Metal vs plastic quantum

[oppai]

Besides the material...what is the big difference in terms of sound?

[MS]

Plastic is brighter.

[MojoBari]

I agree.

The metals I measured are faced more accurately. The Delrin ones often have a slight twist to the facing. If you look at the tip with a reed on it, the gap at the left reed corner may look different than the right one. They still play decent, but play even better when this is fixed.

The tables and side rails of the metal ones often show grooves from the machining process that are just plated over. These can sometimes leak air.

These are just "mass production" defects and they are not a big deal really. You are not paying big bucks for these pieces. If you find you like I think it is affordable to get it hand faced and you will still be ahead of a high priced piece.

The metal Q is also available with a plastic tooth deck glued on. It gives it a bigger, more conventional feel in your mouth.

I think it is best to start with the lower cost plastic Quantum to see if you like them. Later, you can zero in on a metal one if you want something a tad more mellow.

[oppai]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I just happened to browse through International Musical Supplier's catalogue, and the plastic Quantum is available in small and large chambers, which is not otherwise seen on the Runyon site.

Anyone with any ideas?

[MS]

Might just be a way of listing the XL (small chamber?). The Quantum is a large chamber. Might be worth an email to clarify with International.

[MojoBari]

The alto Q was available this way a number of years ago. They could have some old stock, but I doubt it. I think they just have not updated their Runyon info to reflect what is currently available.

WW&BW still lists a Metal Spoiler Series which I think has been a Smoothbore for a number of years.