Jumbo Java A45 vs A55

[Allen Halstead]

Does anyone out there have any experience testing these 2 mouthpieces .. I play mostly rock, some fusion, and I like the big, but centered sound ...ala Clarence (RIP)..and lots of tonal inflection mobility (ala Barbieri) I am using a T75 on Selmer VI Tenor with pretty darn good luck ... and figure, for the price, I need something similar for alto (I just can't get that sound out of my Meyer 6M ..lol)...playing a 1925 Buescher TrueTone.. So I would like to find a Jumbo Java that will do the same for me on the alto ... am seriously considering the A55 just to get it done, but concerned about control on the Buescher with it...any comments? ..any other suggestions...
Thanks...

[Allen Halstead]

One last comment ... I have been listening to clips of players on beechler bellite 7's and 8's ... Like Thom Mason's sound with a Beechler Bellite #7 ... any comments?..appreciate any words of wisdom since i won't be in NYC for a few months to test these out and I could really use some good easy blowing alto mp soon ...

[Woosax]

I've tried both. I like the A45 much better, despite the fact that I generally like a more open tip. The facing is shorter on the A45. It seems much easier to control.

[BrianMitchellBrody]

My experience after a 90 trial of the A45, A55 and A75 found that for me A55 gave me a fatter sound overall on alto but when pushed it gave me the buzz I need when I play fusion and smooth jazz.

The 45 was just simply too thin overall.

B

[Pete Thomas]

I prefer the A 45, I used to use it while using a 75 Jumbo on tenor and it's a perfect match. I find that relatively smaller tips on alto compared to tenor work best. If it was me however, I would be wary of a Jumbo on a True Tone.

[Allen Halstead]

Well I purchased an A45 today ... Be here in a few days ... May also pick up an A55 just to try out ... We'll see . However I do share the concern about a Jumbo on a true tone ... I notice some intonation problems with the T75 on tenor and it is a struggle at tints with intonation on my alto using a Meyer 6M ... Anyone using a true tone in a jazz/rock/fusion setting?

[Borganiboy]

I had the A95 JJ then the A75 and now have a A55.The A55 from this list is very good but saying that i just got a new lebayle studio 9 alto metal piece for alto,wow its good.The A55 sits in its box now.

[BertieB]

I prefer the Barkley Pop 8 to the Jumbo A55 - more depth to the sound. Both really struggle against the new Phil-Tone Meridian, and Rift Dark, which are excellent.