Quantum vs. XL

[Chris04]

I was wondering how these two mpc's compare on tenor. I'm looking into buying one, but don't know which I want. I'll be playing in smaller modern jazz and maybe some rock bands. Thanks!

[leehwd]

I compared the XL and the Quantum on my YSS 475, so this may be limited to the soprano sax. Both had tip openings of eight, and I used the Rico Royal (#3) and Rico Jazz Select (3S, unfiled). The XL was much easier and more free blowing than the Quantum, which had some resistance. The XL sounded brighter, but the Quantum darker. I chose the XL, and it has been my main soprano mouthpiece. It is really good in a rock band situation, because you may have to compete with many amplified instruments. The rather piercing but not thin sound of the XL helps you with that environment.

Hope this helps your comparison. Thank you.

[Les22]

I've tried both on tenor. They are really different beasts, with the quantum sounding much thicker, huskier, and louder to me; the XL was tamer and less interesting sounding; the Q was plastic and the XL was metal, which is called the smoothbore. The Q is duckbill, which I like. Q (10) with Plasticover 3 reeds is my main setup for playing jazz and rock. Depends on your tastes, so I suggest trying both if you can. Les

[Chris04]

Hmm, now I'm confused... :?
Alright, which do you think would sound better for rock and modern jazz/fusion playing? This seems to be my problem here; I can only afford one mouthpiece, and I'm unsure whether I want to move toward rock (where I'd get the XL) or jazz (where I'd get the Quantum). I'm going for an edgy, harsh sound, but don't want to overdo it.

BTW, I'd be buying the plastic version either way, as I'm on a fairly limited budget. Also, I'm getting a spoiler no matter which I order, so maybe the Quantum with a spoiler would be more suited to rock playing and sound closer to the XL?

[Mike Ruhl]

Call or email Runyon and ask them if you can trial one of each. If you buy directly from Runyon ynu'll pay full price, but the service you get is as good as it gets.

www.runyonproducts.com

[MS]

I have a Quantum and XL for tenor (Plastic) and a Quantum and XL (plastic) for alto.

I like the XL best for ALTO. I personally like the Quantum best for tenor. Big sound and as bright or dark as you can learn to play it. To me the XL for tenor seems to be a narrower and bright sound. The Quantum can be played very bright and subtones easily in all registers.

Try them both is the way to go and see what results you get. I think some of the online companies (Woodwind and BrassWind is one) will let you order 3 or 4 mps for trial if you have a credit card and return the ones you don't buy.

I've read several posts just like the one I just made- regarding mouthpieces that I've played of various name brands and flavors - and quite often my reaction is different than experiences that are posted. The only way to really know is to try for yourself. Good luck and have fun :!:

[Bill Mecca]

if you want to hear a custom Quantum 9 with spoiler and plasticover reed on a buffet SDA.... http://www.geocities.com/billmecca/voodoo

Never tried and XL myself, the Quantum is plenty bright for rock and roll (mostly what I play) and can subtone easily with a nice thick tone.

best advice is to try before you buy talk with Charlie A as well since he retails them at a discount.

www.gigdust.com

[Les22]

Mojobari has both a Q and an XL for sale. He'll let you try both. Drop him a line.

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/kwbradbury/lst?.dir=/Mouthpieces+For+Sale/Tenor+Sax&.src=ph&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/

[Chris04]

Well, I've been reading other posts here and there, and I've heard almost no mention of the XL, whereas I've heard many descriptions of the Quantum. Based on what I've heard, I think I'll be getting a plastic Quantum with a spoiler (unsure of what facing I want). Thanks for the advice!