I had the pleasure of testing Jody jazz HR* and Jody jazz DV HR. In my opinion, these are two completely different mouthpieces. HR* feels "suffocating" to me, the air does not flow as freely and forcefully as in the DV HR. The freedom of sound production and its sweet and fiery timbre are simply delightful. It only takes a moment to feel and hear the huge difference between these two mouthpieces. I tested with the Rovner dark ligature, I could probably experience even greater sensations with the power ring, but for me it is still a fantastic mouthpiece. Wonderful sound, I definitely recommend it. Greetings to everyone 😀🎷❤️
I'm new to saxophone playing. I have a hundred year old (okay, it's 98 years old, but still...) Buescher True Tone alto from 1926. Choosing mouthpieces is quite the daunting task. I wanted a good mouthpiece, and based on feedback from some players, and cost of the mouthpiece (JodyJazz mouthpieces can be expensive) I chose an HR* Custom Dark. But then, I spoke with the JodyJazz staff, and they told me the DV-HR would be a better choice, new to the world of saxophones as I am. I now have two mouthpieces, but the custom dark now sits in the case. I'm locked into the DV-HR for now. We'll see as time progresses but the DV-HR works just fine. I like it.
I must add, I find it difficult to discern a difference between 'bright' and 'dark.' Essential for me is that I get the mouthpiece to perform in a consistent manner, like what the heck is a 'dark' Bb? I'm happy to have my sax play in tune, which is what really matters to me. Does the average listener know 'dark' from 'bright' ? I dunno. I find it daunting to even tell the difference. The 'free blowing' thing takes precedence in my case, at least.
I have played Jody Jazz but I now play on Alto a Meyer NY Connoisseur 8M and on Tenor a New Brilhart Ebolin 7* I refaced the Meyer to more like a 7* when I flattened the table the Ebolin has a unique facing I applied as well.
I have several JJ pieces. (HR*: Jet: Custom Dark: DV: DVHR) On alto I really like my DVHR 6. I lie it on alto and tenor. I would like it on soprano. You sound great on all of them.
I've had an HR* 7 for 6-7 years. It replaced a Meyer 6 I played for 25 years - "Meyer-plus" is how I've always described the HR*. I was never a guy who liked to try a bunch of different equipment...same horns, mouthpices, reeds, etc. Then I stumbled on a DV a couple of years ago...and that has sent me completely down the rabbit hole of finding the perfect alto piece (for me). I've been back & forth between the DV and a Theo Wanne hard rubber Gaia 4, settling for now on the Gaia. But, of course, I can't leave well enough alone, and a DV HR is now on the way. My credit card & I really hope I find that Holy Grail soon!
I am playing on HR*, and I’m loving it. I also have the Jet, but I’ve barely played on it. To me, the Jet is a little bit harder to play on. My previous mouthpiece was a Yamaha 4C
I’m using the JJ HR* Custom Dark and BetterSax Burnin’ (also from JJ) on my alto…switched over from a TheoWanne Gaia recently and love it…On my Tenor I have the JJ HR* Custom Dark; switched from a TheoWanne Slant Sig 2…all are great mouthpieces, but went with smaller tip openings for the JJ mpcs…downsized from 8s to 6s…
Custom Dark and prefer the darker sound on Alto……but would like to try the DV HR. I was considering buying the metal DV a while back but would prefer the Rubber version. Will pick one up soon. Thanks Nigel treat review.
I play a Jody Jazz HR Dark Custom. And it's honestly my favorite. I also have a Meyer, a Selmer, a couple of Vandoren. But Jody Jazz is really my favorite. I will probably sell the Selmer and the two Vandoren, and keep the Meyer just in case. I'm so satisfied with my JJ it's really the best thing! ❤😊
Great Nigel, I've received my DV HR5 in the post and, wow, does it blow! I have a DV7 Bass sax piece and it is fantastic, especially on my bari! I can play all styles with it ( yes, even classical). The alto I find far brighter and will need to work on my reed choice to temper it a little but that's the fun of trying something new... I'm a mostly classically/music theatre player and normally use a Selmer Claude Delange with Legere Signature 2.25/2.5 reeds on alto. This will be an interesting journey for me! You've also answered a important question ... I can use a Power Ring with Legere reeds, so that'll be ordered soon.😁
Awesome, glad those pieces are working for you. If you’re doing classical / theatre playing then (depending on the show) the DVHR might be on the bright side (I don’t think I would have been brave enough to rock up to a pro orchestra gig with the DV HR!) but…..as you say, getting the right reed will help darken it. When I was doing more pro orchestral work though, I had a classical setup, then something brighter (like the DVHR ) for other gigs. I think this would be a good approach for you on alto at least. Hope that helps.
@McGillMusicSaxSchool Thanks Nigel. Also, talking 'War Stories' and knowing you served with the ADF, did you ever work with Pat Pickett or Graham Lloyd? I had several happy years playing with them in the mid-80s whilst they were at the RMSM in London, but I imagine this was before your time!
Hi! Lofe this! I’m trying to get a better jazz sound but the 455 is kinda pricey I’m wondering about just the HR cause I like when you played that one too ir the custom dark you have a great sound. I usually do classical or pop and jazz but mostly classical so I have a Eugene Russo mouthpiece that I love for that
I’m 11 years old 12 next week and I’ve played sax for 3.5 years now. I’m playing on a 4c. What should I change it out for and what tip opening? It don’t need to Jody Jazz.
If you want to move to a jazz mouthpiece, don’t make too big a jump in tip size. Id recommend going to a 5. You may need a softer reed to compensate for the larger tip opening. Keep at it! Sax is awesome.🎷👍
I agree - sticking to a 5 mouthpiece is a safer bet. This piece is a good option. I also like the Jody Jazz HR* - loads of our members use that one too.
I am playing on a Chedeville Elite Alto mouthpiece which is technically a legit mouthpiece but I haven't found anything I've thrown at it (including covering a Led Zeppelin montage) that it didn't have enough bite or edge. It's kinda crazy and Jody made that one as well. Great piece but I really want to give this one a try as well.
I play the Better Sax Burnin ' which is of course made by Jody and is also highly versatile - dark and woofly to bright. Be interested if you put the Burnin and DV HR back to back.
Would you say the DV HR is a lot bright than the HR*? I’m looking for a bright mouthpiece to play lead alto with (in a high school band). Would this be considered a bright mouthpiece in that regard? If not what are some other good options? Thanks to anyone who answers
I used to have an HR on my tenor, sadly I dropped it. I gave Jay Metcalf´s "Burning" mounthpiece a chance, also made by Jody Espina, that´s the one I am currently playing and loving it. It took me well over a month to adapt and improve mu sound on it, not bad eh? Since I´ve always have trouble with projecting mu sound I was thinking abot the DV but they are made out of metal therefore very expensive. I was surprised to see that there is a hard rubber version for alto so I am wondering if this mouthpiece is also available for tenor. Is it?
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
hey Nigel - you make them all sound really beautiful!! wonderful playing!!
Cheers Brendan!
I had the pleasure of testing Jody jazz HR* and Jody jazz DV HR. In my opinion, these are two completely different mouthpieces. HR* feels "suffocating" to me, the air does not flow as freely and forcefully as in the DV HR. The freedom of sound production and its sweet and fiery timbre are simply delightful. It only takes a moment to feel and hear the huge difference between these two mouthpieces. I tested with the Rovner dark ligature, I could probably experience even greater sensations with the power ring, but for me it is still a fantastic mouthpiece. Wonderful sound, I definitely recommend it. Greetings to everyone 😀🎷❤️
I'm new to saxophone playing. I have a hundred year old (okay, it's 98 years old, but still...) Buescher True Tone alto from 1926. Choosing mouthpieces is quite the daunting task. I wanted a good mouthpiece, and based on feedback from some players, and cost of the mouthpiece (JodyJazz mouthpieces can be expensive) I chose an HR* Custom Dark. But then, I spoke with the JodyJazz staff, and they told me the DV-HR would be a better choice, new to the world of saxophones as I am. I now have two mouthpieces, but the custom dark now sits in the case. I'm locked into the DV-HR for now. We'll see as time progresses but the DV-HR works just fine. I like it.
I must add, I find it difficult to discern a difference between 'bright' and 'dark.' Essential for me is that I get the mouthpiece to perform in a consistent manner, like what the heck is a 'dark' Bb? I'm happy to have my sax play in tune, which is what really matters to me. Does the average listener know 'dark' from 'bright' ? I dunno. I find it daunting to even tell the difference. The 'free blowing' thing takes precedence in my case, at least.
I have played Jody Jazz but I now play on Alto a Meyer NY Connoisseur 8M and on Tenor a New Brilhart Ebolin 7* I refaced the Meyer to more like a 7* when I flattened the table the Ebolin has a unique facing I applied as well.
Cool
Custom Dark HR* and loving it! Jody Espina is surely doing everything right ❤️🎷
I love the Custom Dark too Hasse!
I have several JJ pieces. (HR*: Jet: Custom Dark: DV: DVHR) On alto I really like my DVHR 6. I lie it on alto and tenor. I would like it on soprano. You sound great on all of them.
Thanks. Glad you are enjoying your Jody Jazz pieces too. The DVHR is definitely my favourite on Alto these days.
I've had an HR* 7 for 6-7 years. It replaced a Meyer 6 I played for 25 years - "Meyer-plus" is how I've always described the HR*.
I was never a guy who liked to try a bunch of different equipment...same horns, mouthpices, reeds, etc. Then I stumbled on a DV a couple of years ago...and that has sent me completely down the rabbit hole of finding the perfect alto piece (for me). I've been back & forth between the DV and a Theo Wanne hard rubber Gaia 4, settling for now on the Gaia.
But, of course, I can't leave well enough alone, and a DV HR is now on the way.
My credit card & I really hope I find that Holy Grail soon!
I started on a yam 4c. But for the last year have upgraded to the jody jazz hr*. I love it...👍
Awesome!
I am playing on HR*, and I’m loving it. I also have the Jet, but I’ve barely played on it. To me, the Jet is a little bit harder to play on. My previous mouthpiece was a Yamaha 4C
The HR is a good step up for you.
Nomor BRP itu HR nya....
I’m using the JJ HR* Custom Dark and BetterSax Burnin’ (also from JJ) on my alto…switched over from a TheoWanne Gaia recently and love it…On my Tenor I have the JJ HR* Custom Dark; switched from a TheoWanne Slant Sig 2…all are great mouthpieces, but went with smaller tip openings for the JJ mpcs…downsized from 8s to 6s…
Very nice!
Custom Dark and prefer the darker sound on Alto……but would like to try the DV HR. I was considering buying the metal DV a while back but would prefer the Rubber version.
Will pick one up soon.
Thanks Nigel treat review.
I play a Jody Jazz HR Dark Custom. And it's honestly my favorite. I also have a Meyer, a Selmer, a couple of Vandoren. But Jody Jazz is really my favorite. I will probably sell the Selmer and the two Vandoren, and keep the Meyer just in case. I'm so satisfied with my JJ it's really the best thing! ❤😊
I just bought one the DV HR Alto 7 tip. Can’t wait to get it
Nice Vinny. Let me know how you get on with it.
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool I will let you know
@@vincentgaglio5106 How's the piece treating you?
I use the HR* and just love the sound
Nice!
Great video, I enjoyed it
Great Nigel, I've received my DV HR5 in the post and, wow, does it blow! I have a DV7 Bass sax piece and it is fantastic, especially on my bari! I can play all styles with it ( yes, even classical). The alto I find far brighter and will need to work on my reed choice to temper it a little but that's the fun of trying something new... I'm a mostly classically/music theatre player and normally use a Selmer Claude Delange with Legere Signature 2.25/2.5 reeds on alto. This will be an interesting journey for me! You've also answered a important question ... I can use a Power Ring with Legere reeds, so that'll be ordered soon.😁
Awesome, glad those pieces are working for you. If you’re doing classical / theatre playing then (depending on the show) the DVHR might be on the bright side (I don’t think I would have been brave enough to rock up to a pro orchestra gig with the DV HR!) but…..as you say, getting the right reed will help darken it. When I was doing more pro orchestral work though, I had a classical setup, then something brighter (like the DVHR ) for other gigs. I think this would be a good approach for you on alto at least. Hope that helps.
@McGillMusicSaxSchool Thanks Nigel. Also, talking 'War Stories' and knowing you served with the ADF, did you ever work with Pat Pickett or Graham Lloyd? I had several happy years playing with them in the mid-80s whilst they were at the RMSM in London, but I imagine this was before your time!
Hi! Lofe this! I’m trying to get a better jazz sound but the 455 is kinda pricey I’m wondering about just the HR cause I like when you played that one too ir the custom dark you have a great sound. I usually do classical or pop and jazz but mostly classical so I have a Eugene Russo mouthpiece that I love for that
It’s a tricky choice.
I’m 11 years old 12 next week and I’ve played sax for 3.5 years now. I’m playing on a 4c. What should I change it out for and what tip opening? It don’t need to Jody Jazz.
If you want to move to a jazz mouthpiece, don’t make too big a jump in tip size. Id recommend going to a 5. You may need a softer reed to compensate for the larger tip opening. Keep at it! Sax is awesome.🎷👍
I agree - sticking to a 5 mouthpiece is a safer bet. This piece is a good option. I also like the Jody Jazz HR* - loads of our members use that one too.
Which of those you think sounds brighter? And which one you think have more projection?
I am playing on a Chedeville Elite Alto mouthpiece which is technically a legit mouthpiece but I haven't found anything I've thrown at it (including covering a Led Zeppelin montage) that it didn't have enough bite or edge. It's kinda crazy and Jody made that one as well. Great piece but I really want to give this one a try as well.
Cool - that sounds really versatile. I feel the same way about this one.
hr* both on alto and tenor, for alto also the Custom Dark, and several other mpcs both tenor and alto
Awesome. That’s quite a collection!
How does it compare with the new selmer jazz flow?
Interesting question. I’ll have to make a comparison video!
I play the Better Sax Burnin ' which is of course made by Jody and is also highly versatile - dark and woofly to bright. Be interested if you put the Burnin and DV HR back to back.
Where can I go to buy it ? Thamk you
You could check the jodyjazz.com site, or your local large music retailer.
Would you say the DV HR is a lot bright than the HR*? I’m looking for a bright mouthpiece to play lead alto with (in a high school band). Would this be considered a bright mouthpiece in that regard? If not what are some other good options? Thanks to anyone who answers
I’d say the DV HR is a great option for this because it’s a good balance of not too bright. If you came to my band with one I’d be happy!
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool ok, thank you for the reply! God bless you!
I’m using a hdr 7. What Reed would you recommend?
I play a 2.5 but best to experiment to see what works for you.
I used to have an HR on my tenor, sadly I dropped it. I gave Jay Metcalf´s "Burning" mounthpiece a chance, also made by Jody Espina, that´s the one I am currently playing and loving it. It took me well over a month to adapt and improve mu sound on it, not bad eh?
Since I´ve always have trouble with projecting mu sound I was thinking abot the DV but they are made out of metal therefore very expensive. I was surprised to see that there is a hard rubber version for alto so I am wondering if this mouthpiece is also available for tenor. Is it?
Is custom dark good to perform solo on altosax yamaha 875?
Between jody jazz and beter sax birning what is the best?
Correction: Even Jody admits that the hard rubber warms up the sound and the metal on the bottom gives the DV HR punch. The material 100% does matter.
🎉🎉
Custom Dark sounds better wow