Jody Jazz ESP

[hangman]

I bought a Jody Jazz ESP .110 Tenor Mouthpiece and took the two week trial. I decided to keep the mouthpiece for two reasons. Without the baffle it is the darkest sounding metal mouthpiece I have ever played - thus letting me play with this piece if I play Tenor in a wind symphony and not readjusting my embouchure using another piece, but it does require more air to play this way.

Second with the baffle in it, it was crisp, consise and clear and the sound had a lot more depth than my other mouthpieces. The spolier also adds a brilliance to the sound. I would play every other kind of music with the spoiler in place since it is easy to play and has a very nice tone and more freeblowing, but still a hair darker than my other peices but cuts great and has great harmonics.

The piece grew on me and fit my mouth and teeth better than many others I have played and worked great with a Eddie Daniels II ligature.

I played it with Alexander Superial Regular #3 reeds - all my DCs are gone and I need to order some more to see how it would sound with the DCs.

It plays loud enough for my kids to run away and scream that I am too loud and it plays a quite whisper effectively with a balad and I think I will have much better overtones. The altisimo isn't any easier or harder with this piece, but it is clear and it tune. It is also cool to play a low Bb, with the spoiler, there is an added ring to the tone on the low Bb.

I wasn't sure with the price and all, but the ESP .110 is a really nice mouthpiece. I really notice the difference in the sound in a very large room. It carries and comes back with a distinct tone - very cool sound.

I saw some posts about building up the baffle. The easiest thing to use is the white wall tak (to stick papers on a wall) you get at any store. It comes out with just a little tug and stays in place while you play. Much easier than dental wax.

Thank You Jody!

[Tears June]

hangman

You said without the spoiler, ESP sounds dark. Compare with today's Metal Link STM? Which is more dark & which has more rich sound? Thanks.

:cry:

[Balladeer]

I have a .110 ESP and a NY Link 7. Without the spoiler the ESP is darker than a good Link (not stuffy). With the spoiler the ESP is brighter, more focused (less spread), and louder than the Link. The Link is the reference point that most of us 'hear' in our head.

The main difference between these two is (1) the exterior size and (2) the focus (anti-spread). The ESP is a narrow mouthpiece. Make sure you like to pull the sides of your mouth in tight because you will have to. The ESP is very focused. To achieve that focus, some of the low spread or smokey rumbling you get with a Link has been eliminated - many will find this a good thing. The tone doesn't change that much with the spoiler - it's like turning up the water pressure on a hose: the flow runs faster and harder.

[Morry]

This might be what I'm looking for. I love the Link sound, but I don't have the breath anymore for a very large chamber mpc. A narrower piece like a metal Yani works better for me, but I think the sound lacks character. Maybe I'll try the ESP.

[sjabariiii]

Any opinions/experiences regarding the Jody Jazz alto pieces?

-ANDYJ

[Lenny]

Balladeer, Is the ESP 110 similar opening to the NY Link 7. I've got a 7* Link and hav been thinking about trying the ESP but haven't knowwhetehr to try a 110 or a 100.

[Balladeer]

Lenny: No. The .110 ESP is a bigger tip opening than a Link 7, and the ESP will require more air. The tip opening of the .110 ESP is like a Link 8.

[marc]

I have an ESP .100 and it is similar to a LINK 7*.
I also back up completely what Baladeer says about the ESP Vs Link and his descrition of the sound with and without spoiler.
I am still currently hesitating to use the spoiler or not. It depends also on the reeds of course. With DC Superials #3 the spoiler is great. With normal Superials #3, no spoiler needed.
Give it a try, a superb mouthpiece in all respect.

[Lenny]

Thanks, I'll try it when I get some dough.

[Tears June]

Balladeer

1) So, that's mean a ESP 100 is much like a Link 7 to 7* ?
If yes, which is more easy to play - a ESP 100 or a Metal Link 7/ 7* ?

2) For some less experience player (if have 2 years to play alto & soprano), you think a Link or a ESP is more easy for them?

4) Do you think a Metal Link is a more lower cost solution? Unfortunately, I aware the modern metal Link is mass production, max. we can find a real good one in each 3 to 4 piece. Is it?

:cry:

[Paul S]

Hi all.....I'm one happy dude today.....got my .120 ESP yesterday :D :!:

I agreed that without the spoiler it is quite link-like. I have an older 9* metal link with a longer body and wider tip.......darkest thing I've ever played. The ESP is almost as dark without the spoiler, but main difference is the ESP doesn't have that spread, fluffy sound - even a t low volume. It is more focused, but still as fat.... and defintely way easier to play. It also projects better....quite simply the best piece I've ever played!

TearsJune, if you can go try a bunch of Links then maybe you will find a good one for much less money than the ESP. Also, as your quite early in your development, not sure if I'd advise spending $350 until you really have a clear idea of the sound you're after (maybe you already? I know that it took a few years for me to really get a good idea). That said if you can't trial many pieces and are reasonably sure you want a dark, fat, "traditional" sound, then the ESP is great - probably the .100 as it has a very low baffle that makes it feel quite big. If you don't like it, then just return it to Jody and get your money back. Jody is the best out there IMHO - great service, good advice, absolutely a class act with a great product.

[tonal ambition]

You could also try a Doc Tenney perfected link from www.saxquest.com

[Vincer]

I have recently purchased a Jodyjazz .100 ESP mouthpiece for tenor and love it. I could not pick up the mouthpiece I had been using( a DG) after playing this mouthpiece.
As soon as I started playing it I could not put it down. For me it plays in all the registers so easy. It is not as bright as my previous mouthpiece which is something I had to get used to, but the sound was much fuller.
Jody's service was great. I had the mouthpiece shipped to Canada without any problems.
Great work Jody and I am looking forward to your ESP for alto.

Vince Rimbach
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
www.vincerimbach.com

[marc]

Vince,
I went to your WWW site ...
What a fantatsic music you play !!!!!!
Could you tell me how to order your CD from Europe ?
Thanks,
Marc.

[Nefertiti]

Vince,
I agree. Great playing and sound. What are your setups on that recording? I'd like to get your CD. Thanks

[Nefertiti]

Don't tell me that tenor cut is on a Guardala Studio.

[Nefertiti]

Well I ordered Vince's CD today. The clips I heard sound terrific. Look forward to hearing the rest of it. It's amazing how many burning cats are out there that we have never heard of.

[Balladeer]

With just a modem I had trouble hearing more than 5 seconds at a time, but boy what a tone Vince has! Geez, Vince sounds better than Eric Alexander. I better get some dough together and buy that CD.

[Jody Espina]

I have Vince's CD and it is tremendous. His sound on both alto and tenor is stunning. I don't actually know most of the people who post here although many are my customers, but Vince is my old college roommate from Berklee. He emailed me asking me if I had a ligature that would fit his DG and I told him that that was like asking Ford for a hubcap for his Chrysler. So we went back and forth kidding around and finally skeptically he asked me to send an ESP to try. I'm so thrilled that he likes it because I really respect his playing and he's a good friend. He's now on the waiting list for the new ESP altos which I just finished and and will be back from the platers in about two or three weeks.

Thanks, Vince.

[sattva]

I have to say, Vince, your CD is a total winner! How do I order it from Europe? Do you like ESP with or without spoiler best?

I have had my ESP .110 for for six months now and it continues to get better. My embouchure has adjusted nicely - I do not find the mouthpiece too 'slim'. I have gone up to 3 1/2 strength reeds for the first time ever, as my pratice routines are more regular and last longer, basically because I am enjoying the sound so much - long tones are fun!

There is more brightness to my sound now compared to when I first tried the mpc, I think you automatically adjust to provide a sound that suits your personal tastes, no matter what the mpc. A recently bought Consoli Ramplig (bright) ligature has slightly brightened the sound edge and cut-wise, without sacrificing the 'phatness' and warmth down below.

I favour the ESP without the spoiler wherever possible. I have used it with spoiler on a couple of gigs with loud bands - beware playing sharp with the spoiler in, you may have to pull off a little.

Jody - is there a soprano ESP in the pipeline?

[Jody Espina]

Sattva, I'm really glad that you're enjoying the mpc so much. I feel the same way. And everyone should always remember that when you put the spoiler in of course you have to pull out because you are taking up volume in the mpc. What I'm always amazed at is that it doesn't make the mpc out of tune at all once you re tune with the spoiler in.

The soprano is in the pipeline. We've talked about some possible specs and are gearing up to make the first prototypes. The basic plan is to capture the look feel and sound of the alto and tenor ESP. As always I'm going to take my time until I feel that we have it. I also rely on a lot of consulting with players who I trust.

[Tears June]

Anybody who are using ESP with Java reed? Very interesting to what kind of sound without adding the spoiler ?

:cry:

[marc]

Tears,
I use it with traditional Vandoren (blue box) I find it projects better than with the Java.
There is a sample of "All Blues" on my WWW site with the ESP and Van Doren #2.5 with spoiler in.

[coolsax_ca]

I play on standard Yas-23 alto. I currently have a (about a .61 tip opening) Rosseau mouthpiece. It's great for classical and and some mellow blues, but I'm looking for something that has the capabilities of projecting a little more, still dark but with a little more edge, for more of the jazz and blues stuff only. Would a Link be sutible, a Meyer, Vandorean V16...I'm at a loss. Looking for a good Redman sound on alto, or of that sort.

[Jody Espina]

Marc, Your sound is just beautiful on that clip. I'm proud that you chose a JodyJazz to play it on.

[johsaxe]

Marc

what is your site address so I can have a listen

[marc]

johsaxe,
In general if you want to access the WWW site of a member, you will see a small "www" icon at the bottom of his messages. Just click it.
My site is : http://cern.ch/veym/saxophone

[WhisprnJohn]

I got a JJ ESP .110 on trial acouple of weeks ago, and recommend it highly. I had been playing a Lakey 6*3 for many years and still think they are excellent and underappreciated mouthpieces, especially for the money. That said, the ESP is the most responsive, most effortless mouthpiece I have tried, with excellent projection, a beautiful round and warm sound, and very focused. The workmanship is superb as well. Jody was a pleasure to deal with, too - he and his mouthpieces are a class act all around. The ESPs are spendy compared with some other pieces, but I put my money down and am very pleased.

[sattva]

I would be very interested to know how many ESP players are using the spoiler and how many are not. What are your feelings on this? 8)

[Tears June]

I would like to know if ESP's 100 & 110 has exact same sound?

If the player who have less experience (consider air support), will 100 tip size fit for them in the middle of road.

Which is more easy to handle - ESP 100 or Metal Link STM 7 ? Both are 100 size.

:cry:

[disgruntleddave]

:(

If i only had another 500+ to use to get one of the alto pieces (im canadian). I still have to pay off my dad for the rest of my mark 6 i bought, but i am still looking for a new mouthpiece.

anything cheap(er) that combines a dark tone with really responsive and free blowing -ness and the altissimo capabilities of a regular jj alto piece?

[gary]

MajinX - have you tried a Meyer 6M? Should do the job with the right reed and ligature (Rovner dark, i.e.). You could even have it tweaked by an excellent reface technician and still come out ahead, price-wise.

By the way, the above comments notwithstanding, I love my ESP tenor MPC am on the reserve list for the new alto ESP.

[disgruntleddave]

i have a meyer 6m right now. I find it much too stuffy and resistant, on many different reed combinations. altissimo is horrid for me on that mouthpiece, it is effortless on the jj i have. I have tried it with a rovner lig, and i found that it just constricted the sound even more, so i have decided to try something else from meyer.

anyone want to sponser me a closed jj alto esp? its my 18th birthday today...


anyone?



:(

[disgruntleddave]

btw marc, you sound amazing in those clips. i love your tone. added a couple of your clips to my jazz collection :)

[disgruntleddave]

is there a way to edit my posts? then i wouldnt have to keep posting again once i remember what i wanted to post before.

anyone suggest a reed to darken a jj alto 7 (not esp unfortunately) on a mark6 with the plastic lig it included?

[gary]

MajinX - I had my Meyer refaced by Jon Van Wie and it has none of the negative characteristics you describe. Maybe you just need to get a good reface on your MPC.

You might also be interested to know that the standard lig that comes with the ESP is a Rovner and I haven't heard anyone complain about problems with that. But I've got some 10 year old Rovners and they play differently than the current one that came with my ESP. Maybe that's what's giving you problems.

Regarding reeds - well, I don't understand your question, but if it's what reed will darken a JJ 7, I would suggest trying Hemke, Vandoren blue/purple box or Alexander DC's.

I am playing a Runyon 7 alto, also refaced by JVW, so I would expect the quality to be comparable with yours. I've played DC's and, when I can keep them from squeaking, they give a darker sound than the LaVoz that I usually use.

When I want a darker sound on my tenor ESP I play on the above reeds.

[marc]

Thanks Majinx !

[ferrari]

Vince; I went to your site and had a listen. Nice stuff! I'm glad to see that there are cats out there playing straight ahead jazz. Really cool original work as well. Keep up the great work, and good luck!

[Vincer]

Sattva, sorry I did not reply sooner. Thanks for your interest in my CD. You can go to http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rimbach to purchase the CD. They deal internationally with credit cards, checks, etc.
I have been using the spoiler with my ESP. I like the edge it gives me.

[Silhouette]

Hi Vincer, your tone is excellent and great work...heard your clip. Wat mouthpiece were u using for those recording on your website?

regards...
looking forward to your new works :)

[Vincer]

Thanks for checking out my website.

I was using a Guardala on my Tenor and a #7 meyer on alto both with van doren 2 1/2 reeds.