Lead Alto piece?

[Andres]

I recently stumbled into a lead alto gig with a local big band that plays mostly Nestico charts and dance numbers, and found that my current setup (Meyer 7M & Vandoren Java 2.5 on a Big B alto) just didn't cut it. I think I have a pretty decent tone, but I just felt swallowed by the section no matter how hard I pushed things, and on some charts I thought I was going to bust an O-ring. I need to make a mouthpiece change.

So, I've narrowed my mouthpiece choice to Runyons, but I've had no experience with them on alto (been primarily a tenor player for the last several years). Right now, my leading candidate is the Custom Jazz, but I'm also wondering about the "regular" Custom. Would it be a better choice for lead? I don't want to go to the extreme and get an X.L...seems like overkill for the type of music I play, and I hear tell that it really thins the tone out ala Dukoffs.

I'm also considering a reed switch to Fibracells, but dunno if this would just complicate things.

I'd appreciate any feedback. I'm looking to pick up a new piece in the next week or so. Thanks!

[sopsax]

I'm pretty happy with the JodyJazz 8 for lead alto work. Nice crisp tone, great projection and dynamic control throughout the range. It's not super warm tonewise, but that's probably not your concern if you're struggling to be heard over a bunch of other horns.

Fibracells work OK for me with this mouthpiece. I'm still experimenting with strengths, but basically the Fibracell is a mighty reed -- get a good one and you can play it forever.

The JodyJazz is a modified Runyon Custom Jazz. Jody Espina adds an extra level of finish work and quality control, then play-tests each one. If you have questions about tip opening, customization, etc., he's accessible and prompt. Email <Jody@JodyJazz.com> and visit http://www.jodyjazz.com/

[MojoBari]

A JJ or Custom Jazz Spoiler would be worth checking out. The SPoiler option gives you 2 sounds to try out.

You may also want to try a Powertone baffle in your Meyer and plastic Bari-brand reeds. This is a way to brighten up your existing set-up.

[Andres]

I always thought that JodyJazz pieces were based on the Custom, not the Custom Jazz. Interesting. Any idea which piece is generally "warmer"?

Mojo, I've never tried a Powertone baffle, but I played a BARI soft reed for several months about 10 years ago. Wow. I thought I'd make most of the clarinet section start bleeding spontaneously. :)

[super20dan]

i played lead alto in a VERY loud big band and went tru 20 different mpcs till i found the right one . i chose the runyon x.l . with out the spoiler and using cane reeds (as opposed to rico plasticover) it is NOT as brash and buzzy as the dukoff. it is however much eaiser and more reed friendly and controlable than the dukoff. this is the ideal lead alto mpc for contemporary big band music. it does soft as well as it does loud and everything inbetween . put in the spoiler and its sanborn city! my second choice was the runyon custom jazz but it does not quite have the power i needed . it does have a great liquid -smooth alto sound that i love and i use it for studio work. other good choices include the lakey,vandoreen junbo java and the metal yani and beechler diamond inlay (s or m)

[Brian]

The Jody Jazz is based on the Custom, NOT the custom Jazz. The Jody Jazz is both warmer and more complex in tone than either of the others. I like the JJ with spoiler for lead. I also like both the smoothbore and the Jaguar Jazz. The smoothbore is a little less brittle, to me, than the XL, and you can drive it harder up high. The Jaguar is a similar feel to the smoothbore but way more complex in tone ... less piercing.

[zadu]

JJ alto 9 w/ fibracell & spoiler optional has worked just great for me too, and is easy to lay back with also. Plenty of warmth if you want and will cut a little if pushed. When things have evolved to a really high volume in the band I play with, I used a Rovner Deep V, but had trouble blending well in soli sections.
I kinda like Super20dan's comments re: the XL, and figure that it is worth at least a try for a while.

[MS]

The XL works for me when I need power and cut. It's very flexible for the way I play. Loud and soft is easy to control.

[MojoBari]

[quote="MojoBari"]A JJ or Custom Jazz Spoiler...quote]

My mistake, I meant to say the Custom Spoiler. I play an 8 with and without the Spoiler. I use Fibracells on it. I played on a JVW Meyer for a number of years with the Powertone and Bari reeds. Now I just use the Meyer as a sample as to how Meyers should be set up.