I’ve been playing the Custom Dark on a Reference 54 alto for a couple of years after having transitioned from the metal DV. Now, having purchased my first tenor (a Yanagisawa TWO1) this week, I wanted something of an indication of how the Custom Dark would play on it compared to the other options in the Jody Jazz range. Your video confirmed that, for me, the Custom Dark should be a good option. Many thanks.
My favourite is definitely the DV. I’m looking forward to ordering a DV7 in a couple of weeks to play my Yamaha YAS480 with my Rovner dark ligature ❤️🎷
Nigel, I have the HR Custom Dark, HR*, Jet and I had a DV NY. Jody does make excellent MPs. The Custom Dark has been my main MP for over a year now. I use the Power Ring. Still learning to play but the Custom Dark is my current favorite.
After watching your interview with Jody, I went online and did the 6 questions concerning the tenor sax. Tracy emailed within 24 hours to recommend the HR* C*, with the power ring. Ordered and arrived in good fashion. I have no idea what mouthpiece came with the tenor, but i wanted to go altissimo without trying. Have only been playing since the first of the year and having a great time on Sax School. Still primarily playing alto so not much time as of yet to work on Tenor. Looking forward to playing the HR*. Great customer service with Jody Jazz team. Don't see how you can go wrong.
both tenor and alto on the hr*, tenor hr*6* , alto hr*5, with Vandoren Java red 2.5 and Fibracell 3.5, same setup for both saxes, works for me. The power ring i use on the alto, for tenor Vandoren Optimum ligature
Great review Nigel, I have the HR Custom Dark, which is my standard, had an HR that I donated, have a DV Chicago and a Giant (opening 9, breathtaking, literally), all great in their area
One important thing to consider when you chose a new mouthpiece : you don't necessarily need a large tip opening. You can find videos here of Baptiste Herbin playing a 5, Eddie Daniels picking a smaller opening, Sirvalorsax advising for 6-7. I noticed that my used reeds were bent and my mouth easily tired. I switched from a HR 7 to HR 6 and it's much better for me. By the way, I play a YTS 25 and when I considered upgrading the horn, I didn't like the HR with other saxes.
Listening with headphones there was a clear difference in tone though not in loudness, maybe due to editing. I play on the custom dark and love, love, love it... probably since I'm a ballad lover 🎶🎷🎶
Some of the bot replies are hilarious. But, in the end, the mpc for you is the one that makes playing the easiest. You can manipulate almost all "centered" mouthpieces to your personal sound.
I m big fan of jody pieces. My First alto choice was jj jet (fantastic choice for playing on the street: loud, comfortable and don't crack on frost, like ebony pieces do) But... HR* is ideal for alto. Its so VERSATILE - dont too loud in restorant, dont too dark in pop band, body in sound and edge when it needs to be ... Some time ago i was thinking to buying DV hr , but... actually HR* gives me all i need from alto sax 😅
Hi Nigel - I also love the custom dark 7* - but also try the BetterSax mouthpiece, manufactured by Jody Jazz - it has a bit more edge than the Custom Dark and I reckon it is pretty much EXACTLY what you say you are looking for at the end of your video! Reasonable price too.
It took me a few months to get used to my Berg Larson … To be fair i love that mouthpiece even though it has been a pain in my ass with fitting it on the neck.
I just received the DV for alto and a power ring a couple days ago. I have had 2 practice sessions with it so far. I have about 20 more days to decide. Hmmm. I like it, it is easy and very versatile. If I were playing in a full jazz band, it would definitely be awesome. It plays big and volume is not an issue! i tried the dark and the HR, both fantastic, but I felt I needed a bigger open sound and the DV certainly delivers. However, is it so much better to justify the price???? Not sure yet. As you say, I need to play on it more, so I will give it a good test drive before making a final decision. I want to say this…. That power ring is amazing! It really makes a big difference! When I was testing the other ones in the music store…the power ring made such a difference. I definitely recommend e power ring for the dark or HR* I believe you won’t be sorry! Oh and btw, in this video, I think- hands down - the best sound, tone, etc was the DV. Wow. Big sound and fatter tone, plus it’s versatility. Sounding awesome, Nigel!!
I recently changed mpcs on my alto and tenor from a lead player type mouthpiece (Theo Wanne Gaia 8 on my alto and similar one on my tenor). Now playing the Custom Dark 7 on both. I have the power ring ligature, but only drawback is trying to adjust your mpc on the neck…so, I’m using a Silverstein on both…I love the Custom Dark for the more lounge lizard background type of music I’m playing now, but it still has some pop when you push it. And, since I’m usually playing smaller venues, the projection on the Custom Dark is ideal.
Hi Nigel, I have a dark custom 7* Tenor and I find it works extremely well on my vintage Selmer and on my yam 23 it makes the sound smooth! Looking to buy a DV Bass for my old Bari! Cheers Paul
Hi Nigel, I recently upgraded from a Yamaha 5C to a HR* 7. I love the sound but it definitely takes some getting used to! The big opening empties my lungs quicker but the sound is much bigger too. I like the way it makes each note sound better all the way through the range.
@@lovenafrica1114 Hello. I also played a Yamaha 4c and upgraded to a SelmerS80 and then to a JodyJazz HR*7. I love it and I would never go back to Selmer and definately not to Yamaha 4c, which is for beginners. I have used lots of different cane reeds, and have ended up with Rigotti "The wild one" 2. It is an amazing reed, I love it. I have tried lots of different VanDooren reeds also, but I prefer the Rigotti. My music teacher advised me to use these. After listening to Nigel's video, I would love to try a Custom dark mouth piece. That will be my next! Love these videos, Nigel!!!
Nigel. Good info. I have been playing a Otto Link New York Tone Master 6* then 8. Thats it for me. No more searching The MP is straight through, no baffle. Those you play sound fine. I like the dark side. I can't play now. Back surgery 7 weeks ago. Doc says no for 2 more months. I will go back to my 6* yhen back to the 8 once I get back. Tim
Nice. But I didn't understand what you meant by 'high table' or 'ridge in the table'. I thought the table was the part where you put the reed on?! Maybe you were rather talking about the baffle? Confused...
Great sound on the hard rubber HR mouthpiece. I like the full sound and the way you shape the tone with it more than all the other pieces you played on this video. I'm left wondering how your Leger reed would sound on the HR star compared too the cane reed. Would it be as clean and warm sounding as the cane reed. 🤔 or maybe even better because you have played Leger so long.
I know you play the slant sig. 2 by theo wanne and I'm thinking about trying one but you also had a great sound on the custom dark jody jazz mouthpiece. Between the two of them which do you like the best and why. Patrick
Hi Nigel I’m currently on Yamaha 4c mouthpiece and want to upgrade to Jody jazz jet to achieve my harsher aggressive sound , I’m currently using a legere 2 reed signature would I be best getting a Jody jazz number 6 ?
There is something strange about the sound when you play CW. It seems the highs are kind of compressed. The difference between mouthpieces is more obvious when you play after the short talk.
Hi Nigel. I much prefer to use a Legere reed. You said it didn't work as well for you on the DV, but I was wondering if you find a Legere reed to work fine with the Jet mpc? I currently own the Custom Dark and would like a second mpc that is not too similar so I was considering the Jet. I prefer pop/rock (and of course Christmas stuff this time of year). Do you think those two pieces would cover all the bases for a tenor player who wants 2 mouthpieces?
Hi Nigel, I actually started playing only 3 years ago with a JJ Custom Dark 5* (085 opening) and "think" I need to change because the MP closes up with a Legere 2.5 that I use, should I stay with the Custom Dark and get a 6* (095 opening ) now that I been playing for 3 years now ? I do love the dark sound as I used it to blow my first notes, or should I try a total change ?
Great question. There are a few ways you could approach this. Easiest is to try a harder reed (Legere do 1/4 sizes so perhaps try a 2.75). Alternatively you could move up to a size 6 mouthpiece (more expensive option). And the third option is to simply look at why your mouthpiece is “closing up”. Perhaps you could be more relaxed with your embouchure. Might be worth experimenting with this first of all? Good luck.
Hi, Personally I wouldn't say there was a great deal of difference as a listener between these mouthpieces. The beginning of CW did sound thinner and weedier on the metal mouthpieces to my ears though. However I would go for the darker sound of the ebonite mouthpieces if I was choosing. As far as buying goes, if it takes weeks to get the feel of a mouthpiece, how can you choose one in a shop?....especially at £300+ or more....that's a big risk to take. I prefer to order a couple on line via a shop that will let you take them on trial and play them at home away from the pressure of being in a shop. Is the DV your favourite metal mouthpiece? How would it compare to say the classic Otto Link STM metal? I'd be interested in a test comparison....together with any other metal mouthpiece you think could be in the running. Thanks
Great questions Ang. I think the key is if your first impressions of a mpce in a shop are good, then you can improve that with practice over the next month or so (that’s my experience anyway). I do like the DV. It’s brighter than an Otto Link and more flexible I think.
Hiya, new subscriber here and I really like your channel. Can I check please what size DV you played on? In the video you say an 8* but the video note says a 7*, thank you!
Great question. I have both and find myself picking up the Custom Dark every day. But…that’s mostly because I’m playing everyday in my studio and recording. If I was doing different playing I might go for the DV.
No dv ny :( I own custom dark for both alto and tenor, thinking about buying a dv ny tenor. I would love to watch you review it :3 (couldn't find a video about it in saxschool)
The Jet is plastic, no? I've actually been considering a Jet for my tenor because I play a D'Addario Jazz Select 6 (which they say is a 7 in other brands) with Vandoren java red 2.5, which is great for playing jazz at home, but I also play in a street band (Latin, Balkan, ska, etc.). It's difficult to be as percussive (articulation/quick response) as I want to be and play for as long with the Jazz Select, although maybe the mouthpiece is a bit too open for me and I need to develop my chops more. I play an hr* on my alto and like it, but I switched to tenor about a year ago and am still trying to find the right setup.
I’ve been playing the Custom Dark on a Reference 54 alto for a couple of years after having transitioned from the metal DV. Now, having purchased my first tenor (a Yanagisawa TWO1) this week, I wanted something of an indication of how the Custom Dark would play on it compared to the other options in the Jody Jazz range. Your video confirmed that, for me, the Custom Dark should be a good option.
Many thanks.
You’re welcome. Great choice - you have a nice setup there.
Absolutely love the Super Jet. Killer contemporary sound.
My favourite is definitely the DV. I’m looking forward to ordering a DV7 in a couple of weeks to play my Yamaha YAS480 with my Rovner dark ligature ❤️🎷
Just brought a Jet 9, love it, perfect for the Ska and Soul Bands I play in 👍😎
Cool. That’s a great use for the Jet!
Nigel, I have the HR Custom Dark, HR*, Jet and I had a DV NY. Jody does make excellent MPs. The Custom Dark has been my main MP for over a year now. I use the Power Ring. Still learning to play but the Custom Dark is my current favorite.
Hi
I play the HR Dark, and the burning better sax
Both are great
Thank you for your videos
After watching your interview with Jody, I went online and did the 6 questions concerning the tenor sax. Tracy emailed within 24 hours to recommend the HR* C*, with the power ring. Ordered and arrived in good fashion. I have no idea what mouthpiece came with the tenor, but i wanted to go altissimo without trying. Have only been playing since the first of the year and having a great time on Sax School. Still primarily playing alto so not much time as of yet to work on Tenor. Looking forward to playing the HR*. Great customer service with Jody Jazz team. Don't see how you can go wrong.
Awesome Gene!
both tenor and alto on the hr*, tenor hr*6* , alto hr*5, with Vandoren Java red 2.5 and Fibracell 3.5, same setup for both saxes, works for me. The power ring i use on the alto, for tenor Vandoren Optimum ligature
I play on a Jody Jazz Classic 7, discontinued mouthpiece with nice design and a good bit edge compared to my other hard rubbers 👍
Great review Nigel,
I have the HR Custom Dark, which is my standard, had an HR that I donated, have a DV Chicago and a Giant (opening 9, breathtaking, literally), all great in their area
I play a Jet 7 alto. I love it with a Legere American cut 2.5.
One important thing to consider when you chose a new mouthpiece : you don't necessarily need a large tip opening. You can find videos here of Baptiste Herbin playing a 5, Eddie Daniels picking a smaller opening, Sirvalorsax advising for 6-7. I noticed that my used reeds were bent and my mouth easily tired. I switched from a HR 7 to HR 6 and it's much better for me.
By the way, I play a YTS 25 and when I considered upgrading the horn, I didn't like the HR with other saxes.
Listening with headphones there was a clear difference in tone though not in loudness, maybe due to editing.
I play on the custom dark and love, love, love it... probably since I'm a ballad lover 🎶🎷🎶
The Custom Dark is lovely for ballad playing Brigitte. Glad you like it too.
Some of the bot replies are hilarious. But, in the end, the mpc for you is the one that makes playing the easiest. You can manipulate almost all "centered" mouthpieces to your personal sound.
I m big fan of jody pieces.
My First alto choice was jj jet (fantastic choice for playing on the street: loud, comfortable and don't crack on frost, like ebony pieces do)
But...
HR* is ideal for alto.
Its so VERSATILE - dont too loud in restorant, dont too dark in pop band, body in sound and edge when it needs to be ...
Some time ago i was thinking to buying DV hr , but... actually HR* gives me all i need from alto sax 😅
Of the JJ pieces I think the DV Chi & DV NY have the most character. Of the ones played I thought the HR* did the best job.
which one did you like but
I like comparison videos. Thank you.
Hi Nigel - I also love the custom dark 7* - but also try the BetterSax mouthpiece, manufactured by Jody Jazz - it has a bit more edge than the Custom Dark and I reckon it is pretty much EXACTLY what you say you are looking for at the end of your video! Reasonable price too.
Interesting Martin. I’ll need to check one out.
I play the DV CHI and love it
I’ve Just Got A Jody Jazz Dv Ny 10* It’s Brilliant Very Dextor Gordon
It took me a few months to get used to my Berg Larson …
To be fair i love that mouthpiece even though it has been a pain in my ass with fitting it on the neck.
I just received the DV for alto and a power ring a couple days ago. I have had 2 practice sessions with it so far. I have about 20 more days to decide. Hmmm. I like it, it is easy and very versatile. If I were playing in a full jazz band, it would definitely be awesome. It plays big and volume is not an issue! i tried the dark and the HR, both fantastic, but I felt I needed a bigger open sound and the DV certainly delivers. However, is it so much better to justify the price???? Not sure yet. As you say, I need to play on it more, so I will give it a good test drive before making a final decision.
I want to say this…. That power ring is amazing! It really makes a big difference! When I was testing the other ones in the music store…the power ring made such a difference. I definitely recommend e power ring for the dark or HR* I believe you won’t be sorry!
Oh and btw, in this video, I think- hands down - the best sound, tone, etc was the DV. Wow. Big sound and fatter tone, plus it’s versatility. Sounding awesome, Nigel!!
I recently changed mpcs on my alto and tenor from a lead player type mouthpiece (Theo Wanne Gaia 8 on my alto and similar one on my tenor). Now playing the Custom Dark 7 on both. I have the power ring ligature, but only drawback is trying to adjust your mpc on the neck…so, I’m using a Silverstein on both…I love the Custom Dark for the more lounge lizard background type of music I’m playing now, but it still has some pop when you push it. And, since I’m usually playing smaller venues, the projection on the Custom Dark is ideal.
That’s really interesting Pete - you have a very similar setup to me. Glad to hear you like it.
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool except I have about 1/10th your talent and ability! lol
Hi Nigel could you do a video comparing the different DV, DV Chicago & NY?
That would be interesting Marco.
Hi Nigel, I have a dark custom 7* Tenor and I find it works extremely well on my vintage Selmer and on my yam 23 it makes the sound smooth! Looking to buy a DV Bass for my old Bari! Cheers Paul
The metal DV runs tings all day
I use a custom dark on my tenor and a HR on my alto ( both 7*). An in between one sounds very interesting
Cool. I’ll keep you posted if I find something like that David.
Hi Nigel,
I recently upgraded from a Yamaha 5C to a HR* 7. I love the sound but it definitely takes some getting used to! The big opening empties my lungs quicker but the sound is much bigger too. I like the way it makes each note sound better all the way through the range.
Great to hear that Pat. Take your time with the new mouthpiece.
Hi! may I ask what reed and reed strength do you use for HR*7? Im also planning to buy the MP with the same tip opening.
@@lovenafrica1114 Hello. I also played a Yamaha 4c and upgraded to a SelmerS80 and then to a JodyJazz HR*7. I love it and I would never go back to Selmer and definately not to Yamaha 4c, which is for beginners. I have used lots of different cane reeds, and have ended up with Rigotti "The wild one" 2. It is an amazing reed, I love it. I have tried lots of different VanDooren reeds also, but I prefer the Rigotti. My music teacher advised me to use these.
After listening to Nigel's video, I would love to try a Custom dark mouth piece. That will be my next!
Love these videos, Nigel!!!
@@boligbytte123 thank you for answering my question. Have fun playing.
Nigel. Good info. I have been playing a Otto Link New York Tone Master 6* then 8. Thats it for me. No more searching The MP is straight through, no baffle. Those you play sound fine. I like the dark side. I can't play now. Back surgery 7 weeks ago. Doc says no for 2 more months. I will go back to my 6* yhen back to the 8 once I get back. Tim
Hope you’re back playing soon Tim. Speedy recovery.
Thank you. July 12
Used to play HR *7 at one point, then SYOS but now I just love playing my DV CHI (for tenor)
Cool!
HR* 7 on both Tenor and Alto
Nice!
is it also good for tenor in marching band?
Nice. But I didn't understand what you meant by 'high table' or 'ridge in the table'. I thought the table was the part where you put the reed on?! Maybe you were rather talking about the baffle? Confused...
Great sound on the hard rubber HR mouthpiece. I like the full sound and the way you shape the tone with it more than all the other pieces you played on this video. I'm left wondering how your Leger reed would sound on the HR star compared too the cane reed. Would it be as clean and warm sounding as the cane reed. 🤔 or maybe even better because you have played Leger so long.
I know you play the slant sig. 2 by theo wanne and I'm thinking about trying one but you also had a great sound on the custom dark jody jazz mouthpiece. Between the two of them which do you like the best and why. Patrick
Thanks Patrick. Both are great pieces but I’ve been playing the Custom Dark pieces more lately.
I love the HR *
Hi Nigel I’m currently on Yamaha 4c mouthpiece and want to upgrade to Jody jazz jet to achieve my harsher aggressive sound , I’m currently using a legere 2 reed signature would I be best getting a Jody jazz number 6 ?
Perhaps though I’d suggest testing out the jet first if you get the chance. It’s a lovely mouthpiece but very bright - and that doesn’t suit everyone.
There is something strange about the sound when you play CW. It seems the highs are kind of compressed. The difference between mouthpieces is more obvious when you play after the short talk.
Dark 8... ❤
thank you
Test🎷👍👏🔥💯🔝
Hi Nigel. I much prefer to use a Legere reed. You said it didn't work as well for you on the DV, but I was wondering if you find a Legere reed to work fine with the Jet mpc? I currently own the Custom Dark and would like a second mpc that is not too similar so I was considering the Jet. I prefer pop/rock (and of course Christmas stuff this time of year). Do you think those two pieces would cover all the bases for a tenor player who wants 2 mouthpieces?
Hi Nigel, I actually started playing only 3 years ago with a JJ Custom Dark 5* (085 opening) and "think" I need to change because the MP closes up with a Legere 2.5 that I use, should I stay with the Custom Dark and get a 6* (095 opening ) now that I been playing for 3 years now ? I do love the dark sound as I used it to blow my first notes, or should I try a total change ?
Great question. There are a few ways you could approach this. Easiest is to try a harder reed (Legere do 1/4 sizes so perhaps try a 2.75). Alternatively you could move up to a size 6 mouthpiece (more expensive option). And the third option is to simply look at why your mouthpiece is “closing up”. Perhaps you could be more relaxed with your embouchure. Might be worth experimenting with this first of all? Good luck.
Thanks Nigel , I`ii take all that onboard, keep the great work up mate.@@McGillMusicSaxSchool
Hi, Personally I wouldn't say there was a great deal of difference as a listener between these mouthpieces. The beginning of CW did sound thinner and weedier on the metal mouthpieces to my ears though. However I would go for the darker sound of the ebonite mouthpieces if I was choosing.
As far as buying goes, if it takes weeks to get the feel of a mouthpiece, how can you choose one in a shop?....especially at £300+ or more....that's a big risk to take. I prefer to order a couple on line via a shop that will let you take them on trial and play them at home away from the pressure of being in a shop.
Is the DV your favourite metal mouthpiece? How would it compare to say the classic Otto Link STM metal? I'd be interested in a test comparison....together with any other metal mouthpiece you think could be in the running. Thanks
Great questions Ang. I think the key is if your first impressions of a mpce in a shop are good, then you can improve that with practice over the next month or so (that’s my experience anyway). I do like the DV. It’s brighter than an Otto Link and more flexible I think.
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool ah the DV is not for me then.....I wouldn't want something brighter than the Link.
Hi , can you help me ? i play alto with HR 6M so tenor i'm should buy HR ???M . i'm just switch alto to tenor, pls help me. Thanks
I just started with a Jean Paul what mouth piece you recommend? Please recommend I have a mid budget
What would you recommend to get a dark sound on a Yamaha 62 tenor?
The Custom Dark would be my choice.
I have an Alto
6:41
18:35
Hiya, new subscriber here and I really like your channel. Can I check please what size DV you played on? In the video you say an 8* but the video note says a 7*, thank you!
Which mouthpiece would you have if it was just between the Custom Dark and the DV ?
Great question. I have both and find myself picking up the Custom Dark every day. But…that’s mostly because I’m playing everyday in my studio and recording. If I was doing different playing I might go for the DV.
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool I have the Custom Dark, and both the DV and the DV NY but still prefer the Custom Dark 🤷🏻♂️
No dv ny :( I own custom dark for both alto and tenor, thinking about buying a dv ny tenor. I would love to watch you review it :3 (couldn't find a video about it in saxschool)
I haven’t tested the DV NY tenor yet - great suggestion!
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Please do remember to play harlem nocturne if you test or review it :) ❤️
I play a HR* 7* tenor
Good choice Pedro!
The Jet is plastic, no? I've actually been considering a Jet for my tenor because I play a D'Addario Jazz Select 6 (which they say is a 7 in other brands) with Vandoren java red 2.5, which is great for playing jazz at home, but I also play in a street band (Latin, Balkan, ska, etc.). It's difficult to be as percussive (articulation/quick response) as I want to be and play for as long with the Jazz Select, although maybe the mouthpiece is a bit too open for me and I need to develop my chops more. I play an hr* on my alto and like it, but I switched to tenor about a year ago and am still trying to find the right setup.
Hey Tim. I think the Jet is a plastic of some kind but still made with the same machining process. It might be a good choice for your Latin band.
Which tenor sax did you get in the end ??
Hi Mike. I did decide on a British made sax - just had delays with covid etc. Hopefully it will arrive soon!
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool nigel don't hold out on us. What gives????
@@MikeSmith-go8wk i know. Great choice
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool top choice
DV is a 7* not 8* 🙂
Thanks Michael. I’ve got both here actually
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Hey Nigel, I really like what you are doing and little glitches happen, just adds character to the channel!