[I_love_music]

Hi guys. So I recently bought myself an Eastman 52nd Street tenor sax and I'm super stoked about it!!!! The excitement was compounded by the fact that I thought I'd have to settle for a cheaper horn, but I just decided to save up and buy this one because it was my number one choice . So yay on that front.

But though I'm loving it, I noticed that with my current setup, I tend to play super loud a lot of the time. And while I'm sure in like a concert hall this would sound amazing, it's not quite as ideal for practicing a lot because I live with other people who might not appreciate me destroying the roof for 2 hours a day . I can play soft sure, but I'm looking for a mouthpiece that will hopefully lend itself more towards that silky smooth... fwah fwah fwaah... voo voo fwahh... cocktail jazz kind of playing style. If you know what I mean.

I know of the Otto Link Tone Edge, and I might just buy one oft these. But I'm curious to see what other mouthpieces are out there that are helpful in achieving this more intimate, lush sound that I'm looking for.

On that note: what is your go-to mouthpiece for playing mellow, cocktail type of jazz? I would love to have some suggestions.

Disclaimer: I'm a 14-year plus player, so I'm not looking for playing tips... In other words, No, I don't want to just play a harder reed, and no I don't want to have to play at a super quiet volume 24/7 using only 10% of my sound capability . Rather, I'm seeking a different mouthpiece to help assist in getting a less roof-destroying sound altogether. For example, my mouthpiece, which is an otto link super tone master 7*, wants me to play big and bold almost like Chris Potter, while I'd rather like to sound more like Stan Getz, or Coltrane, when he plays low and sultry... I.e, I'm thinking about getting an otto link tone edge.

Are there better / other mouthpieces I should consider to help achieve this type of sound besides the otto link tone edge?? I'd love to hear your thoughts!!

P.S. Yay for this forum, as this is only my second post on here.

 

[J-Moen]

Interesting. Well the STM is not necessarily a super loud roof destroyer , but I can see how it could not quite allow for the dynamic range you're looking for. First, and the most likely comment, everyone plays every mouthpiece slightly different, so it really is best to try out a bunch of different mouthpieces to see what you like best. You'll get loads of advice, but what works for some people may not work the same for you.

Now that's out of the way, Here are my recommendations!

Drake NYJT - Always loved the versatility I had on these mouthpieces, perfect cocktail jazz style piece
Vintage Otto Link Tone Master - These have a lot less baffle than the STM and huge chamber. Great old school style piece, Coltrane, Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins, Hank Mobley, Lester Young, and lots more all played this at some point. I'd say this would be my best recommendation for you.
Otto Link Tone Edge - The modern ones are a great starting point for what you're looking for, definitely try one if you have the chance. The facings on new ones can be a little iffy though, so you may not like it too much unless you find a refaced one.
Vintage Otto Link Slant Sig - Expensive vintage mpc, you can find recreations that will work well also. Right up the alley of sound wise you're looking for. Getz played one of these... so they are very sought after.
10mfan Classic - Gotta shout out the brand I'm playing most these days and the Classic sounds right up your alley (Albeit I have never tried one)

Let me know if this helps! PS I just bought an Eastman 52nd St and I'm also very excited.

 

[minicooper]

I would say a Tone Edge. You can even find a used one at decent prices. Also, the 10mfan a Classic is a great piece too. Maybe even a Brilhart Tonalin would work for what you are trying to accomplish.

If you’re not open to a different reed strength, at least try different brands/cuts of reeds with the same relative strength. It may surprise you.

 

[Saxophone Strange]

So I would think it would really be more a combination of things. Reed strengths help but you may want to look at different sizes of the mouthpieces as well. I mean, what is your price range? I don't really know that it is as much the mouthpiece as the way you do things either. Still, I mean, if you are looking to spend some money you could always look into dukoff hollywood or something like a Otto link slant sig or maybe even an Otto link WT. they tend to have smaller tip openings but can handle the soft and loud pretty well but they are rare and outrageously expensive.

 

[1saxman]

For 100 years sax players struggled to find set-ups that would help them play louder while maintaining a quality sound. Scores of mouthpieces were designed for this purpose along with some of the most iconic saxophones, like the venerable MK VI, which came out just as amplified guitars and other instruments became commonplace and the style of music was changing on all fronts. Now, they're afraid of offending somebody and seek a way to play quieter, like a meek little shrew. LOL Just kidding, but those facts are real. My, how the times change.

 

[Keith Ridenhour]

I was able to play a soft mellow standard and blow the wall down with my RPC 115B piece. It was just more how I approached the tone. Rubber links sound good. K

 

[littlewailer]

Honestly, just practice playing more quietly. It takes more control and you'll gain more benefits than switching to another mouthpiece.

My other suggestion would be just switch to a darker reed. Maybe a Vandoren Blue box in a lower strength. Or even another STM if you really want to have an excuse to buy another mouthpiece with a slightly smaller tip opening.

Try and keep everything you can as close to what you're already playing. That way you aren't hurting your development or ability to then switch to a different setting too much.

Just my .02

 

[datsaxman]

Morgan Excalibur. And just play quieter too. Reasons already given.

 

[mijderf]

You might want to check out the Phil Tone JZ tenor piece. It has a nice mellow jazz tone, and sounds great! I don't know if Phil still has them on his website, but you can PM him here on SOTW (Sigmund451) and ask about them.

 

[10mfan]

Thank you for suggesting my Classic mouthpiece.
My friend Greg Weir makes his version of a slant and it’s very good. It gets that sound you are looking for and I think it’s only around $150 or so. If you end up contacting him, tell him I said hello.
You can find him on the Internet if you do a Google search for his mouthpieces.
Lots of choices out there.
Good luck!

 

[Benjamin Allen]

Honestly, just practice playing more quietly. It takes more control and you'll gain more benefits than switching to another mouthpiece.

My other suggestion would be just switch to a darker reed. Maybe a Vandoren Blue box in a lower strength. Or even another STM if you really want to have an excuse to buy another mouthpiece with a slightly smaller tip opening.

Try and keep everything you can as close to what you're already playing. That way you aren't hurting your development or ability to then switch to a different setting too much.

Just my .02

+1 or go with the Tone Edge if you really want a hard rubber piece.

 

[Eulipion2]

Some thoughts:

1) I know you said you don't want to hear it, but honestly, practicing softer playing and overall tonal control of the instrument will help you achieve your desired sound on just about any mouthpiece you want. My usual setup is either a Brilhart or a Phil-Tone Orion (based on the Brilhart Tonalin), but I can also get a nice soft, fluffy tone on a stainless Lawton (Link-ish, with a little more oomph) and Rico Metalite, which some people say are bright, loud, and obnoxious -- I'd gladly play it just about anywhere other than a classical setting. Yes, gear can help to a point, but focusing on tonal development, breath control, etc. will help you sound more like "you" regardless of equipment.

2) If you're really set on a change, start trying different reeds before you drop the dough on a new piece.

3) Maybe a smaller tip opening? I've been digging smaller tips the last few years, and they offer (to me) greater control and flexibility, with just as much volume as a larger tip piece.

 

[Titorito]

I would try the Johannes Gerber Vintage, they produce a beautiful soft sound. Search Neffmusic to listen the tone.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[chknbon]

What size is your STM?

 

[J-Moen]

What size is your STM?

He states his mouthpiece is a 7* stm

 

[Dr G]

A 7* STM is the Swiss Army knife of mouthpieces. Seriously.

If you don’t want a lot of playing tips, fine.

If you choose NOT to back off on the volume, you’re just gonna be loud on whatever you play.

 

[milandro]

I personally bet that your sound has more to do with your approach than the mouthpiece (not loud or bright in itself) probably not controlled enough.

The mouthpiece is a facilitator but it really doesn't make the sound, you do. Play the mouthpiece with intention don't let the mouthpiece determine your sound.

There are no chops in any box.

Watch ( and seriously... listen) this which has been the best advise ever that I've received.

Listen to how many sounds he gets from one mouthpiece... Turn the sound on and off says Don Menza, I play on a " bright" mouthpiece but don't have always a bright sound. Someone else in a band where I played, bought the same mouthpiece because she liked my sound , she sold it, because she never got the same sound that I had.

It's not the equipment

 

[hfrank]

I think I understand what you want. It's not about the sound but more like acoustics. Ok the Eastman has a big spread sound kinda reminiscent of the vintage American horns. 10mfan the classic II would be a great choice for that type of "EQ". It's more focused and it has a clean vibe to the sound. It's not dark or bright, it's just purer sounding (less grit). Like said above definitely the sound comes from the player. I have been using mine now when I practice late-ish and even though I sound basically the same as I do on my Maestra, my wife who's teaching online in the living room due to current situation doesn't hear it the same. I still have to play soft though. If you are planning to use the classic eventually I'd say go for it, but if it's solely for the home practice purpose better a piece of clothe inside the bell. It will dampen many high frequencies, but you will have to say goodbye to the lower notes unfortunately. An other long term solution could be this mute https://www.gear4music.com/Woodwind-Brass-Strings/GEWA-Saxmute-Tenor-Saxophone-Mute/1HGU

 

[vbluesman]

I stuff an old T shirt into the bell of my sax and let it rip. My practice space and my wife's office space are right next to each other in our house, this is a pain in the *** problem for me also. I've looked at enclosed practice mutes but they look bizarre, The shirt in the bell really cuts down on the sound by a lot, you just can't play the low Bb.

 

[I_love_music]

I personally bet that your sound has more to do with your approach than the mouthpiece (not loud or bright in itself) probably not controlled enough.

The mouthpiece is a facilitator but it really doesn't make the sound, you do. Play the mouthpiece with intention don't let the mouthpiece determine your sound.

There are no chops in any box.

Watch ( and seriously... listen) this which has been the best advise ever that I've received.

Listen to how many sounds he gets from one mouthpiece... Turn the sound on and off says Don Menza, I play on a " bright" mouthpiece but don't have always a bright sound. Someone else in a band where I played, bought the same mouthpiece because she liked my sound , she sold it, because she never got the same sound that I had.

It's not the equipment

Yea I think I could probably re-analyze how I approach playing, since it's been a while since I played heavily. With that said, I also never had a good teacher for jazz, mostly classical, although I feel I put myself through a personal crucible where I sort of "unlocked" what it means to play jazz, in my opinion at least. That was about 2 years ago.

Also mentioned by Mr. G. I do like to lean into the mouthpiece somewhat, and I strongly dislike having to restrain myself too much. So it might do me well to re-think how I'm playing and my overall approach. Though I like playing that way a lot... hmmm

I'll check out your video. Thanks for the input!