Maybe metal...?

[ving]

So I used to play on a metal piece on tenor, but I haven't for quite some time. ANyhow, I am contemplating checking out some metal pieces again. ANy suggestions? I am most likely going to check out some Ponzols, as I remember them being pretty good for the price. I think there might be something in the resonance that I am missing from the hard rubber, and for some time I had just ruled out metal pieces...hmm...

[TJS]

I was driving home from teaching tonight and the same exact thoughts were going through my head. I would love to try a Tenney STM Link but can't afford one right now. I may go try a V16.

[MM]

I think the Ponzols are well made but lack a certain warmth, esp. compared to RPC's. My favorite Ponzol model in the Super which is no longer made.

I would suggest trying a V16. The T75 facing is very good.

Lots of folks like the SR Tech Pro but it didn't float my boat, still you might give it a shot. My favorite edgy "better Dukoff" piece is the SR Tech Fusion. For something with more body to the sound, try the Rico Metalite if you can find one. Yeah, it's not "really" metal but... There's an M9 (.105) on Ebay right now. The Metallites have some baffle relief so they don't thin out up high as much as some high baffled metal pieces.

A Berg Lasen /1 piece, if you can find a good one! Yani Metal.

[TJS]

I'm definitely going to see if my local music store has the V16 T75. That was the facing that sounded best to try to me as well. Thanks a lot.

[gary]

I think the Ponzols are well made but lack a certain warmth...
ving - just to reinforce that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I thought the Ponzols had a certain warmth. I've got a M1 on tenor. So..."try before you buy".

[ving]

I am partial to the Ponzols, I suppose, because I met Peter at the sax congress in Minn. in 2003--in fact, he shared the same booth space with the store I was working at. At that time he had brought with him the newer s chamber pieces, one in a M1 that I took home and tried and thought was pretty good, so I may see if that one is still kicking around in the drawer at the store...

For a while, I think I judged a mouthpiece on how easily it was to play flat out, and the RPC's can do that. But, with my focus lately being on a lot of doubling, I am llooking for maybe some diffrent qualities now. Something that is easy to control, gets a good trad sound (but not too bland hopefully...!) and is easier on reeds. I don't have time to monkey around for a hour trying to get just the right reed like I do with the RPCs sometimes...I have to save that for monkeying around with clarinet reeds!

[JL]

For a while, I think I judged a mouthpiece on how easily it was to play flat out, and the RPC's can do that. But, with my focus lately being on a lot of doubling, I am llooking for maybe some diffrent qualities now. Something that is easy to control, gets a good trad sound (but not too bland hopefully...!) and is easier on reeds. I don't have time to monkey around for a hour trying to get just the right reed like I do with the RPCs sometimes...I have to save that for monkeying around with clarinet reeds!

Be alert to the "grass is greener" syndrome. Anyway, I have both a Ponzol M2and an RPC (tenor). They are both great mpcs and I haven't noticed that one is more, or less, reed friendly than the other. The Ponzol gets a great sound, but in terms of flexibility and the characteristics you are describing here ("easy to control," etc.), I'd pick the RPC. If you're having problems with reeds, it may be you need a reface on the RPC. Of course, everyone, and every mpc, is different so it can't hurt to experiment.

[Dr G]

Hey Ving,

The last metal 'pieces in my quest - right before I switched to Lamberson HR 'pieces - were Barone Jazz and Lawton. These, in my experience, had considerably more character that the Ponzols, SR Tech, etc.

[SilverNeck20]

I'd second the SR Fusion.
I compared the Fusion 115 to a Ponzon M2 120 (really good piece), and a Berg 120/1/M (not impressed with quality). For my tastes, it was the SR.......but you'll have to decide for yourself.

[Grumps]

Ponzol, Vandoren, SR Tech... all quality metal mouthpieces out of the box.

[rispoli]

Ponzol, Vandoren, SR Tech... all quality metal mouthpieces out of the box.

Also Jody Jazz, but cost more.

[ving]

Re: the grass is greener.

yes, well aware! (As is my wife--any time I mention a different mouthpiece, she shudders)I have owned an SR and a V16 in the past, both were "nice" but pretty one dimensional. Also, I probably played my yanagisawa metal 9 piece to death in college. I could pretty much get that to do anything, but again, I thought it a bit bland. Anyhow, thanks for the comments--I haven't really checked out anything in terms of metal pieces for some time so maybe my perception will identify some different things now...

ving

[ving]

Also, I think the reason I spend time trying to get just the right reed on the RPC is that I don't like to play on reeds that are too soft--it seems like there is a fine line there. Sure, the piece will play with a really soft reed but it loses the core sound. Of course, too hard doesn't work either, but maybe thats just me...

[Thomas]

so what would be the problem with a good Link STM? It's quite possible to find a new one that's perfectly playable, reed friendly and full of tonal possibilities. $100.00 and you're all set though you might want a Selmer 404 lig to go with it for about another $20.00. Avoid the hype about Florida Links or so called early babbitts....both grossly over-rated and overpriced. Try some new Links and you might just find a good fit.

I have tried many of the Ponzol models and find them dull and bland much like the Yani pieces--boring. I routinly switch between my RPC and Links-depending on which tenor and gig situation.

[sxplr06]

I don't get why the current production STM isn't given its due. I purchased a B stock 7* tenor piece from Woodwind & Brasswind and I am not going back to high baffle pieces as my tone has never been better.

I have tried them all and spent tons of money but I am done searching.

[MM]

Yes, new Link STMs aren't bad. I played one for a while. I didn't suggest one to Ving because I thought he wanted a bit more modern edge to his sound which can be tough to get from an STM without chamber work. I would suggest staying in the 6* to 7 range. I kinda wish I still had that 6* I sold 10 years ago. It served me well in pits, but was a bit quiet for big band.

I like vintage Dukoff Hollywoods even better than Links (new or vintage.) I'll pass along some heresay that the new Dukoff H's are similar. I haven't tried one though. Another overlooked piece is the Dukoff LD which splits the difference between the H and the "Super Power" brighter pieces.

Ving, I thought you had mentioned the V16 before! So I guess you won't jump on that recommendation. For me Ponzols played somewhat cold and metallic, but hey if they work for you, great. They do have nice facings but I think SR Tech's are even better.

[Grumps]

I'll pass along some heresay that the new Dukoff H's are similar. I haven't tried one though. Another overlooked piece is the Dukoff LD which splits the difference between the H and the "Super Power" brighter pieces.


Yeah, but new Dukoffs are known for their inconsistency out of the box. I picked up a bari piece at a MARS going out of business sale a few years ago, and it was unplayable. I thought it was just my old horn, but the guy I traded it to had the same problems. I still feel terrible about that. I should have taken it to Mt. Doom... along with that Zagar.

[ving]

WEll, its nice to hope something will work, but alas I probably won't like any of the aforementioned pieces either. I used to have more hope for a new piece, but the more I play the less enthusiastic I am about switching. Anyhow, for now I'll keep the thoughts of the Ponzol metal in mind until I try them and decide otherwise I'm sure...! I did have a couple of links at one point, but yeah, too much work. Really, though, I think once you play on a good mouthpiece of any brand its hard to find something that is considereably better. I think my standards are higher now...!

[sinkdraiN]

Ving, based on how you describe the tones from mouthpieces, etc.. I have a feeling you would really like the M1 110. If anything it will tell you more about the rubber piece you are currently playing.

[JL]

Ving, based on how you describe the tones from mouthpieces, etc.. I have a feeling you would really like the M1 110. If anything it will tell you more about the rubber piece you are currently playing.

Just a guess: If your current rubber piece is an RPC, it'll probably tell you you're doing fine right now.

[TJS]

Well, I had a chance to try a V16 T75 today. I must say that it played very well but I think it sounded sterile. I have been checking out the Jody Jazz HR* and definitely like the sound of it better.

[ving]

Well, I tried a Ponzol II-V I piece today and, like I thought, was pretty underwhelmed. SO, maybe not metal...at least right now...

[Grumps]

Don't let the II-V-I sour you on Ponzol. That's usually at the bottom of the list of Ponzol preferences. At the top would probably be the M2 for tenor.