[J-Moen]

So, in my recent practicing and playing of each of my horns, I decided to try something new for soprano, and send off an old piece to get refaced for alto. The alto piece didn't survive shipment, but I was given some superb pieces to try in replacement.

I figured I'd let you know my options and see what everyone thinks of them. Then I'll play some sound samples later tonight, and let you guys guess which one of the pieces I have selected for each.

Alto:
Vintage Vandoren - Opened to .075, circle throat to chamber (Appears to be a Transitional - https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?356886-Old-Vandoren-Alto&highlight=Vandoren+Tonal+Focus) Exact same as this mouthpiece, but the rubber is browning.

Older Meyer - Opened to .075, Normal meyer chamber, no Diamond on the table though

Soprano:
Older Otto Link STM, was an 8*, had worked to a .065

Vintage Selmer Metal Classic C*, Opened to .065

What would you chose before hearing them?

 

[skeller047]

Don't know about the alto (though I would tend to go with the Meyer...) But for soprano, I would definitely go with the Link, I think their core is stronger and they tend to be a little more free blowing than the Selmer pieces. (I owned a Selmer metal E many years ago, eventually traded it for a scroll shank "soloist like" F). 0.060" is about a 6 opening so I guess the piece was closed down? Also it makes a huge difference how LONG the facing is, Selmers tend to be a little short in my experience. But if they've both been refaced, then that may have been adjusted too.

 

[J-Moen]

Don't know about the alto (though I would tend to go with the Meyer...) But for soprano, I would definitely go with the Link, I think their core is stronger and they tend to be a little more free blowing than the Selmer pieces. (I owned a Selmer metal E many years ago, eventually traded it for a scroll shank "soloist like" F). 0.060" is about a 6 opening so I guess the piece was closed down? Also it makes a huge difference how LONG the facing is, Selmers tend to be a little short in my experience. But if they've both been refaced, then that may have been adjusted too.

Yes, the otto link was closed from the 8*, And I was wrong, these are a .065, which is a 7 opening, as I requested. Fixing the sizes. The facing on the selmer may be slightly shorter than the link, but not enough to make any reed problems. I'll have to measure to be sure. The adjustments I believe were primarily to get the openings I desired, clean table/rails, and some minor baffle/interior work to get them playing well.

 

[J-Moen]

Anyone else interested, here are some sound samples! Let me know what you guys think. I've already made my choices, just wanted to see what you guys liked best.

Alto Mouthpiece Sample 1 (Long pause From about 10 seconds to 40 seconds, I had to cut one take of the solo as I completely started playing the wrong song, skip ahead here)

Alto Mouthpiece Sample 2

Soprano Mouthpiece Sample 1

Soprano Mouthpiece Sample 2

Hope you guys enjoy, thought it would be fun.

 

[rzzzzz]

there's a reason old Meyers and altos get paired up. i started out playing an 8* STM on soprano and loved it while i still had the chops.

 

[J-Moen]

there's a reason old Meyers and altos get paired up. i started out playing an 8* STM on soprano and loved it while i still had the chops.

Yeah, Meyers are the go to! Solid pieces all around. I've recommended a lot of those in my time. I had never tried an STM on soprano before, but had heard them recommended multiple times.

 

[Alain Gen]

For the alto, I prefer your sample 1 (the intonation is better, I also prefer the tone).

 

[J-Moen]

For the alto, I prefer your sample 1 (the intonation is better, I also prefer the tone).

Thank you for listening, It does have a good tone. Intonation was probably me

 

[J-Moen]

As I completely forgot to mention, these were refaced by David Tondi. I have read some good, bad, and indifferent about him before, but I had a pleasure working with him and he was nothing but professional. Not to mention, I truly enjoy the quality of his work. I'll be doing a better shout out to him soon.

Just figured this would be a more fun way to show off some mouthpiece options I was given. Surprisingly, this is the first time I've ever really enjoyed my own Soprano sound!

 

[Alain Gen]

Thank you for listening, It does have a good tone. Intonation was probably me

The mouthpiece of sample 1 (I guess it's the Vandoren) seems to be more resistant. I think that helps to keep the intonation in check.

 

[J-Moen]

The mouthpiece of sample 1 (I guess it's the Vandoren) seems to be more resistant. I think that helps to keep the intonation in check.

Interesting that it sounds that way. As the mouthpiece in Sample 2 actually feels more resistant to me, especially up high.

I'll break out what each piece is at the end of the day.

 

[lostcircuits]

I like the somewhat darker tone of the alto 2 but the alto 1 seems more consistent and to have a better intonation (even if it was just you )

 

[J-Moen]

I like the somewhat darker tone of the alto 2 but the alto 1 seems more consistent and to have a better intonation (even if it was just you )

I also thought the 2nd piece was darker. The consistency seems to be a common agreed subject with piece 1 too. I wasn't watching the tuner except for when I tuned each piece before recording.

 

[J-Moen]

Pictures for More Attention!

Vandoren Transitional .075:

Meyer Medium .075

Otto Link STM .065

Selmer Classic .065

 

[lostcircuits]

So the biggest question is: What reed were you using? D'Addario Jazz Select 3H? Just a wild guess :evil:

 

[J-Moen]

So the biggest question is: What reed were you using? D'Addario Jazz Select 3H? Just a wild guess :evil:

Ah yes, reeds . Forestone Black Bamboo W-Blast S for both alto pieces. Rico Jazz Select 2H soprano (Old stock, still have 3 boxes of tenors in 2M I'm hoarding )

 

[Alain Gen]

Interesting that it sounds that way. As the mouthpiece in Sample 2 actually feels more resistant to me, especially up high.

I'll break out what each piece is at the end of the day.

Let me state it differently: you seem to have a better breath control in sample 1 (the mouthpiece promotes a better breath control or is more forgiving in this respect).

 

[J-Moen]

Let me state it differently: you seem to have a better breath control in sample 1 (the mouthpiece promotes a better breath control or is more forgiving in this respect).

That makes more sense, thanks for clarifying. I agree with you!

 

[J-Moen]

Alright, So Here was the different options by their recording:

Alto 1 - Vandoren Transitional
Alto 2 - Meyer
Sop 1 - STM
Sop 2 - Selmer

My choices were the Vandoren and Selmer! I liked all of them, but these just suit me better. Glad to have enhanced my arsenal!

Thanks everyone who listened and chimed in!