Actually, i made a gadget like this myself for about $3 with a short copper tube and some plumbers tape. it did make a difference. It had the same effect as narrowing the chamber in the mouthpiece. just a more penetrating sound. it also made the bottom notes a bit sharp. I threw it away.
I had to give it a try but I don't have $100 to spend on Goodson's piece, so I've made a similar piece (judging by his pictures) myself with copper pipes, glue and some Dremel work.
I noticed that by placing it all the way into the mouthpiece (position #2 on the picture), it just removed the fullness of my NY Link's sound. I believe all it does there is to narrow the chamber.
By putting it at the neck extremity (position #1), it indeed opened the sound up but from the high A through high F#, those notes got flattened. I guess that is due to the reduced diameter at the neck entrance...
I actually can go from position #1 to #2 by just tilting my head upwards or downwards while playing and therefore I could clearly compare the two positions while holding a long note. My piece does not have that O-ring that holds it in place.
Anyways, I'm not claming what I did is exactly what Goodson is selling. He has spent years researching it; I've only spend half a day. I may have missed the 'magic' touch somewhere but I'm not impressed by my own experiments.
And snake oil is great for the person who markets it, providing players are gullible enough.
It takes only 1 person in a hundred thousand around the world to respond, and there is a healthy little income for a piece that probably takes a few cents to make.
Boy. I am not a fan of said SG but I guess there's nothin' like being found guilty until proven innocent, wot?
I'm going out on a limb here, I know, but has any one of you tried the product? Has any of you even talked to anyone who has tried it? Come on, guys, you're better than this.
I for one have nothing at all against the man, Gary; in fact I always liked his web-site. How can you not like a site with the slogan, "The best place to take a leak"!? I just think this device, while interesting, will likely create as many problems as it solves, and I think Guto's experimenting backs this up. I also don't think enough of the device to pony up my $100 to see for myself..............
Yeah Gary that's kinda my point..somebody's got to try one..oh well my birthday is comin' up and I haven't had a good dose of Snake-Oil in quite awhile.. :evil:
I want to clarify that i have not tried his product, and that I have nothing but good things to say about Mr. Goodson. He was kind enough to show my wife and I around his shop when we were in New Orleans a couple years ago, and he's a true southern gent. It was the highlight of my trip to the Big Easy.
Early adoptor! I can not believe that I am the first to actually buy/try this thing. Got it today. It does seem to improve projection. It does seem to facilitate easier low note production, and impart a more consistent tone to the high and low range all in about the 15% range of improvement. Bought it fitted for a Tenor Dukoff d8, but it fit the RPC that I have been playing. Went with that. Does seem to brighten the tone, but this feels like it is mostly subjective. Will give it a few days before finalizing opinion. Don't tell me I am the only guy who bought this thing!
Awright Fellas..I started this thing, and since the first report seems favorable I'm trying it..I'm sending for it tonight..I'm sure Mr SG (Southern Gentleman) will pick me out a good one.
Have been playing all day. Impressions; does not brighten the tone. Does increase projection. Improves ease of dynamics. Stuffy middle D gone. Most notable effect - low notes speak easier. Have played long enough that I forgot about it, hopefully eliminating any initial placebo effect.
Well my GAS has been under control for awhile so it's time for a small blast..we'll see how this thing plays..
Lenny, Vegas is a change I needed to really play full-time. I really enjoy the music scene here. Lots going on all the time, new groups and projects forming all the time. I've gotten good press already and have begun to book dates under my own name as well as playing all over town with some excellant local Artists who book me regularly. Of course all the Vegas BS goes with it but the real pros that I've met here are really supportive. A very vibrant musical scene, with more places to play than I can keep up with..I'm diggin' it...plus the Real estate market is doing a Bay Area number, made a ton on my pad since I moved here.
Lenny the inserts look kinda cool (and cheap too) but I'll try steve's deal..If i don't like it it'll be on Ebay (cheap :-x )..Take a peek at my Press when you have time, go to LAS VEGAS SUN (newspaper) access Jerry Fink's entertainment page and enter "Cash Farrar" you'll get a kick out it I think.
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