[robert brunsdon]

Hi Everybody,

Having looked through previous threads, I can see that members of the forum are using Truetone altos to get a more contemporary jazz sound. Would anybody like to say what mouthpieces they are (successfully) using? Is anyone using a Jumbo Java with success?

Thanks,

Robert

 

[bruce bailey]

Selmer Super Session works for me on my 2 Series IV TTs.

 

[-TH]

Check out Arthur Blythe. IMO he's got a nice contemporary sound. I think he uses a metal Berg 95/1 on his TrueTone alto.

-TH

 

[ToreH]

My son is using a Runyon XL 7 delrin on a 1926 TT alto in a funk/jazz/rock band with great success

 

[Grumps]

I've been using an RPC 90V (now the 90R) for the last couple of years on my alto TT. Now although there's always that rich, vintage core that TT altos are known for, I can use the mouthpiece with this horn to dance lightly up top like Desmond or get that Sanborn edge when I need it. Incredibly versatile mouthpiece for these horns.

 

[Dave Dolson]

Honestly, I don't know the difference between a vintage sound and a contemporary sound. I DO know the differences among good sounding alto saxophones . . . and those that don't sound good.

I think that anyone who separates the two (vintage vs. contemporary) may be confusing tone with technique. My early '20's TT alto sounds great with a number of modern mouthpieces and no one ever accused me of being a "contemporary" player. DAVE

 

[super20dan]

i prefer to use my tru-tone for legit music

 

[robert brunsdon]

Thank you for your responses. Perhaps 'contemporary' is not quite the right word. I was trying to describe a tone with a bit of a buzz. Arthur Blythe is a good example of the sort of thing I meant. Is anybody getting that sort of tone on an HR mouthpiece?

 

[JonF992]

Bright true tone sound

Hi Robert

That's not quite the sort of tone I get on my '26 TT, but I do get a bright, full sound using my Yanagisawa metal. Loads of volume if I want it as well. Feels a bit incongruous, using a moden Japanese metal mouthpiece on an eighty year old American sax, but what the hell, it works well for me.

I might try a Jumbo Java, now you've put the thought into my head. I've got one for tenor, and it's fun for occasional use. Mmm, just picturing the sound in my head - got to be worth a try. Next time I'm in sax.co.uk I'll try one out.

 

[luispa]

I'm using a metal Berg Larsen 85 2/M. It's a very versatile mouthpiece, I use it for playing big band, funk, bebop and rock stuff.

 

[robert brunsdon]

Hi Everyone, Thanks for your responses. I tried a few mouthpieces and finally went for the metal Yanagisawa. It brightens up the sound for me, compared to the Meyer I also use.

Robert