Barone Jazz 8 Tenot mouthpiece

[Jazzsums]

I've played on the same Otto Link 8* STM mouthpiece for 33 years.
Both it and I are showing our age.
The Link has been used for everything from pit work, Top Forty, Funk, to legitimate jazz work over that timespan. Great piece. However the .115 opening eats a great deal of airstream.
Enter the Barone Jazz 8. I called Phil and told him what I was looking for: I was looking to update my sound with a slightly less open piece that would give me a full, balanced, masculine sound, with a balance of focus, warmth, projection and spread throughout the range of the tenor.
According to Phil Barone, the mouthpiece is based on an origional New York Link. He stated the final product plays a bit brighter than the origional Link.
I decided to give it a try.
When I first pulled it out of the box, I did what I always do: Sterilize the mouthpiece with alcohol, put a patch on it, and most importantly: remove my Link from the sax case to avoid temptation.
For the next 12 days I played on the Barone. I've used it on legitimate studies, with my elementary band students, jazz band students, play along recordings, both miked and unmiked and at rehearsals and gigs with Jazz East, a group I am a member of. So this opinion is based on those playing evironments and approx. 70 hours of playing.
I experimented with four reed types: Vandoren Blue, Vandoren V 16's, good ol' Rico Orange, and Rico Jazz Selects.
The piece plays well with all of reeds tried, but particularly well with the Jazz selects. This is exactly what Phil told me would happen.
When I first looked at the piece, I did'nt want to like it. I've never seen a mouthpiece with as many file marks inside on the baffle and chamber.
I even called Phil and asked him if I was sold a second. He was not offended, he said those marks in no way negatively affect the sound.
Upon inspecting the table and, lay and rails; Wow!, what great finishing and accuracy.
Now the bottom line: This mouthpiece is very versatile and responsive.
It maintains a core sound which is balanced and focussed at all dynamic levels. From mf to ff, the resistance is less than my Link. From mp to pp, the resistance is a bit more than my Link. I am guessing this occurs from a slightly different type rollover baffle. It is not stuffy, just different
The most unusual thing for me is also my favorite aspect aspect of the Barone: it is extremely versatile. I can go from a "Getzish" sweetness to a "Turrentineish" R and B wall of sound with very little change in airstream and embouchure.
At varying dynamic levels, intonation is consistent through the registers on my Couf Superba I Tenor.
I hope this report gives some of you another piece to consider in your never ending quest.
Dave Summers 8)


[/i]

[Jazzsums]

The title should read " Barone Jazz 8 Tenor Mouthpiece" :roll:
My appologies to those of you who read. :lol:
Sums 8)

[Paul S]

Dave, thanks for that most informative review - a real pleasure to read such a well planned and eloquently communicated review :)

I'm glad you've found the right piece for you!. Did you ever listen to Nefertiti's sound clips? - if I remember right the Barone Jazz was one of those he compared

[Jazzsums]

Yes, I have heard his soundclips.
He sounds great on all of them!
Dave 8)

[hardbop]

I have the Barone Hollywood 8* and I must say that I have no urge to try anything else! The initial plating came off and I sent it to Phil to be replated. In all ranges the tone has full color and it can carry without being harsh. Some people choke on the price, but to me it was well worth it.

[Morry]

I, too, thought the Barone Jazz I received was a second. The file marks just made it look unfinished. But I do like the way it plays.

[Phil Barone]

Well, If any feels bad about the file marks, imagine how I feel when I read this. Nevertheless, considering how much time I spend on each one, I stop when the piece is playing at it's best. You could go crazy and find a way to polish the inside to a high luster but it would be a waste of time and would raise the price. Now the good news, something unheard of, I HAVE ONE #8 IN STOCK. Get it for your holiday present. I don't make many anymore.

Phil Barone

[Sigmund451]

Appearance of chambers means very little. Phils arent bad, Ive seen some really ugly ones that sound fantastic. Its kind of like horns...are you buying it for the lacquer or how it plays?

[Giganova]

Thanks a lot for this excellent review!

I also play a Barone Jazz (on my Keilwerth SX90) and can confirm every single detail you posted!

Funny that you mention the Rico Jazz Select reeds. It never crossed my mind to try them out because I always preferred different reeds (Zonda), but the other day I only had a Rico Select 2.5 laying around. So I put it on and was very suprised how well it worked with the Barone Jazz. Its a fantastic combination.

I, too, was horrified when I saw the bad finish inside the mpc. My first thought was that my mpc wasn't finished yet! But then again, I guess Phil simply knows what's important and what isn't. This mpc couldn't be ANY better -- regardless of the looks inside.

The Barone Jazz is clearly the best sounding mouthpiece I have ever used -- by far! My wife and I love Ben Webster a lot. The other day I played My Funny Valentine (I suck!) when my wife commented: "Wow, when did you start sounding exactly like Ben Webster?" :D

I only wish I could test some other Barone mpcs to see how they play.
Phil -- in case you read this: I am amazed by your craftsmenship and experience!

[Phil Barone]

Well, thanks everyone. I have ONE left on eBay. I don't know what the future holds for me but except for some outstanding orders I don't know when or if I'll be making mouthpieces again. Phil

[ving]

Not to jump on the bandwagon, but I recently acquired both an alto NY BArone and a Vintage tenor piece, and I really like both, although I am trying to zero in on the reed strength/brand thing as well. I like Phil's work a lot--the pieces play really nicely and even, with a good range from top to bottom and still retaining the core to the sound. I am trying out some Jazz Selects right now, good to hear thats what Phil recommends. I think most times the maker has a good idea what brand of reeds with work better with their piece. (I know with the RPC's they come alive with the Jazz Selects or Lavoz reeds but if you tried one with a Vandoren you may think it sucks...) By the way, I could care less what the piece looks like inside--for what its worth, the alto piece looks rougher than the tenor but they both play great. ( I didn't even look at the inside of piece until after I played it anyhow)I have owned mouthpieces in the past that looked amazing but didn't play well for me at all, so the fact that it looks rougher inside matters little to me...although some people seem to be caught up in the idea that the pieec should look pristine or something...(to that I say, then buy a computer machined piece...!)

[Mactenor]

I have a Barone Jazz 8 Tenor mouthpiece and it sounds great. I have been on a mouthpiece quest for the last year and have tried many pieces, now the Barone is my preferred piece. I use it with RJS 2M reeds, Vandoren Optimum ligature and Ref 36 tenor. Ibelieve that Phil makes the best mouthpieces available today, I certainly hope that he continues making these great pieces.

[DC]

Hello all,

Ving, hope all is well! After a life time of metal Links, I've also jumped on the Barone NY 8 'bandwagon', and am very pleased. I prefer one piece for all my playing, and I've never been happier with my sound. I play naturally a bit too bright, and Phil's NY has 'broadened' my spread just enough. I have, just recently acquired a Doc Tenney 'perfected' Broadus that is giving the Barone some 'play test competition', both great pieces, and I'm enjoying being ambiguous!

Anyway, thanks Phil, your work is wonderful, much fuller sound than my usual Links, altissimo is a breeze, I'm a happy tenor player in Oz...

cheers all, DC

[Blackwolf42]

I know this is an old thread, but I just ordered a Barone Jazz in a 9 opening, and I want to hear Nefertiti's sound clips. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to access them. I went through the archives and found the site that they were on, but I can't get into it. Does anyone know another way to find his clips?

[Nefertiti]

I just found them today as I was going through all my Cd's. If you send me your email address I can send them to you. It has to be an email that can except larger files though. I know hotmail won't work. Steve

[Giganova]

Nefertiti -- I am very interested in the sound clips, too! (I"ve sent you already a PM a few weeks ago) Could you email the clips to me? My email is giganova @ giganova.com

Thanks a lot!

[Blackwolf42]

I just found them today as I was going through all my Cd's. If you send me your email address I can send them to you. It has to be an email that can except larger files though. I know hotmail won't work. Steve
Darn it, I have hotmail. Ah well, just in case, my email is blackwolf_42@hotmail.com

[Phil Barone]

Thanks a lot for this excellent review!

I also play a Barone Jazz (on my Keilwerth SX90) and can confirm every single detail you posted!

Funny that you mention the Rico Jazz Select reeds. It never crossed my mind to try them out because I always preferred different reeds (Zonda), but the other day I only had a Rico Select 2.5 laying around. So I put it on and was very suprised how well it worked with the Barone Jazz. Its a fantastic combination.

I, too, was horrified when I saw the bad finish inside the mpc. My first thought was that my mpc wasn't finished yet! But then again, I guess Phil simply knows what's important and what isn't. This mpc couldn't be ANY better -- regardless of the looks inside.

The Barone Jazz is clearly the best sounding mouthpiece I have ever used -- by far! My wife and I love Ben Webster a lot. The other day I played My Funny Valentine (I suck!) when my wife commented: "Wow, when did you start sounding exactly like Ben Webster?" :D

I only wish I could test some other Barone mpcs to see how they play.
Phil -- in case you read this: I am amazed by your craftsmenship and experience!

Ya really want to get your mind blown, try the new slightly redesigned Hollywood. That's if you can get one. Unfortunately my health has prevented me from working as much as I would like to. If you love Links or my Jaz model, you will FLIP over the new Hollywood. Phil Barone

[kindofblue]

Phil, what dates are the redesigned Hollywoods? I have a Limited Edition Hollywood made in 2000 that I like a lot. What is the same/different on the newer Hollywoods?

[Giganova]

That's if you can get one
Do you have one left?

Cheers,
Stefan

[Phil Barone]

I've only made a couple of the new Hollywoods so anyone you order will be of the new design. I',m sorry to say though that the wait in substancial. But then again, anything worth having is worth waiting for. Phil

Phil, what dates are the redesigned Hollywoods? I have a Limited Edition Hollywood made in 2000 that I like a lot. What is the same/different on the newer Hollywoods?

[Phil Barone]

I never have any. Phil

[Balladeer]

Mr. Barone,
Please define substancial. 4 months? 6-8 months? 1-2 years?

[Nobby Keys]

I've bought two mouthpieces from Phil over the last few years and can say without doubt that they have been worth the wait, however long. When asked, Phil has always kept me informed as to his progress.

[Jaaky]

A few days ago received my Phil Barone Jazz #8 mouthpiece (I have been playing on a Lawton #8)

I must say that playing the piece is a dream. Now that's a WARM sounding mouthpiece, but still open and so sensitive to expression, and, oh man... it sings ! it sings !
It is extremely fitting to my 1958 King Super 20, a horn that needs big chambered pieces, and all the time It make me think 'Is that really me sounding so good?"
Being an emotional guy I tend to over-express, but this mouthpiece can have it, makes me never lose control of timbre, stays warm in whatever range, makes me listen to myself so actually teaches me to moderate.

Phil, congratulations on your art and thank you !!!

Jaaky

[leehwd]

It sounds like I need to place an order for the Barone piece directly with Phil. Is this correct understanding? Is the one that we can buy at WWBW the same authentic Barone piece? Any difference?

[saxmanglen]

Phil puts stuff up on eBay at times. Keep a look out there.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZphil_barone_saxophone_productsQQhtZ-1

[gary]

It sounds like I need to place an order for the Barone piece directly with Phil. Is this correct understanding? Is the one that we can buy at WWBW the same authentic Barone piece? Any difference?The ones ar wwbw are authentic pieces. I might've missed one or two, but I've not seen any new Barones actually in stock there for at least a year.

[Phil Barone]

No, I never have anything in stock anymore. The new Hollywoods have a little bigger chamber that made them easier to play and they're darker but when you blow harder they get brighter. My best work ever. Unfortunately I'm looking into doing something different so I don't know how much longer I'll be making mouthpieces. I'm 46 and I have no health insurance or a penny saved. The way I make mouthpieces takes too long for it to be profitable. It's a shame but because they are really great. I wish I could figure out some way to make them faster then I'd be able to lower my prices too. Now, I have a long waiting list and I'm going to raise my prices to discourage sales. The last time I did that sales increased.

Anyway, if you like Links but without the drawbacks, consider a Hollywood, a NY, or a Jazz model. Hope all is well. Phil Barone


Do you have one left?

Cheers,
Stefan

[Pinnman]

I have the Vintage soprano and Jazz alto mpc's - both HR - for my Truetones and both work well; in fact, they are my first choice. The tenor Vintage was not a success but the present owner loves it. One man's meat, of course .....

Sorry to hear of your various problems, Phil; I wish you well.

[mountainman]

I ordered a Barone Jazz 7* from WWBW last June and after they repeatedly moved the promise date it finally arrived after 6 months. THE WRONG ONE!!!
They sent a 7. I immediately got on the phone and said grab a 7* and send it to me I don't care if you charge my credt card again.

While I was waiting I tried the 7. It appeared smoother,softer, and easier to play then my stock Link NY 7*, but I determined to wait until the 7* came to make a final decision. After several days I returned the 7, but the 7* never came. I called them up and rather then wait who knows how long again I cancelled the order. Since the merger they have screwed up more orders then they have gotten right.

I have the brighter of my two Link NY 7*'s out for rework. Be interesting to see how it compares with the limited test I had on the Barone.

[gary]

Steve, FWIW, I just got a Link that Doc Tenney worked on and I really can't imagine a better playing Link. This is absolutely not to say that Phil's mpc's are less good, but if he's got such a backlog plus if he's gonna raise prices, you might want to think about this as an alternative.

[Saxland]

Gary what is the wait period for work from Doc Tenny?

[Phil Barone]

I kind of got lost in this thread. Is there any questions I can answer for anyone? Phil

[tomsch]

Phil - Glad you're posting here but sorry to hear that it is such a struggle being in the hand crafted mpc business.
Side question; I have a Contemporary tenor mpc on order with WW&BW. Based on your backlog should I expect it anytime soon?

Thanks and keep at it!!!!

[Phil Barone]

Phil - Glad you're posting here but sorry to hear that it is such a struggle being in the hand crafted mpc business.
Side question; I have a Contemporary tenor mpc on order with WW&BW. Based on your backlog should I expect it anytime soon?

Thanks and keep at it!!!!

I wish I could tell you but I'm finishing customers that ordered directly from me first then after that I won't be taking any more orders unless they're from a shop. I'm hoping to finish the last direct customer batch by May so you're probably looking at the summer. Phil

[gary]

Gary what is the wait period for work from Doc Tenny?No idea, sorry. I bought the mpc used.

[Blackwolf42]

I just got had a Link refaced by Doc, so I don't think there is much of wait right now.