What is better?

[Flex146]

I am a senior in High School and I am first alto in jazz band. I like the new jazz thta is out today such as Spyro Gyra (big Jay Beckenstien fan), but i also like the older stuff (alto a big Cannonball Adderley fan.) I have two mouthpieces and I never know which one to use. I cant switch whenever i feel like it because it is hard to adjust to the different mouthpiece. I have a otto link rubber 7* and a beechler diamond inlay S6S. I get a naturally edgy sound and I odnt know if the beechler is to much for big band, but i als o play out a lot too. Im not sure what to do.
Any suggestions?

[Dave Dolson]

Flex: We all react differently to mouthpieces. But one thing that I consistently hear/read is about the Beechler Diamond Inlay. I have one like yours and I don't play it because it is HUGE for me - way too much for any ensemble (even with a soft reed). That reaction seems to be consistent among those who have one or have tried it. Keith Bradbury (Mojobari on SOTW) worked on mine and corroborated my take on the piece. While some players may be able to control it while others can't - one thing is for sure - those pieces are loud.

I'm not familiar with the HR Link for alto, but regardless - what I feel and hear on a piece may not be what you feel and hear.

My suggestion is that you stick with the piece that sounds better and allows a clean attack (among the two you mentioned), then start the BIG SEARCH - look for something that plays for you and allows you to project well but blend in a section. There are so many pieces out there that suggesting one (or several) may not be useful to you. DAVE