larry
09-04-2003, 01:22 PM
After playing a Meyer 4 with Rico 2's for 20 years, I was looking for a change - the glowing reviews of Runyon's in SOTW and Charlie A's competitive prices convinced me to give it a go.
I ordered a Custom 4 and am playing Rico 2 1/2s on it. Throwing caution to the wind I ordered the clear red one 'cause I think it looks cool and matches my red pads (Stage craft don't you know) My initial reaction is very positive: My upper register is definitely clearer and more in tune. Upper stack notes burst out and the overall responsiveness is very impressive.It's much brighter than I was expecting - it turned my tone from a somewhat nasal, old fashioned sound into something more Paul Desmond like - which isn't necessarily bad.This is one powerful mouthpiece. My volume like, doubled, effortlessly. It's a real confidence booster.Also, for the first time in my life I can hit a G3 and many of the other altissimo notes pop out with authority!
On the Downside:
I seem to have lost much of my ability to play subtones below a C1As others in this forum have pointed out, the ligature that comes with it, blows (and not in the good way). Naturally, none of my other ligatures fit it. I called up Runyon to complain that even when cranked all the way down, ther was still a fair amount of reed movement. The very nice lady who answered the phone said she'd send me a replacement lig even though I bought it through Charlie A.I think I ordered too thin an opening - I just went with the equivalent listing from the Runyon compatibility guide. I get the sense that to regain some of the dark color I need to open up the tip to a 5 or 6. Charlie was willing to send me two to try provided that I put both on my card knowing that I'd send back one, but unfortunately, I didn't have that kind of flexibilityI ordered the spoiler option, but frankly, between the power of the mouthpiece and the boldness of the Super 20, it was just too much! I can't imagine myself needing that much volume ever!
My teacher, a bebop player, who plays a HR Link 6-star, was intrigued enough to try it out, but the sound was way too bright for him - although he did like the power and responsiveness.
So overall, I'm thrilled - it'll probably become my regular mouthpiece from here out. I'm also really happy with the support I got from Charlie A and Runyon as well.
Questions for you-all:
1) Can I send it somewhere to have it turned into a 5- or 6-opening? What is the cost for something like that?
2) Do you-all recommend those protective sheets I've seen for sale to prevent teeth marks? I haven't noticed any scratches after two weeks, but after 5 years?
Thanks for all of your advice,
Larry
I ordered a Custom 4 and am playing Rico 2 1/2s on it. Throwing caution to the wind I ordered the clear red one 'cause I think it looks cool and matches my red pads (Stage craft don't you know) My initial reaction is very positive: My upper register is definitely clearer and more in tune. Upper stack notes burst out and the overall responsiveness is very impressive.It's much brighter than I was expecting - it turned my tone from a somewhat nasal, old fashioned sound into something more Paul Desmond like - which isn't necessarily bad.This is one powerful mouthpiece. My volume like, doubled, effortlessly. It's a real confidence booster.Also, for the first time in my life I can hit a G3 and many of the other altissimo notes pop out with authority!
On the Downside:
I seem to have lost much of my ability to play subtones below a C1As others in this forum have pointed out, the ligature that comes with it, blows (and not in the good way). Naturally, none of my other ligatures fit it. I called up Runyon to complain that even when cranked all the way down, ther was still a fair amount of reed movement. The very nice lady who answered the phone said she'd send me a replacement lig even though I bought it through Charlie A.I think I ordered too thin an opening - I just went with the equivalent listing from the Runyon compatibility guide. I get the sense that to regain some of the dark color I need to open up the tip to a 5 or 6. Charlie was willing to send me two to try provided that I put both on my card knowing that I'd send back one, but unfortunately, I didn't have that kind of flexibilityI ordered the spoiler option, but frankly, between the power of the mouthpiece and the boldness of the Super 20, it was just too much! I can't imagine myself needing that much volume ever!
My teacher, a bebop player, who plays a HR Link 6-star, was intrigued enough to try it out, but the sound was way too bright for him - although he did like the power and responsiveness.
So overall, I'm thrilled - it'll probably become my regular mouthpiece from here out. I'm also really happy with the support I got from Charlie A and Runyon as well.
Questions for you-all:
1) Can I send it somewhere to have it turned into a 5- or 6-opening? What is the cost for something like that?
2) Do you-all recommend those protective sheets I've seen for sale to prevent teeth marks? I haven't noticed any scratches after two weeks, but after 5 years?
Thanks for all of your advice,
Larry