Jaguar V tenor tuning?

[Subtone Sam]

I have played on Jaguars both on tenor and bari for couple of weeks now.I really like the sound but I wonder if anyone experiences the same thing about the tenor version: I have to pull it out quite much (compared to other mpcs I use),so that it covers only about half of the cork.My other mouthpieces cover about 3/4 or 5/4 of the cork.Jaguar is not a high baffle piece so I don´t know why this is,maybe because of the rather small chamber? I have to pull out the bari Jag. too but not as much as the tenor.My tenor Jag. is #14 (.118,I use .115-.120 pieces on tenor) with LaVoz mediums.Anyone experincing the same thing? Why? Just interested.

[JL]

I've had a tenor Jaguar #9 for about a month now. I push it on about halfway down the cork, but no more nor less than other mpcs I've used. I've heard that on tenor, about half way down the cork is close to where it should be, but of course it depends on how much cork is on the horn in the first place. I don't think it should concern you as long as it plays in tune once you get it on there.

By the way, I'm really diggin' this mpc; more every day! At first I thought I'd want a spoiler, but now I'm getting a huge, rich sound with it just the way it is and kinda doubt I'll need a spoiler. Anyone looking for a mouthpiece (who isn't?) should check this thing out.

[Bootman]

Yes I have noticed similar things with the Jag tenor mpc. I have been using a #14 on a Martin tenor, the sound is great and the projection fantastic. La Voz medium play very nicely on this mpc as does an old Charpen reed.

I have noticed that the Bari version has a different sound to the tenor, it seems much thicker to my ear than the tenor version. Both are great mpcs. Check one out for yourself.

[Steve J.]

My Jaguar #14 Tenor arrived yesterday. It tunes slightly furthur back than other pieces for me also. I think it is simply because its not as long. Horn's in tune so fine with me. Sound is fat, rich and easily controlled. I find the projection is sorely lacking, however, the opposite of Bootman comment. This is in comparison to a Lawton or a Ponzol M2.

After reading Boot's applause of projection I started fooling with different reed brands even the (nasty sounding) fibracell. Not much improvement.

I think because of the lack of projection, I can't get much changing sound out of it. I'm refering to the phenomena of increasing air speed and playing with more brightness or edge and decreasing air speed (in combination with other manipulations) and eliminating some edge. The sound qualities of my Jag remain very constant. Probably a very cool thing for a classical style---- but the general nice sound is much more of a jazz flavor.

I have only played this piece on my ref 54. I am guessing this piece on a free blowing Martin might have real projection and the reason for the difference lies (again) in the symbiotic relationship of all aspects of playing equipment.

My problem is typical - I don't know if I should keep it or unload it. I own a Yamaha Tenor that is not currently in my posession. I suspect this piece to be a better match for this horn but am unable to play test.

Bootman and other Jag experienced. Is the changing sound phenomena I described and good projection able to occur on your best set ups? Is the projection lost on a different horn combination? Thanks.

[Bootman]

Steve J,
The Jaguar plays better on the Martin with a Gloger neck than it oes on the Straight JK or the Buescher I have here. The sound is quite consistent and it has an even timbre but like most small chamber mpcs, it gets a little trickier to control in the palm keys (noticeable on the Martin).

I have found that the Jaguar is quite changeable sound wise but I did notice that I was using a wide open throat technique liek you would if you were playing a Link to achieve a wider sound. I found that I was thinking about trying to make the sound wider when I was playing it, more spread rather than brighter. The Jaguar subtones easily, it also honks and screams when required too. It requires focus of the air like a Lawton, at least it does for me to make it work.

[JL]

I also found a difference in the Jaguar tenor mpc depending on the horn--nothing really major, but it's there. It seems to project and play slightly better on my Mk VI, than on the Buescher Aristocrat. On the other hand, my Sugal SGII (more spread & free blowing) sounds better on the Aristocrat.

I agree with Bootman about using an open throat (a good idea with any mpc). After playing the Jag for a few weeks, I'm definitely getting better projection and a fatter sound (on both horns)....I'm pretty sure it resulted from opening my throat and getting the proper airstream. For me, this mpc has plenty of flexibility and a really great tone quality.

Don't be too quick to send it back.....you might want to work with it for awhile.

[Balladeer]

I'm familiar with the JJ ESP for tenor, and it is too narrow for my playing comfort. How is the exterior size/shape of the Jaguar compared to a Link?

[JL]

Baladeer, the Jaguar is pretty similar in size to the ESP, although I find I can get a bit more volume out of the Jag. So it is rather narrow. One thing I really like about my Sugal is that it is wide and comfortable to play, but I didn't really have a problem adjusting to the narrower Jaguar. Don't know how it compares to a Link.