JJ ESP -tenor-

[sinkdraiN]

The old forum had a great thread going about the ESP. Jody mentioned about a trip to Brecker's house. And a lot of guys who used to play V16s are really digging this ESP. I play a V16 and am happy with it for the most part. I like the V16 T95 because it is bright enough to cut through big bands, etc without sacrificing a personalized tone with a high baffle. One thing that I dont like about the V16 is that at louder volumes there is a point where the piece will not accept anymore air. This does not happen to me on alto. Can an ESP be pushed harder than a V16? Satva, you used to use a T95- what ESP facing do you find most comfortable. And do you use the spoiler? I liked the idea that the V16 did not have a baffle (altough I guess it does have a rollover one). How will an ESP perform in a R&B situation. Will it project better or the same as a V16.

[Nefertiti]

Sinkdrain,
You've been asking questions about this piece for a number of months now. I can understand if there was no return policy but all you have to do is order one. If you don't like it better than the V16 return it. All you lose is postage. If you love it then your siked. On a side note I am amazed that Dino and Brecker went for the .100 tip opening. I played the .110 and found it wouldn't take all my air so I moved to the .120 which is much better for me. I've seen both Dino and Brecker and they both blow tons of air thru the horn I can't see how the .100 would work for them. It must though. I would love to hear one of them on it.

[Balladeer]

sinkdraiN: I agree with Nefertiti - you really should give the ESP a try, then you'll know.

That said, on alto I had been using a HR Berg 85/1 for 30 years. A couple of years ago I realized that I was trying to blow more air into the horn than it would take. The cure was to move to a bigger tip opening. So, if you love your V16 you could look into finding a larger tip opening or having it opened up. The ESP is really nice, though.

[Subtone Sam]

sinkdrain,I have an ESP .120 opening and find it more of a jazz/section piece than R&B.Its has great sound and is easy to play but I feel one needs a bit more brightness&volume for R&B,even with the Spoiler in.But again,I´m sure not everyone will agree with this but this is how I feel about it.

[BlockAM]

I read somewhere that Brecker has to use a very closed mouthpiece b/c of the medical complications with him neck. This might explain why he went for the 100 opening.

[Todd]

I posted a question on the old message board about the brightness of the ESP and was told that I should be able to get a bright enough sound out of one... but again, I see somebody saying that it's not very bright... I have a naturally dark sound so I need a piece that will brighten me up a good bit... is the ESP for me??

Thanks Guys,
Todd

[Nefertiti]

Todd,
Can't answer your question without a point of reference. What are you playing on now that sound too dark to you?

[Bootman]

I tested my ESP again today, it was nice and solid in tone, softer than a Guardala, Jaguar, Ponzol or Lawton but still it is a great mpc with a solidity of tone that many other mpcs can't match. It played well on the Martin tenor. I often use this mpc for acoustic Jazz gigs where I know over volume is going to be a problem.

I enjoy using this mpc but wished it was much wider and a little louder. Perhaps even a slightly larger tip for the big open mpc fanatics like myself amongst us.

[sattva]

sinkdraiN

I was using, like you, a V16 T95 - I think a .116 tip opening (about 8*?). On Jody's advice I opted for the ESP .110 - he reckoned that the lower baffle would give the feeling of an open lay; he was absolutely right (which is not to say that I wouldn't like to try a .120). To get the best out of the ESP you need to pay attention to your breathing, a good constant airstream with plenty of 'steel' in the solar plexus. I found that I was adjusting to the new piece spontaneously with a more open throat, which I dig as an improvement in my technique.

The first thing I noticed on trying the ESP after the V16 was a drop in volume, which concerned me initially. I think we get sort of addicted to our own sound, which we strive daily to refine and improve. Any sudden variation on this comes as a slight shock, and a little patience is required to adjust and investigate the new conditions that prevail. I loved my sound on V16 on the whole and was very much dependent on it in a sort of emotional/security way. I have to say now that it is a very loud mouthpiece and is designed to cut through an electric amplified ambient sound environment - but then we get back to the Mouthpiece-v-Microphone debate.

I have now adjusted to the volume question and seem to have compensated automatically - I still play too friggin' loud, curse it! The big advantages are the quality of the tone produced by this mouthpiece - this has already been covered - it just gets better every day. Not so much mentioned is the marvellous intonation it delivers, especially in the notorious upper register. Also altissimo is very easy and accessible and in tune. The low baffle and large chamber give a fullness and purity to the highest notes which really surprised me. If the rollover baffle in the V16 can be called a "mini-baffle", then the ESP has a "micro-baffle" just behind the tip rail.

I have played quintet gigs without amplification and without spoiler and found very good projection. I have played bigger band loud gigs with spoiler and there is the R&B sound you want to retain. I prefer to work without the spoiler in 95% of situations. I have fould that the choice of reed and ligature can bring edge and brightness to the piece without losing the big fat warm and slightly complex sound. Still looking for the best of both worlds! :wink:

[Todd]

Nefertiti and everybody else... as a point of reference from my post, I am currently playing a Berg Larsen 110/2/M with plasticover reeds. My favorite player is Dave Koz, so I am trying to emulate him.

Thanks
Todd

[elo]

I was trying the ESP 100 last month. I was looking some mpc similar to the V16 T75. I think there are diferent pieces. The ESP is an incredible easy playing mpc, but not for my needs. I was looking an allarround mpc, and I think the ESP is a litle on the dark side.

But I think that any tenor player have to try the ESP. Joddy ships the mpc to Spain, I try it and retourned to him whith no problem.

[Jody Espina]

Todd, If you are concerned with being brighter, then if you stuck with the Berg you would want a 0 chamber which would give you much more brightness. Since you're coming from a dark mpc the ESP might deliver enough brightness for you. Like the guys mentioned, it's probably worth a look with nothing to lose. The mouthpieces that I've received back have been impeccably cared for and I really appreciate that so that's how I can continue to offer these trials.
Basically people seem to get their sound out of the mouthpiece but with a fullness that sometimes is lacking in their old mouthpiece. Also what attracts people is how easy it plays and intonation.