Saxaholic
SOTW Columnist and Forum Contributor 2010

Hi there,

Thanks for the message. In the future, send emails to WalterNak8@yahoo.com, as I'm not on these boards too much anymore. I'll do my best to answer your question.

If you're playing alto and are looking for a warm, darker type of sonority, but love the ease of playing, I would recommend the JJ DV NY. It has the same ease of playability as the regular DV, but gets a darker and warmer tonality.

Another possibility is an Fmaj7 Lamberson. I had one for a long time, traded it to a close friend of mine, and regretted it. Recently, I came across another and it's like coming back home. Rich, sultry, and unlike any other alto sax mouthpiece.

I've heard good things about the Cafe pieces, but have never tried one. As much as people have defended composite/plastic pieces, I have never tried a plastic piece that has the warmth/complexity of true hard rubber (like the Lamberson Fmaj7). I hope this answers your questions!

Saxaholic

Hi Walter

Sorry to take-up your time, but may I pick your brains for a mo?

I have read with great interest your excellent comparative reviews of Lamberson, JJDV, Morgan and Freddie Gregory's mouthpieces.
I have come to the conclusion I am not cut-out to attain an even remotely 'Sanbornish' sound, and recently acquired a very focused & warm-sounding sax, I think that my JJDV is less-suited to my aims than something 'darker/warmer', like the horn. (Especially as I think I'll be more of a 'balladeer' than a 'jazzer/bopper'...the old fingers ain't never gonna move that fast!)

The question which I am struggling with is whether to go for a DV NY, which is probably readily available, or to put down the same amount on a FG MkII and wait for several months.....or to go for what my friend Michael Ward recommends, a Mouthpiece Cafe NY!!


Your input would be welcomed....even if it's to stick with the DV and practise!!

Best regards and thanks
Roger Blowers