Model 88

[Lizz]

I've been looking for a new mouth piece, after researching for a few weeks and hearing more good reviews about Runyons, I originaly decided on a smoothbore or Jaguar, but I asked my band director what facing I should get. He wasn't familiar with the brand so I showed him the facing & sound charts from the runyonproducts.com website. anyways He thinks I should go with the model 88 in a 4 or 5 facing. I've been looking around for some info but can't find much, anyone have any opinions on this mp?

Thanks.

(BTW: I'm playing an Alto in concert,marching,&jazz band)

[Hurling Frootmig]

I play on an old Conn piece that is the same as the 88 from time to time. It would make a very nice all around piece for a student in that you can darken it up nicely with some Hemke's or brighten it up with some Rico Jazz Selects.

[MojoBari]

Your director is trying to get you a good mouthpiece at a good price. I think his advice is good. It is nice he looked over the info. Many would have just told you to get a Selmer C* mouthpiece. They work, but there are other good choices.

There is a fellow in South Africa who takes a Runyon 88 blank and makes a work of art out of it: Johannes Gerber. They are on eBay and he will sell direct. Usually $50 about $10 to wire the $ to So Africa. They come in cool colors too.

A Runyon 5 tip opening is a good choice. It is just slightly more open than a C*. A Runyon Custom Spoiler is also a good choice.

[Paul Coats]

The Model 88 #5 is excellent for concert band or solo & ensemble with any of the darker reeds (such as Hemke 3).

For jazz band, the Custom Spoiler #6 to #7. If you are new to jazz band, I would advise the 6. If you are a strong player, 7. You will need to use a little softer reed with these larger facings than you do with a concert band mouthpiece. Also, use a cut of reed suitable to the type of music. For the Custom Spoiler, Rico Plasticover, regular Rico orange box, Vandoren Java (not bluebox, the green), Lavoz, and my favorite, the Fibracell. For the 6 or 7, a Fibracell Med Soft is about right.

[mark_m]

Small point, I believe the JG's are from a 22 blank, not the 88.

[MojoBari]

Thanks, I did know that but plead temporary insanity.

[mark_m]

Long's you still gots your mojo..

[Saxhobo]

I have acqiuired a horn with a model 88 mouthpiece (tenor). However, it has no size markings anywhere. It seems to be more open than a 5, but I have no idea. Plays pretty well even if I don't know. Is this common?