Which Runyon to get?

[BrianL]

Hi all

Well I'm in the market for a new piece, and I've heard a ton of great things about Runyon mouthpieces, so I've decided that I'd like to look into them. However, I'm totaly lost on which one to get. Today I'm playing on a modern metal Link 8* on a Yamaha 62II alto. As of now I'm looking at the Bionix, metal spoiler (smooth bore I believe), the custom, and the jazz models. I'm looking for a piece that would fit in well with a high school jazz band. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be real happy to hear them.

Thanks!

[MojoBari]

Custom Spoiler. I'm not sure what the "Jazz" model would be. The Custom Jazz was discontinued a few years ago.

[BrianL]

sorry wasnt too clear. Custom jazz is what I'm looking at, available at gigdust.com.

[MS]

BrianL The Runyons you mention will work for jazz band. THe CUstom is pretty popular. The Custom Jazz (still made for alto) is brighter. The Custom Jazz(without spoiler) is probably similar to the Custom with spoiler.
Nest brighter would be the smoothbore. The smoothbore is a metal mps. The XL is same dementions made of a Delrin/rubber composite. It is small profile like a metal mps (exact same inside and outside dimensions).

A new model that has been mentioned with good reports on this forum is the Jaguar. It is metal and sort of kin to the Smoothbore but with a very different chamber. You migh want to read some of the threads in this section and the general mps section.

The Quantum is a duckbill mps that has a big wide sound with plenty of edge. It is available in metal or Delrin (like plastic).

The Bionix to me is awfully bright-don't know if you could blend into a section with that one.

THe Spoiler is a baffle insert with a metal reed that vibrates sympathetically inside the mps. It's only like $20 dollars more for the spoiler insert. Whatever you decide to try, I'd go ahead and get the spoiler. There's a different size for each model that matches the mps.

There are some good descriptions on the Runyon website of the models:

www.runyonproducts.com

I've listed the mps models in increasing order of brightness (as I hear them when I play). THe CUstom may satisfy most of your needs at this point in your playing. If you want more, you might try the Jaguar, ispecially if you want metal. I've not played the Jaguar. The Quantum is different from the others. On alto, I'm not sure how to catorgize it. Many players with your experience will choose facings in the #6 to #8 on alto. Tenors and bari's seem to choose larger. Good luck and have fun. 8)

[MojoBari]

Sorry about the misinfo on the Custom Jazz. I confused it with another alto model that was discontinued.

[Charlie A.]

Hi!
I am Charlie A 8) and if you would like I would be glad to discuss your delemma with you via e mail or phone.
It depends upon your ability as to which mouthpiece you should pursue and the sound that you want. We have one for every occasion so just get in touch with me and I will try to help all that I can.
Suggest that you read Paul Coats articles on my site relative to this.
Regards,
charlie A.

[BrianL]

Well thank you Charlie A! I'll get your e-mail address from your website. I'll look forward to talking to you about this. Thanks for the info on Paul's articles.

Brian

[BrianL]

Hey Charlie A, the e-mail address I got from your website keeps bouncing the e-mail back to me. Could you give me an e-mail address to get a hold of you by? If you need it, my e-mail is bdlarsen@hotmail.com

Thanks!

[Paul Coats]

For high school jazz band, without a doubt, the Runyon model most players are using is the Custom Spoiler #7. Described often as "like a Meyer on steroids." Formerly called (until he passed away) the "Art Pepper Model."

Yes, the Custom Spoiler "Jazz" model has a little more curve to the baffle. With the spoiler removed, has about the same tone as the regular Custom Spoiler.

A #7 facing works for about 75% of the players, and in fact, is what Mr. Runyon himself played.

The next up would be the XL Spoiler #7. This is a great, strong lead alto piece.

High school tenor and bari players, same as above, Custom Spoiler #7 or XL Spoiler #7.

I feel at your age, and the fact that your embouchure is still developing, it would be unwise to buy metal at this time, when there are so many rubber or plastic pieces that can give you equally good results. Also, they can be easily refaced to a larger size if later you feel the need. Tenor players later, in college or after, tend to like #8's and #9's, but alto players generally like and stick to the #7's.

Reeds: Fibracell 2 (Medium Soft) to 2 1/2, Rico Plasticover 2 - 2 1/2, Lavoz Medium, Vandoren Java 2 - 2 1/2.

[BrianL]

Paul

Thanks for the info. I'm not too worried if the tip opening is on the larger side because I've been playing on a fairly open piece for some time now (Metal link 8*, .100 tip opening) Right now I'm looking primarily at the custom jazz w/ spoiler. I'm thinking of getting the piece with a #9 facing. As for the reeds, I think I'll stick with my Superial DCs 2 1/2, I really, really, really like them.

~Brian