Mouthpiece Recommendations for 6M, Please

[BobH]

Perhaps I should post this query as a mouthpiece thread, but it's specific to my Conn 6M. I've played a Lakey 5*3 with this horn for over ten years and I love the sound and the response, but my intonation just isn't what it should be. I'll be the first to admit that a large part of the problem--maybe even all of it--is probably me; nevertheless, when I work with my tuner, I can't help wondering whether my mouthpiece isn't aggravating things. Maybe it's just not suited for this horn.

I'm not someone who spends much time in search of the perfect mouthpiece, but it may be time for me to shop around a little. However, with zillions of mouthpieces for every sound and purpose under the sun, I wonder whether anyone can give me some recommendations to start with? I'm looking for something that will offer:

* Good intonation on my 6M
* A bright, edgy lead sound
* Good altissimo
* Great, quick response from bottom to top

Am I asking for the Holy Grail, or have any of you 6M players got some insights you can share? I'm not looking for a mouthpiece to do my homework for me. I just want to make sure that my horn/mouthpiece combination isn't sabotaging my efforts.

[Wicked Good]

I use a Meyer 5M modified by Theo Wanne on my Conn 26M Connqueror alto. Basically, I supplied Theo with a stock Babbitt Meyer, and he made it into one of his "Custom Meyers."

It has all the qualities you listed, and sounds great in small groups as well as big bands. I can play lush ballads or hair-splitting lead alto on that mouthpiece with little effort.

Theo's website is http://www.mouthpieceheaven.com, if you're interested. Good luck with your mouthpiece search!

[Wicked Good]

Uh, take out that comma in the URL. :oops:

http://www.mouthpieceheaven.com

[saxmanglen]

Hi,

I've used a couple different mouthpieces with good intonation on my "Transitional" 6M of 1931.

My first choice is an older Meyer medium chamber 6 opened up by Jon Van Wie to about 0.085.

Secondly, I've found using a Joday Jazz #8 works surprisingly well. If your wanting a little brighter sound keep the spoiler in.

Regards, Glen

[saxmanjack]

I've been using a Lakey 7*3 on my 6M for years, no intonation problems, can be tiring so maybe I'm doing alot of embouchure compensation work.
I'm looking for an even brighter piece; thinking about trying a Beechler bellite and an ARB. But this Lakey seems to be a hard act to follow: I
couldn't get its range out of a Jodyjazz...

[marc]

Gor a 6M 1954 today from Ebay.
I tried :

- Meyer medium 7m
- Dukkof 7
- Berg Larsen 80/2
- Rousseau SJ7

No problem, the Meyer is the best for me on this "new" old 6m.

[Lee]

I have a Jody Jazz 6 which plays very well on my 6M, with the spoiler it will give all the cut and projection you could ever desire, it's much darker but focused with the spoiler out.
I have several Meyers which hold the intonation decently but I can't slide them all the way on the microtuner cork and tune the sharpness out without having the microtuner almost adjusted off the horn, I believe the Meyers will play darker than your needs.
A Selmer C will play perfect on the horn, I've added a baffle and spoiler to get some projection and cut but it's far from being a jazz mouthpiece.
I sometimes use a older ARB 6 which works quite decent with the horn, it plays on the medium to bright side, it could be made a little more edgy with possibly a spoiler.
I hope this helps. Good luck with your quest and please post back your results.
lee

[BobH]

What can I say? Thanks, folks, for your valued input. I will post an update once I've got something to report.