[chengccs]

Hi all,

I just discussed with Ron and placed an order of his RPC for Alto (90R).
And I would like to ask your opinion about some comparison between RPC alto
(90R) and Selmer Metal Jazz (F) ("SMJ").

1. Frankly, I always have problems in high register when playing Alto (high
F/F#) using the SMJ. I can slur from High E to above. But in terms of
tonguing, it's really difficult for me to tongue the High F/F# at the first
note.
2. I don't have this problems in my soprano or tenor.
3. Until Recently, I gave my SMJ to my friend for refacing. Now it's much
easer for me to tongue the High F/F# (~70% hit rate).
4. I tried my friend's "Guardala King like" alto mpc. Wooo....amazing, I can just
hit the 'difficult notes' right away without any effort.

I understand that it probably is the problem at my embouchure. However, I
still would like to ask. Would I probably get the high notes 'easier' (compared
with SMJ) by using the RPC mpc?

Also, subtone at lower register is always my concern. It's ok for me to get the
subtone using the SMJ. But again, would it be 'easier' for me to get the
subtone by using the RPC?

Thank you so much for all your help.

-Stanley

 

[Seasax]

long tones would help most things you've stated, especially hitting notes cleanly and consistently

 

[hakukani]

I play one of Ron's 90Rs. I find the sound and feel of the mouthpiece is closest to my slant sig link 6*.


That being said, I agree that long tones would help most with your playing.

 

[chengccs]

Yes, I agree that practicing long tones should help me a lot. I am looking forward to playing the RPC mpc when it arrives.

 

[saxmanjack]

If you liked the Guardala, then maybe you should have ordered a high baffle RPC -- I'll probably order one of those.

(And for the record, I'm tired of hearing the long-tones mantra...)

 

[chengccs]

Hi saxmanjack,

Thanks to your advice. Yes, I like the "Guardala-like" mpc, because I can hit the notes without any effort. This gives me some relief that "I cannot hit the high F/F# solely because of my embouchure".

When I discussed with Ron, I told him that my main concern is the "subtone" in my alto. At the same time, I "hope" that I can "easier" to hit the high notes. So, I accept his opinion that the rollover model should be okay.

 

[CountSpatula]

It might be easier, but man it's still gonna have to be mostly from you. Practice practice practice. That RPC will be a beast, and don't be afraid to fill up your horn

 

[Reedsplinter]

That RPC will be a beast, and don't be afraid to fill up your horn

Very true: at all volume levels.

Obviously, no mouthpiece will solve anyone's problems instantly. But I think you'll find the RPC a more flexible and dynamic piece than the Selmer.

 

[chengccs]

It might be easier, but man it's still gonna have to be mostly from you. Practice practice practice. That RPC will be a beast, and don't be afraid to fill up your horn

Yes, I absolutely concur this. Since my tune in alto is the worst, I definitely will spend more time on it. Without trying my friend's mpc, I thought that I could not control well because 100% of my own problem. Now, I realize that I only contribute 99.9%. So, I will try to change this situation starting from the 0.1%.

Obviously, no mouthpiece will solve anyone's problems instantly. But I think you'll find the RPC a more flexible and dynamic piece than the Selmer.

Thank you so much for your information. Your reply really comforts me.
I really looking forward to trying the RPC mpc.