10m mouthpiece suggestions

[cfile]

I bought my first 10m off of ebay a few weeks ago and am now trying to improve my setup. I've got an old Vandoren T111 that I'm playing in a jazz ensemble which gives a nice dark sound but I think the lay is a little long for me which is resulting in control issues in terms of intonation. I'm playing a 2 1/2 Vandoren V16 reed which is a little soft but with anything stiffer I can't hit low Bflat softly enough on this relatively loud piece. With a loose embroucher it does play in tune. This is a slim piece so I'm using a Rovner soft lig that is actually for alto. I also play a Claude Lakey 5*3 with metal lig in an R&R band with the same reed set up and it plays fine, just a little too bright. I'm looking for something in between with plenty of projection, a little edge but still dark. I also have a Rico Metalite but I don't like the sound and a Bamber concert that's way too quiet. Any suggestions?

[retread]

Steve Broadus. You'll probably want one that has been opened up by a good mouthpiece refacer.

[ferrari]

I've been playing on the same setup for 30 years (except for reeds). My 298XXX 10M with a Florida STM 5*. I've tried a few other pieces but I always go back to the Link. It just gives me the "sound".

[MojoBari]

Good, and not too pricey: Vandoren Java and Runyon Custom. Also, consider a power tone stick on baffle to add a little punch to a MP that is almost there, but a little too dark.

You may also like an adjustable baffle piece. Strathon or a Ponzol M2000 (very expensive). I have one of the Ponzols for sale on my site. I'd recommend the lower priced options first.

[Zman]

Definitely try a Runyon Custom Spoiler, maybe a 9 (that's a 110). I went through several pieces before trying the Custom. Excellent airflow and dynamic control, outstanding tone from super soft to edgy howl. Just did three performances last weekend (one R&B, one rock, one dinner music), and I am totally pleased. I like it with the spoiler installed for all styles.

(This with Fibracell 2.5's.)

Mojo, I **love** my Jumbo Java, but I just could not get it to stop squeaking on my particular 10M (#276xxx, '37).

[-j.]

Zman: did the high-baffle Jumbo Java really work for you intonation-wise? I'm using a T55 Java (NOT Jumbo Java, just Java) on my 334XXX 10M, and I absolutely love it, but I'm thinking of purchasing something with a little more punch for R&B etc. I have a Wannefied Link with a very moderate baffle added and a V16 (metal) that I occasionally use on my Ref. 54 (my main blow there is a Wannefied hr Berg that does it all), but on my 10M intonation goes out the window with both of those pieces.

I'm asking because -- forgive me, I must be a freak of nature... -- Runyons have just never worked for me on sop and alto, so I want to try something else for my 10M before I go that route. Thanks,

-j.

[Zman]

Hi -j., I had no major intonation problems with the Jumbo Java. A little sharp around G2 and F3, but I've gotten used to lipping a little there anyway.

As for tone, the Jumbo T55 is absolutely electric. You should definitely try it. I suspect the high baffle has something to do with the squeaking on my axe, but you know every vintage axe is its own thing, so it might work for you.

If it does, you will dig the tone! :D

[-j.]

Thank you, Zman! Will definitely check out the Jumbo. "Make my funk the P-funk / I wants my funk uncut"...

-j.

P.S. Actually, I have to correct my earlier post: I tried the V16 again this afternoon for about 2 hours, and after just a short while it played in tune pretty much like the Java T55. I blow hard rubber mouthpieces mainly and didn't spend more than a few minutes on the V16 initially, so that may have caused my first (erroneous) impression. Mea culpa...

[Mike Ruhl]

cfile - try out the Hite Artist model or a Morgan.

[cfile]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate all the advice. Since I first posted I came across a good deal on an old Otto Link STM 6, I think it's the Florida version. It plays with good intonation, has a great sound and seems to fit the bill right now. Not real happy with the lig but I understand a Selmer 404 should fix that. It plays the lower notes much quieter that the Vandoren T111, but also has a little more edge up top. Not quiet as loud as my other pieces, probably because of the smaller tip opening, but it still works. Good blending with the section band, nice R&B sound. I'm even using it in the rock band for a little less edge than the Lakey (we play a variety of music). It's the first metal piece I have played, but coming from Alto, that works well for me due to the smaller size. How do you guys think the sound of this piece will compare with the Java, Morgan, Hite and Runyon Custom? I'd love to try all these pieces in the future, but think I'll concentrate on the Link for the present.

[paulwl]

My faves on the 10M and what I think of them:

* Link STM 7* ("Floridized" by the late lamented Jon Van Wie). Nice crispy edge, plenty of character, lush subtone. A little thicker-sounding in the midrange than...

* Meyer 5MM (opened to .105" and "New Yorkified" by JVW). Great edge, super-flexible, bright to semidark "ballad" tone. More power than the Link, and will play nasty if desired. My current favorite.

* Bilger-Morgan 6J (or is it J6? :) ). Nice easy all-round player. Great on the low end, where 10Ms sometimes need to be babied.

The Bilger-Morgans are no longer made; I suppose the current Morgan equivalent would be the 6L? Anyone know?

[morgan]

I have a Lamberson "L" model -- wood -- which works fantastically with the 10M. It's odd -- on other horns I don't care too much for the Lamberson, and with other mpcs the 10M is just sort of adequate; but there is some strange magnetism between the two. Combine them and they shiiiiiiiiiine.

[FWB]

I mainly play a jumbo java T95 on my 10M and it plays perfectly in tune. The 10M will play fine with high baffle pieces but I found that when key heights are too high intonation problems can occur. I was playing sharp until a repad was done and I noticed that the key heights were lowered a bit from where they were. My intonation problems disappeared since then.