Martin Koehler

"Dear Jody, Thanks for giving me the extended test period for the mouthpiece. I used the last days for intensive testing. The first impression was a bit ambivalent or almost disappointing. On one hand there was the impressive ease of response and control, probably second to none. However, on the other hand the sound seemed to me lacking of , of edge, of "smokey air" sound that I always liked on my Dukoff M8 so far (on a Yani 9930). Fortunately I've got recording options at home and so I recorded 2 songs with your MP and the Dukoff. The result I have to admit was quite surprising for me. Where the Dukoff showed indeed some very nice colours in certain ranges the JJ was remarkably more even over the whole range, perhaps not as spectacular as the M8 but at the bottom line more mature and very pleasant in the mix. Less compression was required in the mix since the JJ didn't break out in any range. One more evidence that our instruments sound for our audience (or for the mic) slightly different to what we hear when we play it! Summarized, the ease of control together with "love on second sight" of the sound I decided to keep it and make it a new friend 🙂 However, I found out that I need most likely harder reeds for the JJ. With the Dukoff M8 I used to play Rico La Voz medium-hard or Vandoren jaZZ 3. Your MP came with a Rico Jazz select 3. Was that just coincidence? I never played this type before and I liked it but it was still a bit to soft for me. What would be your recommendation? I know it's an individual thing but since it is so difficult to get a selection of various reeds in different strength here in Bangkok I would appreciate your recommandation very much. btw. The ring is really a good invention - as simple as it is. It reminds me a bit to the old technique on German clarinet MPs of drawing a string around. Definetely better than the normal ligature. Kind regards from The Land Of Smile Martin."