What do Runyons compare to?

[MM]

On this group I read a lot about the Runyon mouthpieces, but I never see them in stores and don't know anyone who plays one. Particularly on alto and tenor sax, what other pieces do the various Runyon models resemble? They seem to be affordable. From the pictures I've seen they seem to have a long shallow chamber. I've tried Rovners with this sort of chamber and didn't care for them; the sound was not very fat or full. But maybe only some Runyons are made this way?

What are good models to try for lead alto and for tenor big band/small combo work? Thanks.

[johnc]

I play tenor in a big band and take all solos. I use a Quantum plastic 8 without the spoiler. You can sit all day playing in a section then stand up and blow the front row away. 8)

[super20dan]

i use a runyon XL for lead alto in a modern big band. it cant be beat for this .i tried at least 20 other mpcs but this is the one for me! the tenor custom works well for me as a big band and small jazz combo mpc. the quantum has more power but can blend . try a runyon -you might just like it.

[MM]

Is the XL metal? Can you blend on it too, or does it tend to be fairly strident? From the group it seems the tenor Quantum and XL and alto Customs are the most common. Speaking of the Customs, are the Jody Jazz plastic--sorry, composite--pieces much different/better than the Runyon Customs.

Do the Runyons tend to want a more open tip like a Berg Larsen piece or closer like a low baffle piece (Meyer alto, Link tenor)? Trying to decide what sizes I would order!

[Charlie A.]

Hi!
I'm Charlie A. I have the site Gigdust.com. Don't know if you have ever been there or not but on the site are several listings that tell you what the different mouthpieces are capable of doing with reference to tone color, flexability, loudness, etc.
You can look under "How to select a mouthpiece" and it has quite a bit of information for you.
The other post on your topic with reference to the Quantum being a good section MP is correct. An XL is a great lead alto MP however the new "Jaguar" has, for me at least, one of the fullest tones in the complete line and has punch with richness as well. It is loaded with overtones and has that richness that we all like in a good ballad or backup sax. The old custom has never been outdated either. Charlie Parker played a Model "22".
Go to my site and there is a place to order a "Runyon" catalog. They are free and contain tons of information about the different mouthpieces and who has played them. This is a beautiful catalog with a lot of info about Santy as well.

Regards,
Charlie A.
charliea@watervalley.net
[/b]

[super20dan]

yes -by all means check out charlies site.best place to get a runyon.my xl is plastic.it blends very well but screems like a dukoff when pushed. this is what makes it such a great lead mpc. it took me a long time to find a mpc that could do both well. i personally like the smaller size tips on my runyons but most get the bigger sizes and have no problem playing them.this is esp.true on the tenor and bari . i use a no5 on alto and a 7 on tenor. also there are 2 versions of the custom for alto.the reg. and the jazz. the jazz has more power and edge. i use this mpc for all my studio work. the jazz is also a good lead mpc for bands that are more traditional big band stlye. (my big band is extreme!)runyons are a terrific value for your $ . i never played a jody jazz version so i cant help there.

[Brian]

the Jody Jazz is a little darker than a straight custom ... but also slightly more complex in overtones. I find the response to be very similar.

I have played the metal XL (smoothbore) for a few years and have found nothing to beat it for lead and solo alto work. Just as of late ,,, I have found myself enjoying the Jaguar jazz for alto. almost identical in resistane and response to the smoothbore, but as Charlie said, deeper and more plentiful overtones.

As far as tip sizes I use #9's and ahve no trouble with control. It seems all runyon pieces are very easy to control even in the larger tip sizes and the bigger tip gives more complexity to the sound in my oppinion. This suits me wonderfully for the sound I am after.

[super20dan]

brian - i just noticed you are in north fla. me too i am in jax .where are you?

[Brian]

Lake City ... and I hang in gainesville alot. I play mostly in G'Ville, Dan

[teacherguy]

Dan,

I lived in Jax for 12 years or so. I went to UNF. Good jazz program there. Do you play in any Jax bands? If so, I probalby know someone you do!


Joe

[Troy]

I love my Runyon SR for tenor. It's supposed to be designed for the West Coast sound, so should do well in a big band. I think the sound is nice and full, but you'll only know if you try. I think they have a pretty good return policy, so you're only out shipping. Great people, too!

[rcwjd]

Charlie A's is a great place for info. Very friendly and helpful. I had a bunch of questions that Charlie personally answered. He went to a lot of trouble to ID a vintage Runyon that I acquired. Highly recommend the site at www.gigdust.com.

[Shaun SS]

I have my own story to share about Charlie A's but have not had the time to type it up. Not to worry Charlie, it is a good story about your customer service.

[phathorn]

I use a custom #7 for alto and just won a bionix #10 tenor piece on ebay...the alto piece is fantastic and has a wide tonal and volume range...looking forward to hearing this tenor piece!