[Clarinetdude108]

My bro has been playing alto since 5th grade, hes a freshman now in high school and is looking for his first jazz mouthpiece. He will be playing lead alto for the schools 2nd jazz band

currently he plays on a selmer C* with vandoren java 3.5s on his selmer Super Action Series II.


Since no stores in the area allow mouthpiece trials, the trials would have to be done through probably weiner music.

Since i am not an alto player, i dont know what to order for him to try.
Any suggestions on what mouthpieces to order?

 

[Martin Williams]

Meyer 5M for alto is basically jazz what the C* is to classical, give one of those a shot for starters, try whatever else is available to, never know what will speak for him!

The C* though, not gonna cut it in Jazz band!

 

[NIMOGT]

some pretty stock jazz mouthpieces would be the Meyer 5M, Otto link Tone Edge HR 5 or 5*, and if you wanted to give him a metal mouthpiece you should try an Otto Link STM 5 or 5*. These are standard pieces that are not too extreme, so he should be able to adjust without major changes.

 

[Martinman]

He might have to go down in reed strength when trying a Meyer though, because the tip is more open. Try it with a JAVA 3 or 2.5.

 

[playitfunky]

You might want to try some Claude Lakeys. They are pretty cheap and work good for lead alto IMO.

 

[J.Max]

You might want to try some Claude Lakeys. They are pretty cheap and work good for lead alto IMO.

I'm not sure a high baffle piece is a good "first" jazz piece. I like the Meyer idea, although I'd also suggest a Rousseau Studio Jazz (SJ6 or SJ7).

 

[asaxman]

Give Morgan mouthpieces a try. They're much more consistent than Meyers, and won't break the bank. I don't know how available they are, since Mr. Morgan passed away a few months ago, ( somebody help me here), but they are worth checking out. Try a 5M,6M, or 5L,6L. Good luck! I don't think I ever heard a bad word about Morgan pieces, which is really saying something!

 

[asaxman]

Give Morgan mouthpieces a try. They're much more consistent than Meyers, and won't break the bank. I don't know how available they are, since Mr. Morgan passed away a few months ago, ( somebody help me here), but they are worth checking out. Try a 5M,6M, or 5L,6L. Good luck!

 

[Ken Janak]

The Meyer in a 6 or 7 med. chamber would be a very classic set-up.

With my middle school saxophonists, I've had good results with the Jody Jazz Classic in a 7 facing with a #2.5 Rico royal reed. The Rousseau Studio Jazz 6 or 7 is also a good choice. Try to avoid high baffle pieces for younger players as you're increasing the possibilities for squeaks, tonal shrillness, and intonation problems(I should say, greater intonation problems!).

 

[playitfunky]

I'm not sure a high baffle piece is a good "first" jazz piece. I like the Meyer idea, although I'd also suggest a Rousseau Studio Jazz (SJ6 or SJ7).

I learned on a Lakey 4*4 and played it all through HS Jazz band. So I was just giving the only advice that I have any experience with. The person who asked the question can read them all then have more things to maybe try. Like I said though Lakey's are cheap which make them good beginning/intermediate pieces IMO.

 

[qwerty]

For years I had students pick up a Meyer 5 or 6. Lately I have been suggesting the Jody Jazz HR6*. I believe they are a bit more consistent,and they have a bit more punch than the Meyer.

Steve

 

[MasterBlaster]

Don't get confused. The standard is the Meyer 5-6 w/ a small or med chamber...super flexible w/ super power...Listen to Phil Woods...