[matsuo]

I need a mouthpiece that is loud and gives a good edge and brightness to the tone. I am looking at either a Vandoren V16 8s or a Jumbo java. I need to give off a greater volume of sound because I am playing 1st alto in the jazz band. I can only afford about $100 and would prefer Vandoren. My Meyer just doesn't give off enough sound. I would like to still play in the altissimo and the low register.
- How would a Barone NY compare to the V16?
-any comments are very appreciated

 

[Grumps]

I think the V16 would give you a fuller sound for lead over the Jumbo Java. For ease of altissimo, get the most open tip you can play comfortably.

 

[matsuo]

Thanks for the reply Grumps, that helps a bit.

 

[A Greene]

Lakey - LOUD mouthpieces. I caution you when enter the I-NEED-TO-BE-LOUDER-TO-COMPETE situation. At some point the guitars and drums are going to need to play a bit softer. Although MANY try - electricity is difficult to beat when it comes to volume.

 

[matsuo]

The question is are Lakey mouthpieces consistent, the reason I want Vandoren is i've read that they are very consistent.

 

[CountSpatula]

No, I don't think they are. My reed was uneven on my friends lakey and boy was it hard to play. But I'm with Grumps, V16 is great. I like the regular Java over the Jumbo Java though, check them out if you can.

But don't expect to overpower a trumpet section if that's what your going for...

 

[matsuo]

I don't want to overpower the trumpet section, I need to be able to stand out in sax soli's. My sound just doesn't have the volume to do so.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I also would recommend you try a regular Java.

 

[matsuo]

Thanks for the replies, they are very helpful.

 

[J.Max]

Lakeys are loud, inconsistent and generally poor mouthpieces for the jazz (big) band situation. The Vandoren V16 are a much better choice.

Honestly, if you want a sound like a Lakey, you're better off with a hard rubber Berg Larsen, Vandoren Jumbo Java, or even a Dukoff. But the sound is closer to a bright pop sound than a jazz sound.

 

[matsuo]

Thanks J.Max that was helpful. I really appreciate the comments.

 

[MM]

I've been changing my opinion of Lakeys. Some of the models have a slighlty larger chamber and will play well with a little facing work. The 7*3 is one and I think the 4*4. But yeah some play awful out of the box. I would also look into the Beechler Diamond Inlay medium chamber. Maybe get a few pieces on trial from WWBW. Yes the V16's are more consistent. Runyon Custom or Custom Jazz are worth trying too and are pretty cheap.

It really depends on the sound of the big band, some are modern "modern" and loud while some are more of a traditional Basie thing and whether you play on the dark or bright side. Unless the trumpets are real wimps I doubt you'll need to worry too much about overpowering them.

 

[Pete Thomas]

The important thing is to blend with the rest of the section, but at the same time lead the section. You need volume to lead (as well as the other qualities), and very often volume gets confused with edge or brightness. Yes a very bright or edgy mouthpiece will cut above the rest of the section very often, but it will sound like "you" vs "them, rather" than a team with you at the helm.

 

[matsuo]

Great points, thanks.

 

[SuperDave]

I played lead alto in a college band with the Jumbo java, I always got compliments on my large full sound and presence...this was before I found out you "couldn't" do that with a Jumbo java. I played the Jumbo for at least 5 years, so I am not basing this on a 5 minute trial in a music store.

 

[SaxColossusJR]

J. Max knows what he is talking about. My teacher plays rubber bergs on alto, but I just got a V16 A6, and it would be great for lead alto in a jazz band. When pushed it can be loud and stand out in a soli, but can also blend for backgrounds and such. You can find them for around $80. I got mine with an optimum lig for $95

 

[matsuo]

Wow thanks again these replies are very helpfull and good. Also you make a great point SuperDave, when I got my meyer it was very squeky and hard too play, now it's my main piece (for now at least).

 

[matsuo]

Also (sorry for bringing this up a bit late) my tone seems a bit thin, could a mouthpiece make it fuller or a reed change or just straight up practicing make a difference.

 

[CountSpatula]

Practicing

 

[A Greene]

What's the facing of your current Meyer? Medium or Small Chamber?