New Super Session for Alto

[Dave Dolson]

I received my new Selmer Super Session for alto today (F-facing). I bought it off of eBay from WW&BW-Paris. The transaction was smooth.

The mouthpiece is even smoother (is that a word? . . . maybe "more smooth" is better). Anyway, the piece is wonderful. It plays exactly like my soprano Super Sessions - that is, superior in every facet of consideration.

I tried it first on my Buescher TT, then on my A992, using a soft Vandoren Java reed and standard metal ligature. Both horns played well with this piece. Strong, in tune, easily speaks at all ranges of the horns, focused and even better than my previous favorite, the new Soloist.

The inside of the SS has a round interior opening as opposed to the Soloist's horseshoe shaped interior opening, albeit about the same size of opening to my eye.

As to baffles and chamber size - don't know. The top roof of the piece (inside the tip) is smooth with no apparent uprisings or depressions - just smooth from the tip-rail back to the opening inside the barrel.

The tip on the SS is much more squared-off than are the tips on the Soloists, thus the reed's tip mtaches the piece's tip across the breadth of the reed and tip.

It sure plays for me. DAVE

[rollen]

Dave,

That's awesome!

[elo]

When for tenor.......??? :cry:

[Morry]

Crap!! Just when I was satisfied with a Vandoren V16, somebody has to mention another great new mouthpiece. Of course, now I have to buy one... :x

[singlereed]

I think the Super Session is similar in design to the Metal Classic, which is what I am using now on alto, sop and tenor. At least, when I tried a SS on sop, its chamber looked exactly like my Classic. I find the sound is warm and smooth, plenty of tone colours and especially good control over attack and articulation.

[lead52]

I received mine (E opening) from woodwind Paris today (quick shipping -2 days-, and acceptable price ); seems that they have some (D, E, F) in stock (I gave them a call before ordering online on their site).
Really impressed by what Dave called "smoothness" ( I was using a new E soloist) ; yes, it definitely plays !! :D

[Alan K]

Is that a classical mouthpiece??

[Dave Dolson]

Alan K: I don't know classical from jazz in mouthpieces. All I know is what plays good for me. I play only 1920's jazz and the Super Sessions for sop and alto work best for me. DAVE

[bsnmanrob]

I received my SS D two days ago and heartily agree with those opinions already posted here. Having the D facing, I am leaning more towards the classical approach. I purchased it because I dropped and shatterd my 20 yr old C* that I loved. The SS D is a nice change for me and is slightly darker than my C* with a bit more backpressure. It has very even intonation in all registers and is a slightly more coverd sound with fewer overtones; something I was looking for to use for playing orchestral ensemble work (Pictures at an Exhibition and Bernstein Symphonic Dances). I would not recommend it for lead playing. It is a great ensemble piece (IMO).

[Phil]

Ouch, that hurts bsnmanrob, dropping your favorite mp. I'm sorry. Anyways, for all the people from the US that ordered from WWBW-Paris, about how long did it take for you to receive it? I just ordered a SS E and can't wait for it!

[Dave Dolson]

Phil: My SS-F facing arrived within a week of me paying for it (by credit card with WW&BW-Paris). It had been opened by U.S. Customs for inspection, according to a sticker on the shipping carton. Other than that, it was well-packed and there were no problems. DAVE

[bsnmanrob]

It took me 4 days including the Easter holiday to receive mine. Thanks for the sympathy on losing my close frined to my alto.

[wsgreen5]

I'm not that familiar with the way selmer rates their tip openings, so what opening would be comprable to a C**? AKA, I'm looking for a new classical piece, so would this one be worth a try?

[3saxes]

Thanks for posting this Dave. I have been waiting on these mouthpieces to hit the market for Alto. I just bought mine (F Facing) on eBay from the WW&BW (Paris) and can't wait for it to arrive!

[Dave Dolson]

3Saxes: I hope you'll let us know when it arrives - and more importantly, how you like it. DAVE