Classical to big band: mouthpiece suggestions wanted

[judyth]

Hi,
I hope this is the place for this question. I'm not exactly a beginner--been playing alto sax for a while, having returned to playing about 5 years ago, after many years away from sax, but not from music(I'm in my 60's). I've been playing exclusively in community bands, having a great time, using a Selmer C* mouthpiece, and either Van Doren blue box #3 or Hemke #2 1/2 reeds. Last summer I played lead alto in a big band offshoot of one of the concert bands, had a GREAT time with it, had no trouble reading the music, but realized that I need to do lots of work on my projection and my sound. Director kept asking for more sound from me. We're in recess now and I have time to do some serious wood-shedding. I suspect that a different set up might help, but I absolutely know nothing about the technical aspects of the various mouthpiece options. e.g. how the sound is affected by changes in tip opening, shape, etc. I realize that, in the end, one has to try various mpcs in order to find the "right" one, but frankly I don't even know where to start or what to look for. Knowing that I need better projection, and to develop a "Big Band Sound", I will value some suggestions on mpcs and reeds about where to start, what to look for, and what to avoid.
Thanks so much.
Judyth

[Mike Ruhl]

Hi Judyth. First of all, you just kicked over a big can of worms, and you're going to get so many different suggestions it's likely to confuse you more than you realize.

Here's a few suggestions: the Selmer Super Session, in the D or E facing; the small-chambered Vandoren V16 in the A5 or A6 facing, or the Hite 127 (Artist model). All of these are currently in stock at www.wwbw.com.

[gary]

First up - Mike! don't you think your new avatar is a little over the top?
We do respect you and look up to you but, er... :D

Judyth - first, thanks for giving such a good perspective on what you're needs are. It's so much more refreshing than:
" ok so i need a mpc to play in bnad whadda u guys think?" 8-)

Editorializing over, I think you need to concentrate on projection first and only then, a change of equipment.

Now, depending on how loud your band is, and what the director's concept is (and his ability to get that out of the band) a Selmer C* on alto could work just fine if you are using a metal lig. and some brighter reeds, for example Javas. (You can read through the reed section for various opinions on reeds.) I, as well as others on this board have done that in the past. Your attitude about jazz phrasing and how you articulare makes a big difference also. But without good projection it could be a problem. So...

Please read through this thread: Projection > Mouthpieces > General Mouthpiece Discussion >Projection - what is it and how do I get it ?

http://www.saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=30305&highlight=projection

Also, a different mpc can make your life a bit easier. In the past I played a Meyer 6M (many prefer a 5M which is a bit brighter), a Runyon Custom #7 which has good projection, control and sound and is pretty price-worthy, and a Jody Jazz ESP, brighter than the other two but maybe with a little more complex sound than the Custom. Again, going through the threads you can get a lot of info already posted but this should give you a lot to think about:

> Mouthpieces > Alto mpc > mpc suggestions for lead playing

http://www.saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=28737

Ooops, got a student at the door gotta run Cheers! Gary

[Tharruff]

Judyth,

Mike is right...ths can-o-worms is open...

For Alto, it is hard to go wrong with some kind of a Meyer. I have used a 7MM with good success on a 1963 Mark VI.

But my main Alto mouthpieces are Morgans. I use a 6E and most recently a 7EL. I prefer the 7EL. These are both in the 'Excalibur' series of mouthpieces which I think have a nice 'bite' to them without being 'edgy'.

The Ralph Morgan mouthpieces are high quality, hand faced mouthpieces that I think are reasonably priced for what you get.

In addition to Mike's suggestions, you might try a Meyer and / or a Morgan.

Good luck with your search.

[judyth]

Forgot to mention that we play mainly outdoors--adding a different dimension to the projection problem! You guys are great! Thanks for all of the thoughtful help.
Judyth

[Mike Ruhl]

If you really need to get aggressive, Vandoren offers their Jumbo Java line of mouthpieces, with high baffles in the chambers that really produce a sound that projects. As well, the Jumbo Java alto mpcs come in some pretty outrageous tip openings - some of which that are generally associated with tenor. But these high-baffle mpcs tend to thin out your sound a lot. I think you'll be happy just going to a little more open mpc and a chamber with a little more baffle. It doesn't take a lot of tweaking on alto.

The Woodwind and Brasswind (www.wwbw.com (http://www.wwbw.com)) has a generous 45-day trial policy. Read about it on their website. You can order several mpcs, and you have 45 days to try them out (more or less). So long as they are returned without any damage, they will refund you the amount of the mpcs, less the shipping charges. It's a great way to figure out what works for you.

Merry Christmas, Gary! :king: