What's a good mouthpiece for my JK Alto Shadow??

[Itachi]

Alright, I have a problem. If anyone can help me please, anything is welcome. Right now, i've JUST recieved my JK Alto Shadow... it took me 8 months of a wait time might i add... anyway. I need a classical mouthpiece, but i don't really know which one to get. I know, everyone will tell me to TRY them all (as i've read everywhere on this forum), but does anyone have any opinions on what would go well with the Shadow? I need a classical sound, and everyone is telling me to get a Selmer C*, but does anyone else have an opinion about this? Thanks.

- Itachi

P.S. i need to know in 2 days... =P

[John Kasaian]

What mpc did you use before you got the JK?

[Itachi]

I played on a rented sax with their standard mouthpiece they gave me. The sax was a JK EX90 i believe... it should be a student model. Other than that, a few years back, i played on a yamaha student model, but i don't know the model number or the mouthpiece i played on. =P

[John Kasaian]

Itachi,

The Selmer Soloist seems to be the mouthpiece we hear most often used by classical players (which dosen't mean it will be right for you, only that it is a rational place to start your search.) As far as tip openings go, which one is pretty much an individual thing. If you have access to a store in your area, I'd suggest trying out as many different configurations as possible. If not, ask your sax teacher's recommendation. I hope this helps.

[renaissance_man]

As you can tell, the Selmer C* is pretty much the standard reference for all thing classical. However, Vandoren's Optimum series is starting become real competition for Selmer, so that's something to look into.

But with regard to your specific situation, it has been my experience that the larger bore of the Keilwerths (especially the rolled tone hole models, such as the Shadow) tend to produce a more spread or "diffused" sound. For this reason, low baffle/large chamber mouthpieces don't always prove to be the most successful for these saxophones. For example, the Selmer S80 C* (which I've heard in person on an SX90R) falls into this category and would not be my choice. The S90 has an even larger chamber, so that's more of a step in the wrong direction.

My personal recommendation would go to the Soloist - the older '50s models, not the new ones. I actually prefer these for classical on any horn, and the smaller chamber and more focused sound should be a great match for the Shadow. These also tend to be more expressive with an operatic quality not found in Selmer's other models and that is particularly pleasing for classical study. What's more, they're not that hard to find. On eBay, they typically go between $200-300, but they're worth it. Hope this helps.

[mostly alto guy]

You might try a C*, but some of us have found square-chambered pieces a poor match the SX90 family. I have many fewer intonation challenges with a Vandoren or Bilger-Morgan.

[Randall]

Try a Yanagisawa metal in your favorite facing.

You'll be amazed.

[thehighend]

Yeah, Yanagisawa metal mouthpieces are terrific. Not cheap, but worth every penny.

[renaissance_man]

You might try a C*, but some of us have found square-chambered pieces a poor match the SX90 family.

Exactly. This is another reason why the Soloist is superior to the S80 and S90 for a saxophone of this design. Both of the latter incorporate large square chambers, while the Soloist has a smaller horseshoe or "D" shaped chamber.

[Itachi]

wow... i'm so glad i joined this forum. Everyone here is so friendly and helpful! =) Thanks a bunch everyone!!! i shall look into the C* soloist, the vandorin, and the yani.... (i'm not a particular fan of the metal mouthpieces, but i'll give it a try)
Once again, thanks a lot guys!

- Itachi

[Itachi]

Alrighty... so i tried a lot of mouthpieces... and this is how it went. (this is from my own experience, of course)
Otto Link - too dark for a classical sound if you ask me
Selmer C* Soloist - has a bright classical sound, but it wasn't the sound i wanted
Vandoren - Sound was great, but it was hard to get it out... maybe it was the way i was playing...
Otto Link (Metal) - didn't really like the sound of this one... that, and it was extremely heavy for a mouthpiece

Out of them all, i chose the Selmer C* S80. Though many have told me it might not go well with the Shadow, i found this to be the particular sound i wanted. The Shadow was meant for a dark sound, but the S80 brought out a sound that i've never even thought i could produce, or come near producing. Its got a nice bright sound, but with a slight "edge" that is produced by the horn itself. Great mouthpiece for the Shadow if anyone is looking for a bright sound with a bit of oomph. I don't relaly know how else to describe this. As mentioned above... the S80 seems like it was the sound i wanted... Maybe because this isn't the regular SX90 so there was a difference? it could also be because of the materials the horn is made of as well. i'm just taking a guess..
Anyway... Thanks to you all who have helped me out... once again, this forum is full of nice people... =) Thanks a bunch!!

- Itachi