Barone or JodyJazz

[bennettcarl]

I'm kind of stuck between picking a JJ ESP and the Barone Hollywood or Jazz model. Anyone have experience with these mouthpieces?

[bennettcarl]

Forget it. I just ordered the JJ ESP .110 today after talking with Jody via email. With the return policy, I couldn't pass it up.

[Jazzsums]

So bennettcarl, what were your results?
Jazzsums 8)

[bennettcarl]

I sent it back. Nothing against all the people that use it in the forum here, but I really don't see the big deal about this piece. Without the spoiler, it felt kind of muffled and quiet. Kind of a mushy feeling. When the spoiler was in, there was more volume and tone, but it had a plastic sound to it. It just wasn't my bag. It was really well made though. But IMHO, not worth the $

[morgan]

and another Great Search is underway ...

[Balladeer]

I bought a .110 ESP from Jody's first batch. For a while I loved it. A month ago I received a dynamite stock NY Link 7 in trade. The Link is more comfortable in my mouth; the ESP is rather narrow. The Link produces a nice composite of frequencies, but the ESP is clear and focused - which I like. However, without the spoiler the ESP makes me feel like I'm in an airliner running on 1 engine.

Ten days ago I bought a Super Gonz I (7*) off eBay. After some experimentation I found that the big, wide, ugly tip rails serve a useful purpose. When the reed is positioned so that none of the tip shows the sound is warm and more Link-like. Back the reed off a bit so that a sliver of tip shows and the sound becomes brighter and more like Kirk Whalum or Tom Scott. The sound of the SGI is bigger and clearer than a Link. So I'm happy because I've got a fat tipped mouthpiece (comfy) with a sound that gives me the best of a Link and the ESP with spoiler. And because it's more powerful than a Link I can lay back and play longer without tiring.

If I hadn't been happy with the SGI, my next candidate would have been a Barone Hollywood.

[BobD]

bennettcarl,

I thought you were taking Phil Woods advice and sticking with that Bob Ackerman piece?

[bennettcarl]

I am sticking with the Ackermann piece. My original post on this thread was a while ago before I found the Ackermann and heard Wood's advice. I was just replying to the poster about whether I like the JJ or not. I'm still sticking to my guns :D ! By the way, If you haven't tried the Ackermann Vintage Link copy yet, you should. They're awesome.

[BobD]

Yeah I love my Ackerman piece too. I did have a little trouble with altissmo at first but then realized I went from a .105 to a .102. So, I went up to a 3 reed and now it plays great. I like a large chamber no/low baffle piece. I feel like it's all you when it comes to the tone. Like nothing gets in your way.