Bright Mark VI Alto

[Balladeer]

What would make my Mark VI alto (61,xxx) sound so bright? I like the volume and projection, but lately, it's just too bright for me. I'm playing a Jody Jazz 9 with Lavoz medium reeds. This has been my only alto since Dec. 1966. I don't recall it sounded this bright back in music school using a HR Berg 85/1 with the same reeds.

[scale_master]

Did you have an overhaul/modification done?
Have you tried a Berg mouthpiece?

[Balladeer]

Yeah, I had it overhauled in September. Rather than relaq, I elected to have it chemically stripped, hand rubbed, and a single light coat of clear lacquer applied to protect the metal from the humidity. Also, the tech recommended oversized, domed, brass resonators called Beasonators (after Ken Beason). The horn is no louder or softer than before the overhaul.

The Jody Jazz 9 is a change, too. I had played a HR Berg 85/1 for over 30 years. When playing rock and blues, I found that I could blow more air than the mouthpiece was converting into volume out. So, I moved up to a HR Berg 95/2 and sold the 85/1. Unfortunately, the new Bergs just aren't as well made as the older ones (my 85/1 was purchased in 1971), and I had these little chirps that wouldn't go away. That's why I bought the JJ.

[Andrew]

I'm sure it's the oversized resos that you've got on it.

[Jeff Foster]

I'm sure it's the oversized resos that you've got on it.

Yep. That horn was not built with metallic resonators. A VI tends to be a little on the bright side anyway because of the conical bore. Add oversized metallic resos and and it's edge city.