selmer soloist- vintage or modern?

[Benny]

I've trawled through searches and been unable to find a definative comparision between the vintage soloist (horse-shoe chamber) and the modern ones.
I played a vintage C* yesterday and it was gorgeous, but it would be so much easier to get a modern one. Problem is, most local stores don't stock them in a variety of sizes so trying one is hard. Before I ordered one on the net I wanted to try and get some opinions.
Can anyone help??
Thanks

[MM]

I also wonder are they all pretty dark or ? I have a really nice Soloist C* that is pretty flexible, just not all that loud. If you get an E or F would it be more of a Kenny Garrett thing or is it a lot of effort to push one to that place?

[tdeane]

The new Soloist is not as good as the old one. The chamber is a little smaller and they play brighter. Also, the facing is longer which makes a big difference. Kenny Garrett actually doesn't play a Soloist. He plays the later non soloist long shank with an E facing.

[simma]

Hi Benn,

Im glad you liked the soloist :) , best mouthpiece i have ever tried but i dont know if there would be much difference between the new and the old ones. But you are correct, it would have been heaps better if the opening was a C** or a D.

[HOUSTON NONET]

good?-- anybody try both

[decade]

I have a Short Shank C* with horseshoe chamber, which I have read is the same as the longer version, although the shorter version brings in more money on ebay.

I can't compare it to the newer soloist because I haven't played any, but I will offer my comparison to a S80 C*.

The Short shank has a much "sweeter" sound, which can be heard in the palm keys. Using the same reed, the short shank has a bit of edge, but not nearly as harsh as the S80. Hard to write in words, because I'm describing what I hear... hope that helps somewhat.

[LeftySaxDude]

Kenny Garrett actually plays on a Fred Rast customized Selmer Soloist-style piece. It may have started out as an E, but Rast really opened it up to a .096" and opened the chamber a bit, and thinned the rails also. Kenny actually has a bag full of soloists that he takes with him on tour, but he almost always comes back to one that Rast customized.

[Swampcabbage]

Selmer did a re-issue of the scroll shank which you can still find at some places. I like them. I don't know how they really stack against the old ones. But, I have a D and an F. Both are very nice playing pieces. Nice and fat, darker sound. I believe the older ones have a mellower sound and not as much bite to them. If you have a modern C* then you may wish to try a thicker read on it.

[SuperDave]

I have a Rast customized Soloist-style piece, he does them in 2 sizes, I went with the smaller opening, as I wanted to be able to play low and soft. I also have a vintage short shank Soloist that I have had for about 25 yrs. It is bright and too closed...I have thought about having Fred open it up to the Garrett opening...since the other piece plays so well.

[blue boy]

The Rast Soloist (.96) has ended my search for an alto piece. It is very versatile, the only alto piece (jazz/R&B/rock) I'll ever need. Highly recommended.

[Dweekie]

I had at one time a Mojobari Modern Soloist, Eric from mouthpiece guys Short Shank soloist, and a JVW long shank soloist. They all played vastly different, from very sweet (modern soloist) to gobs of power (jvw soloist). I guess if you get anything worked on, comparisons don't matter at all. You can tell I enjoy the soloists.... I'll have to look into the Rast soloist.

[jd]

I never was a big fan of the older soloist but I recently have been playing on a new soloist reissue and they play louder and brighter but still maintain a good core sound. I tried it on a yamaha then later on my old mark 6. the sound on the mark 6 is really nice! also its the easiest mouthpiece ive ever played . mine is a d facing. Ive tried many old soloists and have never got this type of response. (im used to jumbo java and dukoffs and lost no power/projection.) I know that sounds strange but for me its true ..

[MM]

Jd is right, Soloists are an excellent fit to the Mk VI. Since they came with the horns I guess it shouldn't be a suprise. When I played a C* on my old 119xxx VI it would project nicely. Though not quite "loud big band lead" volume.