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

The mouthpiece is constructed from Chedeville rubber. This specific type of hard rubber is chosen for its purity and density, which helps create a darker, more vintage tone.

How does this model compare to other JodyJazz mouthpieces?

It is designed to be the darkest sounding mouthpiece in the JodyJazz range. It contrasts sharply with brighter models like the Super Jet, focusing instead on a traditional, warm character.

What is the purpose of the ring around the shank?

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

What kind of internal chamber does the HR* Custom Dark have?

It features a large, open round chamber combined with rounded sidewalls. This configuration is specifically designed to produce a deep and dark acoustic profile.

What is the typical price for the HR* Custom Dark 6*?

The mouthpiece is typically priced around £342. This reflects its position as a professional-grade, boutique-manufactured accessory.

Which reed brands are compatible with this mouthpiece?

While it can be used with various brands, it is often paired with D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds or Vandoren Java Tenor reeds. The choice depends on the player's preference for filed or unfiled cuts.

Is a ligature included with the JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark?

Professional mouthpieces like the HR* Custom Dark often require specific ligatures. Options such as the Rovner 3RL Dark or Vandoren Cuir leather ligatures are frequently used by players to complement its warm tone.

What does the 6* tip opening indicate?

The 6* refers to the specific measurement of the gap between the reed and the mouthpiece tip. It is a medium-facing size that offers a balance of ease of play and tonal flexibility.

Who is the target audience for this mouthpiece?

It is designed for tenor saxophone players who want a vintage, traditional jazz sound. It is particularly suited for those who find modern mouthpieces too bright or thin.

Can this mouthpiece be used for classical music?

Because of its dark character and round chamber, it can be used in some classical or concert band settings. However, it is primarily designed with a 'vintage jazz' aesthetic in mind.

How does the Chedeville rubber affect the sound compared to standard plastic?

The Chedeville rubber is much denser than standard plastic or lower-grade rubber. This density provides a 'purity' of tone and a more complex harmonic structure that current mass-produced mouthpieces struggle to replicate.

Is the JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark available for other types of saxophones?

Yes, JodyJazz produces the HR* Custom Dark for several members of the saxophone family. While this specific entry covers the tenor 6*, the range includes various sizes to fit different player needs.

Gear article

JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

The JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark is a professional tenor saxophone mouthpiece engineered to deliver a vintage, traditional tone. Crafted from proprietary Chedeville rubber, it is specifically designed to be the darkest sounding model within the JodyJazz product range.

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Design and Material

The JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark is distinguished by its use of Chedeville rubber, a material regarded for its density and purity of tone. Unlike standard hard rubber used in modern manufacturing, this legendary material helps the mouthpiece replicate the sonic characteristics of highly sought-after vintage equipment.

The internal geometry features rounded sidewalls and a large, open round chamber. These design choices are intentional to reduce brightness and emphasize the lower frequencies, resulting in the darkest tonal profile offered by JodyJazz Inc.

Enhanced Harmonics and Weight

A notable physical feature of the HR* Custom Dark is the heavy stylised ring positioned around the shank of the mouthpiece. This addition of mass serves a functional purpose beyond aesthetics. The extra weight is designed to boost the body of the tone and increase the harmonic richness of the output, providing a more stable and dense sound across the registers of the tenor saxophone.

Tone and Playability

Marketed as 'effortlessly vintage,' the mouthpiece is designed for musicians who require a traditional jazz sound without the resistance often found in older mouthpieces. The combination of the Chedeville rubber and the specific chamber dimensions allows for a pure, dense tone that maintains its character even when pushed. The 6* tip opening provides a balance of control and flexibility suitable for a wide range of jazz applications.

Suitability and Comparison

This mouthpiece is primarily suited for jazz saxophonists seeking a dark, warm, and sophisticated sound rather than the bright, cutting projection found in models like the JodyJazz Super Jet. While many modern mouthpieces lean towards a more 'brilliant' sound profile, the HR* Custom Dark caters to those performing in traditional jazz settings, wind ensembles, or small combos where a blended, woody texture is preferred.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark?: The mouthpiece is constructed from Chedeville rubber. This specific type of hard rubber is chosen for its purity and density, which helps create a darker, more vintage tone.
How does this model compare to other JodyJazz mouthpieces?: It is designed to be the darkest sounding mouthpiece in the JodyJazz range. It contrasts sharply with brighter models like the Super Jet, focusing instead on a traditional, warm character.
What is the purpose of the ring around the shank?: The heavy stylised ring adds mass to the mouthpiece. This extra weight is intended to boost the body of the tone and increase the presence of harmonics during play.
What kind of internal chamber does the HR* Custom Dark have?: It features a large, open round chamber combined with rounded sidewalls. This configuration is specifically designed to produce a deep and dark acoustic profile.
What is the typical price for the HR* Custom Dark 6*?: The mouthpiece is typically priced around £342. This reflects its position as a professional-grade, boutique-manufactured accessory.
Which reed brands are compatible with this mouthpiece?: While it can be used with various brands, it is often paired with D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds or Vandoren Java Tenor reeds. The choice depends on the player's preference for filed or unfiled cuts.
Is a ligature included with the JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark?: Professional mouthpieces like the HR* Custom Dark often require specific ligatures. Options such as the Rovner 3RL Dark or Vandoren Cuir leather ligatures are frequently used by players to complement its warm tone.
What does the 6* tip opening indicate?: The 6* refers to the specific measurement of the gap between the reed and the mouthpiece tip. It is a medium-facing size that offers a balance of ease of play and tonal flexibility.
Who is the target audience for this mouthpiece?: It is designed for tenor saxophone players who want a vintage, traditional jazz sound. It is particularly suited for those who find modern mouthpieces too bright or thin.
Can this mouthpiece be used for classical music?: Because of its dark character and round chamber, it can be used in some classical or concert band settings. However, it is primarily designed with a 'vintage jazz' aesthetic in mind.
How does the Chedeville rubber affect the sound compared to standard plastic?: The Chedeville rubber is much denser than standard plastic or lower-grade rubber. This density provides a 'purity' of tone and a more complex harmonic structure that current mass-produced mouthpieces struggle to replicate.
Is the JodyJazz HR* Custom Dark available for other types of saxophones?: Yes, JodyJazz produces the HR* Custom Dark for several members of the saxophone family. While this specific entry covers the tenor 6*, the range includes various sizes to fit different player needs.