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Lately I've been trying to get that "commercial" or contemporary (how do you call it) pop-alto sound. Not that I love that sound so much, but there're many occasions where that kind of style and sound is needed in bands that I play in.
What I've found so far (here's the trivial part) is that the style, ofcourse, comes from the player. Listen to those kind of players and emulate their style- that has been my method. So far, so good. I've practiced this style with my HR Meyer 6M and Buescher 140 alto. IMO I can pretty well nail the style but the sound isn't bright and cutting enough. Well, I'm expecting a Beechler Bellite #7 to arrive soon. I'm not hoping miracles.. like when I'll blow the Beechler for the first time there's an instant Sanborn-sound coming from my horn ;-) I'm hoping that the new mpc will emphasize brightness and add more cut to the sound.
I'm going to record few samples (if anyone is interested) for comparing purposes. I'll try to play with contemporary style using a standard HR piece (Meyer) and a metal high-baffle piece (Beechler) to see how big part does the contemporary sound play itself compared to the playing style.
It's also interesting to see how much the horn itself makes a difference. When I had a Yamaha alto few years ago, I felt that all my playing sounded too contemporary (no matter what mouthpiece I used). Too cutting and bright in other words. It will be interesting to see (or hear) can my vintage Buescher alto turn into a real pop-music-alto-monster
Any of you trying or tried to emulate that sound and how well have you succeeded?
Opinions.
Ps. I'm also taking recommendations for the reed choice for the metal Beechler. Currently I'm thinking of trying Rico Royals 2.5's first.
Thanks,
-TH
What I've found so far (here's the trivial part) is that the style, ofcourse, comes from the player. Listen to those kind of players and emulate their style- that has been my method. So far, so good. I've practiced this style with my HR Meyer 6M and Buescher 140 alto. IMO I can pretty well nail the style but the sound isn't bright and cutting enough. Well, I'm expecting a Beechler Bellite #7 to arrive soon. I'm not hoping miracles.. like when I'll blow the Beechler for the first time there's an instant Sanborn-sound coming from my horn ;-) I'm hoping that the new mpc will emphasize brightness and add more cut to the sound.
I'm going to record few samples (if anyone is interested) for comparing purposes. I'll try to play with contemporary style using a standard HR piece (Meyer) and a metal high-baffle piece (Beechler) to see how big part does the contemporary sound play itself compared to the playing style.
It's also interesting to see how much the horn itself makes a difference. When I had a Yamaha alto few years ago, I felt that all my playing sounded too contemporary (no matter what mouthpiece I used). Too cutting and bright in other words. It will be interesting to see (or hear) can my vintage Buescher alto turn into a real pop-music-alto-monster
Any of you trying or tried to emulate that sound and how well have you succeeded?
Opinions.
Ps. I'm also taking recommendations for the reed choice for the metal Beechler. Currently I'm thinking of trying Rico Royals 2.5's first.
Thanks,
-TH