What material is used in the JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark?

It is made from Chedeville rubber, a high-quality material known for its density and purity. This rubber is a significant factor in achieving the mouthpiece's signature dark tone.

What is the darkest mouthpiece in the JodyJazz range?

The HR* Custom Dark is officially the darkest-sounding mouthpiece produced by JodyJazz Inc. Its design prioritises warmth and traditional tonal characteristics over brightness.

What is the purpose of the heavy ring on the shank?

The heavy stylised ring adds mass to the shank of the mouthpiece. This extra weight is designed to boost the body of the tone and increase the presence of harmonics.

How does the chamber design affect the sound?

It features a large, open round chamber. This internal shape helps produce a mellow, spread, and vintage-style sound rather than a narrow or piercing one.

What type of baffle does the HR* Custom Dark have?

It utilizes a rolled-over baffle. This specific baffle design helps maintain a smooth transition of air, contributing to the effortless vintage feel and dark response.

Is the JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark suitable for beginners?

While it is a professional-grade mouthpiece, its 'effortless' playability makes it accessible. However, the tip opening 7 requires a certain level of embouchure development compared to student mouthpieces like the Yamaha 5C.

How does this model compare to the JodyJazz Super Jet?

They are opposites in terms of sound; the Super Jet is designed for maximum brightness and projection, while the HR* Custom Dark is built for a traditional, dark, and dense tone.

Which ligatures are recommended for this mouthpiece?

Players often use the Rovner 3RL Dark or the Vandoren Cuir (Leather) ligatures. These options complement the dark tonal characteristics of the Chedeville rubber.

What tip openings are available for this mouthpiece?

JodyJazz offers the HR* Custom Dark in a wide variety of sizes to ensure a perfect fit for different players, including the size 7 mentioned here.

Does this mouthpiece work well with D'Addario Select Jazz reeds?

Yes, it is frequently paired with D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds, both Filed and Unfiled. These reeds provide the flexibility needed to exploit the mouthpiece's harmonic range.

What is the typical price for the HR* Custom Dark Alto mouthpiece?

In the UK market, this mouthpiece typically retails for approximately £298. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer.

Can this mouthpiece be used for classical music?

Yes, its focus on purity, density, and a dark traditional tone makes it a viable option for classical players who prefer a rubber mouthpiece over metal or brighter synthetic options.

Gear article

JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece 7

The JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark is a professional-grade alto saxophone mouthpiece designed to provide a traditional, vintage-inspired tone. Constructed from proprietary Chedeville rubber, it features a rounded chamber and a heavy shank ring to produce the darkest sonic profile in the JodyJazz catalogue.

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Overview and Construction

The JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark is a premium hard rubber mouthpiece tailored for alto saxophone players who prioritise a warm, vintage aesthetic. The defining characteristic of this model is its construction from Chedeville rubber. This specific material is noted for its density and purity, which contributes to a more focused and substantial tonal core compared to standard hard rubber alternatives.

Physically, the mouthpiece is distinguished by a heavy, stylised ring positioned around the shank. This addition of mass is intended to stabilise the vibrations of the mouthpiece, theoretically boosting the body of the tone and enhancing harmonic content. The model 7 tip opening provides a moderate resistance that allows for greater air volume and expressive range.

Internal Geometry and Sound Profile

Internally, the HR* Custom Dark utilises a large, open round chamber combined with a rolled-over baffle. This geometry is specifically engineered to reduce high-frequency 'brightness' and instead promote a mellow, dark sound.

It is officially rated as the darkest-sounding mouthpiece within the JodyJazz range. The combination of the rounded chamber and the specific density of the Chedeville rubber ensures that the sound remains thick and 'dense' rather than thin or spread, even when played at higher volumes.

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Target Audience

This mouthpiece is primarily suited for:

Jazz Musicians: Those seeking a 'Blue Note' era traditional sound with modern consistency.
Classical and Concert Band Players: Saxophonists requiring a dark, blendable tone that lacks the aggressive edge of contemporary fusion mouthpieces.
Professional Performers: Players who require a high degree of control over their harmonics and tonal body.

Comparison and Compatibility

Compared to the JodyJazz Super Jet series, which is designed for projection and brightness, the HR* Custom Dark sits at the opposite end of the tonal spectrum. While the Super Jet is built for power, the Custom Dark focuses on purity and depth.

For optimal performance, this mouthpiece is often paired with high-quality ligatures such as the Rovner 3RL Dark or the Vandoren Cuir Leather series. Regarding reed selection, it is compatible with professional cuts such as the D'Addario Organic Select Jazz (Filed or Unfiled) or the Vandoren Java series, depending on the player's preference for resistance and response.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used in the JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark?: It is made from Chedeville rubber, a high-quality material known for its density and purity. This rubber is a significant factor in achieving the mouthpiece's signature dark tone.
What is the darkest mouthpiece in the JodyJazz range?: The HR* Custom Dark is officially the darkest-sounding mouthpiece produced by JodyJazz Inc. Its design prioritises warmth and traditional tonal characteristics over brightness.
What is the purpose of the heavy ring on the shank?: The heavy stylised ring adds mass to the shank of the mouthpiece. This extra weight is designed to boost the body of the tone and increase the presence of harmonics.
How does the chamber design affect the sound?: It features a large, open round chamber. This internal shape helps produce a mellow, spread, and vintage-style sound rather than a narrow or piercing one.
What type of baffle does the HR* Custom Dark have?: It utilizes a rolled-over baffle. This specific baffle design helps maintain a smooth transition of air, contributing to the effortless vintage feel and dark response.
Is the JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark suitable for beginners?: While it is a professional-grade mouthpiece, its 'effortless' playability makes it accessible. However, the tip opening 7 requires a certain level of embouchure development compared to student mouthpieces like the Yamaha 5C.
How does this model compare to the JodyJazz Super Jet?: They are opposites in terms of sound; the Super Jet is designed for maximum brightness and projection, while the HR* Custom Dark is built for a traditional, dark, and dense tone.
Which ligatures are recommended for this mouthpiece?: Players often use the Rovner 3RL Dark or the Vandoren Cuir (Leather) ligatures. These options complement the dark tonal characteristics of the Chedeville rubber.
What tip openings are available for this mouthpiece?: JodyJazz offers the HR* Custom Dark in a wide variety of sizes to ensure a perfect fit for different players, including the size 7 mentioned here.
Does this mouthpiece work well with D'Addario Select Jazz reeds?: Yes, it is frequently paired with D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds, both Filed and Unfiled. These reeds provide the flexibility needed to exploit the mouthpiece's harmonic range.
What is the typical price for the HR* Custom Dark Alto mouthpiece?: In the UK market, this mouthpiece typically retails for approximately £298. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer.
Can this mouthpiece be used for classical music?: Yes, its focus on purity, density, and a dark traditional tone makes it a viable option for classical players who prefer a rubber mouthpiece over metal or brighter synthetic options.