Reference 54 Setup

[woodwindmaster06]

What do you reccomend as a mouthpiece and neck and reed setup for a Reference 54, right now I use a Vandoren V16 T75 Mouthpiece, with 2.5 ZZ Vandoren Reeds.

[Andrew]

What kind of sound are you aiming toward?

[woodwindmaster06]

A Dark Mellow Tone

[Steve J.]

Morgan 9L --- An absolute must try in my opinion. Dark and mellow and matches well with ref 54. Use a 54 neck. Check your existing neck mpce. end. A sax tech will have digital calipers. If it measures less than .5" it may or may not be optimum. You can chance having it opened tiny bit at a time or invest in a different Ref 54 neck. My guess is other type selmer necks will only mess with the darker aspect.

I've been this route and was blown away by the dark mellow round sound of this exact mouthpiece in trial. My tone preference is bright so it isn't my first choice. When I blow this piece its like a different player is in the room......... I have huge respect for Morgan pieces after several trials. I think I can save you considerable leg work if you haven't blown this piece on your ref. My eyebrows raised in interesting surprise on first blow.

I'm also finding larger chamber pieces are consistently the better option in combination with my ref--- in fact pretty much verifyed this in a mouthpiece trial in the last couple days.
In my experience your search can be narrowed in this direction.

[woodwindmaster06]

Steve J did you try both References if so what reference horn was your favorite and why

[Steve J.]

I easily prefer the 54 because of sound. It's a voice that strikes my fancy with attributes many don't prefer.... Don't go by me. You must be the ultimate judge.

I would say generally the 36 is more freeblowing and sound is more spread. Both Ref's feature a gorgeous big low end. 54 is focused with a load of character to my ear. Its simultaneously Gruff and Lush at the same time. You can play it sweet and you can make it tastefully nasty. Like a gentle bear. I just didn't relate to such versatility on the 36.

I recommend a Mark Colby CD. -- Aptly entitled "Tenor Reference". Its a live performance from the Jazz Showcase in Chicago. He's playing a ref 54 and milks some varied sound examples. His sound is very Selmer and very ref 54. - Not to mention outstanding artistry from full quartet.

This 54 is not everybody's taste in sound. It is mine for now. To further frustrate - taste and direction change as the time and influences go by.

Its a help to get opinions but there is no substitute for personal experience. Incidentally, I personally would prefer like inquiries not be on so many different threads. I guess I like a focused sound and a focused discussion. :)

[Steve J.]

Forgot......
Colby Cd - try Hallwayrecords.com -- might even be some samples if I remember..... (You'll be glad you purchased Cd if not)

[woodwindmaster06]

What saxophone does Mark Colby play in "Reference Tenor"

[Steve J.]

Ref 54