[Nick]

Continuing to work with the MB2 FB, I discovered that the mpc becomes significantly more “reed-friendly” when securing my ligature in a more forward position; that is, even encroaching on the “shoulder” area of the reed. I accidentally discovered this when using my thumb to quickly secure reed onto the mpc to do a “suck-pop” test. I found that the more forward [towards the reed tip] my thumb temporarily secured the reed, the more likely the reed would pass the test showing a good “Reed-to-mpc-table” seal. I sometimes do this before placing the ligature to see if I might need to do some scraping of the reed’s bottom.

So, I then experimented with 2 of my ligatures [the “Francois Louis Ultimate” and the “Saxxas” ligatures], encroaching the front portion of the respective ligatures slightly onto the reed’s shoulder area. The reeds that otherwise would not play, played nicely. Now to clarify, the securing of the reed is no where near to the vibrating portion of the reed; that is where the reed breaks from the mpc table [facing curve?]. It is well “south” of this area.

I must stress, that because these pieces are hand finished, this phenomenon might be unique to my mouthpiece. But I thought I’d throw this out to potentially help others, and to see if anyone has experienced a similar thing.

[Nick]

Hi Dazza,

Thanks. Not sure if the soaking and remolding will work. Maybe someone with more experience can answer. But the one tool that might work is the “Reed Geek”. It can flatten the bottom side of the bark [where it meets the table], and perhaps you can salvage some of the non-cooperating reeds. Here’s a thread Michael Bishop started on the Reed Geek. I hope to get one myself. Good luck!

Has anyone used the "Reed Geek" Tool?

[Nick]

Hi Johnny and others!

Just got the chance to play around with the new MB2 Fatboy [Tenor]. The craftsmanship looks great…the tip and rails look clean, symmetrical and consistent. My limited playing time has allowed me to say that this mpc projects! I often play un-miked, so this will easily fill any venue I’ve played in thus far. For me, this is a free blowing mpc, with great response. But it is NOT overly free blowing where I am unable to shape my tone. The horn responds nicely, including the sometimes problematic [for me] lower register. The reeds that have worked for me with this particular piece are:

Rico [Daddario?] Jazz Select 2H, unfiled
Rico Plastic Cover 3.0
Rigotti 2.5 M

One notable thought: The supplied lig [for the MB2 Fatboy] secures the reed to the mpc table with a slightly more “centered” pressure pad. The ligatures that I’ve been using up to now secured the reeds with pressure along the side of the reed’s bark [and the bark to the top-sides of the mpc table]. So, reeds that I have broken in previous to this trial, may have took the shape of my previous mouthpiece, and that had been secured via this side pressure, as opposed to pressure down the center portion of the reed’s bark. So, with reeds that had taken on the shape of my previous mpc AND via the side pressure lig, I wasn’t getting a good, crisp sound while using the suppled lig [center pressure]. But when I placed my older lig [that applied pressure down the sides], everything was fine.

So to further test this theory out, I opened a brand new reed [that had no prior molding or shaping], and I tried the supplied lig that had a center pressure pad, and it sang just fine. This is probably the case because the brand new reed was not warped or not shaped into any previous profile, so it was able to provide a good seal with the supplied, center pressure lig.

So, keep that in mind if you are using the supplied lig with an already broken-in reed, you may have to either get a fresh reed, or use your old [side pressure] lig…or you may risk dismissing otherwise good playing reeds for this mpc/ligature set-up.

Also: Intonation was very good!

Have fun all! Thanks Johnny!!!!

[Nick]

They all sound great, but I like the MB2 and MB2 Fatboy better. Mine (MB 2 FB) cleared customs in San Francisco 2:13 pm March 22nd.

[Nick]

Thanks sxpoet!

[Nick]

Johnny,

Regarding the MBII Fatboy, it is obviously bigger, but is it much larger in diameter to require you to change your embouchure from using say the MBII? I’m used to playing the JJ DV, and CHI, and they are relatively narrow in diameter.

Thanks

[Nick]

Oh wow. Don’t know how I missed that one. Thanks!!

[Nick]

Thanks for the mp videos. I’ve been analyzing it carefully. They all sound great. Johnny….as an aside, any chance you can offer that tune [I think it’s “What Does it Take”] in backing tracks and sheet music?
Thanks!

[Nick]

Thanks Johnny! I’ll also look forward to your upcoming mp demo video.

[Nick]

Hey Johnny,

After much mp experimentation, my current set-up is a Yamaha Tenor, 82Z, with a Jody Jazz Chi metal mp, tip opening 8*. It is the best set-up for me so far. I was looking to get more body, and more dirtiness to my sound. I know that there are other methods to achieve this goal; such as reeds, air volume, embouchure, etc…I’ve been working on all those items as well. So, now I’m looking at mps. Of the offered Guardella mps, which one do you think would move toward my goal? To clarify, when I compare my sound to yours, your’s is more rock-like, more robust, deeper, dirtier than mine. That’s kind of what I’m looking for. If the answer will become more evident in your upcoming demo video, then I’ll wait to see at that time. Thanks again!

[Author]

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