universal mpc?

[dora]

Hello all sax players,

I have the alto yamaha yas-23 horn and I would like to buy a new MPC. I started playing a few months ago, but since I switched from clarinet, I think my embouchure is not too bad (lots of room for improvement though) :-) I only have the very cheap MPC which came with my sax.

I would like to play some rock, cover songs (Beatles and pop songs), ska, as well as classical music. I wish I could have smooth concert sound, but something rough for the rock and ska music. Also I wish that I had a MPC that will be easy to play the low register with.

Could you advise me on something good? I imagine there might be no single MPC that would suit all the needs I described. I read the following article, however it did not help me much, I am still really confused. :? http://www.saxontheweb.net/Coats/mouthpiece.html#sizes

Should I try the MPC's in store? Even if it is difficult to play with it, should I hope that it will improve as my embouchure does?

Is it better to buy one good MPC if I have $180 to spend, or is it better to buy two different ones (rock and classical) for $90 each?

I usually play #2 vandoren or rico reeds.

I read that the Vandoren Jumbo Java MPC is somewhat versatile, is that true?

Thank you so much for your advise.

Dora ;)

[Blackwolf42]

I you could find 2 good ones for $180, do it. A Meyer is pretty versatile on alto.

[dora]

I you could find 2 good ones for $180, do it. A Meyer is pretty versatile on alto.

Which Meyer? There seems to be many sorts of Meyer. Thx.

[jsjazz]

I played on Meyers for many years but am now sold on Morgans. I play a 7m which may be a bit too open for you given how new to the sax you are. Maybe a 5m or 6m. They run around $120 +/- depending where you get it from and you might have to wait a while for it.The Vandoren V16 gets pretty good reviews from what I read. A good deal too at around $80! (about the same as a new Meyer.)
Jeff

[jsjazz]

As for the Meyer, I would suggest the same as a Morgan. Maybe 5M or 6M. You can do a lot with them depending on what kind of reed you use. In my experience, a Vandoren V16v reed will be punchier and brighter but will lack depth. I LOVE LaVoz reeds with Meyers and Morgan for the fullness of tone they produce. As is often said on these forums, much of the style quality will come from your head. What I mean by that is a "rock" sound or a bebop sound or a legit sound, etc...Your head is where it begins. I have always been able to get a rock and jazz sound on a Meyer or a Morgan.
Jeff