URGENT! Phil Barone Sop MPC - Which facing?!

[TerraNova]

Hey guys,

I have a dilema. I would like to purchase a Phil Barone Mpc for my new Sop coming VERY soon, buttttt... I don't know which facing I should be looking at!! :shock: I am looking at purchasing the Vintage Sop mpc.

I currently play my Series II SA80 with a Selmer C*, but I have been told that the equivelant is a PB Vintage 5*? Something like that?

Am I better off getting something a bit more open (7*?)? What does everyone think?? Please tell me your opinions... I'll take anything on board.

-------------
"I don't do jazz"

[TerraNova]

Oops, I forgot to say that my SA80 is an ALTO!! My bad.

[Frank D]

Get one of each.

[TerraNova]

LOL... Thanks :) That's not an option


-------
"I don't do jazz"

[Morry]

If you're currently playing a C*, be careful not to follow a fad and jump to 7 or larger right away. With the soprano being a little more difficult to control the intonation on anyway, remember that the more open the facing, the more variable the pitch. Try a 6 or 6* and see if that works for you. Be sure to get it from somewhere like WW&BW so that you can send it back if it's not just right.

[TerraNova]

Morry,

Thanks for that tip! I'll see what I can find locally.

-------
"I don't do jazz"

[rollen]

either call Phil or send him an email. He will gladly help you.

[TerraNova]

Yeah I have been exchanging emails with Phil, that was going to be my next email.

Thanks for reminding me!! :idea:

[coufplayer]

I'm playing a PB Vintage 7* - no problems - it plays easily with either a 2.5 or 3 reed. Nice piece. It plays similar to a Meyer, but I like it a lot better. btw - generally you can get this mp from Phil much cheaper from one his ebay auctions instead of buying it off of his website.

[MojoBari]

Also, the HR Ponzol and the HR Bari appear to be made from the same blank. The Bari just has a banded shank. They all look the same inside. There will be facing variations, even if you buy 2 pieces with the same markings on them. So try a few anod/or get them refaced to your liking. These are my favorite sop sax pieces.

[TerraNova]

Sorry, but what is a banded shank? My knowledge of the ins and outs of mpcs is very small!!

[TerraNova]

Oh and I have another question... I just had a look on Ponzol's website... And there are 2 HR mpcs...

The Traditional and the Custom... Which one were you referring to? Or are they equally as good?

[MojoBari]

I think I'm talking Trad. There was only one modle when I got mine.

The banded shank has a metal band around the outside of it. On this piece, its mostly a cosmetic thing since they are not prone to cracking.

[TerraNova]

Oh i see...
Yeah the custom one is a replica of the metal mpcs, but in HR!! Supposed to give you the projection of a metal mpc, but the sound of a rubber... ? I donno.....

I wanna give one a toot!