Jaguar is topnotch

[JL]

I certainly haven't tried every mouthpiece out there, but I've recently been searching around for another tenor mpc. So far, the Jaguar has really impressed me. It just seems to get better the more I play it, both on my MKVI and 1950 Aristocrat tenors. I also have a metal Quantum 10 that is brighter and louder, but it can't match the full, warm tone quality of the Jag. I have several mpcs I like, but none of them have the rich tonal complexity of the Jaguar. The Jag also has plenty of projection and "guts," when needed. It blows equally well at the low end of the horn and in the altissimo range. And intonation is spot-on thoughout the full range. I kinda wish they'd make a spoiler for it, just to see how it would sound with one, but maybe it's not necessary.

Runyon did it again with this one. Anyone else have a similar experience with it?

[tophatsax]

JL,

Any idea how the Jaguar compares to a vintage HR piece like a Steve Broadus Perfected that's been blueprinted by "Doc" Tenney and opened to 100?

Tophatsax

[JL]

Sorry, I haven't played one of those. I mainly posted about the Jaguar because it's still relatively new and lots of folks probably haven't tried it yet. Just wondering if those who have like it as much as I do. No doubt there are many other great mpcs around.

[tophatsax]

No problem. Thanks for the reply.

[rcwjd]

I'm liking the Jaguar #10 that I got for my bari very much. It took a little getting used to with its smaller profile in my mouth. I posted a couple of clips with how it sounds on my Mark VI bari on my website (All Blues; Stolen Moments) at <www.richardwade.net>

[StevenW]

Richard,

Thank you for taking the time to put up clips.

These efforts too often go unnoticed, but I think they are a great thing and let the ears do the decerning, rather than wading through word-filled descriptions.

On Stollen Moments the earthy nature of the bari plays well - I'd have adjusted the balance more in favor of the bari, but maybe that is my playback setup. I've been playing a #10 Jaguar-V with Fibercell on a Yamaha YBS-52 and my SML Bari's. Love the sound!

Great going!

StevenW 8)

[rcwjd]

StevenW,
Thanks for the good thoughts. On my mix the bari is up there, but I know that it differs depending upon what you are listening on. Sounds like you have the identical mouthpiece, and the Yamaha 52 is a great sounding horn. I've never heard an SML. Put some clips up! All Blues was my first attempt with a new Fostex MR-8 Multitracker recorder, so I was still learning a bit on that one. Although the recording quality is not as good (analog), Stranger On The Shore was recorded with me using the the hard rubber Morgan 7J that I have had for several years. There really are differences between the mouthpieces, although I like both. I wish that there were more sound clips of different mouthpieces out there. BTW I used a Fibracell #2 on all. Thanks again.

[Peterk]

Just had a chance to try an alto Jaguar tonight and I was very impressed.
Low notes and high notes came out effortlessly - very easy to control the dynamics. Absolutely gorgeous tone. The lig that comes with it is also a nice touch.

[Brian]

I have one of the first batch of Jaguars that came out (Alto). I requested a spoiler with mione and got one. I believe the Smoothbore / XL spoiler will fit identically. I have tried them and mine all fit the same rail profile as the Jag. Order one untrimmed.

The trick is to keep the baffle high enough that it stays above the V-Groove. if the tip of the V Groove is exposed, than air rushes underneath and is audibly very irratating to hear.

The spoiler transforms a warm, strong, and complex piece ... into a Stronger and complex monster. I havent tried this yet on Tenor .... but on alto its replaced, for me my Smoothbore setup that I have played for years as my #1 screamer set up. I still prefer Jody Jazz with spoiler for straight ahead combo.
Brian

[kcp]

Dang Peterk!! I wanted to post here before you did

Anyways, I only had the chance to try the Jaguar for about 10 minutes (because Peter you know, he doesn't like to share that much :wink: ) But from what I can tell so far, I was blown away. It's easy to blow, excellent response, control of dynamics is super easy. It's been a long time since I have been so impressed with a mouthpiece on the first try. I'm definately going to get one for my tenor.

[JL]

For some reason there is a spoiler for alto, but not for the tenor piece. I did find that the spoiler from my Jody Jazz alto mpc fits the tenor Jag very well. It produces a louder, brighter tone, but it also completely covers the V-notch. I don't know if this negates something, but I suspect it does. For now I'm using the Jag without a spoiler and it seems to work fine. Still, I'd be very interested in anything Runyon comes up with for a spoiler. In any case, the Jaguar is a fantastic mpc.

[JL]

Oh, and try a Louis Francoise ligature with the Jaguar....works great!

[JL]

That should read "Franciose Louis." Sorry, I gotta proof read these things better before pushing the submit button.

[kcp]

"François Louis"

But hey, we know what you mean anyway. Thanks for the tip :D

[JL]

Thanks Kim. I usually tri to spel thyngs rite. Guess I'll just stick with "FL" from now on.

[shazzo]

how does it compare to a berg with the 0 chamber on tenor?

[T.J]

Runyon's says spoilers are not available on ALL Jaguar models due to the v-chamber. But they told me they can make a custom spoiler for me so I went ahead and ordered a new Jaguar 8 for my alto.

[JL]

But can they make a custom spoiler for a TENOR mpc? I'd be very interested in that for certain situations. Guess I should check with them again. Last I heard they were "working on it."

[Paul Coats]

Do you know WHY it is named "Jaguar"?

"Because it's the fastest cat in the jungle!" -- Santy Runyon