[SaxMaster97]

I have been playing the Alto Sax for just over 4 years now, and starting my 5th year in a marching band. Is this a good setup for me?

Horn : Yamaha YAS-23
MPC : Yamaha 4C and Cannonball Alto CAM5
Reeds : Vandoren Paris Size 3 and 3 1/2

I have lent my CAM5 to a friend because he doesn't have a MPC to use for marching band, but I really love playing jazz-ish music, like "Careless Whispers" and MJ's "Man in the Mirror". Should I ask for my CAM5 back? Or is the 4C a good enough mouthpiece to play with.

 

[artstove]

There is nothing obviously wrong with it - looks relatively normal. But more importantly, if you like it, then it is fine. If you like the way it blows/feels/sounds, then it is a good setup. It is totally personal.

 

[SaxMaster97]

I love the setup, but was just wondering whether for that certain genre of music, would a CAM5 be better than a 4C. Since I have a CAM5, why not sound better if I can?

 

[82zguy]

the 4c is your stock mouthpiece that comes with almost all yamaha horns. They're more classical so if you want to play jazz, you'll probably want a different mouthpiece. As for which kind of mouthpiece, other people can probably help you out there as i am a classical player. Do you like the sound of your CAM5 over the sound of your 4c?

 

[NissanVintageSax]

What is a CAM5?

 

[artstove]

What is a CAM5?

I am guessing it is a Cannonball Alto Mouthpiece 5.

 

[artstove]

I love the setup, but was just wondering whether for that certain genre of music, would a CAM5 be better than a 4C.

That is a valid question. The problem is that no one on here can answer it unless you post sound clips. Different players have different sounds even with the same mouthpiece. I know a professional classical player with a fine classical sound who uses a Jumbo Java, which is supposed to be the opposite of classical sounding. I know another player who was a super raspy edgy nasty sound with a Link STM. These are the opposite of conventional wisdom.

Different mouthpieces will likely sound different, but how they sound when you play them on your horn is what matters, plus what you think is a "better" sound.

 

[NissanVintageSax]

I witnessed a very Rascher-like tone coming from a young sax player (about age 17 or so) playing a Muariat "Jazz" model sax and a Yamaha 4C. Very dark, very fluid, oh so sweet and classical! I get bubkess from a 4C. He made it sing!

 

[SaxMaster97]

I love my CAM5, and I just got it back from my friend. Although, it seems no different than the 4C. I am broken over which to give to my friend, who badly needs a mouthpiece? Which one has a better range? By range, I mean clear intonation and steadiness of higher register notes.

 

[82zguy]

Give him the 4c. Its more sutied for classical and if you want jazz, you'll probably want your CAM5

 

[SaxMaster97]

Thanks for your help!

 

[NissanVintageSax]

I agree, given the limited choices and options here, give him the 4C. They are cheap and readily available, as well as being well suited for most styles (though they are on the quiet "darker" side for most people in a Jazz setting).