Forum of the Saxes

pastorsax · Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 1:39 pm Post subject: Which mpc?

I'm 10 months into my Bb Sop, and enjoying it. What mpc do you guys recommend? I'm learning classical music, but also enjoy jazz and playing in the church band. I will mostly be playing classical music.
My present mpc came with the Sop (Kinstar). What is reasonable price? I've been quoted R1350 (SA rands) for a Selmer (E) and R1000 (Rands) for a Otto Link? What factors should I consider since there's so many pieces? Thanks
pastorsax

Tully · Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Posts: 170 Location: Woodinville, WA

It's a tough call that might be best resolved by ordering several mouthpieces on trial (I just found out that Weiner Music lets you have 6 for 30 days, with similar fees to WWBW). I think you would be much happier with one mouthpiece for classical, and another for jazz. Since you play sax at church, I'm guessing your worship music is on the more contemporary side of things, so a good jazz piece should work well for that.

For classical, I just sold it since I haven't used it for ages due to lack of time, but I quite liked my Caravan. It is one of the darkest mouthpieces available, even for classical, and has a lot of resistance, which although I like, but may or may not suit you. If you don't like the Caravan. I would try a Selmer S-80 C* or Rousseau NC4 or 4R, and go from there.

Selmer Super Sessions are very popular, especially in the wider tip openings (I and J). I really like my Morgan 6J, which is pretty similar to a Super Session I. Morgans are extremely difficult to find new, but they do turn up on eBay fairly often. I've also has good luck with the Runyon Quantum, if you want a brighter sound. The Runyon Custom is very similar, but a shade darker. If I were to recommend a jazz mouthpiece off the top of my head for you, I would say a Runyon Custom with the spoiler (go to www.runyonproducts.com to find out more about the spoiler if you're unfamiliar with it). The Jody Jazz Classic is a hand-finished Runyon Custom that costs more, but is said to play better, too, and is also available with a spoiler.

I would recommend not to choose a jazz and classical mouthpiece at the same time, but rather to make them entirely separate affiars, so as to allow yourself to focus on just one sound at a time. Listening a lot, to both classical and jazz soprano players (feel free to ask for recommendations for both), will help you figure out what you like. Hope this helps!
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Tully · Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Posts: 170 Location: Woodinville, WA

Update: I received my Runyon Custom Spoiler for alto today, and based on this one, I highly recommend you try them!
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Quinton · Guest

Yes...Runyon's are very nice mpcs indeed! Very Happy