[mi000ke]

Phil has just released a new model for tenor called the Equinox. I was one of the first to receive this new mouthpiece two days ago. I had been alternating between a 5* metal Florida USA Link and an .100 RPC HR rollover baffle (and have a metal Ponzol and Barone in the drawer as well), struggling to get a nice even, focused sound across the entire range, and was also looking for a bit brighter sound. I was resigned to doing long tones for the rest of my life (well, actually still am...) to reach my goal, and had bought into the "it's not the mouthpiece, it's you" argument. But I thought I would try one more time, and after communicating with Phil he convinced my to try the new Equinox.

It arrived just as I was leaving for a band rehearsal, so I took it along to try out. After just a few scales, my response was "Wow!" This piece sounded great. It added a lot of focus to my sound, brightened it up just a bit to almost exactly the sound I was looking for, was easy to articulate, the low notes slid out effortlessly at pp (something I have had to work very hard on with my other pieces), and the highs were full and rich. It only got better after a couple more hours of playing. I feel like I have jumped ahead years on my long tone results just by using this new piece. It is a 6*, which makes it a bit less powerful that the RPC, but still projects nicely. I play a late model Mark VI.

I have no affiliation with Phil other than being a satisfied customer, and it looks like my mouthpiece search is over for now.

 

[Sigmund451]

Thanks so much Mike. Im glad you like the piece and I appreciate the review.

The piece has ended my search too. I am about ready to sell off a good part of my collection since the Equinox is about the only piece I play. The only reason I dont is I know, from experience, that players tend to sell off things they have too quickly and then regret it.

 

[reedsburn62]

I am intrigued by this new piece and hope to try one soon.

 

[Saxaholic]

It's a great mouthpiece and I was lucky enough to play it a few months ago when Phil first started the prototype.

Excellent focus, response, and very rich sounding. Look for the full "Official SOTW Review" that will cover Phil's entire line up, including his new Equinox tenor.

- Saxaholic

 

[reedsburn62]

What reeds have you both tried on this and what lig/size will fit.

 

[Sigmund451]

I use a FL lig that fits HR Links. Anything that fits a Link should fit.

Personally Im a Java fan. I think it is a good combination but others will find different reeds that suit them.
It has no issues adapting to different reeds. I just like the tone and response with the Javas.

 

[reedsburn62]

Thanks, I'm a Rico endorser so it would need to work with a Rico product for me.

 

[Sigmund451]

I dont think that should be a problem. My pieces are reed friendly...people play their favorite on them when they get them. Like always if someone gets a piece and it is too dark or bright I adjust the piece at no cost. They are also reed friendly because they do not use extreme lays in either direction.

I just tried it with a RJS I had here. Works fine...aside from the fact that the reed is a bit twisted.

 

[Saxaholic]

I also use a FL ultimate lig that works fantastic. I usually use Vandoren ZZ or Vandoren Java. I've used RJS reeds on it as well that I had here, and they work just fine.

- Saxaholic

 

[reedsburn62]

Thanks, need to sell some other sh*t to get one of these. Economy has impacted me as it has most of us.

 

[Sigmund451]

I hear that!

 

[tenorblack]

I can't wait to get mine too! It should arrive this week hopefully.
Nice new website too! I see that you introduced a new alto piece. Why do you keep taunting me with these new creations? Just when I thought my Aurora piece was it for me. Now I gotta go dig in the wallet again! Stop this madness Phil! (just kidding).

 

[reedsburn62]

Stop this madness Phil! (just kidding).

More power to you Phil!

 

[mi000ke]

I've been using a Fibracell medium, but will be trying it with one of my a ZZs this week. And just another follow-up on the sound. I am really amazed at how consistent the sound is up and down the range. I am used to doing embouchure adjustments to maintain some semblance of consistency with my other pieces, and I just don't have to do that much with this piece.

 

[Sigmund451]

Oh my goodness...synthetic reeds on my mouthpiece....Mike, we are through. You have to send it back now!

 

[mi000ke]

Oh my goodness...synthetic reeds on my mouthpiece....Mike, we are through. You have to send it back now!

Yeah, but just think how good it will sound when I go back to cane!

 

[BertieB]

I am so tempted with the Equinox. I assume that the Jean Marc Tenor ligature I ordered for the Eclipse will fit the Equinox? Or to go for the Rift? Very difficult choice, Phil!

Kind regards
BB

 

[Saxaholic]

The Rift is an alto mouthpiece...the Eclipse and Equinox are tenor pieces. I wish I could help on the ligature question, I use FL ligatures and they fit perfectly.

- Saxaholic

 

[Nefertiti]

The FL, Marc Jean or Vandoren Optimum all work fine with these pieces.

 

[Nefertiti]

I justr put up a review and clip of this piece on my site tonight. I play the Eclipse also so you can hear the differences between the two mouthpieces. http://www.neffmusic.com/blog/2011/09/phil-tone-eqinox-and-eclipse-tenor-saxophone-mouthpieces/ Hope it helps. Feel free to add your own review at the bottom of the page if you want. Steve