Lawton vs. Lawton vs. Lawton...

[George]

Thanks to many on this board I eventually ended up with a Gold/bronze Lawton BB8* for my SX90R tenor. I am using a Plasticover 3.5 with that mpc and it works great on stage. My band plays mostly pop/rock but occasionally we do some ballads. I like the edge and control of the mpc and the richness of the SX90R together - it sort of gives me a bright, yet dark sound (if that can be said).

We are, however, going to be recording a new album in a few months and I was thinking that maybe the BB8* would be too edgy for studio work. Should I get a B8* or a P8* for recording purposes?

[Dr G]

We are, however, going to be recording a new album in a few months and I was thinking that maybe the BB8* would be too edgy for studio work. Should I get a B8* or a P8* for recording purposes?

Start by trying some cane reeds. The French cut (thinner tip) reeds will be darker than the American style (thicker tip) reeds. Either one will have less harsh buzz than your current setup.

If you really want less edge and more dark to the sound, go for a smaller tip opening as well as less baffle. That said, I, too, prefer a .110" tip opening on tenor and get plenty o' darkness on demand.

Of the Lawton's, I really like the 8 (plain) - it plays with about the same resistance as the 8*B I used previously. Keep in mind that for a given tip opening, less baffle will typically give more resistance.

G'luck.

George

(Lamberson J8, Rico Select Jazz 3S(U), Francois Louis lig, Borgani Silver Pearl tenor)

[Subtone Sam]

Dr.G is right,try cane reeds.LaVoz reeds work best on Lawtons,in my experience.Cane reeds will give you darker,more fullbodied tone.

[Bootman]

La Voz is the best reed for a Lawton hands down, the RJS is ok but they can be a little too edgy on the BB chamber models. I have used an 8*BB on tenor and Bari for many recordings without any problems. You just need to stand off the mic a little so that you get a more natural sound. Any competent engineer can handle recording you with a Lawton on your horn.

[Chris]

Try Alexander DC !

[cmelodysax]

I use a Lawton 8*BB on a Martin tenor, and can confirm that LaVoz reeds (medium'ish) are the best for a slightly mellower sound - but still crisp. Or try Rico Royal 2.5 or 3 for more edge - you'll like the sound, still not as buzzy as Plasticover.
Don't push the sound, you don't have to compete in the studio, just relax and you'll be amazed at how good the Lawton can sound. Just don't change mouthpieces now.......... Rgrds, Alan.

[enrico]

try a lawton,8 or 9 starwith a fibracell med or hard,and enjoy.effortless and full and warm sound.believe me.

[Troy]

Hey, maybe you should try some sort of Lawton! ;)

Seriously, I wouldn't change anything. That would be like school kids getting all dressed up for picture day. They never look the way they really look!

[basti 15]

hi i´ve always wanted a lawton mouthpiece with a big opening, but i have not enough money to buy a new one can anybody tell me a homepage where to find used one for cheap???

[cmelodysax]

No such place I'm afraid, we'd all be there ahead of you.....

Sometimes buying used ones off the UK ebay site is cheaper than the US site (shipping isn't expensive for a mpc, even a metal one) but even then they often fetch near-new prices, and in general most Lawton players -like me- hold on to them for life.

Sorry !

[soulysax]

Got a Lawton 8* BB Gold over Brass. Great Piece. In fact it may be one of the best players I have ever owned. Even better than my now sold Guardala Brecker I.

I use the Hartmann Carbon Codera on all my horns. Tip plays firm but body is thin. Blows great in all registers with a natural sound. Nothing touches this reed.

Surprised more people aren't using this reed. I guess the $25 per reed scares them off.

I agree with sticking with got ya there on the setup. The sound guy is going to screw with your tone anyway. :twisted: May as well be comfortable while you play.

[Morry]

How are the bronze 'ICON' Lawton pieces? Does anyone know if they make it, or any other bronze piece, for bari? I don't see one listed anywhere.

[Bootman]

They do, or at least they did make the Bronze mpcs for Bari. It was a special order and you had to go directly to Europe to order one.

[CashSax]

I'm trying a tenor 9 BB Bronze vs my DGSKRB and hand made Lakey Metal 7*..The 9 tip is supposed to be .120 I wanted a little less tip than the DGSKRB at .123-.125...we shall see.... :roll: