. Most pro sax players go for 6 or 7 stars. (Open facing). Especially on the Lawton. They all work for me, even though I prefer the metal Selmer over the rest.
Captain Beeflat
User ID: 1738604
Apr 10th 11:51 AM
ESB.
All sound advice, some excellent pieces mentioned. May I suggest that you also try a Jody Jazz ESP. Gorgeous fat harmonic laden bottom end and a screamer at the top. Comes with what Jody (and Runyon) call a spoiler, which is, in effect a baffle which can be inserted in the throat, thereby enhancing the higher partials. Two mouthpieces for the price of one.
ESB
User ID: 8785553
Apr 10th 3:23 PM
Jodi is a bit on the expensive side, but I have a feeling that I wouldn't have to buy a new piece...um...ever. I play a Meyer 7M that has been modified to past a 8 - to an almost 9 opening, bored chamber and huge baffle placed in so I get edge, edge and more edge, which I am looking to drop. I love teh meyer but want something that plays with more harmonics. Luckily, I can wait a little bit before jumping out to buy an mpc.
Captain Beeflat
User ID: 1738604
Apr 11th 9:35 AM
ESB.
Cost was not a factor in your initial post! Certainly the Jody Jazz is not cheap, but you get what you pay for.
Many pros and semi-pros on SOTW state that with the majority of run of the mill high production mouthpieces, a re-face is necessary to bring them to a decent standard. This is not the case with JJ or Morgan; they play as they were intended to play. Consequently, a metal Link plus a reface to give the classic tone that you admire is ultimately more expensive. You will find that few of the Old Masters played an unfaced Link.
Jungle Jim
User ID: 9182423
Apr 11th 11:57 AM
Bb - You are probably right about the Otto Link statement. But one guy played a stock Otto Link. John Coltrane: Otto Link Florida, 7*.
Captain Beeflat
User ID: 1738604
Apr 11th 1:54 PM
JJ.
I have two "identical" STM links. I am not mad; I had one and the second came with a horn that I bought. Same number, same everything. Where they differ is that one plays very well and the other is a real dog.
The old Bergs were lovely, but apparently, to buy a new one is akin to playing Russian Roulette.
I am sure that you are right about Coltrane's Link...but every once in a while, even with volume production, some must come out mid limit...rather like a Winchester 73. :-)
Jungle Jim
User ID: 8332933
Apr 11th 2:03 PM
Bb - I believe you are correct all around. t's wierd how two mouthpieces of the same manufacture and facing can sound totally different from each other. A mystery of life, I guess.
Captain Beeflat
User ID: 1738604
Apr 12th 3:44 AM
JJ.
With the vast improvements in manufacturing accuracy; with laser cutting, spark erosion, and CNC milling; plus the ability to measure anything to within 0.003 of a gnat's eyelash, it should be so much easier these days to achieve consistency...sadly this appears not to be so.
It does however, speak volumes for the makers of "vintage" mouthpieces who had at their disposal a set of files and a hacksaw with just a vernier and a six inch rule for measurement.
ESB
User ID: 8785553
Apr 12th 6:23 AM
What is the tip opening on a Selmer F? Never really played Selmer pieces...
Is Wolfer Tayne any good? Never heard of them before.
YEs, I am checking ebay....
Captain Beeflat
User ID: 1738604
Apr 12th 9:40 AM
ESB.
I am not sure what you expect from asking people's opinions of mouthpieces; we all have different tastes, preferences, opinions, styles and idols...to say nothing of enbouchures and lung capacity. Do you wish to attempt to sound like Ben Webster or Clarence Clemmens? Both superb and highly accomplished but a layman could be forgiven for not realising that they play the same instrument!
What is perfection for me, Roger, a classical player, would loathe (whatever happened to Roger?). Also, just look at the number of mouthpiece manufactures, all making at least three models for tenor only...yet we assume that they all make a living and they all have their loyal devotees who cannot understand why everyone does not play their favourite piece.
If we all had the same tastes and requirements there would be only one saxophone, one mouthpiece and one motor car....what a miserable world that would be.
I cannot remember where I found it but there is a site where someone plays a selection of mouthpieces using the same horn and recording equipment. That site may help in your quest, but frankly, most of the highly diverse mouthpieces sounded remarkably similar...they sounded like the player.
Captain Beeflat
User ID: 1738604
Apr 12th 1:38 PM
Surely that should be e M bouchure. Never could spell that word..what's wrong with omboosure?