c melody mouthpieces

[EmAgIn3]

i was wondering about a c melody... im intrested in buying one yet i dont know some things, i need to know a rough estimate on what a repadding would cost, and what kind of reeds you have to use

[paulwl]

US$300 is a good starting point for a repad. Many C players do their own, which takes time and care but can be learned.

I mostly use tenor reeds on C mpcs. Some like to shorten the butt end. If using an alto mpc, alto reeds of course.

[Roger Aldridge]

Just a couple of things to add to Paul's information....

First, I'd suggest that, if possible, you try out the c-melody and specifically check its intonation before you buy the horn. Of course, that assumes that the horn is in a playable condition which may or may not be the case. It would be best to do this with the original c-melody mouthpiece that comes with the horn. In this way, if you notice intonation problems you won't have to question whether they are due to the mouthpiece you're using or the horn itself. It's been my experience that some early model c-melodies may have intonation problems in the open C# down to around G range of the horn. With a later model c-melody you stand a better chance of the intonation being okay.

Second, the subject of mouthpieces on a c-melody is a LONG discussion. I'd suggest that you go through some of the threads already posted on the Forum about this subject. Most modern c-melody mouthpieces are faced for tenor sax reeds. Tenor reeds are going to be a bit wide for a vintage c-melody mouthpiece. But, most of us who play a c-melody has learned that we often have to experiment and resort to trial & error to find a set up that works for us on our particular horn. Thus, it's not one size fits all when it comes to the c-melody.

Please let us know how it works out for you and ask as many questions as you need to. The c-melody is a really interesting saxophone. I love playing mine. But, it's a different kind of animal from the more common SATB saxophones. There are some things that you'll need to learn about the c-melody in order to become a educated consumer. There are a number of folks on the Forum who have gone through a lot of experiences with a c-melody and are in a good position to offer sound advice to someone new to the c-mel.

Good luck!

Roger

[wthalliii]

Another mouthpiece option is one of the modern C melody mouthpieces that take Bb tenor reeds. Ralph Morgan makes a good, though pricey one. I understand Beechler makes one, and so does Runyon. Seems like there's another one, but I can't remember right now.

I have the Ralph Morgan C Melody mouthpiece. Last time I looked, they were going for $180. But it is worth the price IMHO.

[Roger Aldridge]

The Beechler c-melody mouthpiece is actually faced for alto reeds. About 3 or 4 years ago I was trying to get a Beechler c-melody mouthpiece to work on my horn. (This was before Ralph Morgan started making c-melody mouthpieces.) Based on advice from Bootman, I sent the mouthpiece to Jon Van Wie for refacing. JVW quickly discovered that the mouthpiece was faced for alto reeds rather than tenor. JVW did a remarkable job on the mouthpiece. Never the less, it never did work properly on my horn. Knowing what I know now about the c-melody I don't consider the Beechler piece to be a real c-melody mouthpiece. Its length is too long and the chamber is too small. I just don't see how it can work on a c-melody. But, perhaps others have had better luck with it.

Yes, the $180 price for a Morgan may seem pricey to some. But, I remind folks that it's hand-made and it takes Ralph's staff more time to make one than a comparable tenor mouthpiece. It's helpful to know that it's sometimes possible to get a b-stock version of the mouthpiece from Junkdude.com. This makes it possible to get a perfectly good Morgan c-melody mouthpiece at a discounted price. I have several Morgan c-melody mouthpieces in different facings and the one that I use most often is a b-stock piece.

Bill Street also makes a modern c-melody mouthpiece. It's my understanding that Meyer makes one. But, I've never found one to try. Woodwinds and Brasswinds sells a Leblanc c-melody mouthpiece. I tried one but didn't care for it as it has a very narrow tip opening. It can be a step up from a vintage mouthpiece. Some c-melody players like it. Morgan and Runyon c-melody mouthpieces seem to get the best feedback on this Forum. Some guys use alto or tenor mouthpieces on their c-mels. The name of the game is to try different mouthpieces on your horn and hopefully find something that works for you. It's a very individual thing.

[Dave Dolson]

I have a Bill Street and a Beechler C-Mel piece. I prefer the Beechler, but that's just me. DAVE

[JazzDaddy]

I have a Buescher C-Mel, with a Tenor Woodwind # B-9 mthpc (I have come to like using Vandoren V-16 reeds) that seems to allow me a decent range. My lowers are sometimes hard to reach (to play softly). I also have a stencil (beveled tone holes) Martin or Conn C-Mel, with 2 original C-Mel mthpcs. I have tried diff reeds, those original C-Mel mthpcs do NOT play well. If that was the stuffy sound they lived with, it's no wonder they did not survive the 1920's. As Roger pointed out, much experimentation is needed to get your specific and unique horn to play decent.....for those that have the opportunity to have access to diff mthpcs. Almost $200 for a Morgan does sound a bit pricey. maybe I'll just keep an eye out for a B stock mthpc. Interesting disc re C-Mel, comeback or not.

[CMelodyMan]

How much does a b stock mouthpiece cost?

[Roger Aldridge]

It's best to contact Dave at www.junkdude.com to see if Ralph has any b-stock c-melody mouthpieces available. I don't recall the price discount for a b-stock versus a regular $180 mouthpiece.

By the way, several days ago I received 2 new c-melody mouthpieces from Ralph Morgan. Since posting to this thread last year I swapped my Conn c-melody for a Buescher. It's been my experience that a mouthpiece that works great on a Conn MAY not work as well on a Buescher. Bueschers typically have more resistance and are darker and more focused sounding. With that in mind, I've found that I can get a bigger and richer sound on a Buescher by using a mouthpiece with a smaller tip opening than what I'd use on a Conn. "Less is more" So, in getting a Buescher c-melody I had to try several Morgan mouthpieces in different facings to find the best match for my horn & chops. The 2 latest mouthpieces were in 5 (.085) and 4 (.080) facings. Both of them sound good on my Buescher -- much better than the 6 (.090) that I first used with it. But, as I had suspected, the 4 really brings the horn to life....great sound! I'm quite happy with it.