[Nate94]

I am looking for a new jazz piece for my alto, and I've heard some great things about the Beechler diamond line. Given that I am a classically trained player who does quite a bit of jazz playing, some of my colleagues have alerted me that I sound a bit too classical on my Meyer 6M. I am aware that many people are able to create a much brighter sound that I have been able to on the Meyer, and I am becoming frustrated with this problem. I have done extensive experimenting with reeds and things, but I just thought I would give one of these Beechler's a try. My question is, what size should I go for. It is my understanding that the diamond pieces have a letter before and after the number, and in my attempt to purchase one, there is only an option for the size (small, medium, large). I am looking for a piece to brighten up my sound quite a bit, but I dont have the funds to keep buying one after the other. If I were looking for the M6S, what would I choose on the websites I have visited (WWBW and muncy winds are the only places Ive found)? I appreciate all the help, and I would rather not have comments about how it is the player and all that jazz, as I have been playing sax for a very long time, and I still cannot achieve my aforementioned goal with my current setup. Thanks again everyone-Nate

 

[nitrosax]

S5S or S6S --You`ll be set.

 

[NatureColor]

I had similar problems before, and I'm a lassical player myself too! I too was told that I sounded too classical, but I find it's mostly the attitude of how u play jazz, and also different reeds would help, but the fastest is probbaly switchig Mouthpiece. I hated it! Even though I used similar style mouhtpieces but with differnt facings I dont feel comfortable... so now, i've found somehting that works well for me. Long shank C* =D it sounds great for both.. not really good for fusion or cutting through a big band, but it works great right now.. Dont know if it helps.

 

[saxdude48]

Nate, have you ever tried plasticover reeds? I myself own a meyer 6M, and after being told I sounded classical, I gave plasticovers a try and they really helped beef things up a wee bit.
I have never tried any Beechler mouthpieces, but I have a JodyJazz HR* on the way, should be here soon. Jody advertises it as "A Meyer with more brightness and projection", which really got me interested, since I love my meyer, but like you, wish it has a little more oomph sometimes. I can let you know what it's like after it arrives.
But if you are set on Beechlers, then i recommend a small chambered one, like Nitrosax said. Or, if you get a chance you might wanna try a small chambered meyer?
Just some suggestions.

 

[EgilF.]

JodyJazz Classic 6 or 5 is perfect for You. It has a removable baffle/spoiler
From the website: "....for added brightness and volume, insert the spoiler and we feel that these mouthpieces can take on any job..." - It´s true! I got one.

 

[MM]

I would say small chamber 6 or 7 S6S, S6L, S7S, S7L. Or medium chamber which is still brighter than a Meyer medium chamber 5 or 6: M5S, M5L, M6S or M6L. With the smaller chamber you can go a little more open tip. You might also try some Lakey mouthpieces.

The last S or L denotes short or long facing. The short facing seems more common.

FYI, Beechler tips are different from Meyer. A Beechler 5 is like a Meyer 6, etc.