JodyJazz's Frequently Asked Questions
Most professional players don’t know a lot about mouthpieces so don’t feel bad if you are confused. These are Jody’s answers to many frequently asked questions.
Dear Mr. Espina,
First let me say I’m a proud owner of Jody Jazz mouthpieces, their free blowing nature is simply the best (worth every penny)! You are truly talented with your ART!
Now for my question. I recently watched a Youtube interview, and you spoke of the common misconception that metal will always be brighter than hard rubber. The deciding factor is in the inside of the piece (ie the chamber). My question is if the inside is the determining factor (which I agree), then why don’t mouthpiece makers simply make all mouthpieces out of one material? I’m very interested to hear your knowledge of this!
Thanks so much for your time!
Sincerely,
Adam C
Hello Adam,
Thanks a lot for your email. Here is my quick short answer to your question.
Hard rubber is preferred by some for the following reasons:
- The shape and larger size in the mouth just feels better.
- Because of the larger size which opens the mouth wider the sound is different than a metal mouthpiece (more mellow)
- Material does matter regarding sound – my estimation is that it’s 15% of the sound.
Metal is preferred by some for the following reasons:
- The shape is smaller and just feels better in the mouth.
- Because of the smaller size which opens the mouth less the sound is different than hard rubber (more direct and slightly brighter)
- Material does matter regarding sound – my estimation is that it’s 15% of the sound.
We can manufacture metal with very thin rails which can enhance performance, hard rubber cannot be manufactured as thinly that’s why HR pieces are bigger.
Sincerely,
Jody Espina – President
JodyJazz Inc
*Please note our Returns & Trial Policies which will be strictly enforced. For more information visit https://jodyjazz.com/return-policy/
Only JodyJazz Classic, and ESP models come with a spoiler. The metal reed on the ESP spoilers are 24kt Gold plated and the metal reed on the Classic spoilers are stainless steel. The spoiler is designed only for JodyJazz Classic and ESP models and will not fit other mouthpieces.
Which tip opening should I play?
A wider tip opening (higher numbers or letters) allows for more air to go in the mouthpiece. It takes slightly more air and embouchure strength to make the reed travel the further distance in it’s vibrations to opening and closing against the tip of the mouthpiece.
Here are some general guidelines to follow when searching for the right tip opening. If you play for less than an hour a day you are probably best off if you stick to the lower numbers. Too large a piece will be difficult too control in the lower registers, it will be difficult to play at soft volumes, you will run out of air too soon and your embouchure will tire out too soon.
If you play more than an hour a day you have more options in regards to which tip opening you can play. Larger is not necessarily better. Everyone is different in what feels comfortable. My best advice is to try several different sizes and keep an open mind about what will work best for you. It all comes down to what feel you like. Do you like to bite hard with a strong reed and blow a lot or do you like to play easy and have the sound pop out right away. Of course that’s a simplification but I think it’s one way to describe the tip opening/facing question.
Classical players prefer relatively closed tip openings (low numbers or letters) because of the dark restrained tone that they produce. Jazz players are looking for more sound and vibration out of the reed, partly having to do with the environment of having to compete with louder instruments than in a classical setting. The larger the tip opening (higher numbers or letters) you use, generally the softer the reed you use. If you have a more open tip and you need a darker sound than you can use a harder reed. In other words you can achieve the sound you want through different reed strengths.
For Alto, most professionals and college students who play jazz and pop music play #6, 7, with being the most popular facing for pros. Students play #5’s through #6’s. Fourth, fifth and sixth graders should play a 5, while middle school players might try #5 or #6 and high school players might use #6, 0r 7.
For Tenor, use the same facing numbers as for Alto but add one number higher to the range and one number higher to the most popular facing. For example: The most popular facing for pros on Tenor is a 7 or 7* with the range of popular facings being from #6* to a #8*.
Remember these are very general guidelines and your private teacher is the best person to advise you, or you may submit your questions to us. Click Here and we can help guide you to the right facing. When you fill out the 6 questions, be sure to include a complete description of your current setup including mouthpiece, reed strength and brand, brand of horn, how long you’ve been playing, what kind of playing you currently, whose sound you like, and how many hours a week you play/practice.
A harder reed can give the sound more support in the upper register. Altissimo notes are easier to play. If the reed is too soft, the higher notes are the first to suffer and have kind of a flat, buzzy, thin sound. When you use a harder reed there are more harmonics in the sound. The sound can have a bigger core. Harder reeds last longer than softer ones.
Disadvantage of a harder reed
If a reed is too hard for a player the results will be: Diminished endurance. The player tires out quickly.Player can’t hold notes long enough.Sound has a lot of air in it. Low notes will be more difficult to play.
Reed strength – Conclusion
As with mouthpieces the player needs to experiment to find the best combination. This is personal and will not be the same for every player, even on the same mouthpiece and tip opening. My advice is to play the hardest reed that is comfortable and that does not fatigue you too much and does not sound too airy. At the same time my advice is to play the softest reed that still gives you a good sound especially on the high notes.
Classical Mouthpieces
- Made to blend with flutes and clarinets therefore they won’t let you play too loud or too bright.
- Bigger chamber for dark sound.
- Small tip openings keep the sound quiet
Jazz Mouthpieces.
- Made so player can get more volume and be heard over drums and compete with brass instruments.
- Smaller chamber for brighter and louder sound.
- Bigger tip openings for more harmonics in the sound, more volume and ability to bend the pitch more.
Plating is not only cosmetic but it protects you from having direct contact with the brass. Our metal JodyJazz mouthpieces are made from a solid virgin bar of brass. Then there are three layers of plating starting with Copper then Silver or Nickel and then the Gold. We use heavy Gold in 24kts. Over the long run the top layer of Gold can start to wear off. You are still protected from the raw brass by the other two layers, which will not wear off. Some people have more acidity in their saliva than other people and this high acidic level can eat away at the gold plating faster than it would wear off naturally. This will be accelerated if you drink sodas like Coca-Cola or Alcohol. For this reason we suggest after each playing session, to rinse the mouthpiece in water with a little mild dish soap and to gently dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Very important:
The plating first starts to wear off on the table of the mouthpiece. To preserve the Gold plating do not leave moist reeds on the mouthpiece overnight.
With proper care I expect gold plating to last anywhere from two to five years and much longer for some people who are very careful and have no acidity in their hands or saliva.
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