[jrbulk]

This is my first post and it is important one. I hope the community can help here. I have played through my bari 100 metal mpc. and now the search begins for one that will give me the sound i'm looking for.

I have heard good things about the Guardala MBII peices, but I just read a bunch of disconcerting items about the Guardala business practices. Does anyone have any good recommendations for someone coming from a bari 100 tenor peice to something else that will give me that Brecker-like sound?

I'm getting desperate, as the clock is ticking on my existing mpc.

Btw, I play a Yamaha Custom YTS-875 (not the z, but one of the old school customs i got in '95)

Any thoughts are monumentally appreciated!

 

[Nefertiti]

I would suggest a MB II from WWBW. They aren't connected to Dave Guardala so you won't get ripped off.The LAW mouthpiece on my website is very good. It's made by a guy in England. It is so good that I sold my MBII within a week of trying it. It has a fatter sound to it than the MB II I had and doesn't thin out up top. Good Luck.

 

[jrbulk]

Thanks for the response, I'll have to check it out!

Do you know if WWBW has a "trial" policy? I would hate to put down that kind of cash and be disappointed.

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[jeremysaxman]

http://www.wwbw.com/CustomerService/csReturn_policy.aspx

Yes, you can return all mouthpieces within 45 days. They will charge you $8 for restock fee on a MBII, because it is over $300. The fee is $3.50 for mouthpieces below this price. You have to pay for shipping yourself. (Use FedEx or UPS ground.)

If you have questions, contact their customer service: 800-348-5003. They are usually pretty helpful, and you can usually get a specialist on the phone if you have detailed questions.

Make sure you don't scratch it, because you may be liable for a 15% charge.

 

[jeremysaxman]

Nefertiti,

Where can I pick up one of those LAW pieces?

Out of the ones on your web site, which pieces are you using most these days?

Thanks!

 

[TJS]

A JodyJazz is another good option. I was surprised how well the DV played when I checked one out a few weeks ago. Jody is a very nice guy to deal with and also has a good return policy.

 

[sinkdraiN]

A metal yanagisawa is another alternative to the guardala. It's a little darker but still as focused

 

[Nefertiti]

Jeremy,
There is a phone number to contact the maker on my site under the LAW Buzzer clip. You can hear what the piece sounds like when I play it also. It's under the tenor mouthpiece clips section. Steve

 

[markVIinNorway]

I play a JodyJazz DV7 and are extremely satisfied with it... hehe... I love this mouthpiece so much I feel I have to use every opportunity to praise it!
Im not saying you are going to sound like Brecker on it, but try it please!!!

After I changed from Dukoff to JJ my playing has improved enormously.

 

[Tryptykon]

http://www.saxscape.com/products-downtown.php

"the Downtown has the sound for playing alongside electric instruments. Thinner rails permit quicker articulation and lower resistance, and the high wedge baffle gives plenty of projection and tons of rich harmonics.."

He has a very fair return policy, also, not to mention being a good player
and can advise you to get the sound you want.

Check the site out and shoot him an email or phone to discuss.

 

[AmSaxPlayer]

I haven't played the Downtown model, but I'd definitely recommend Saxscape mouthpieces; I've been enjoying my Uptown Dark so much that I've sold off every other tenor mouthpiece I've had (around 10 of them, including quite a few high end pieces). I probably will be ordering a Downtown or Downtown Studio come the end of the summer. A good price on what are certainly in the top echelon of tenor mouthpieces.

 

[MojoBari]

Where can I pick up one of those LAW pieces?

I have a couple in the For Sale area on my site.

 

[MM]

The SR Tech Fusion is a great-playing high-baffle mpc that easily will produce the Brecker type sound. While they're not cheap they are more affordable than the Guardala. . They are the easiest-blowing mpc of this type I have played and still allow decent control at the low end. The SR Techs are well made and consistent mpcs

 

[Martinman]

Dukoff (he used one in the 70's)
Otto Link with a bright reed (Vandoren ZZ) or get it custom baffled, or both.

 

[Tryptykon]

I haven't played the Downtown model, but I'd definitely recommend Saxscape mouthpieces; I've been enjoying my Uptown Dark so much that I've sold off every other tenor mouthpiece I've had (around 10 of them, including quite a few high end pieces). I probably will be ordering a Downtown or Downtown Studio come the end of the summer. A good price on what are certainly in the top echelon of tenor mouthpieces.

The Downtown is going to be the best option as far as cost/performance ratios go.

 

[14470]

The Downtown is going to be the best option as far as cost/performance ratios go.

I have a size 7 for $150 plus shipping here.

 

[MM]

I hear the Guardala MB and the SR Fusion were based on the Dukoff D, but they are made of brass which is much harder that the "Silverite" Dukoffs and does not tarnish so readily. Silverite is marketing hype for lead-free pewter which is mostly tin. The advantage to of Silverite is that it is easy to cast in a small garage shop.

Dukoff facings are not very consistent so you may need to try a few or send one to a refacer.

The Vandoren Jumbo Java is another cheap alternative.

 

[Dr G]

I have a couple in the For Sale area on my site.

Yeah, let's talk about that sometime.

I've sent an e-mail or two to your website.

 

[MojoBari]

I have responded twice.

 

[J.Max]

Phil Barone made a comment that Brecker sounded best when he played on a Link. Anyone know when this was? I'd only ever seen him play a Dukoff or Guardala.