help over right combination

[Bird_Lives1991]

hey all


I have been playing a berg larssen 95/1 metal mpc on alto for about 8 or 9 months and im getting a big sound out of it, I just find it difficult to find the right reed for it, recently ive found softer reeds easier though im now trying to go back to using harder reeds. Im thinking of trying a new mouthpiece probably a meyer, maybe this will make a difference and make things easier. Are Brilhart mouthpieces worth tracking down? Im looking for a big cannonball kinda sound.

any recommendations or ideas appreciated


thanks

[renaissance_man]

Hi, Bird

Just wondering, do you listen to Cannonball at all? And when I say listen, I mean get his music so ingrained into your head (and more importantly, your ear) that you can sing his solos along with him, more or less note for note? If not, then getting a new mouthpiece in hopes of achieving a "Cannonball" sound maybe be more to your detriment than to your boon. I say this because the audible influence of another player in your sound (Cannonball, in this case) is far more powerful than the incremental differences between a Brilhart and a Meyer. What I'm saying is, if Cannonball is an element that you want to incorporate into your sound and style, get his sound and style in your ear first. Then later you can fuss over chambers and baffles and whatnot, if you are so inclined.

[bruce bailey]

I had a 95/2 in 1963 and found that it was just too open for an Alto. Try a Meyer 6M or 7M or go with a Selmer Super Session. You may be surprised at the clarity.

[argith]

I'll have to agree with both above posts. I've been listening more and changing mouthpieces less and man I can tell a difference! My improvising is still HORRIBLE, but I can play what's written much better and with a sound closer to my idols.

With more open mouthpieces, the general idea is to use softer reeds, and with closed mouthpieces, use a harder reed.

Also, I'd second trying a Meyer 6M or Selmer Super Session E.

Good luck!

[gelliot2]

I totally agree with argith.

I played a Meyer 6M for years and recently acquired the Super Session E.

The Super Session has the edge for me.

[Bird_Lives1991]

I do listen a lot to cannonball and yeah i can kinda sing along almost to certain solos. I'm digging 'things are getting better' at the moment. I have his sound and style imbedded in my mind.

[renaissance_man]

In that case, you are definitely headed in the right direction. At this point, just really try to copy his inflections, articulations, etc. As far as your mouthpiece, I would only switch if the mouthpiece is too big for you; a 95 on alto is more than many can handle. Also, if it's a #1 chamber/baffle, the brightness might be throwing you. If that be the case, you might want to choose a mouthpiece with a lower baffle. Even a high baffle piece can sound somewhat dark in the hands (or mouth!) of an experienced saxophonist, but at this point, it might just be easier to switch. Hope this helps.

[Bird_Lives1991]

well to be honest, i dont fully understand these technical details about mouthpiece, all i know is my mouthpiece is a metal berg that says 95/1 sms on it and im finding it good to play. I've heard that more time working on sound by perseverance and sticking to a particular set-up is more effective that frequently changing set-up. But i dunno. Out of curiosity and because i would like to hear and feel the difference, i intend to try out a meyer a selmer super session or whatever is accessible.

thank you again.

[cfile]

I own a Meyer 5m and a Brilhart Ebolin 3*. I prefer the latter, just a little smoother sound. But if I'm playing with electrified instruments, I sometimes use the Meyer for the additional cut. The difference is incremental.

[renaissance_man]

I've heard that more time working on sound by perseverance and sticking to a particular set-up is more effective that frequently changing set-up. But i dunno.

Well, ultimately it's your decision, but think about it this way: in order to develop your sound, you need to get used to the feel of your equipment, and if you're constantly changing your equipment, you can't get used to the feel of it. I'm just sayin'...