Runyons: one of the worst mouthpieces?!

[oppai]

I've just been reading a couple of responses to the thread "worst mouthpieces" (under general mouthpiece discussion); I am so very surprised to see that Bionix was rated one of the worst, and that one even went as far as "all Runyons". For a moment I felt that a great injustice has been done, but then everyone has their different opinions. It just shocked me that Runyons could be rated as one of the worst...

[colibri]

I don't know what to say. I've never played a Runyon that's bad.

[saxmanjack]

Now we know why we have the "Runyon Only" category...

[Grumps]

The first Runyon I purchased was a metal Quantum for Tenor. Considering that up to that point in time I had been using the same Brilhart Level Air for over twenty years, I was really impressed by how free blowing the Quantum was. The initial trouble was the ligature... the plastic one that came with it was useless as it didn't even fit. I called Runyon and they promptly sent me a metal one (great service) at no charge which was adequate, but the recommended Rovner wasn't, as it tended to slip. While I was getting tired of constant ligature adjustments, I noticed one day while playing in tight quarters that the sound was "quacky". Fed up, it went on the trading block. The receipient promptly had it on Ebay after that. I've also tried a plastic Quantum for baritone that also had a certain quackiness to it, but it had been modified by its prior owner, so it's not a fair gripe. I did like a Custom alto piece I tried, and I'm a fan of Jody Jazz's modified Runyons, so it's not just an anti-Runyon rap..... I just don't like the Quantums.

[Zman]

On my 10M, I too prefer the Custom Spoiler to the Quantum. I use Rovner ligs. Works very well for me. I agree that the stock Runyon lig seems a little cheesy.

[Bill Mecca]

My first Runyon Experience was with a Custom Quantum Spoiler 9, it was heaven on my Buffet SDA tenor. I got a Red Custom Spoiler as well, and it plays well, just a bit more focused sounding, than the Quantum.

I prefer the Quantum's sound and now play a 12. I've have a Rovner dark lig for it and a Consoli, I usually use the Consoli (size C) but the fabric has strecthed a bit, so I need to shrink it a bit. It fits, but just not as tight as I would like sometimes. The next size down (b) would be too small.

Oh, my music preference is R&R and R&B.

[JL]

I think one of the real positive things about Runyon is the diversity of mpcs they sell. All are high quality, but the sound varies quite a bit from one model to the next. So you have a real choice and will likely find something that suits you. I have a metal Quantum and I'm not crazy about it. It's not terrible, just kinda harsh sounding to me. On the other hand, the Jaguar has the most incredible tone quality and best feel of any mouthpiece I've ever played, with or without the makeshift spoiler I sometimes use in it.

[Zman]

Right, that's what I experienced with a Quantum on the 10M, just a little too harsh. The Custom Spoiler cured that completely, with a nice edgy sound for blues and R&R. I like the Jody Jazz too, but mine is almost too mellow for my style. Like 'edgeless'.

[phathorn]

I personally find that the Bionix I picked up doesn't work for me...I think the piece is of excellent quality, but I have a hard enough time on a standard high baffle piece, let alone a bionix!

[brickboo]

I have the#10 Metal Quantum with the spoiler. It is brite. I like brite. It's the easiest blowing mouthpiece I found out of at least 10 top brands I've tried. On my Buescher 400 it's the only one that I can subtone with and hit the altissimo up to C. Impossible with outher pieces I've tried.

I couldn't tighten the ligature up with the round screws that came with the mouthpiece. So I bought some flat head screws and really tighten the heck out of it and I haven't had a problem since. It did let go with the round headed screw when I first got it. I love it with the flat head screws. I just blow easy in the lower register and have plenty of volume for what I do.