[sax0n]

Hi.
I'm looking for a mpc. My current is Otto Link Super Tone Master 9*
It's too big for me (but i've played it for 5 years).
Now i'm looking for a new one with a smaller tip opening and (may be) with a bridge to play smooth, funk (more bright one).
I've tried some Bari, Guardala's Studio, King, Crescent (all, must be, laser trimmed). And Crescent was the best one. however, don't uderstand, why Crescent is the darkest of all Guardala..
Thinking about:
- music123 Guardala MBII (there a many good responses about it on this forum);
- Jody Jazz DV Chicago 7*;
- Theo Wanne Durga 8.
Never have played any of these before. Is there some reason to bye such expensive mpc without trying?

Any suggestions?

 

[hakukani]

Certainly going down in tip size will brighten your sound. You might want to try one of the ponzols, or if you have the $$ one of Theo Wanne's pieces.

I myself generally play on an STM 9 faced by Doc Tenney.

 

[sax0n]

And what about Theo Wanne's Datta? It for same price as Ponzol. Any comparison?

 

[Tzadik]

The JJ DV Chi is a strage piece. I got a JJ DV Chi 8* (and also a JJ DV 8*)... you can love it or you can hate it. I personally love it!
I also used to own a Guardala MB-II (from WWBW) and it's a different thing, the best matching is with the "standard" JJ DV.
The JJ DVs (both DV and DV Chi) are almost too much free blowing and many people can find them not so easy to play because of the high free/blowing-ness.

The MB-II is more resistant, but it has a good resistence. The sound is more compressed less flexible than JJ DV's but this is absolutely not a problem!

The Durga is more mid-scooped... on "not standard" horns it can sound "stuffy" or too hyped on mid-low frequencies. It definitely works great on "normal" horns if you are able to manage a huge-chamber mouthpiece.
I personally don't like the Liberty ligature, it tends to create a lot of resistance (and in the long run tends to deform/warp the mouthpiece table).

 

[luispa]

Ponzol M2 SS or M2 Plus SS if you want something brighter.

 

[Tzadik]

... Drake Contemporary I and II can be great alternatives (the vintage resin one... or also the vintage resin ones with the resonance chamber).
Both are based on a Guardala MB (I and II) design.
Aaron's work is priceless IMHO.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Is there some reason to bye such expensive mpc without trying?

Definitely not. With mouthpieces, especially, high price does not equate to high quality.

 

[mike713]

The SR Tech Pro is a really nice funk piece IMO. High enough baffle to give some edge but not to high to sound thin. The SR Tech Fusion is also nice but has a higher baffle so is a bit brighter, which is not my preference but. I liked both of these pieces more than the Jody Jazz pieces I've tried.

 

[southernsax]

Maybe trying something not so bright and learning to push it would give you a richer sound. When you play something as bright as the options you list you can start to not really blow the horn. Part of the sound of funk/pop sax is the air going through the horn and getting everything really resonating. Plus, you should always try before you by or at least have the option to return.

 

[luispa]

Is there some reason to bye such expensive mpc without trying?

Even being high quality pieces you can't be sure you will like them.

 

[Borganiboy]

I just got a Drake studio and its great.Very fat for a high baffle piece.Checkout a Datta though,there fantastic.I just dropped down to 110 tips,going well.

 

[Jeff Foster]

Call Phil Barone, tell him what you're trying to accomplish and he'll point you in the right direction.

 

[Captain Beeflat]

The SR Tech Pro is a really nice funk piece IMO. High enough baffle to give some edge but not to high to sound thin. The SR Tech Fusion is also nice but has a higher baffle so is a bit brighter, which is not my preference but. I liked both of these pieces more than the Jody Jazz pieces I've tried.

Exactly my findings....clearly shewing that what works for one does not suit everyone.
Do not rule out the Metalite....it is not just an oyster opener.

 

[bruce bailey]

I have owned Links, Meyer, Selmer, Brilharts and many ohters. Although I mainly use a Morgan or old Brilhart, I have a Metalite and seem to be using it quite a bit. For under $30, a must have. Plays like a rubber but sounds like a metal.

 

[MartinMusicMan]

Do not rule out the Metalite

I have a Metalite and seem to be using it quite a bit. For under $30, a must have.

Metalite. Very much worth the price to see if it's in the direction you're looking to go. Try it, you might like it. And it may become your preferred piece.

 

[JL]

Plays like a rubber but sounds like a metal.

Sorry, but I have to point out that 'sounds like a metal' (mpc) is a totally meaningless statement. As stated over and over on here, the material of a mpc does not contribute to the sound at all. The sound is dependent on the design.

The metalite very well may play like a HR mpc, but it's sound will depend on the design, and the player of course.

p.s. I do know what you meant to say Bruce, and you are probably well aware of all this, but I wanted to clear it up for anyone who might take it literally. Call me pedantic if you like.

 

[Captain Beeflat]

Sorry, but I have to point out that 'sounds like a metal' (mpc) is a totally meaningless statement. As stated over and over on here, the material of a mpc does not contribute to the sound at all. The sound is dependent on the design.

The metalite very well may play like a HR mpc, but it's sound will depend on the design, and the player of course.

p.s. I do know what you meant to say Bruce, and you are probably well aware of all this, but I wanted to clear it up for anyone who might take it literally. Call me pedantic if you like.

Not in the least pedantic JL....you are correct.
Frankly the material, or the perceived sound is immaterial...it sounds like a Metalite, a damned good mouthpiece....do not be put off by it's low cost.

 

[Borganiboy]

Sorry, but I have to point out that 'sounds like a metal' (mpc) is a totally meaningless statement. As stated over and over on here, the material of a mpc does not contribute to the sound at all. The sound is dependent on the design.

The metalite very well may play like a HR mpc, but it's sound will depend on the design, and the player of course.

p.s. I do know what you meant to say Bruce, and you are probably well aware of all this, but I wanted to clear it up for anyone who might take it literally. Call me pedantic if you like.

So say you and thats your right but as i think it does.I play a metal mp and i think i can tell its metal most of the time,the same when i play a HR piece.I have just got a metal Datta and a Drake studio HR,both big high baffle but the drake has that hr vibe to me but thats my feeling and thats what matters.I have found this on many many gas attacks of metal,hr pieces.

 

[wersax]

I've recently purchased a Durga 9 & love it. I've had good luck with the MBII's too. But there are a ton of pieces out there....

 

[JL]

So say you and thats your right but as i think it does.I play a metal mp and i think i can tell its metal most of the time,the same when i play a HR piece.I have just got a metal Datta and a Drake studio HR,both big high baffle but the drake has that hr vibe to me but thats my feeling and thats what matters.I have found this on many many gas attacks of metal,hr pieces.

Yeah. And I also feel like my silver horns have a certain ring to them, so I guess it just HAS to be the fact that they are silver plated. Couldn't be anything else, right?