[BrianDL]

Long story short, I've been moved from playing alto to lead tenor in my jazz ensemble. I'm on a Jupiter-889SG with a Modern HR Link. I'm looking for a piece that can give me a bit more power and body in my tone.

As such, I've narrowed the field to a Yanagisawa metal piece and a Runyon Quantum metal. I also considered getting a Dukoff D7, but have been somewhat scared off by apparent issues with metal softness.

So, oh wonderful community here at SotW, I beg for your assistance. How do you feel about these pieces? How do they stack up against eachother? Am I crazy for wanting either piece for playing lead tenor in a jazz band? What is the meaning of life!?

Thanks in advance!
~Brian

 

[Finnerski]

As such, I've narrowed the field to a Yanagisawa metal piece and a Runyon Quantum metal. I also considered getting a Dukoff D7, but have been somewhat scared off by apparent issues with metal softness. /QUOTE]

What made you decide this? No one can decide on a piece for you. I can't believe the amount of questions like this. They are all over this forum and the repeated answer over and over is to try it out yourself. Try several out yourself. You and only YOU, know whats right for YOU! I'm sorry Brian, but if I tell you go buy that Yani piece because thats the only piece for you, that would be totally misleading. Try them out, get a WWBW card, order 4 pieces that fancy you. Pick the one you like the best and send the other 3 back. Peace.

 

[BrianDL]

*sigh*

I have tried all of these pieces out, and they work well for me. The Dukoff got eliminated because of quality control issues that I'm not comfortable with. I asked this question because I'm having a hard time deciding between the Yani or the Quantum.

Please don't assume I'm an idiot. I've spent a lot of time with both of these pieces, all I wanted was some input before dropping a chunk of change.

 

[Finnerski]

I'm sorry man, I don't think you are an idiot at all. I guess I get a little irritated when you see a new post, almost daily asking what should I buy. And I probably wouldn't have jumped on you if you would have stated that you were trying them out. Sorry, and good luck. I hate Dukoffs by the way!

 

[Bill Mecca]

I like the Quantums. I have a Delrin model, and have trialed a metal. Like the option of the spoiler. I play mostly R&R type stuff, so it works well, but subtones really well too. I have never played the other mpc so I can't really say anything. Which do you like best? which feels more comfortable to play?
Those are the questions only you can answer. (I've actaully be toying with the idea of getting a Metal Quantum 12, but have other i$$ue$ at the moment.

 

[BrianDL]

Finnerski - All's forgiven ^_^

Bill - Really comfort isn't an issue on either piece. I was a foolish child and played on a metal link 9 in middle school. That has my perception of comfort royally screwed up.

That said, I find the Yanagisawa a little more free-blowing, but the Quantum seems to have more "color" to the sound. That alone has me leaning towards the quantum a bit, but I just wonder if I haven't found the nuances of the Yanagisawa yet. I've spoken to a number of people who absolutely love the piece.

Another factor that has me questioning my judgement is the fact I've played on Runyons on the past. I have a Custom Jazz on my alto that I use for in-your-face lead work, and I am happy with it for the most part. Prior to playtesting, I had never worked with the Yanagisawa pieces. I just wonder if, subconsciously, I've got a pro-Runyon bias going. I'd hate to skip out on the Yanagisawa just because I have no prior experience with it.

 

[EZ]

I find the Quantums have a "grittier" edge than Yanis. Yanis are better made and generally less trouble overall.

 

[Bill Mecca]

Brian,

One thing to consider is, yes you are allowed to change your mind down the road. No one will strike you dead if you decide later on you should have chosen the other mouthpiece. ;-)

I like the gritty edge, but I'm a rock and roller. :lol:

 

[BrianDL]

No one will strike me down, but my wallet will forever hate me should I change my mind!

Just sat down with both mouthpieces again, and now I'm starting to lean towards the Yanagisawa. You were right about the Runyon being "gritty." Sadly, it's a little too in-your-face for my tastes. What can I say? I come from the West Coast school of saxophone playing.

I think I'm going to bite the bullet and go with the Yanagisawa. Thank goodness I get an employee discount.

Thanks for the input!