HR Mpc. with great projection for JK alto

[TerryD]

My 15 year old is playing lead alto in a large jazz big band. He has an SX90R and is using a Morgan 6M. I think he sounds great and so does his band leader. However, the band leader seems to think he needs more "projection". Is there a mouthpiece that works well on a JK, that provides plenty of projection for a lead alto that people could recommend? Thanks for the info.

[mostly alto guy]

Hard to imagine anyone having problems getting enough projection with an SX90R, but ok, here are a few possiblities:

Vandoren V5 series
Runyon Custom, can be had with a spoiler that adds edge
Buffet LeJazz (this one is metal)
Meyer 6M

I use all of these from time to time, but most often the Vandoren. Rather bright, but not edgy, and on my SX90R projects pretty well. The Meyer has a slightly edgier sound and a bit better projection, but is not as good as the Vandoren in intonation terms. The Runyon w/spoiler can drill holes in glass but works better on other horns intonation-wise. The Buffet is quite edgy, but not overly bright, but is hard to control and tends to drive the upper octave quite sharp.

Any of these can be lipped into tune, but the Vandoren is the most natural match of the group. Most players think of the V5s as classical pieces, and they are good for classical, but they can be pushed into a right jazz mode as well.

Hope that helps.

[TerryD]

Thanks Alto Guy. I hear what you're saying in regard to the SX90r. How much projection does one need!! The Morgan is only a .75 however, and maybe thats part of the problem. Is their any size V5 you would recommend..... much difference between the 35 or the 45? Also, I'm wondering if anyone has had much success with hr Berg Larsens.

[singlereed]

I agree with MAGs mouthpieces, you might also try the V16 series Vandoren pieces, I have one but personally the A6S tends to play a bit out of tune on my JK, the V5s are great. I have also recently acquired a Selmer Metal Classic - its a fantastic piece and works well on the JK.

[TerryD]

Someone recommended a Beechler Diamond Inlay as a good lead piece that plays well on a JK. Has anyone had any experience with one of these?

[super20dan]

the diamond inlay is great for lead alto.just dont get the large chamber. the med is right for most playing and the small is very bright -almost as bright as most metal mpcs. one metal i recommend is the metal yani