[Moises Anguiano]

So i've been playing on nothing but plactic and hard rubber mouthpiece during the 7 years that ive been playing alto sax, and i want to buy a metal mouthpiece. Right now, im considering the jody jazz DV for alto, but im really struggling whether to stick with the DV (which i have been planning on buying for a few months now), or getting the theo wanne durga. Even though these are the only mouthpieces on my mind, I was wondering if there exists some sort of mouthpiece comparison chart (as in tone, projection, and resistance) like on the jody jazz site, but for all brands of mouthpieces, metal in particular. If not, i would really appreciate it if some of you guys can give your input on metal mouthpieces you own or have tried in the past. I've heard good things about the DV, bari, beechler, lebayle, and other metal pieces, but i really want to compare all of them to one another. Im looking mainly for the most projective, brightest, and free blowing metal mouthpiece out there. Thanks alot!

 

[thejazzyfly]

It is completely personal;
but anyway, for me it is the vintage Saxworks (or a very good Dukoff D8 Miami Florida refaced by Mojo for example), In fact, I don't know the new line of Saxworks (you can find one here :

http://www.sax-ccessories.com/ and Brian Stevenson is a real great professional guy

one of the best sax shop of the world !

but as I said It is completely personal and you have to test by yourself some metal models...


I have sold my Saxworks recently because I prefer definitely HR mpc (they are much more versatile for me but here also : it is my opinion only !)

In second (for Metal mpc) I was fan during a time of the Lebayle Studio (7*)

Remember : we are all different

 

[Anselmo]

for the most projective, brightest, and free blowing

Guardala Hand Made SK
Brancher B24
ARB Steel
Beechler Bellite
Claude Lakey 6*3 (not metal but as powerfull as metal..............or more....)
The best: My CHeong Custom made.

IMHO: The ACTUAL "most projective, brightest" : ARB Stainless steel

 

[Moises Anguiano]

so ive narrowed down my choices to two mouthpieces: the DV and the Lebayle studio metal. can anyone compare the two? i heard the lebayle is brighter than the dv. is this true?
-Thanks!

 

[luispa]

Peter Ponzol M2 SS

 

[evan1]

Selmer makes excellent metal mouthpieces for Alto (and tenor for that matter). Have a look here for an idea of price:

http://www.mouthpieceexpress.com/catalog/index2.php?cPath=47_48_143

 

[nachoman]

No one's mentioned a metal Yanagisawa.... great pieces

 

[heckstall]

IMO the Lebayle Studio Metal sounds as bright as a JJ DV, the Lebayle however has a more complex sound. I used both together with a Lawton BB which has a more silk tone. You can listen to them on: http://www.caprimultimedia.com/mouthpiecetesten.html ,very helpful!

 

[Metalflake]

Give serious consideration to the Guardala alto pieces as well. The King model is VERY bright and projecting, and the Studio is almost as bright but with more depth and buzz to the sound. FWIW I've played a King for many years and would
highly recommend it for anyone looking for a balls-to-the-wall, screaming R&B/funk/fusion piece.

I second the idea of trying the Yanagisawa metals - they really are fantastic mouthpieces, very consistent quality and a beautiful bright, clear sound on alto. Highly underrated IMO. They're also a fair bit less expensive than the Guardalas, JJ or Lebayle.

 

[milandro]

ask a question like that and give it long enough all brands will be mentioned BUT you still won't know anything on how they play for you and with you.
So best try yourself.

 

[ARC454]

Personally, I like my Meyer 5J. I use it primarily for gigs when volume is key, like playing in musicals with full big-band arrangement type stuff or playing unmic'd with guitars and such. Not the most versatile piece, but it can cut through noise like a hot knife through butter.

 

[evan1]

Give serious consideration to the Guardala alto pieces as well. The King model is VERY bright and projecting, and the Studio is almost as bright but with more depth and buzz to the sound. FWIW I've played a King for many years and would
highly recommend it for anyone looking for a balls-to-the-wall, screaming R&B/funk/fusion piece.

I second the idea of trying the Yanagisawa metals - they really are fantastic mouthpieces, very consistent quality and a beautiful bright, clear sound on alto. Highly underrated IMO. They're also a fair bit less expensive than the Guardalas, JJ or Lebayle.

Also the Yangis (metal) on Soprano play very well. I tried a friend of mines possibly 3 to 4 weeks ago, and its a very very clean mouthpiece.

 

[Moises Anguiano]

does anyone know how beechlers (arb and bellite) compare to the JJDV?

 

[Dave Dolson]

Moises: Re-read what milandro posted. Not many saxophone players react the same to the same mouthpieces because everyone's embouchure is different AND we have different tonal concepts and goals. You may get a lot of replies about which mouthpiece has certain playing characteristics, but those reports are mostly for those who make the reports, not for you. We'd all love to be able to accurately answer a question like yours but that's not how it really works. Only YOU can find the right mouthpiece for your personal chops.

As far as how one compares to another, I'm guessing two good players may report opposite results. Even if they might agree, it probably won't equal your experience with those mouthpieces. DAVE

 

[empressdiver]

My current favorite is a vintage Selmer Classic E metal alto mpc. It was designed for classical music but I use it for everything. For me, it can play a wide range of tone from bright to mellow. I have a Selmer Jazz D metal alto mpc as well, but right now I prefer the sound of the Classic. These pieces are worth trying.