What do you think about Yamaha's 5C MPC ?

[The Coctor]

I have a Jumbo Java T75 that is completely unsuitable for calssical playing. I've been looking lately for a new MPC for my Serie III tenor, for classical playing.
Tried several MPC and have to say I liked the 5C a lot. What do you think about it ?
Isn't it considered a "beginner's MPC" ? :?

[bruce bailey]

Lately I have actually been using a 5C on soprano. Teh only thing I would worry about on Tenor is the small tip opening. Also the Customs are different tips from the standard Yamahas.

[A Greene]

The 5C Tenor is in the C* range. I think they work REALLY well for my middle school kids. Or course that's with a #3 Orange Box Rico. I did have a bad batch of Yamaha mouthpieces last year. Facing were REALLY rough. I just ordered a couple new ones today.

If you like a particular mouthpiece - then it really shouldn't matter if it's a Yamaha 5C or $1500 Slant Sig Link. I know that's easy to say coming from a guy (me) who plays Tenney Custom Links on a 5 digit VI tenor - but don't hate me.

[Honker]

I recently changed to a 5C from the thing that came with my alto. I love it. It has a fuller sound than the 4C. maybe one day I will change to something else, but for now I like it. On the tenor I use a Meyer 6mm that I love.

[The Coctor]

The thing is that I do play much open and "higher level" mpcs, such as my Jumbo Java T75 and a STM 9, but when I joined our concert band I had to keep it quiet, which was almost impossible with my Jumbo Java and my STM Link.

After trying to use those two mpcs I realized that while I was able to play quiet and blend with the band in the middle register and up, I couldn't produce decent low notes quietly. I had to blow more air (much more air), and that was immediately transformed to more volume. That what led me to look for more closed tip mpcs, and the 5C sure make it possible to produce the whole tone range in pp and it sounds good to my ears.

Also, after play testing it, I suddenly realised that I'm struggeling to much and putting way to much effort trying to make my other much more open mpcs sing. Maybe taking the closed tip route will be better for me also for things other than concert band...

[bruce bailey]

You also may want to try a Rico. I got one (about $12) and it is SO nice that it replaced my FL slant Ling HR! No kidding, I kept a Brilhart for legit and use the Rico as my main piece. I have been selling the BARI Esprit and Morgan Protone for most students in concert bands (.085") and for those who can afford a nearly $100 mouthpiece for legit tenor, the Selmer S-80 in an F facing is very nice, smooth and refined. I am referring to tenor only.

[tonfisch]

If you do not mind that they are considered cheap plastic student MPs use them-they are not bad for soft playing. Specially the Soprano MP is good. I prefer my Sop.4C-not only for classical playing- to others that cost ten times more.

[AndyBlackard]

I recently changed to a 5C from the thing that came with my alto. I love it. It has a fuller sound than the 4C. maybe one day I will change to something else, but for now I like it.

Same here. I've getting much better results on the 5c. The 4c seemed to close off sometimes because of the narrower tip opening.