[Crookysax]

Hi guys,

Doing a bit of research into some metal Alto mouthpieces . . I can’t seem to find out much about the Guardala Alto pieces? Not many models on YouTube . . In particular the King model.

On a few mouthpiece charts for Alto it only lists ‘KR’ (.88) opening . . I take it this is the king?

Does anyone have any experience with this piece? The New Crescent is a bit closed for me at around .76/77.

I am between one of these, a Beechler & a Barkley Brazil Verdot.

Thanks guys!

 

[MojoBari]

I have a photo "museum" of various Guardalas including altos.

http://www.mojomouthpiecework.com/Photos/tabid/59/AlbumID/386-73/Default.aspx

 

[1saxman]

Each Guardala piece except the King/Super King had a different design, and each came in only one facing, so there are no 'numbers'. You pick one more by how you want to play than by the tip opening. The 'King Curtis', 'King R&B' and 'King' are all the same mouthpiece with minor changes thru the run. Put 'Super' in front of any of those and you get a more open facing. Very roughly, the 'King' (tenor) is .120 and the Super King is .130. They are rarely found that big in either case, and the same would apply to alto. Then you have the originals from DG's shop in NY, another set of originals from his shop but sold only by WW&BW, and finally the 'Laser-Trimmed' ones sold by WW&BW (completely machine made) - these can play okay but usually will benefit from a refacing. After that, you have guys making 'Guardalas' all over the world. You probably should look at other mouthpieces or at least put it off until you do more research on Guardalas if you're determined to have one.
Originals in good condition are around $1000 for alto. I've been playing an original Studio on alto since 1989 and I can't imagine needing more mouthpiece. I'd suggest if a .090" alto piece is not 'big' enough, try a harder reed. The 'Laser-Trimmed ones should be around $350 for a like-new one. After that, prices vary wildly.
Be very careful - everything said to be a 'Guardala' isn't, and people are asking a lot for beat-up examples.

 

[jman1977]

I had both a handmade King and handmade Studio alto that I just sold recently. Both measured at .090 (too open for me and I'm moving towards less bright mouthpieces, which is why I sold them -- maybe at some point in the future I'll reconsider). I actually preferred the King over the Studio as it sounded fuller and was a bit more free blowing. Due to descriptions on the internet, I expected the King to be "harsher", but it actually sounded fuller to me. I imagine there'd be some variations from piece to piece even within the same model (particularly with the originals).

For what it's worth, I like the Theo Wanne Durga 4 better than both Guardalas -- bright enough but the brightness is balanced with warmth and fullness due to the larger chamber. I also have a "vintage" Beechler (facing stamp on table) that I really like (I have a second "vintage" Beechler in the same tip opening (7) that I don't like as much as it requires more work to get the sound I'm going for -- go figure). Just some additional options in the same category to consider.

 

[jman1977]

Also, from my experience and from what other people have told me, the alto Guardalas, while still good pieces, are not as good as the tenor Guardalas (particularly with respect to the handmade ones). (I do have a tenor Guardala as well that I'm in the process of selling).

 

[CashSax]

Stupidest thing I ever did..sold my DG handmade Studio alto mpc..

Well honestly, I was tapped and needed bread, the damn thing was ugly as hell, .but it was simply great..oh well......rent etc,,

Now I got a Sakshama replica..I guess it's as good..yeah so far I like it. It is the "Studio G" model Gold plated tipped at .090


anybody else got one ????

 

[Pent up Kid]

Crooky sax
i'm looking at High baffle metal Mps for my alto and doing research ,things get very expensive at the top of the Market place for New Metal Mps
Nadir Saxwinds make Hand made and Laser trimed DG King mp ...It's worth a look
I used to have a Durga Metal but sold it on,I was never 100% sure it was what I wanted....You Mention Barkley Brazil Verdot ,I have looked at these, try La Musa in Spain have a 14 day Trial /Returns Policy
There are video reviews on the Verdot and Malbec on Barkley's web site
I have a Barkley POP 7 and It's plays just great and for the price ,well It was a No Brainer ...But I am still looking as there's a lot of gear out there
I tried to get a West coast piece from the States second hand but It's a nightmare with Shipping and tax's pitty as these pieces sound great, sadly are not available here in the UK
If you try

 

[Pent up Kid]

I you do get any of the mentioned Pieces post it as I'm interested to hear your thoughts
Barkley MPs are half the price But sadly get bad Press here,maybe theres a problem with other Barkey MPs But my POP 7(0.86) is one of the easiest pieces I've blown with a high baffle
I have 2 Altos so i'm working on a Metal mp Set up for my other sax.