RPC Mouthpieces - wow!
Steve
A major "shout out" to Ron Coehlo of RPC Mouthpieces! I just got my RPC
model 90 alto mouthpiece the other day. This mpc plays like no other I have
ever tried. The sound is just so fat and so resonant and so open. Better
still, it affords amazing control from pppp to FFFF, from the bottom of the
horn up thru altissimo. And probably most important of all, it plays IN
TUNE. I'm very accustomed to having to lip down high G to B just a bit. to
keep that octave in tune. Not necessary with the RPC. The upper register
plays in tune, and never the least bit shrill. Palm register is strong.
Again, it's very altissimo friendly.
This might be a more open mpc than most alto players are used to. Spec is
.090, but Ron told me mine measures .093. First blow thru the horn, with
one of my used Rico Jazz Select 2H's, made me think, "Oh no -- it's too
open." Then I tried some new Hemke 2-1/2's I had bought on Ron's
recommendation, found the best one, and a whole new world started to open
up. So it takes a little getting used to it, and after two evenings of
practice, I'm still learning what it can do, but this is one mutha of a
mouthpiece.
It will allow you to give it a ton of air if you want a big, fat wall of
sound, or you can whisper a nice subtone with no hint of harshness or
raspiness throughout the dynamic range.
It's NOT an inexpensive piece -- prepare to pay more than $200 for a hard
rubber mpc. But in a world full of multi-hundred buck mouthpieces, THIS one
is worth the money.
It's also best not to be in too much of a hurry. Ron hand finishes each mpc
and tweaks it ever so slightly toward what the customer wants the mpc to do.
He has a well-earned reputation as a perfectionist and will take all the
time he feels is necessary to get each mouthpiece just right. When he says
no mouthpiece leaves his shop before it's ready to go, he means it. You'll
need to ask Ron how his "queue" is running, but be prepared to wait some
weeks after placing the order. In my case, I'll say without any reservation
at all that it was worth the wait.
Seriously considering investing in one of his tenor mpc's.... But that may
have to wait until AFTER Christmas! :-)
Ron, if you're out there, thanks again!
Steve
Anchorsax
and will work with you to get it.
Play them on alto, tenor and bari. Really top stuff.
Played them on theatrical shows, rock gigs, jazz gigs, classical gigs. He's
really got some incredible mouthpieces.
-Anchorsax
David M. Erato
ernie northway a while a go, and that took at least 6 months. great pieces
( i play them on alto and bari )but for some reason, i'm not liking the way
it feels on my alto. anyways just wondering. thanks!
daveE
"Steve" <steve...@erols.com> wrote in message
news:asbs26$fvr$1...@bob.news.rcn.net...
Yuca
Thank you Ron!
Pete Thomas
want.
--
best regards
Pete Thomas
"United we stand, together we fall" - Gordon (the big engine)
negZ
wrote:
>
> (Unsolicited endorsement...)
>
> A major "shout out" to Ron Coehlo of RPC Mouthpieces! I just got my RPC
> model 90 alto mouthpiece the other day. This mpc plays like no other I
have
> ever tried. The sound is just so fat and so resonant and so open. Better
> still, it affords amazing control from pppp to FFFF, from the bottom of
the
> horn up thru altissimo. And probably most important of all, it plays IN
> TUNE. I'm very accustomed to having to lip down high G to B just a bit.
to
> keep that octave in tune. Not necessary with the RPC. The upper register
> plays in tune, and never the least bit shrill. Palm register is strong.
> Again, it's very altissimo friendly.
>
> This might be a more open mpc than most alto players are used to. Spec
is
--
Posted with Ink Spot (for the Newton) from DejaVu Software, Inc.
Usenet wherever you are - http://www.martnet.com/~dejavu/
Anchorsax
>How long would one expect to get an mp from ron?
Call him and ask. I own several of his mouthpieces on alto tenor and bari.
Sometimes he has been able to deliver very quickly if there were some in "the
works" at the time I called. He'll tell you if it is 6 days or 6 weeks, or
whatever. He is a great guy to talk with.
You won't be dissappointed, he works with you until you are satisfied.
-Anchorsax
Steve
there, but most tend to sacrifice beauty of tone for volume. Or, they have
huge baffles, resulting in a thin, bright sound.
This RPC does not sacrifice a pretty sound for the sake of volume, and it's
surprising how low the baffle actually is. I asked Ron how he did it, and he
said it's all in the design of the facing. I guess there's no short answer
to a question like that! :-)
Fritz
open ears. I've been playing my bari mpc for 18 months and it holds up. I
want nothing more from my mouthpiece.
"Steve" <steve...@erols.com> wrote in message
news:asbs26$fvr$1...@bob.news.rcn.net...
Hubert Barth
>I have to second the positive comments about the RPC mouthpieces and Ron's
>open ears. I've been playing my bari mpc for 18 months and it holds up. I
>want nothing more from my mouthpiece.
AOL me.
Playing Ron´s Mouthpieces on alto, tenor and bari, sop is a Barone.
regards
--
Hubert Barth
Cologne/Germany
http://www.bigbands.de
DEETJEN
I got my tenor 120 from Ron and it is my main mpc. Great piece. I had to wait
about three months to get it though.
Jeff
Bob
wrote:
>(Unsolicited endorsement...)
>
>A major "shout out" to Ron Coehlo of RPC Mouthpieces! I just got my RPC
>model 90 alto mouthpiece the other day. This mpc plays like no other I have
>ever tried. The sound is just so fat and so resonant and so open. Better
>still, it affords amazing control from pppp to FFFF, from the bottom of the
>horn up thru altissimo. And probably most important of all, it plays IN
>TUNE. I'm very accustomed to having to lip down high G to B just a bit. to
>keep that octave in tune. Not necessary with the RPC. The upper register
>plays in tune, and never the least bit shrill. Palm register is strong.
>Again, it's very altissimo friendly.
Hi
I'm fairly new to the Saxophone and was wondering if someone would
explain all about the different ligatures and mouthpieces available.
How would I know which one I need/want ?
Sorry for breaking in on a thread but I really am interested in
getting a good mouthpiece
Bob
Eric Dannewitz
ligature, you can try other ones, but a simple metal one would be ok.
For a person starting out, you are not really going to need something
like a $200+ mouthpiece. You need something which you can develop a good
embouchure. So, get something like a Meyer and stick with it for a few
years and develop some playing skills, THEN consider looking at other
mouthpieces.....
Anchorsax
even before spending thousands on a horn. Give me an RPC with a Yamaha 23, a
Jupiter or a vintage Conn and I'd rather play on that than a new Meyer with a
top of the line current model sax. Someone who is new to the sax will be
better advised spending a relatively small investment on the "front" end of the
horn, and getting it right from the start. How I wish I had an RPC mouthpiece
when I started. Ron has mouthpieces for many styles of playing. Get an RPC,
it is a great investment that will pay dividends through the years. Being
stuck on a mouthpiece that can hold you back for a long time is not a good idea
IMHO. Tell Ron what you are doing and he can actually help you, not hold you
back. Playing on the best mouthpiece will help your embouchure instead of
developing habits to overcome a mouthpiece that isn't as good as an RPC.
-Anchorsax
Yuca
I think a Meyer might be a bit bright for someone starting out - I
would suggest an Otto Link 6 or 6* or so. That or a Selmer C*.
If you want to know about mouthpieces, ligatures, etc., I think there
is a Saxophone FAQ. Also you can look through "The Art of Saxophone
Playing" by Larry Teal.
ben davis
been very short.
Anchorsax <anch...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20021203074552...@mb-fq.aol.com...
Anchorsax
>I think if my sax had come with a .90 alto mouthpiece my career would've
>been very short.
I agree totally. When did ANYONE ever suggest someone getting a .90 alto
mouthpiece? I suggested talking with Ron because he would be able to work with
someone. That is the "point" entirely. He will listen and be able to help
someone. I've played his mouthpieces in jazz/rock and legit situations. Not
the same one in all situations. He makes many types, but you should call him.
Remember I mentioned to "Tell Ron what you are doing.."
-Anchorsax
ben davis
My mistake...I was reading the first post regarding his .90 and "read in" to
your post...Duh!news:20021203094642...@mb-cp.aol.com...
ben davis
My mistake. I was mentalmixing your post with the original post about his
.90.news:20021203094642...@mb-cp.aol.com...
Eric Dannewitz
$200+ mouthpiece?
Don't you think that perhaps getting someone to play correctly is more
important than getting a mouthpiece? Reeds can make a bigger difference
than mouthpiece.
I wouldn't recommend someone who is starting out or "fairly new" to the
saxophone go out and punk down $200+ for a mouthpiece.
I'm not saying that RPC mouthpieces aren't good, I'm saying the general
idea of a student spending that much on a mouthpiece is not good. I'd
rather see them get like a Meyer, Berg, Selmer, or something OTHER then
the cheap plastic mouthpiece that comes with a sax IF they want to
upgrade. I've had students before who played on the stock mouthpiece for
a while, and got a good tone out of it, and switched to a more
"professional" mouthpiece and sounded better. At that point they could
describe the differences they heard and felt in the mouthpiece as well.
Recommending RPC mouthpieces for a beginner would be like, 5-10 years
ago, recommending Guardala mouthpieces. Yeah, sure, the mouthpiece might
kick some ass, but you need to be able to blow into it. A beginner isn't
going to notice a lot of difference. They'd use the money better in
investing in some lessons or books, or something to help them develop
technique. Then, after getting some technique, they can revisit the
mouthpiece question....
Bob
Hi
I think you too guys have been most helpful. OK Here's what I'm
currently playing and let's bear in mind I've only been playing this
for two weeks and it's the first instrument I have ever played. I have
a jupiter 525 with a standard mouthpiece. I got a few 1.5 reeds with
it and they were great to get me started. I'm currently using some
RICO 3 reeds which seem far less raspy and I aren't blowing the bad
squeaky notes I was to begin with. I can play a few simple tunes such
as good king wenclas and twinkle twinkle little star (yes I would love
to get to know some more stuff but i'm learning notes and stuff like
that and trying not to pick up bad habits.
However I do think that I would like a different mouthpiece i'm just
not sure what it is I want/need
Bob
Anchorsax
If you can afford an RPC it is absolutely a worthwhile investment. Call Ron,
describe what you are doing, and what you want. You will probably save a lot
of money over the years by getting something from the start that is good. It
is true that an RPC will play well, and Ron will work with you until you are
happy. Getting a Meyer 5 or 6 is not nearly as good a mouthpiece nor as well
made. I would save my money and get an RPC. Ron makes mouthpieces all day
long, every day -- he will know what you are going after. If it is out of the
question for your budget that is one thing, however, if you can afford it you
won't be sorry.
-Anchorsax
Anchorsax
I didn't simply recommend spending $200 for someone starting out. I
recommended that person getting an RPC because it is a good mouthpiece that
will serve that saxophonist and help develop good playing habits. Just
curious, have you ever owned an RPC? I wonder. There are a lot of $200 and
higher priced mouthpieces out there, many of which I would not recommend. I
said to talk with Ron and get an RPC.
Playing correctly is the POINT. Getting a mouthpiece that plays superbly will
aid that. Again, I question if you have one of Ron's mouthpieces -- frankly it
sounds like you don't, but I might be wrong. I suggest getting a wonderful
mouthpiece to aid correct habits, you seem to suggest getting a mouthpiece that
isn't as good, then fighting bad habits for years and then rewarding yourself
with the right mouthpiece. I'd rather save the money and the time. If someone
can afford it, they should get it sooner than later.
I too, advise getting the right reeds, but that doesn't mean to not get the
right mouthpiece. Did I mention that Ron's mouthpieces are very reed friendly?
Recommending an RPC is NOTHING like recommending a Guardala. How on earth can
you suggest that is the same thing? I played a Guardala for 13 years, and I
would have NEVER recommeded it for someone starting out. However, Ron does
make a wide variety of mouthpieces and is capable of making one that someone
starting out would love for years and years.
Frankly, spending $200 on an RPC is a bargain. I'd spend $500 for the same
mouthpiece and be happy. At $200 it should absolutely be purchased by anyone
who can afford it. Why spend $60 to $125 of something and not consider
spending $200?
By the way, I own and played for years on New York Meyers, Selmers, Bergs,
Frank Wells, Norhtway, Lawton, and Guardalas. Some can be pretty good
mouthpieces. I wouldn't trade one of my RPC mouthpieces for ANY of them.
-Anchorsax
Eric Dannewitz
mouthpiece at this stage is not going to make you play better. The
Orange box rico's are not the best reeds in the world. You might want to
try the Rico Royals or some other brands.
But if you've only been playing for 2 weeks, then investing in a $200+
mouthpiece is not something I would do.
Eric Dannewitz
> Eric,
> I didn't simply recommend spending $200 for someone starting out. I
> recommended that person getting an RPC because it is a good mouthpiece that
> will serve that saxophonist and help develop good playing habits. Just
> curious, have you ever owned an RPC? I wonder. There are a lot of $200 and
> higher priced mouthpieces out there, many of which I would not recommend. I
> said to talk with Ron and get an RPC.
Well, the original person was just starting out. I however have not
tried a RPC mouthpiece. I currently use a old Meyer Brothers mouthpiece.
> Playing correctly is the POINT. Getting a mouthpiece that plays superbly will
> aid that. Again, I question if you have one of Ron's mouthpieces -- frankly it
> sounds like you don't, but I might be wrong. I suggest getting a wonderful
> mouthpiece to aid correct habits, you seem to suggest getting a mouthpiece that
> isn't as good, then fighting bad habits for years and then rewarding yourself
> with the right mouthpiece. I'd rather save the money and the time. If someone
> can afford it, they should get it sooner than later.
I would agree that investing in a good mouthpiece is worthwhile for a
student. However, someone who is just starting out does not need a $200+
mouthpiece. And some of the plastic stock mouthpieces are not bad. In
fact, in College the classical saxophone teacher recommended getting a
stock Yamaha tenor mouthpiece for classical music. Mouthpiece tastes
vary from person to person, the important thing is to play correctly.
You example tends to make me think that if a kid is learning to drive,
lets go get him a Porsche to make it a rewarding experience. A stock
mouthpiece will work for people. And if you have good playing habits,
you can make anything sound good.
>
> I too, advise getting the right reeds, but that doesn't mean to not get the
> right mouthpiece. Did I mention that Ron's mouthpieces are very reed friendly?
Um......ok.........
> Recommending an RPC is NOTHING like recommending a Guardala. How on earth can
> you suggest that is the same thing? I played a Guardala for 13 years, and I
> would have NEVER recommended it for someone starting out. However, Ron does
> make a wide variety of mouthpieces and is capable of making one that someone
> starting out would love for years and years.
I think you are missing the point. My comments were directed toward
someone starting out. And how come someone couldn't start out with a
Guardala? The point is that a beginner doesn't really need a super
deluxe mouthpiece that can peel paint at 50 paces. They need to gain
finger skills, reading skills, and being able to play without squeaking
and play fairly in tune. That is much more important than getting them a
new mouthpiece. When they can navigate around the horn and have the
money and the interest in trying other mouthpieces, then yeah, sure,
they can try and buy whatever they want. But I can't really see
endorsing a "Ok, you are playing saxophone now, but to make it easier
for you, you need to get XXXXXX mouthpiece which will be about $200".
And with adults that I have taught, they play whatever they have for a
while, and then we investigate other instruments/mouthpieces/reeds/etc.
I have a great clarinet student, adult, who invested in a Chadash Barrel
and a Clark Fobes mouthpiece piece for his clarinet. It was because he
got to the point where he can hear the difference and can tell what kind
of sound he wants. And he played a stock clarinet (plastic POS) for
about 6 months before getting a Wood one and this other stuff.
> Frankly, spending $200 on an RPC is a bargain. I'd spend $500 for the same
> mouthpiece and be happy. At $200 it should absolutely be purchased by anyone
> who can afford it. Why spend $60 to $125 of something and not consider
> spending $200?
That is true, but when the time is right for a student, yeah, try out
everything that is out there, and find something that works. And
hopefully at that time the student would be ready for a better horn as well.
> By the way, I own and played for years on New York Meyers, Selmers, Bergs,
> Frank Wells, Norhtway, Lawton, and Guardalas. Some can be pretty good
> mouthpieces. I wouldn't trade one of my RPC mouthpieces for ANY of them.
Which piece do you own by the way? Is it a custom job based on one of
his models? I am curious to try one of his mouthpieces.
I'm replying in the context of someone who is starting out. I'm not
trying to "dis" or whatever Ron's mouthpieces. I've never tried them.
They might be great. But for a beginner, I have issues justifying
recommending them (or anything expensive) if the beginner does really
know what they are doing yet.
Stephen Howard
>
>Hi
>
>I think you too guys have been most helpful. OK Here's what I'm
>currently playing and let's bear in mind I've only been playing this
>for two weeks and it's the first instrument I have ever played. I have
>a jupiter 525 with a standard mouthpiece. I got a few 1.5 reeds with
>it and they were great to get me started. I'm currently using some
>RICO 3 reeds which seem far less raspy and I aren't blowing the bad
>squeaky notes I was to begin with. I can play a few simple tunes such
>as good king wenclas and twinkle twinkle little star (yes I would love
>to get to know some more stuff but i'm learning notes and stuff like
>that and trying not to pick up bad habits.
>
>However I do think that I would like a different mouthpiece i'm just
>not sure what it is I want/need
Bob, if you've only been playing two weeks you'd have to be completely
insane to spend shedloads of cash on a mouthpiece.
It's not that such pieces aren't any good - it simply that you just
don't need them...yet.
After a year or so you'll have formed a reasonable embouchure and
you'll have a much better idea as to the direction in which you want
your tone to go ( perhaps brighter and funkier.. or more mellow and
dark ). You may even decide it's time for a better horn!
If people underestimate the humble mass-produced Yamaha student
mouthpiece then more fool them - it's consistent, reliable and cheap,
and when I used to retail new horns I'd bung one in with the outfit -
safe in the knowledge that whatever problems the new player might come
up against, the mouthpiece wasn't going to be one of them.
Frankly I'd question the commercial ethics of a trader who'd flog you
an expensive piece at this stage of your playing career - and I'd be
driving a much better car if I'd sold all those bright young things
the Lakeys, Dukoffs, Links, etc. they asked me for because 'a friend'
recommended them.
The unmarked piece that comes with the Jupiter is typically pretty
dire ( though you can get lucky - but you wouldn't know that unless
someone more experienced tried it out for you ).
I'd recommend a Yamaha 3C or 4C, with the 3C being a tad brighter than
the 4C ( sometimes useful on a cheaper instrument to give the response
a lift ).
You won't need a ligature and cap - you already have those.
Myatts ( www.myatt.co.uk ) sell the Yamaha at £25 - spend the pounds
you've saved on some more reeds, a decent strap ( the BG strap with
the locking hook is a worthwhile investment ) and perhaps some books
or teaching CDs.
This time next year you should be well qualified to go out and blow
£60+ on a quality mouthpiece.
Regards,
--
Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations
www.shwoodwind.co.uk
Emails to: showard{who is at}shwoodwind{dot}co{dot}uk
Yuca
lessons - that would help you along MUCH more than one of Ron's
mouthpieces. If you really want to try a different mouthpiece, I
would suggest maybe an Otto Link, or a Morgan, or something along that
line - middle of the road, easy to play, not too bright, etc. etc.
bigdaddy
BD
"Anchorsax" <anch...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20021204001439...@mb-fe.aol.com...
nobody
I bought a tenor 95 (?) from them a few months ago
(after buying a 110 direct from RC).
They're available on approval from W&B.