good blending symphonic piece

[BariSkaJazz]

my band director has asked for my help in finding a nice warm mpc to help the tenor and other bari players in my school's symphonic band blend better. For myself, I play on a huge chambered vintage buescher piece, which I dont think we'll be able to find many of, besides the fact that the school must buy the pieces new from a business, not someone who happens to have 10 of these pieces laying around.

So, who has any recommendations of a modern mass produced mouthpiece that would help promote a warm, open tone to blend with lower brass?

I was thinking maybe along the lines of a medium opening HR Link, as they have large chambers and their baffles arent to crazy.

If this topic has been addressed before, please point me in the right direction as I tried searching the forum and archives with no luck.

[Merlin]

Caravan. Easily available, and they work well on modern horns.

[bruce bailey]

For Tenor and Bari, I have always used a Link HR i a 5*-6* opening.

[MM]

Try the Rousseau R or NC; pretty affordable. Also a Selmer D to E and Vandoren V5 legit, low number (B25?) though these tend to cost more.

[BKauth]

I would recommend the Rascher mouthpiece, especially for the tenor. In my experience, the Caravan tenor is not as warm sounding as the soprano or alto mouthpiece. The Rascher tenor mouthpiece works well on all instruments, even modern ones.

[Mike Ruhl]

For Tenor and Bari, I have always used a Link HR in a 5*-6* opening.I second this suggestion.

[bruce bailey]

Well it looks like we have this guy ordering about $2K worth of mouthpieces. For a school on a budget, the BARI Esprit might be a good idea as they run under $20 each. I sell the Tenor one and it is VERY similar to a Link 5*. The only negative I have found is that it is plastic but the facings are pretty good.

[gary]

Just something to think about...I notice a number of recommendations above are for elatively closed mouthpieces. That requires a harder reed and IMO the sound will not carry as well as some other mpcs if your band is playing a wide range of music. This is relative, of course; I am only adding this comment as something to consider.

I went on tour at the end of summer with a wind ensemble in which I had been playing principal alto for several years but filled in on the tenor part. I asked for advice here for a mpc (didn't think my Jody Jazz ESP would be appropriate, LOL) and was surprised that I got a few credible recommendations for a HR Link, which I chose and which worked wonderfully for me.

[Steve J.]

Use a curtain ring or embroidery hoop wrapped in felt inserted in the bell. Cost is about US $1.25. This will take the edge (high harmonic partials) out of the sound and also give you more ppp control. On the downside, Very low register will be flatter and low Bb may not be produceable. Play a mouthpiece you can control.

Its a "secret weapon" I've used professionally with rousing success. Perfect with strings - beautiful. Also works well with acoustic piano depending on style of music you are playing.

Its not my idea - been used forever and may even be talked about in the Teal book if I'm not mistaken. All I know it works for me.

[Bar-Ron]

Ditto the Caravan, for more projection Hite's Artist, Roussseau Classic after that.

[MM]

Almost forgot, the Bamber sold by WWBW a a terrific deal for a new legit mpc. It's in their catalog but may not be on their website. They are a short shank Selmer copy and have a bit larger chamber than the long shanks, and play well out of the box. $60 for alto, tenor and $100 for bari. $50 soprano-has anyone tried that? They're sure cheaper than Selmer Super Sessions or used Soloists!

I'm curious about their jazz model--anyone try one?

Caveat-they are dark and woody, though that's not too different than I find the Link hard rubbers. If I were to play say a Gershwin piece for concert band, the smaller chamber Soloists are more versatile(sp?) giving some projection when you push them. As others mention, a Meyer with a close tip (4 or 5 for alto, 6 or 7 for tenor, etc) can also work with the right reed, if it's a "good" one.

[BariSkaJazz]

just to help clarify my position here...

there are 7 tenors, (only 1 trombone and 1 baritone horn) so being able to push it if you need to and adding versatility are not the issues here; I'm trying to find something to help make them blend nicely, as they are quite capable of playing with a bright tone! :D

[Bar-Ron]

Caravan