S.R. vs. Finesse? (alto)

[gyrofrog.com]

Both the S.R. and Finesse seem to be dark-toned mouthpieces. A comparison chart shows that the S.R. is on the louder side (about like a Custom) while the Finesse is on the quiet side. Yet, the Finesse may be purchased with the optional spoiler.

If I wanted a dark sound with less edge (think Armenian duduk), yet plenty of volume (if needed), is the S.R. or the Finesse w/ spoiler the better choice?

[MS]

I think the Finesse is a dark classical type mps. The SR will give you more volume and color.

[Mike Ruhl]

I believe the alto SR is simply the Custom with a lower baffle. Several years ago Paul Coats told me there were 3 versions of the alto Custom: the #1 chamber had the lowest baffle (and may have been the original design), the #2 chamber (formerly the Art Pepper model, now known as the "Custom") had a medium baffle, and the #3 chamber had the highest baffle and was marketed as the "Custom Jazz". I think Santy may have decided to rename the Custom #1 chamber as the SR after he reintroduced the tenor SR.

I've not seen the alto Finesse, but I believe its chamber is probably larger than any of the Custom variants, and its exterior dimensions are more like most other alto mpcs. I agree with MS that the Finesse is probably the darker of two.

[MS]

Mike - you're right on with the Finesse. It's really a nice playing and sounding mps. I think I have at least one of each of the Runyon alto models. The Finesse has a pretty wide sound and good core focus and is a dark piece. There is some color there but no edge to speak of unless you voice it in. Essentially a square chamber. This is the only Runyon mps that I didn't order a spoiler for. So I have no experience on this one with spoiler.

I can get a fair amount of volume, edge and flexibility out of the SR if I taylor adjust a reed for it. It is a good player too. Not as stout as the Custom, but it's fun to play sometimes.

[Paul Coats]

Meruhl is exactly correct. The SR alto WAS the original Custom, but was replaced in the line by the current Custom (aka Art Pepper Model). They are externally the same, but differ in the chamber.

The SR has a near classical tone, perfect for theater and old big band (Ellington and Basie type lead alto tone). It is a close match to the tone of the SR tenor, and thus the renaming to avoid confusion with the Custom and Custom Jazz.

I would not hesitate to use an SR alto if I were to play in concert band and have to project solo passages. This is a mouthpiece with a wonderful tone, yet can blend, too. I recently performed a wonderful 1930's French style alto solo with sax ensemble accompanyment, and the SR was chosen for that performance. The solo was easily balanced with the other 5 players.

For a dark, yet projecting tone, the SR would be my suggestion to you.