LOUDEST alto mpc????????? I need help!!!!!

[Anselmo]

Hi,

Looking for a LOUD alto metal mpc.

Looking for a full bodied sound with good projection, some brightness and LOUD.
I don't like thin, edgy sounds, but need good brightness.

Wich is louder? (90/95 tip opening range)


Ponzol M1
Ponzol M2
Runyon quantum


I have tried a good bunch of mpc's: JJ DV7, RPC 80B/90R, SR Tech Poly L85, Lakey 5*3, Morgan 7m, ............................. and the winner is: Vandoren V16 A9S (maybe a Lamberson 7M, but it is someway thin tone, I think it is going to be for sale).
V16 A9S: very balanced piece, freeblowing, really loud: GREAT

Something on that way but LOUDER?????????????????????

Thank so much in advance,
Anselmo



12/8/2008
Hi mates!!!!!!!!

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR ADVICES!!!!!!!!!!

I am afraid the search is over .

After trying a VERY good bunch of pieces I have found what I was looking for .

I tried the Rovner (great attention from company, finally I returned it), not as loud nor bright as I expected. I went from a Vandoren A9S (powerful, not too much bright), Morgan 7M (great jazz piece), Lamberson 7M, Metallite 11, Ponzol M2, Guardala Studio Handmade (VERY good piece, it gives you everything: impressive), Beechler S8S, Jody Jazz DV 7 (not my cup of tea, maybe a 8?????), RPC's (baffle is not for me; Rollover is MY mpc, it gives me everything, the best for what I expect from a Jazz Piece) ..............................
PS- Sure I miss something.

Finally I found my two favourites pieces for this purpose:

* Cheong: Custom made 0.097 (Guardala copy/inspired). The loudest, very good mpc, perfect making, just what I asked for. I am really glad.
The craftmanship is just PERFECT. A nice, beautifull piece very well finished, thin rails ............... EXCELLENT.
About its playing: it makes just what I asked for.
It is, IN FACT, the most powerful piece I have ever tried with great projection.
Good brightness without being a shrill drill, maybe a tad bright for my tastes, but I realize that lots of volume + big projection are going to give us a certain brightness, imposible to take pears and apples from the same tree. Been said this it blends nicely with the rest of the horns of my band and I found it perfect for our Pop/Rock versions.
Great flexibility, with a very good low end (big and lush) and an extraordinary subtone. I asked for a big body and hence here it is. I think it is a very balanced piece and I suppose it is the maximum body you can take from a piece with this features: VOLUME, projection, body and the right brightness. I find flexibility is the characteristic that makes a mouthpiece to be a great piece, and this HAS it.
Although being a 0.097 tip opening it is reasonably easy to handle. It behaves like a closer tip: 90? maybe .............. I am not saying it is easy to play with, but not difficult at all for that opening............and it gives me volume.

Conclusion: A pleasure to deal with. Just the piece I asked for. A superb craftsmanship. And a very good mouthiece.

Only to say that I really prefer bigger mouthpieces in my mouth, like Vandorens HR or something so. A bigger mouthpiece makes you to have your mouth and your throat more open. I find the embochure is more flexible and does not get tired so easily with a bigger piece. I have put three patches on it in order to have the mouth as open as possible. This has been my only one issue with it.

* Claude Lakey: Someway inconsistent. In a 6/7 opening, I play on a 6 I find bigger than my three 7. But CHEAP, near as powerful as the Cheong and a bright sound. I think with a good and flexible embochure it could work fine.

Thanks and regards,
Anselmo

[Radjammin]

Why do you need loud?

Lead? Unmiced? Marching Band? Guitar Battle?

Some situations loud doesn't always solve it. Soloist dont' need to be loud, just miced well.

[hakukani]

Just a question. How did you measure loudness?

[CountSpatula]

I'd...learn trumpet if you really want loud I guess... :-P

[hakukani]

I'd...learn trumpet if you really want loud I guess... :-P

There's a reason they put them in the back row and make them stand.;)

[Anselmo]

Why do you need loud?

Lead? Unmiced? Marching Band? Guitar Battle?

Some situations loud doesn't always solve it. Soloist dont' need to be loud, just miced well.

Hi,

Thanks for your time :)!!!!!!

Just a little of all of them, except Guitar battle, really is trumpets battle.

Is for a kind of typical popular music here in Spain. A sort of marching band, we are unmiced (we play outdoor), I am the lead alto sax and I must be heard.

The best,
Anselmo

[Anselmo]

I'd...learn trumpet if you really want loud I guess... :-P

Hi,

Nice advise, but I am afraid it will take me too much time and effort ;). Dreadfully I play saxophone I prefer try something with mpc's :D.

Jokes are welcome!!!!, but please, this is a serious question, I need some help!

SOS ... SOS ... SOS ... SOS ... SOS ... SOS

Someone who have tried Ponzols and Runyon :cry:

The best,
Anselmo

[bluesaxgirl]

Aren't spoilers supposed to make you louder?

[gary]

Anselmo, I just got one of the new Ponzol stainless steel alto mouthpieces and you should really consider it. It probably plays as loud as an M2 or maybe even an M2+, it is bright but it also has body to the sound. It is not shrill. Frankly, I don't know how you can get one to try out but this is one you should really think about.

[Anselmo]

Just a question. How did you measure loudness?


Hi,

Easy, with my ears, my partners' ears and audience's ears;).

Can I hear me while trumpets are fighting?
Can that cat over there hear the melody I am playing?

Cheers!!!!!

[Anselmo]

Aren't spoilers supposed to make you louder?

Sure, but I think you must start from the beginning: the mouthpiece, spoilers are a second step IMHO.

[Anselmo]

Anselmo, I just got one of the new Ponzol stainless steel alto mouthpieces and you should really consider it. It probably plays as loud as an M2 or maybe even an M2+, it is bright but it also has body to the sound. It is not shrill. Frankly, I don't know how you can get one to try out but this is one you should really think about.

Hi Gary,

Nice hearing from you again.

Thanks so much I will take your advise, thanks!!!

The best from Spain,
Anselmo

[Yamahaaltoplayer]

I'd...learn trumpet if you really want loud I guess... :-P
Trombones are louder.:twisted:

[BobbyC]

Check this out:
http://cgi.ebay.es/Rico-Royal-Metalite-M11-Alto-Sax-Mouthpiece_W0QQitemZ300225744661QQihZ020QQcategory Z16232QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trks idZp1638Q2em122
21 hours left at the time of this posting and if you don't like it, you didn't spend to much money to get it.

[Yamahaaltoplayer]

Trombones are louder.:twisted:
Wait a sec! You can put a trombone mpc on and alto sax!8-)

[bfoster64]

What about a Dukoff?

[Tobias]

ever thought about buying a microphone?

[Anselmo]

ever thought about buying a microphone?

Sometimes I carry two mikes, but unfortunately most of the times I can´t find nor a plug neither to someone to carry with the PA's, it's a pity!!!!! ;):D:):|8-):shock::x:(:cry::?

[Anselmo]

Wait a sec! You can put a trombone mpc on and alto sax!8-)

Good idea, but I am in love with reed tact!!!!!!! I need a reed in my life;)

[EgilF.]

MOJO is selling an alto Brancher "...110" tip, 36L. Loudest MP on the planet...." http://www.mojomouthpiecework.com/ForSale/tabid/62/AlbumID/388-6/Default.aspx

[LeftySaxDude]

Charles Bay EJ model, HR or metal. VERY powerful piece that's not too harsh like Dukoffs or Lebayle studio pieces.

[cjpts]

I found my Lakey 5*3 to be the loudest, most reliable piece yet...until I tried a Strathon Adjustatone 5* today - I think I've now got a new gigging piece!

The adjustable baffle is great too-from mellow to edgier than a Dukoff with only a slide!

[Tobias]

Wait a sec! You can put a trombone mpc on and alto sax!8-)

This actually can work kind of.....

When you are in a military musiccorps you can get borred pretty fast.....

[mikleinad1]

MOJO is selling an alto Brancher "...110" tip, 36L. Loudest MP on the planet...." http://www.mojomouthpiecework.com/ForSale/tabid/62/AlbumID/388-6/Default.aspx

Wow, wow, wow.

[JSaxMiller]

I used to play lead alto in a 40 pc Mummers band. I used a Strathon to cover the gig. Today I would use a Rico Royal Metalitte. Either should work fine.

[zxcvbnm]

Yeah, if you really need the LOUDEST, then go for the mojo piece.

[EZ]

The loudest alto piece I've ever played is my Berg .133". In general, volume (sheer dB) is best obtained from a large tip opening. Projection further enhanced by the baffle design.

[SteveS]

Hmmmm, you said you tried a JJ DV. I wonder if you stepped up in reed strength. You really have to with the DV. If you don't, you're not getting everything out of it that you should.

If you can't play loud on a DV, you can't play loud! :D

Other than that, my vote goes for a Lakey or a Vandoren Jumbo Java.

[J.Max]

Let's not confuse "bright" with "loud". The loudness is going to depend on the volume of air, not the baffle or anything else. I heard Stan Getz play once and he was very loud, but his sound isn't what I'd call "bright". Now, the brightness of a piece is a different story - if you want bright, seek out the Dukoff Crystallite or Rico Metallite.

[MM]

I will have to disagree about the loudness depending on the volume of air. It's the volume of sound, not the air. If you put an extremely hard reed on a very open mpc, you'll be able to blow a lot of air through the horn and get very little sound.

True there is a difference between acoustic power and perceived loudness which depends on the brightness or overtones present, and my guess is that perceived loudess is what Anselmo is after.

Another aspect is embouchure: if you free up the reed's vibrations you will get more sound from any mouthpiece. This can be easier said than done, but a teacher from the Joe Allard school can help.

[Peterogping]

I have a Guardala Handmade Studio which is absolutely the loudest of all the alto pieces I have for sale and which I am offering saxplayers to come and test.
The opening is .085 and thus not far from what you are playing. It's also the most expensive ;) but we could arrange a refund if it does not cover your needs.

[J.Max]

I will have to disagree about the loudness depending on the volume of air. It's the volume of sound, not the air. If you put an extremely hard reed on a very open mpc, you'll be able to blow a lot of air through the horn and get very little sound.

Not if you have developed the chops to play the very hard reed on the open mouthpiece. Very few people can do this though.


True there is a difference between acoustic power and perceived loudness which depends on the brightness or overtones present, and my guess is that perceived loudess is what Anselmo is after.

That would be my guess too, but brightness will help you to cut through - loudness probably won't if you're dealing with amped imstruments.



Another aspect is embouchure: if you free up the reed's vibrations you will get more sound from any mouthpiece. This can be easier said than done, but a teacher from the Joe Allard school can help.

Also, throat position and voicing in the throat can help. If the whole body is used to "reflect" the reed's vibrations, the sound will project better. This is what Phil Woods talks about when he says that he could hear Charlie Parker's sound reverberating at the back of the club that he was playing at and thought "Ah, that's what it's supposed to sound like!".

[Radjammin]

Hi,


Is for a kind of typical popular music here in Spain. A sort of marching band, we are unmiced (we play outdoor), I am the lead alto sax and I must be heard.

one word baffle, Whatever you pick.

Jumbo Java, RPC, Dukoffs, whatever you pick Baffle is a must. On these pieces the inside chamber starts out close to the reed, causing a loud cutting tone. Remember their focus is loud more then melodic, though they can be. Just at above average volumes.

[themacintrasher]

If you want to go cheap, get rico Graftonite c-7. I would go with a Dukoff d chamber, a beechler metal or a Yanagisawa metal.

[EgilF.]

I got a new Blue Vandoren Java A95 I am trying to sell. The tip opening are 0,110". It is loud......

[SaxyJ]

You are going to need a mouthpiece that has a high baffle, small or even extra small chamber and a pretty long window length. There might be some pieces in the market that have these features, however, because of the rarity of a piece with the extreme properties that you are asking for, you will most definitely need to talk to a refacer for a customized job. Though it will initially cost a bit more in terms of money and time, they will create a piece that will accurately fit whatever type of sound you want.

[clhuff]

hey Anselmo,

I've recently switched to a Vandoren A45 to deal with voicing in an ensemble; it works extremely well at cutting through...your A9 is even a bit more open than that.

I'd be interested in hearing the types of reeds you use; the Java 3's I use are a bit edgy.

Christopher

[themacintrasher]

hey Anselmo,

I've recently switched to a Vandoren A45 to deal with voicing in an ensemble; it works extremely well at cutting through...your A9 is even a bit more open than that.

I'd be interested in hearing the types of reeds you use; the Java 3's I use are a bit edgy.

Christopher

You might try vandoren ZZs, they are a good deal darker but no to much. I like my Superials though, but those are edgier than javas

[Anselmo]

Hi,

Thanks everydody for your advises, I am going to take some of them.

Also I will try to PM some of you.

All of your help is much appreciated, thanks so much.

I will look into Ponzol's Steel, I have get in touch with Mojo, I have won the auction on Metalite M11, I have took a Ponzol M2 .........................
I am afraid I will have to "clean" my drawer again soon ;)

The best,
Anselmo

[toughtenor]

Let's not confuse "bright" with "loud". The loudness is going to depend on the volume of air, not the baffle or anything else. I heard Stan Getz play once and he was very loud, but his sound isn't what I'd call "bright". Now, the brightness of a piece is a different story - if you want bright, seek out the Dukoff Crystallite or Rico Metallite.

You have a point there, I was playing with a very loud trumpet player who kept turning up his monitorsystem for years, when I forgot my metal Mpc(which I thought was loudest) on a gig one night i had to play on my spare, a HR Otto link,(FAIRLY DARK PIECE) and to my surprise I could hear myself better and the trumpet player said I was playing louder THAN HIM!:D:D:D

[Anselmo]

I found my Lakey 5*3 to be the loudest, most reliable piece yet...until I tried a Strathon Adjustatone 5* today - I think I've now got a new gigging piece!

The adjustable baffle is great too-from mellow to edgier than a Dukoff with only a slide!

Thanks!!

I tried a 5*3 in the past (I have just bought a 6*3) but I found Morgan 7m powerfull and Vandoren V5 A45 (something weird, even powerfull it fills any room) and then the even powerfull: A9S

[Anselmo]

Hmmmm, you said you tried a JJ DV. I wonder if you stepped up in reed strength. You really have to with the DV. If you don't, you're not getting everything out of it that you should.

If you can't play loud on a DV, you can't play loud! :D

Other than that, my vote goes for a Lakey or a Vandoren Jumbo Java.

Thanks!!!!

Fuller and more powerfull sound from A9S.

Maybe a wider JJ .................................................. .... mine is 7.

[Anselmo]

one word baffle, Whatever you pick.

Jumbo Java, RPC, Dukoffs, whatever you pick Baffle is a must. On these pieces the inside chamber starts out close to the reed, causing a loud cutting tone. Remember their focus is loud more then melodic, though they can be. Just at above average volumes.

Thanks!!!!

I don't like Javas, I find them thin and edgy.
I find RPC 90R more powerfull than 80B, but A9S is even more powerfull.
I tried a Dukoff 8D for tenor, I didn't like it, neither tone nor response.

[Anselmo]

If you want to go cheap, get rico Graftonite c-7. I would go with a Dukoff d chamber, a beechler metal or a Yanagisawa metal.

Thanks!!!

I have took a Metalite M11 (WOW 0.110)
I din't like Dukoff on tenor.
I owned a Beechler Bellite 7 in the past, A9S (and many others) is more powerful.
I am not sure about Yani, I had one for tenor and I didn't like it too much, don't know.

[Lament]

I think that there are two aspects to sound. Presence is the ability to fill a room with sound, I use a Morgan E, and Projection is the ability to nail someone to the back wall of a room, I have a Metalite M 10 that fills that role perfectly without sounding shrill. Good luck with your search.

[Radjammin]

Thanks!!!!

I don't like Javas, I find them thin and edgy.
I find RPC 90R powerfull than 80B, but A9S is even powerfull.
I tried Dukoff 8D for tenor, I didn't like it, neither tone nor response.

You have a nice collection of horns and sounds like you have tried every mpc under the sun, got any recordings?

[Kritavi]

The Rovner Deep V metal belongs in a discussion of the loudest pieces ever.

[J.Max]

The Rovner Deep V metal belongs in a discussion of the loudest pieces ever.

And the Eagle. Lots of air goes into these at a very fast rate...

[Anselmo]

You have a nice collection of horns and sounds like you have tried every mpc under the sun, got any recordings?

Hi, Thanks!!!

It's true, I own a nice collection of horns (most of them aren't on my signature), some of them are for sale too. I like buying and trying good horns, sometime I keep them and sometimes I sold them again. At last, I only can play one each time ;).

In my site (http://www.riojasax.com/) are the most of my horns (I think I own someone more :?: two M-VI altos and one tenor).

Regarding to mouthpieces I also have a good collection and I have had a lot (and I keep swinging), and I have tried a good bunch. I recorded some clips from tenor, but nothing serious, it takes a lot of time. Maybe it will be one of my future projects. If you are interested in some piece I will do my best!!

The best from Spain!!!
Anselmo

[Anselmo]

Hi,

Thanks for Rovner advise, they look like they were the way to go but two models with two baffles, in 90, 100????????????? I don't know, there are lots of possibilities to choose and they aren't cheap.
I might try them :(. Straight buying would be at a high risk :cry:

I have just seen the Rovner trial policy, I will get in touch with them and maybe I will go that way.

The best,
Anselmo

[Saxmusiclover]

Please let us know what you finally decide on.

[Anselmo]

hey Anselmo,

I've recently switched to a Vandoren A45 to deal with voicing in an ensemble; it works extremely well at cutting through...your A9 is even a bit more open than that.

I'd be interested in hearing the types of reeds you use; the Java 3's I use are a bit edgy.

Christopher

Hi Chris,

I used an A45 for many time, great piece, I like it, but I needed more punch. A9S has lots more of projection and volumen, it is also brighter thus a little more thin sound.

Regarding to reeds I look for the same: projection and volumen. I like V16 reeds the most, great projection. Recently I am using Legere Studio cut #2, a very good buzz to the sound, that lively brightness, I think even more volumen (or brightness makes like feeling more sound presence) and synthetics are very, very comfortable: no problems with moisture, heat...... just blow and play. The tone quality is better on cane reeds indeed IMO.

the best,
Anselmo

[Anselmo]

You have a point there, I was playing with a very loud trumpet player who kept turning up his monitorsystem for years, when I forgot my metal Mpc(which I thought was loudest) on a gig one night i had to play on my spare, a HR Otto link,(FAIRLY DARK PIECE) and to my surprise I could hear myself better and the trumpet player said I was playing louder THAN HIM!:D:D:D

Hi,

Very interesting what you say.
I have felt something similar with a Vandoren V5 A45 that I was using before the A9S.

One day I was trying, at home, the A45 against my meyer 6M, a Bellite 7 and something more. Finally I took the Meyer, even my wife said that Meyer was louder. Well, when I was at giging I changed between Meyer and A45 and surprise, the winner was: A45 (supposed to be the darker and quieter).

Something similar nowadays with Lamberson 7M and A9S. I feel better with Vandoren.

The best and thanks for your point of view,
Anselmo

[Anselmo]

Please let us know what you finally decide on.

SURE I WILL ;)

[Dr_sax]

My loudest mpc on alto is the guardala king with phat reeds #2.

[super20dan]

you might like the runyon bionex

[PhoneSax]

Berg larsens can be very loud. Get a nice big tip opening.

[LeftySaxDude]

I just bought a Morgan Excalibur 7E that beat my Bay EJ piece. It could get just as loud if not more, and was more versatile. I never thought I would like the Excalibur until I tried it, I could not be happier with it! I put some v16 reeds on it and my mother could hear me from inside her car parked a few doors down from the house!

[shmuelyosef]

Just play long tones and learn to play loud. I play plenty loud enough for most R&R situations in small clubs with a Meyer or my Saxcape Wilton, and retain a rich sound at the same time....this is another "chops-in-a-box" discussion

[ThreeSaxes]

While waiting for my Dukoff to return from MOJO, I've been playing a Berg tenor mouthpiece on my alto. It's one of the small '70s versions (the (tenor) reed is longer than the table). It's only a little bigger than a standard alto piece. It's a 130-1-sms. Works surprisingly well, and I can play very loudly when I need to.

[Woody Reed]

I owned a Beechler Bellite 7 in the past, A9S (and many others) is more powerful.


Maybe try another Bellite 7. Mybe you had a dud. I've tried a bunch of pieces over the years and the Beech is a B*tch. They really are quite loud and still very full. Now if you mean "brightest", then no. A D8 would smoke it. But loudest, yes from all that I've played (which for sure isn't everything). I can't imagine needing more.

[benjamin1979]

after trying dukoff, belite, belite custom, runyon, jodyjazz esp, etc. the loudest is vandoren A6m. WHY? because i can play it with full support and the sound is very easy to pick up from mic.

[gspiegel]

I play a Ponzol and have a Runyon Bionix that I don't play, also a metal Beechler that I play occasionally for rock/funk. All of them can play very loud, but the Runyon seems too shrill. However, I would say that the mouthpiece isn't what's playing loud. YOU are the player. If you want to play loud, use a hard reed, get a good lungfull of air and really push that air through the mouthpiece. Use a fast airstream. It's going to be hard work, but the mpc won't do it for you.

Glenn

[funkycfunkydo]

You mentioned a Runyon Quantum in the first post, wouldn't a Runyon XL be more appropriate?

[super20dan]

yes it would

[king koeller]

The loudest mouthpiece I ever played on Alto was a Dukoff D7 with 3.5 java reed!
Also my Vintage Morgan Alto 7 is frickin" loud!

[tlsmania]

Guardala King or a custom fatboy by Johannes Gerber, both will let the neighbors hear what you have to say.8-)

[Turnaround]

THIS

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?t=87783

is the loudest, and most comfortable mouthpiece you will ever find.

IF

you can find another.

[themacintrasher]

Two words, Bigger Tip.

[Anselmo]

Hi mates!!!!!!!!

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR ADVICES!!!!!!!!!!

I am afraid the search is over 8-).

After trying a VERY good bunch of pieces I have found what I was looking for ;).

I tried the Rovner (great attention from company, finally I returned it), not as loud nor bright as I expected. I went from a Vandoren A9S (powerful, not too much bright), Morgan 7M (great jazz piece), Lamberson 7M, Metallite 11, Ponzol M2, Guardala Studio Handmade (VERY good piece, it gives you everything: impressive), Beechler S8S, Jody Jazz DV 7 (not my cup of tea, maybe a 8?????), RPC's (baffle is not for me; Rollover is MY mpc, it gives me everything, the best for what I expect from a Jazz Piece) ..............................
PS- Sure I miss something.

Finally I found my two favourites pieces for this purpose:

* Cheong: Custom made 0.097 (Guardala copy/inspired). The loudest, very good mpc, perfect making, just what I asked for. I am really glad.
The craftmanship is just PERFECT. A nice, beautifull piece very well finished, thin rails ............... EXCELLENT.
About its playing: it makes just what I asked for.
It is, IN FACT, the most powerful piece I have ever tried with great projection.
Good brightness without being a shrill drill, maybe a tad bright for my tastes, but I realize that lots of volume + big projection are going to give us a certain brightness, imposible to take pears and apples from the same tree. Been said this it blends nicely with the rest of the horns of my band and I found it perfect for our Pop/Rock versions.
Great flexibility, with a very good low end (big and lush) and an extraordinary subtone. I asked for a big body and hence here it is. I think it is a very balanced piece and I suppose it is the maximum body you can take from a piece with this features: VOLUME, projection, body and the right brightness. I find flexibility is the characteristic that makes a mouthpiece to be a great piece, and this HAS it.
Although being a 0.097 tip opening it is reasonably easy to handle. It behaves like a closer tip: 90? maybe .............. I am not saying it is easy to play with, but not difficult at all for that opening............and it gives me volume.

Conclusion: A pleasure to deal with. Just the piece I asked for. A superb craftsmanship. And a very good mouthiece.

Only to say that I really prefer bigger mouthpieces in my mouth, like Vandorens HR or something so. A bigger mouthpiece makes you to have your mouth and your throat more open. I find the embochure is more flexible and does not get tired so easily with a bigger piece. I have put three patches on it in order to have the mouth as open as possible. This has been my only one issue with it.

* Claude Lakey: Someway inconsistent. In a 6/7 opening, I play on a 6 I find bigger than my three 7. But CHEAP, near as powerful as the Cheong and a bright sound. I think with a good and flexible embochure it could work fine.




Thanks and regards,
Anselmo

[dogbert]

Hi Anselmo,

I don't know the Ponzols, but I have a (plastic) Runyon Quantum (6 = 0.078), which isn't too loud. I tried the JJ DV some weeks ago, and found it much louder. It was even much louder than my Guardaly Studio (which might be comparable to a Dukoff, they say?). In fact, I didn't buy it because it was much too loud for my taste.

Regards,

Thomas

[super20dan]

runyon xl is the bomb for loud alto playing