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Home Alt Forums Mouthpieces MP's don't all sound the same!

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 14 total)
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  • #40132
    Marc
    Participant

      I too play on a Selmer S-80 E (somewhat larger tip than the C*) and the difference compared to the stock Yamaha 4C in my tenor is huge. After some months with it, I went up from a Rico Royal #2.5 reed to a #3 and noticed how rounded fuller sound I’m getting. Yep… it’s more air-demanding than the Y4C of course, but hey… that helps a lot in developing a strong breathing apparatus as well, doesn’t it?

      #40146
      john
      Keymaster

        yes, every time we make a jump up to a larger mp or reed strength it gets a little tougher
        but that’s how we make improvements to our sound and so not is it well worth it but necessary!

        #40316
        Anonymous

          Hi Johnny

          With this particular MP, the Selmer S80 C**, I found it easier to control with a greater level of comfort and expression.
          I’m using the same used Vandoren Java #2 reeds that I was using on the 4C.

          The tip opening is a little larger, but the orifice in the middle of the MP is square and smaller than the 4C’s. I think this gives me a bit more back-presssure, hence more control for expression. My fingers are still a little stiff after not playing for a week, but the MP3 will give you an idea of the improvement in tone. Note the more woodwind, less brass like, quality to the tone.

          Shuffle MP3

          #40323
          Anonymous

            @Jeff – I like the tune, must confess the first time i listened, i was more interested in hearing how it sounded in comparison to your previous 4c uploads, so was listening more to hear how it has changed your sound!

            Definite improvement of tone compared to the 4c, you sound has now changed a lot, which just goes to show a step up in mouthpiece size can make a big difference in sound quality and the way you sound. There’s only so much you can do exercise wise to improve your sound, that won’t achieve the same as upgrading a mouthpiece.

            Look forward to hearing more stuff!
            cheers
            sxpoet

            #40325
            Anonymous

              @Jeff just relistened your last 2 uploads from 5 months ago, quite right the S80 definitely sounds more woodwind than the 4c.

              #40379
              Anonymous

                @Jeff – you really only need to upgrade your mouthpiece to the next sizes up, once you’ve outgrown your current one, probably what most teachers would advise.

                #40380
                Anonymous

                  Yep! I’m very happy with my hardware now. The next upgrade is for the skills set of the operator.

                  https://magicmusicianfingers.com/PurelyFingers.html

                  I bought this course and have seen some improvement. As a child playing piano I used to learn to play the pieces twice as fast, and then slow them down adding the proper expression. The finger movements have to be automatic. Presently I spend too much time thinking about the fingers, instead of the music. I could hardly move my third fingers and working the table keys by stretching out the fourth finger was really difficult at first.

                  #40381
                  Anonymous

                    @Jeff – keep us posted with process of that course book!
                    cheers

                    #40539
                    Anonymous

                      @Jeff – after reading the stuff on the magicmusicianfingers i’m going to buy the 1st book and try it out. I might find it useful for playing guitar, as i notice with the guitar playing, my 4th finger never moves as fast as the 1st and 2nd fingers. So this must also apply to sax playing.

                      Thanks for sharing – might be worth sharing in the tips forum.

                      #40602
                      Anonymous

                        Hi Sxpoet. The exercises consist of numbering the fingers and moving them to set patterns. This improves the response time between brain and finger, makes the movement more automatic, and improves the range of motion for each finger. Basically any exercise where you are moving your fingers quickly will benefit from this form of training. It was well worth the price I paid for the course, but beware it can be a little frustrating when your fingers don’t behave – LOL!

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