Bright, but fat sound on Tenor

[Ro]

Hi all.

I'm considering getting a new m/p to replace my Dukoff P8 on tenor.
I'm after a bright sound with some edge, but also something fuller and with more volume than the Dukoff. I mostly play sax solos in a funk/fusion outfit.

A scan of the archives shows the Vandoren Jumbo Java, Runyon XL, and perhaps the Sugal Super Gonz II as fitting the bill (though the Gonz II is perhaps out of my price range).

I might mention that I have tried a Berg 130/0 SMS, but I couldn't coax what I wanted from it.

I don't have the luxury of being able to do a side-by-side comparison, or try-before-you-buy: I live way out in rural Japan. This is why I'd like to read a comparison from anyone who has tried more than one of these.

Of course, I'm also open to alternatives, provided they are not more than, say, a Sugal.



Thanks,

Ro

[Paul S]

u might want to consider a guardala studio - excellent bright, full, loud sound - my fav piece at the moment.

u can get them for $365 from www.wwbw.com

good luck
Paul

[Ro]

Thanks, Paul.

I had thought Guardala pieces were more expensive. If I'm not mistaken, isn't the Guardala Studio the one John Scarpulla (ex T.O.P.) uses? I definitely like his sound!

Ro

[JL]

Ro, for info on the Sugal and how to find one at a good price, email me: wavestalker@coastside.net

[The Martin]

Bright, full bodied....
You should try a Quantum...

[Ro]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

However, what I would really find helpful is some kind of comparison between some of the pieces mentioned.

For example, 'Both A and B are bright, but B has more subtones.', or 'C has more of an edge than D'.


This kind of thing would make it much easier for someone who doesn't have a chance to actually try several m/p's.

Regards,

Ro

[Ro]

Thanks to those who offered suggestions. At this stage, I'm leaning toward a DG Studio. Coming from a Dukoff, I imagine it will require very little emouchure adjustment.

One more question on the Studio: Is the silver-plated model markedly brighter than the gold?

[T-MAN]

Try a Ponzol M2 110/120--medium bright, some edge, and a full sound. Good projection/volume and easy to blow. $265 at WW&BW.

[saxmanjack]

I recently got both a silver- and gold-plated laser-trimmed studio to compare. The silver one might have been 'barely perceptably' brighter, but I kept the gold because the machining seemed cleaner on it. These are great pieces; loud and punchy, yet very comfortable and 'subtonable'.

[Tsax]

I have played a Dukoff D8, a Lawton BB 8* and a Guardala Studio, all three of them for a longer period, and the Dukoff is definitely the brightest, with the Guardala as a follow-up, but much more versatile. The Lawton is the darkest of the three.
I play a Link 8* now, for a more jazzy, richer sound, but if you really want a bright sound, the Guardala is a good choice. It is very easy to play, up to the highest altissimo and it can stil subtone. The Lawton is also a good possibility, only less consistent from one piece to another. If you have to order online, the Guardala is the safer bet.

[Ro]

Thanks, Tsax.

That was very helpful and what I wanted to hear, since I have already ordered a GP Guardala Studio online from WW&BW.

[Tower of Power]

Bergs arent bad, they are pretty bright pieces but thicker than the Dukoffs. As for volume, Dukoff is one of the loudest pieces ive ever tryed. My Rovner Deep V is a little thicker and louder, but its about the only mpc ive ever tryed that was both. Let the mic do the work and find your sound!

Joe

[jazzmasta123]

I would recommend a Berg. Lenny Pickett plays one and the sound is encredibly. Also i have one a 130/0SMS metal one. VERY BRIGHT AND FAT SOUND. They are cheap but good.

[Honeyboy]

I agree with Tower of Power. Try a Rovner Deep V, either the 40, 30m or even the Eagle model. I have the equivalent of the Eagle Model(older version) and get full, but bright if it is EQ'd correctly. It is not as bright as a Dukoff D7 or D8, but richer sounding. It is not as bright as a 115/0 Berg Larsen, but projects better. I have an Otto Link NY style (new) in which I put a stick on baffle which plays both bright and full. Volume is almost as good as Dukoff. Another one to consider, which is both louder and fuller than my Dukoffs is the new version of the metal Brilhart Levelaire. This is made by Runyon, and is a combination of a Smoothbore beak and a Quantum insides. They come with plastic baffles which can change the tone from nice and dark to very bright. They are also pretty inexpensive- like $100.00 from WW&BW. I have tried a Jumbo Java 95 and found it to be quite nice as well. Played easily from bottom to altissimo.I suggest you order these on the trial basis so you only have to pay shipping and insurance- about $10.00!

[Bootman]

Modify your M2 Ponzol, add a bullet chamber and the mpc will achieve the desired sonic result. Lawton BB Chamber mpcs are also exceptionally loud and yet retain the big full tone. The best way to get a bigger, fatte rsound is to breath correctly and learn how to make the horn resonate. Apply this technique with a larger tip opening mpc and you will discover the bigger sound.

[Bill Mecca]

even the Eagle model. I have the equivalent of the Eagle Model(older version)

That would be the Pentangle right? :wink:

the new handle threw me for a bit, but the mpcs gave me a clue ;-)

nice to see you around. BTW, did you ever get in touch with you know who about that video?

[Honeyboy]

Bill Mecca: As I was typing out my response, I was wondering if anyone would put two and two together. You Win!!! Anyways, it's kind of fun coming in with a different name. And, unfortunately, Big J hasn't responded to my friend and hasn't returned to town since the last time he was here, like 2 or 3 years ago. I imagine it wouldn't hurt to send you a copy. By the time it hits the public, he may be dead anyways!! I'll look around for the tape and see if I can get two VCR's hooked up to copy the tape. Your friend, you know who! (this is exciting, isn't it?)

[Honeyboy]

Bill Mecca: I was sure the Levelaire would have given it away, since I think I'm the only one who has played one!!

[Bill Mecca]

Honeyboy,

it is fun ;-) I have been meaning to pick up the phone and give J a call, but that project is waaay on the back burner, and well, I wouldn't want to waste his time. He is one I would love to catch live before he takes the final stage.

would love to see that tape, and I can even trade ya one...