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

The mouthpiece is manufactured using Chedeville rubber, a legendary material known for providing a tone with a sense of purity and density that modern alternative rubbers often struggle to replicate.

How does the chamber design affect the sound?

It features a large open round chamber. This design reduces brightness and increases the 'darkness' of the tone, providing a more traditional and warm baritone saxophone sound.

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

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

How does this model compare to the JodyJazz Super Jet?

The HR* Custom Dark is the darkest sounding mouthpiece in the JodyJazz range, whereas the Super Jet is designed for high projection and a much brighter, contemporary sound.

What internal feature helps smooth the tone?

The mouthpiece uses rounded sidewalls rather than straight ones. These rounded walls help to eliminate harsh edges in the sound, contributing to its dark character.

Is the JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark individually tested?

Yes, every HR* Custom Dark mouthpiece is individually play-tested to ensure it meets the manufacturer's performance and quality standards.

What kind of player is the '9' tip opening best for?

A size 9 tip opening is relatively wide, making it suitable for experienced players who have the embouchure strength to handle more resistance and air volume.

What is the typical price for this mouthpiece in the UK?

The typical price for this specific baritone saxophone mouthpiece is approximately GBP 388.

Can this mouthpiece be used for classical music?

Yes, due to its dark and traditional tone produced by the Chedeville rubber and round chamber, it is a strong candidate for players seeking a refined, non-aggressive sound.

What is the benefit of Chedeville rubber over standard hard rubber?

Chedeville rubber is considered a premium material that offers a specific density. This results in a sonic 'purity' that JodyJazz identifies as a standout feature of the Custom Dark series.

Which reeds are compatible with this mouthpiece?

While it can be used with various brands, it is often paired with high-quality reeds such as D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java series to complement its professional response.

Does the mouthpiece include a ligature?

While ligatures like the Rovner 3RL Dark are often used with baritone mouthpieces of this size, users should verify if a specific ligature is included in the individual retail package.

Gear article

JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark Baritone Saxophone Mouthpiece

The JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark is a professional-grade baritone saxophone mouthpiece designed to deliver a traditional, dark tonal palette. Crafted from proprietary Chedeville rubber, it features a large open round chamber and rounded sidewalls to achieve the darkest sound profile within the JodyJazz product range.

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Background and Construction

The JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark represents a premium evolution of the traditional hard rubber mouthpiece. The defining characteristic of this model is the use of Chedeville rubber, a material renowned for its density and purity, which serves as the foundation for its specific acoustic properties. Each mouthpiece is individually play-tested to ensure quality control and consistent performance standards across the production line.

Physically, the mouthpiece is distinguished by a heavy, stylised ring positioned around the shank. This design choice is not merely aesthetic; the added mass at the shank is intended to increase the body of the tone and enhance the harmonic richness of the instrument's output.

Internal Geometry and Mechanics

To achieve its specific sonic goals, the HR* Custom Dark utilises a combination of internal design features:

Large Open Round Chamber: This maximizes the volume of air inside the mouthpiece, encouraging a warmer and more spread sound.
Rounded Sidewalls: Unlike straight-walled mouthpieces that provide more 'edge,' the rounded interior walls facilitate a smoother air transition, contributing to a darker timbre.
Heavy Shank Ring: The additional weight helps to stabilise the vibrations, resulting in a more focused and dense sound profile.

Sonic Character

The HR* Custom Dark is engineered to be the darkest sounding mouthpiece in the JodyJazz catalogue. It prioritises a traditional, 'vintage' aesthetic over the high-projection, bright 'pop' sounds found in other models. The result is a tone that radiates density and purity, making it highly suitable for ensembles or soloists who require a non-aggressive, rich baritone presence.

Comparison and Suitability

When compared to other models in the brand's lineup, such as the JodyJazz Super Jet, the HR* Custom Dark occupies the opposite end of the tonal spectrum. While the Super Jet is designed for volume and piercing clarity, the Custom Dark is built for warmth and depth. It is most frequently used by jazz musicians seeking a classic sound or classical players requiring a sophisticated hard rubber feel. The '9' facing size specifically offers a wider tip opening for players who prefer more resistance and the ability to push more air through the horn.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark?: The mouthpiece is manufactured using Chedeville rubber, a legendary material known for providing a tone with a sense of purity and density that modern alternative rubbers often struggle to replicate.
How does the chamber design affect the sound?: It features a large open round chamber. This design reduces brightness and increases the 'darkness' of the tone, providing a more traditional and warm baritone saxophone sound.
What is the purpose of the heavy ring on the shank?: The heavy stylised ring adds extra weight to the mouthpiece. This additional mass is designed to boost the body of the tone and increase the presence of harmonics.
How does this model compare to the JodyJazz Super Jet?: The HR* Custom Dark is the darkest sounding mouthpiece in the JodyJazz range, whereas the Super Jet is designed for high projection and a much brighter, contemporary sound.
What internal feature helps smooth the tone?: The mouthpiece uses rounded sidewalls rather than straight ones. These rounded walls help to eliminate harsh edges in the sound, contributing to its dark character.
Is the JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark individually tested?: Yes, every HR* Custom Dark mouthpiece is individually play-tested to ensure it meets the manufacturer's performance and quality standards.
What kind of player is the '9' tip opening best for?: A size 9 tip opening is relatively wide, making it suitable for experienced players who have the embouchure strength to handle more resistance and air volume.
What is the typical price for this mouthpiece in the UK?: The typical price for this specific baritone saxophone mouthpiece is approximately GBP 388.
Can this mouthpiece be used for classical music?: Yes, due to its dark and traditional tone produced by the Chedeville rubber and round chamber, it is a strong candidate for players seeking a refined, non-aggressive sound.
What is the benefit of Chedeville rubber over standard hard rubber?: Chedeville rubber is considered a premium material that offers a specific density. This results in a sonic 'purity' that JodyJazz identifies as a standout feature of the Custom Dark series.
Which reeds are compatible with this mouthpiece?: While it can be used with various brands, it is often paired with high-quality reeds such as D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java series to complement its professional response.
Does the mouthpiece include a ligature?: While ligatures like the Rovner 3RL Dark are often used with baritone mouthpieces of this size, users should verify if a specific ligature is included in the individual retail package.