Jazz Bari Mouthpiece
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I'm a freshman in college. I've played jazz for three years in high school on a Yamaha 5C which worked, but isn't a jazz mouthpiece. My professor wants me to get a jazz mouthpiece he said find what works for me best. I'll check out those two. Any others that i should try out?
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I would agree with the ZenBen and bandmommy. I've been playing bari as a double for many years on a HR Link 6 (slant) and my backup is a Metalite 5. I've tried many others but always come back to those. 3 1/2 reeds work well for me on both. Got the Metalite at Amazon for $20!
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I recently bought a Drake contemporary crossover II - absolutely superb.
http://www.drakemouthpieces.com/Vintage_Resin_Bari.html
I was lucky enough to pick it up secondhand, very pleased.
http://www.drakemouthpieces.com/Vintage_Resin_Bari.html
I was lucky enough to pick it up secondhand, very pleased.
[email protected] on satb
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Berg Larsen was THE bari mp in times where the alternatives were limited. Unfortunately, it is probably the brand which shows the greatest inconsistency between supposedly identical models, not speaking of all the evolutions over years. If you get a good one, it remains one of the best choices on bari. But finding and selecting the right one requires time, luck, and fair playing skills, as well as a horn you feel at home with.
So I'd really also consider more reliable alternatives, among which Rico seems interesting (I never played one on bari), Vandoren is doing a great job with the V16, as well as other products mentioned in this thread.
I recently switched from a Berg SS 125/3 to a Jody Jazz ESP, an excellent bari mp in the "upper mid-class" category. Easier to play, more core than the rather edgy Berg. Production was stopped, but you still find them on the market.
So I'd really also consider more reliable alternatives, among which Rico seems interesting (I never played one on bari), Vandoren is doing a great job with the V16, as well as other products mentioned in this thread.
I recently switched from a Berg SS 125/3 to a Jody Jazz ESP, an excellent bari mp in the "upper mid-class" category. Easier to play, more core than the rather edgy Berg. Production was stopped, but you still find them on the market.
I have played a bunch of mouthpieces recently looking for one that I thought would work. Depending on your price point, here are a few I liked (I was playing on a modern horn when I tested these, I haven't played any vintage horns recently so can't comment on how these fit there). Rousseau JDX (new $125 used $50-$80) very nice mouthpiece played in tune (some have said that because of the shorter shank on this it won't play in tune on all types of horns). Very nice projection but on the brighter end of the spectrum. Vandoren V-16 (new $200 used $165) Great mouthpiece good response, good intonation, very flexible, covers just about everything from straight ahead swing to funk sound. Drake Contemporary Crossover I (new $390 used $?? haven't seen many II's come up for sale I picked up the I for $275. The II was mentioned above and is probably a better choice I think for what you are looking for). Fantastic response, even throughout, great intonation. The I was too bright for what I was looking for otherwise I would have stopped looking right there. Best of luck to you in your search!
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I have been through plenty and can honestly tell you that the horn affects the mp so they become a pair. I had an old Clinton 1950 Bari that I loved to death and it only worked with a Selmer c* and a fibrecell reed ( medium hard ). All other mps failed to impress , included was a WolfeTane and an otto link 7* metal. Now I have the Yamaha 62 and nothing works as well at the otto link *7 and a legare 2 1/2 for small groups and a Carbon H/Hartman Medium Hard for funk,groove. You will also find your mouth cavity and throat shapes will adapt to the new mp over a week or two. The feel you get in the shop for an mp is only an impression of what it will sound like after a week or two. I also picked up a $38 Chinese alto metal and its actually amazing, high baffle but clear controlled tone and altisimo. The Bari ones from ebay are $50 ea, worth the risk for a giggle and you may end up loving it.
There is so much involved with this decision: What context are you going to play in? What Bari players tones do you like? What is your personal sound concept? How different is how you sound now from where you want to be? What horn are you playing? With some careful thought about these questions you can go and try some pieces with a real goal. Try lots of pieces... In the end that is the only way you will know what works for you.
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FWIW, I just bought a Ponzol Custom for the Yamaha 52 I'm playing - big, nasty, funky sound. If projection and power are important to you, I humbly suggest there may be few options equal to the Custom. For sure it'll be great in a big band setting, or as part of a funk/R&B horn section, however you'll probably never croon like Gerry Mulligan or Harry Carney on this piece. Worth a look at any rate.
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these are all good choises and i would add the runyon custom/spoiler to the list. add the spoiler for rock and roll -remove it for big band and jazz
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Another vote for the Metalite - I recently got a 9 and it works great. It really reminds me of a very old 120 / 0 Larson hard rubber mouthpiece that I played 30 years ago. It is way better than the newer Metal Larson 105 / 0 that I also have. I think the thing cost me $35.00 including shipping. These are great mouthpieces to experiment with when you have the limited budget of a college student.
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I play the VCCBI, not for the meek. The II is much easier to work with, I played both before I settled.
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I agree,but I went to a 9 and a soft reed (Rico Royal #2)
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I used a Rico Metalite as my main piece for many years and still have it as a backup. Recently bought a Conn 11m Bari so I've started playing on a Morgan Vintage that I really like so far.
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