Classical alto sound: "stringlike"

[Razzy]

I find that my classical alto concept is becoming more "stringlike" (that's the best way I can describe it) after listening to a lot of concertos and sonatas for instruments of the violin family, orchestral pieces, and taking up the cello. I also have a recording of the Glazunov concerto done by a player who sounds uncannily like a string player in terms of tone.

Anyhow, my question: does anyone know of a good classical mouthpiece to facilitate said tone quality? I have heard that the Caravans and Morgans are good pieces for such classical playing, but am told the Caravans border on too dark, and from hearing a few players of them, I would tend to agree. How do the Morgans compare to the Caravans? And from your experience, how do these mouthpiece hold up to the Selmer C*, undoubtably the most commonly used classical mouthpiece?

[Merlin]

My personal recommendations would be either a Vandoren A20 or a Selmer Larry Teal for the type of sound you describe.

[OANegrin]

I would recommend any mouthpiece that is very voicing-sensitive. In order to color your tone to make it sound like a flute, clarinet, violin, vox humana, etc., the player must be very flexible, as must be the setup too.

My personal experience with alto mouthpieces points me towards the round (but not large) chambers to get this effect (and for my overall preferences too). However, I have studied with great artists who are flexible enough to sound like whatever they want on a Selmer s80 C*. They have told me that it is all about listening, voicing, and support. Sounds like you are doing great on the listening.

OANegrin