[JazzBungalow]

I'm a senior high school student, who absolutely loves the contemporary sound (Eric Marienthal, Jeff Kashiwa, Sanborn), and for that reason, I bought myself a Beechler Bellite... after playing it for about a month, I realized that once I'm off to college (I plan to follow music), unless I either want to "have different mouthpieces for everything", I really need to stick with one. Now because the music program at my school isn't too terribly wonderful, and because I only just got myself a private teacher, I'm quite sure that college will be a struggle for me in the beginning, and that in any jazz band I may be in, I will be shafted to 2nd alto... So because of that, I bought one of the new Meyers. My problem is though, that I will play one of the above mouthpieces for about two weeks, think either "I need to use the Meyer so I am good for college", or "Why am I playing this Meyer, when I love the contemporary sound", and proceed to switch to the other mouthpiece for a couple weeks... The circle repeats. Endlessly. Because of this, I've still yet to "get to know" either of these pieces, and they still feel like new.

My search for the "best choice" mouthpiece has led me to the Jody Jazz ESP (Now discontinued and heavily discounted on Woodwind and Brasswind). From what I've read and heard, it has a more mellow sound (hopefully good enough for a college second alto piece, unless I have a "Hard rubber ONLY! for alto" professor"), yet with the spoiler, it will satisfy my "need" for metal (I find them more comfortable, as well as better for contemporary stuff)

Aaaaanyway, I was just wondering if this assessment of mine is accurate? Any response from anyone would be greatly appreciated!

 

[gary]

I played ESPs on both alto and tenor for over a year. The first thing that hit me when I got my first ESP was how effortless it made playing. I loved them. The sound will blend in with a section. If it's a little bright, just tame it with a darker reed. With the spoiler, you should have all of the edge you need for contemporary playing.

The only problem I personally had, and why I eventually moved on to other mpcs, was that they are not very powerful mpcs. However (harrumph), I played lead alto with an ESP (sans spoiler) and had all the presence one needed.

I am also assuming that you are going to be playing contemporary instrumental pop in a situation where you are miked, so just make sure, if you do, that you have good monitoring. My problem was that I began playing in louder, more aggressive ensembles and needed mpcs with more power. I don't think this is going to be a consideration for you, if I understand your post correctly.

And BTW young man :mrgreen: - - playing 2nd alto when you are not suited to be playing the lead alto is not being "shafted". When I started playing in big bands, I moved right into the lead alto seat and did that for some years. Then I played in two other bands as 2nd alto. Although IMO neither lead alto player was a better lead player than I, they were different lead players and had a lot to offer to me as good musicians to broaden my playing and way of looking at phrasing, articulating, tone etc. Playing 2nd alto can be a real boon and a place to grow. Don't diss it.

 

[35TangoTango]

+1 on the 2nd alto. Each position has its own challenges and also its own rewards (except maybe 2nd tenor). Playing 2nd alto is like flying wingman in the blue angels. Your challenge is to mirror the lead as closely as possible; and on the harmony soli sections maybe push the lead a little. To me, a good 2nd alto really makes the section shine.

 

[JazzBungalow]

Thank you so much, Gary! That is the best response I could possibly have gotten to this post!

That's great to hear, and I'm happy that you've found the ESP to be just as versatile as I'd assumed. As for the volume, I know there has to be some compromise, and I know that proper micing can be wonderful in situations.
But I'm really quite excited to order one now (no music stores near me carry any JJ pieces other than the HR ones..), and hopefully it will be the answer for me. Because as much as the instumental pop stuff is my first love, great big band music was waht introduced me to the huuuuuge spectrum of jazz, and I'd love to be as close to both styles as possible.

As for the second alto comment... I really should've known better and phrased that differently. I KNOW that I can't blend and match very well, being 1st through all my high school jazz bands, and I know it will be a good place for me to learn, like you said.

Thanks again for reading my essay of a question, and for the response! :bluewink:

 

[JazzBungalow]

Yeah, I've always found that in section solis (which I absolutely LOVE those parts), our current 2nd doesnt really "push" me, like you said, and the harmony is never really there...Just listening to him, in a way, learning how to and how not to do things in that chair

 

[Saxaholic]

You become a better player by playing 2nd alto in a big band setting. Learning how to use your ears, follow a player's volume, pitch, articulation, and style improves you in all those categories. I usually prefer to NOT play lead, and see what I can learn from the other player.

- Saxahoilc

 

[gary]

You become a better player by playing 2nd alto in a big band setting. Learning how to use your ears, follow a player's volume, pitch, articulation, and style improves you in all those categories. I usually prefer to NOT play lead, and see what I can learn from the other player. - Saxahoilc

Then, of course, there's the other situation where you are the lead alto and you have to follow the lead trumpeter's phrasing, dynamics, etc, even when you know how much more tasteful yours is. :bluewink:

 

[Saxaholic]

So true, Gary, so true. I usually have the pleasure of playing with an astounding lead trumpet player. He's honestly everything you could want. His range isn't as high as some of the other cats out there, but his sound is also much fatter. His phrasing is excellent, he takes instruction well, and is an all around great guy.

I subbed in a band where the lead trumpet player came up to me (I was playing lead alto) and said "Play loud enough so I can hear what you're doing and copy it." I wasn't sure whether to laugh or to cry.

- Saxaholic

 

[simon196]

On musician's friend the JJ ESPs are available. They are a twin copy of WWBW:wink:
http://band-orchestra.musiciansfriend.com/product/Jody-Jazz-ESP-Gold-Alto-Sax-Mouthpiece?sku=471627

Have fun in 2nd chair, it's a really humbling experience.

 

[gary]

It was nice of simon to give you that link, jazzbungalow, but I don't think I'd pay $260.00 for an ESP. I would advertise on the board or contact southernsax, who has a connection to JJ and see if you can get a used one in excellent condition.

 

[JazzBungalow]

Yes, thank you Simon

Unfortunately, I'm really not sure if I'll like the piece... at least this way I know I get WWBW's 45 day return policy... Unless you think southernsax or another seller would have a crazy amazing deal, gary?

 

[gary]

No. And I use wwbw just for that same thing - trying before you buy with no risk; everything from inexpensive mpcs to top of the line saxes.

 

[JazzBungalow]

Well, thanks for reminding me about the marketplace here on the forum, gary. I'll definitely remember it for future purchases!!
I don't know that I'd ever feel comfortable trying saxes on order like that, but I guess that's just me! :bluewink:

 

[gary]

Well, thanks for reminding me about the marketplace here on the forum, gary. I'll definitely remember it for future purchases!!
I don't know that I'd ever feel comfortable trying saxes on order like that, but I guess that's just me! :bluewink:

At one point in the past, I was very interested in getting either a Yamaha 875EX or an 82Z and wwbw sent me one of each (to Germany!) to try out. (I still don't know how that happened or if they do it now.) Anyway, it was great to test them side-by-side and even to take both to a big band rehearsal for my mates to give me feedback.

 

[realjazz sax]

Hey JazzBungalow!! Have you gotten your ESP yet? I am on the fence concerning the JJ ESP. I played a JJ DV on a YAS-875EX the other day. WOW I was blown away!! But for $450 I just cant afford it. The ESP is in reach financially.

I read somewhere on SOTW that I would be confused and I would no longer like my setup if I played one of those babies...sure enough it is true. What made it worse now I am thinking about upgrading from a Cannonball Raven to a Yamaha 62II, 875EX, or a 82Z Alto.

Let us know how your experience has been so far.

 

[livejazz]

+1 for 2nd alto. I had the chance to do so for the first time this year and truly appreciated the experience. It taught me how to really listen to what is going on and I feel like my playing has improved tremendously.

 

[southernsax]

Since the ESP has been discontinued you can definitely get a good deal. If you want that vibe and are set on a JJ you may want to consider a DVNY instead, it has more flexibility to the sound. Either way there are plenty of these available second hand and there's no need to pay full price for one.

 

[realjazz sax]

Since the ESP has been discontinued you can definitely get a good deal. If you want that vibe and are set on a JJ you may want to consider a DVNY instead, it has more flexibility to the sound. Either way there are plenty of these available second hand and there's no need to pay full price for one.

Can you explain "if you want that vibe"? I have a friend that owns a music store and he is also suggesting the DVNY. Is it possible to make the DVNY brighter using certain reeds and ligatures?

 

[southernsax]

The vibe I'm talking about is a dark metal piece which feels very different on the alto. The DV NY is not that different than the ESP sonically but plays more evenly and as with any mouthpiece your reeds will influence the final product.

 

[realjazz sax]

The vibe I'm talking about is a dark metal piece which feels very different on the alto. The DV NY is not that different than the ESP sonically but plays more evenly and as with any mouthpiece your reeds will influence the final product.

Is it possible to make the DVNY brighter using certain reeds and ligatures?