Talk me into (or out of) getting an ESP Alto

[Dr. Love]

Ok, so here's the deal:
I'm 18, graduating High School, and going onto College. I do not plan to major in music, but I will play in at least a Jazz group or two, and probably Marching Band (which I may or may not use an ESP for).
Currently, I play on a Yanagisawa A992, Runyon Custom Jazz 7 mouthpiece, and Vandoren Java 3 reeds. I'm trying to get a sound with a dark body, but with an overtone "buzz" to the sound.
I usually feel that the body of the sound I'm currently getting needs to be a bit larger, and possibly a bit darker. Sometimes I can get the buzz into my tone, but sometimes I can't.
So, how might I like the ESP? If you need to know anything more, just ask. Any help is much appriciated.

[Morry]

Well, this may not be what your bank account wants to hear, but I just bought an ESP alto from Jody, and I love it on my SX90R alto. It has a nice Link-like sound (but with more power) without the spoiler. With the spoiler in, you can peel paint with this mouthpiece's edge. At least try one and, if you don't like it, Jody has a nice return policy.

[Balladeer]

Dr. Love: If it is cold where you will be going to college you may not enjoy playing a metal mouthpiece for marching band.

[gary]

Doctor Luuuuv,
I was playing the Runyon Custom #7 also and really liked it. I've got the alto ESP, also, and I think you'll get the sound you're looking for if you use the ESP with the spoiler and a dark reed, like a Hemke or Alexander DC.

[MojoBari]

I would recommend trying a Runyon Custom Spoiler 8 and dropping down to a 2.5 reed. The chamber is a little larger than the Jazz you are playing. That, along with the bigger tip, will give you a more husky sound. The softer reed will add some buzz. This is a wallet-freindly recommendation.

[Dr. Love]

Thanks for what everyone has said so far. I'd like to add a second question:
How would the rubber JodyJazz piece fit into the picture? Should I try one of each (the JJ and ESP)?
Thanks again.

[Dave Dolson]

Dr. Love: The only one who can make that decision is you - and the only way you will know is to order them from Jody and try them. I am one of the few who returned the ESP to Jody. It only cost me a small stocking fee and the return shipping, but for that fee I had the experience, something I otherwise would not have enjoyed . . . and would always wonder if the ESP was a good player for me. And of course, Jody Espina is a class act.

Everyone is different - and the ESP did not play THAT good for me; I prefer my Super Session and Soloists on alto. By the way, I too play an A992 (and vintage altos). DAVE

[Bootman]

Both the HR(equivalent) and the metal are great, the sound is different but they feel very similar in the mouth and are responsive.

Just play and test them for yourself.

[Dr. Love]

Alright, I'll playtest the pieces, and see what works. Thanks to everyone for your advice.

[saxmanglen]

Dr. Love,

How'd the trials go? We'd like to know what you settled on.