Jody Espina releases his Jody Jazz HR!

[Saxaholic]

For those of you on Jody Espina's mailing list, you've already received this, but heres a quick announcement if someone doesnt know. This is a copy of the email Jody has sent out, I hope he doesn't mind me publicizing (even more so) this announcement.

"My new Hard Rubber mouthpiece is called the
JodyJazz HR* - Vintage Jazz Sound - Look, Feel and Sound of Vintage Hard Rubber (see attachment)


Alto Sax HR * $87.00
Available Alto Facings
5M =.072 Tip Opening = Meyer 5
6M =.077 Tip Opening = Meyer 6
7M =.082 Tip Opening = Meyer 7


Tenor Sax HR * $97.00
Available Tenor Facings
6* =.095 Tip Opening = Otto Link 6*
7* =.105 Tip Opening = Otto Link 7*
8* =.115 Tip Opening = Otto Link 8*


I get these blanks from a source in Germany and the Hard Rubber has the look, feel and smell of Vintage hard Rubber that make the most sought after mouthpieces. The mouthpieces are faced on a special facing machine and then hand finished and tweaked by me to have that great free blowing feel and a nice buzzing sound.

The chamber has a beautiful round shape which produces a Classic Jazz sound but when pushed can get plenty bright. Excellent response, projection and intonation make this mouthpiece virtually unbeatable.

The mouthpieces will come with a deluxe mouthpiece pouch, but no cap or ligature. The size of the mouthpiece is standard so that an ordinary ligature will fit.These mouthpieces represent a great value because I did minimal finishing on the outside which leave a look that I really like. Also by not bundling the mouthpiece with a ligature we are able to keep the cost down.

The JodyJazz HR* will be on the website soon, for now just email or call us to try one."

Someone order one to try it! I know I will be soon. Let's see if Jody astounds us yet again with another amazing mouthpiece.

Saxaholic

[Jody Espina]

Thanks Saxaholic,
I appreciate you announcing the new mouthpiece. I was going to wait to announce it here because after my newsletter went out on Tuesday I was inundated with orders and I've sold out of a couple of the most popular facings. I should have more ready in a week or two so I definitely appreciate you getting the ball rolling.

The HR*, (Pronounced HR Star) will be on display along with me in my booth at the Texas Bandmasters Association Conference in San Antonio Texas. Today, July 24th is the first day and we'll be here the 25th and the 26th. Our booth is # 610 which I'm sharing with Ed Fleming of Fleming Instrument Repair of Houston who is one of my most enthusiastic dealers .

The most popular facings are 6M on alto and 7* on Tenor and I do have some here for people to try and buy. I also have a great selection of JodyJazz Classics, ESP's and ESP-X's.

I always enjoy meeting "Sax on The Web" members, so if you can please come on by and say hello and also meet Ed Fleming who is an excellent repairman and a great guy to deal with.

If you would like to see the original announcement regarding the HR* you can sign up for my newsletter at
http://www.jodyjazz.com/newsletter.html

I send out about 6-9 newsletters a year and you can be removed whenever you want to.

Thanks again to Sax on The Web and all of you for your support,
Jody Espina

[MB-913]

Jody

Unfortunately, your Vintage HR mouthpiece photo on your newsletter only show the front side. It will be best if we can see the tip and baffle.

Does it has a Baffle or without Baffle? Low baffle? or medium baffle ?

What sound you will describe it ? Round or Flat ? Slightly bright or slightly dark?

Thanks.

[Saxaholic]

As Jody is very busy at this time, I'll step in and try to answer some questions based on his responses to similar questions. I hope this information helps, this is direct from Jody himself.

"The alto model is aimed directly at the Meyer Alto mouthpiece. Our mouthpiece we believe has better consistency at a better price. The sound is similar to a Meyer but with a little more projection and brightness. The Chamber is round and smooth like the Meyer.

The Tenor model is aimed directly at the Otto Link Tenor mouthpiece. Our mouthpiece we believe has better consistency at a better price. The sound is very similar to an Otto Link but with a little more projection and b
rightness and a much more free blowing feel. The Chamber is round and smooth like the Link.

Some answers to specific questions:
Q. How would the new HR* compare to the JodyJazz #7 Classic I have for alto? Is it more like the New York USA Vintage Meyers?

A. The HR* is like the Meyer in that classic Jazz alto sound. I think that JodyJazz classic can be more funky in a Maceo Parker way and with the spoiler in the classic you can get more volume but the HR* gets a surprising amount. If you are comfortable with the JJClassic #7 you are on the border between a HR* 6M and a 7M. I would say to try both.

Q. Jody: Any plans for a rubber bari mouthpiece?

A. Maybe somewhere down the road, but have you tried all of my bari mouthpieces yet? I have three very distinct models and they cover a lot of ground and each of them is a great bari piece. http://www.JodyJazz.com/baritone.menu.html

Q. Will the HR piece have flat table, even rails, etc. -- in other words, the same craftsmanship I've seen in your other pieces?

A. Of course we will maintain our high standards.

Q. Will the sound approximate vintage HR Links?

A. Yes, but the JJ HR* will be more free blowing.

Q. Will the Rovner lig on my JJ Classic fit the HR* piece?

A. No, The JodyJazz Classics have a slimmer profile.

Q. Do you accept American Express?

A. Just Visa and Mastercard at this time.

Q. ? If you are willing to sell alto in .085 or .090 then I would be more interested, so tell me if you start doing that.

A. Down the road I probably will, just let me get started with these facings. It's a big thing, starting a whole new mouthpiece line and stocking all of these new pieces. Check in from time to time.

Q. Do you test your mouthpieces after finishing?

A. That reminds me of the Joke; Do you smoke after sex? I don't know I never looked. But seriously, I am a fanatic about testing. Steve Goodson was my house guest one time and he said, "So it's really true that you test every mouthpiece before it goes out." When you get it's been tested by me many times.


Q. I have a Black JodyJazz Classic tenor #12 mouthpiece that plays great !!!! Is the new HR the same size width wise or is it a larger mouth piece like a Myer or Selmer hard rubber? Also will it give me as big of sound as my 12? Will the tone be darker or about the same?


A. The new HR* is a wider more traditional Hard Rubber size. It does get a big sound and it is darker but it has it's own kind of brightness. It's really a sweet and yet gutsy mouthpiece at the same time. I like both the classic and the HR*. For me it's a hard choice even though they are quite different mouthpieces. Your JJ Classic #12 is a 110 tip opening so I would advise you to try the HR* 7* and the 8* (105 and 115) to find your perfect tip."

I hope this answers any specific questions you or others may have had. And, once again, I hope Jody doesn't mind me posting some of his information.

Saxaholic

[super20dan]

when is the esp + for alto going to come out.?

[Saxaholic]

It is my understanding that Jody isn't making an alto ESP-X mouthpiece. But who knows, it could be in the works. If you're definite about wanting to purchase one, I'm sure Jody could do a custom job for you, but you'd probably pay for it. If you read the story about how he came about the Tenor ESP-X, it was originally designed as a custom mouthpiece for a player/friend of his...and turned out being another available mouthpiece.

Saxaholic

[super20dan]

i have tried to convince jody that there is a demand for this type of mpc for those of us conpemporary alto players .

[Saxaholic]

Perhaps he isn't getting enough of this sort of demand from other players? I'm sure if enough players kept chiming in for this sort of mouthpiece, he'd at least make a prototype. But only coming from a few players probably isn't worth the time and money, see what I mean?

Saxaholic

[MB-913]

Saxaholic

Thanks for information.

Just 2 more questions:

1) Does it (tenor) has a baffle? If yes, is it a Low or Medium Baffle ?

2) When we can place order? And after placing order, how long it can be shipped out ?

[Saxaholic]

I am not positive, but I think that the mouthpiece would have a low baffle.

You can place an order to Jody by e-mailing Jody@JodyJazz.com. Be sure to include:

1.Your name as it appears on the card
2. the card number
3. expiration date (example 09/02)
4. your billing address
5. shipping address if different from billing
6. Your phone number and e-mail address
7. exactly what you would like to order

All this information should be present. Further, you can take advantage of Jody's excellent trial policy by purchasing one mouthpiece (the most expensive), and trying out two more. Please let him know exactly what mouthpieces you are interested in.

Jody has sold out on some of the more popular facings on alto and tenor with his new HR* mouthpiece. If you want a facing that is sold out, it will likely take a week or two before he will get some more, and then probably a few days after that to process your information and ship the mouthpiece to you. If you select a facing that isn't sold out, I would think it would ship out at some point this week.

You really have nothing to lose; if you don't love his mouthpieces you can always return them for a full refund. Hope this helps.

Saxaholic

[Jody Espina]

Saxaholic,
I want to thank you for all the help in getting my information out there. I appreciate it very much. I'm don't know who you are, but thanks.

I do want to make an apology for the statement, (Our mouthpiece we believe has better consistency at a better price) that was aimed at the Meyer and Otto Link mouthpieces. I did not intend to put that statement out in a public forum, and now that I see it written in this forum I even regret having written it in an email just to the people who had expressed interest in the new HR*.

I extend my apology to the Babbitt company who make Meyer and Link mouthpieces, and to the participants of this forum. I believe that Babbitt has good people making good mouthpieces. I'm going to do my best to make the best products that I can but that doesn't take anything away from the many companies out there who are also making good products. I have often thought that these forums get too negative and competitive. I don't want to contribute to that type of atmosphere so hopefully I have learned a good lesson and will continue to try and do business in an honorable way.

[Saxaholic]

Jody,

I have sent you an e-mail.

In regards to the statement, I personally do not feel it was an objective statement. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, and if you feel that the statement is true, there is no shame in it.

No offense to the Meyer or Otto mouthpieces...but they're not exactly known for their consistency. I am a solid believer that the Jody Jazz mouthpieces are much more consistent in quality and craftsmanship than the current production Meyer and Otto Link mouthpieces.

This post by Jody further confirms his role as a gentleman, as a mouthpiece maker, a saxophone performer, as well as a business-man. Kudos to you, Jody Espina, for a well made product and work ethic.

Now, where's my coffee... :lol:

Saxaholic

[Martin]

These mouthpieces are great value and sound very nice.

[Morry]

I have some of Jody's pieces, and I find them, and his service to be beyond reproach. Saxaholic, as a practice, I would discourage folks from putting the credit card info, exp date, name, address, etc. in an email. It's not a terribly secure method of sending such vital information.

[Saxaholic]

Merely repeating what Jody requires for an online order. :D
I agree, his mouthpieces are great, but his customer service is even better.

Saxaholic