[saxdude48]

Hey guys.
I have finally decided that I wish to purchase a JodyJazz HR* mouthpiece to try to upgrade my Meyer 6MM. I love the sound and feel of my Meyer, but sometimes get frustrated with the stuffiness and wish for a slightly louder and brighter piece that still has the same characteristics as my meyer. According to what I have read and researched, that sounds quite like a JodyJazz HR*.
However, I cannot decide between the 6 (0.078) and the 7 (0.083).
I know that bigger tips allow more air to pass thru, and thus a bigger, louder sound, but I also know that on round chambered, small baffled pieces such as the HR* and the Meyer, slightly smaller tips are often prefered due to the design of the mouthpiece.
As I live overseas and will not be able to take advantage of Jody's free trial period offer, I will simply have to just buy one and hope for the best.
What can you guys reccomend?
Thanks

 

[Dave C]

I must first of all say that I have no experience of The JodyJazz HR*, although it is a mouthpiece I have been considering recently.

I have been using a Meyer Richie Cole which is a 5 opening, and as far as I can see is very similar (if not identical to the standard Meyer 5).

As a result of an e-mail conversation I had recently with Phil Barone, I followed his advice to try a wider opening. I remembered that I had a Meyer 7 at the back of the drawer and gave it a try with a slightly softer reed (2.5 Java instead of a 3). I also followed Phil's advice of taking more mouthpiece into my mouth.

After overcoming the initial unfamiliarity of taking more mouthpiece, I quickly experienced a bigger, richer tone and more power. I also became more aware of intonation issues, such as 'squeezing'.

I feel this is a good comparison as it took place on two Meyer's, so it's not a case of different manufacturers producing different results.

So although not directly transferable to the Jody Jazz, based on my own (limited) experience I would recommend trying a slightly wider tip.

 

[bfoster64]

The smart thing to do would be to order a Morgan 7M or 7E. Barring that, I'd recommend the Jody Jazz 6. Your mileage may vary.

 

[MM]

The Jody Jazz HR* alto mpc has a higher rollover baffle than a Meyer, so a bigger tip opening than your Meyer 6MM will blow about the same. I guess I would recommend the 7, because the .002" difference between the JJ 6 and Meyer is so slight to be almost nothing.

You can also ask Jody's opinion using the form on his web site.

 

[crazydaisydoo]

I have both a Meyer 6M and a JJ HR5. To me the JJ and Meyer are very similar at these two openings, which kind of contradicts what MM says.

This brings about a whole debate regarding tip openings and reed strength. I get a better tone from a 4 or 5 with a 3 reed, than a 6 or 7 with a 2.5 reed, but each to their own!

The JJ is brighter than the meyer, so going for bigger tip may increase that characteristic. I tame the brightness by going for a stronger reed, something you may not be able to do with a bigger tip. I would play it safe and go with the 6......

Just my opinion....

 

[Michael Ward]

The 6M HR* is excellent and was recommended to me by Jody. The HR is a bit plasticy but nevertheless plays very well and is powerfull too. I was very surprised by this piece. The tip was a little suspect and wasn't a great fit but worked. It is IMO far superior to the tenor offering in HR unless the one I had was inferior.

 

[MM]

Well, how about a 4-5 with a 3.5 or a 6-7 with a 3 reed for even better tone! :>)

Of course it depends on the reed type. My examples above are good (for me!) for a Java, but for a trad Vandoren I would likely drop down 1/2 strength. Then again, we're all different.

Also the facing length is a factor. Small tip Meyers like a 4-5 tend to have short-ish facing which makes their blowing resistance higher than you would think. I dunno about the facing lengths of the JJ's.