What is the Meyer New York mouthpiece made of?

It is hand-crafted from ebonite, which is a high-quality hard rubber known for its resonance and comfortable feel for the player.

What does the '7M' designation mean?

The '7' refers to the tip opening size, while the 'M' indicates a medium chamber and medium facing length, providing a balanced response.

Why was the Meyer New York model released?

It was released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the JJ Babbitt Company, the parent company of Meyer.

Which vintage mouthpiece does this model emulate?

It is built to the exact specifications of the original 1948 Meyer Bros New York mouthpiece.

Is this mouthpiece suitable for beginners?

While it is easy to play, the 7M tip opening is generally recommended for intermediate to professional players who have developed their embouchure.

Where are Meyer mouthpieces manufactured?

Meyer mouthpieces have been produced in the United States since 1916.

What kind of sound should I expect from this mouthpiece?

It offers a warm, rich tone with significant projection, capturing the classic jazz alto saxophone sound of the mid-20th century.

How does the 7M tip opening affect playability?

The slightly wider tip opening allows for easier note bends and more expressive inflections, which is ideal for jazz soloists.

Does it come with a ligature and cap?

Standard Meyer mouthpieces usually include a ligature and cap, though players often upgrade to models like the Rovner Dark for specific tonal preferences.

Which reeds are recommended for use with this mouthpiece?

Jazz-specific reeds like D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java are popular choices to complement its tonal profile.

Is this mouthpiece only for jazz?

While designed for jazz, its warmth and richness make it versatile enough for various contemporary styles, though it may be too dark for some classical settings.

How does this compare to a standard Meyer rubber mouthpiece?

The New York edition uses the specific 1948 geometry, which many players find offers more 'soul' and a different resistance profile compared to the standard modern Meyer.

Gear article

Meyer New York Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece (Ebonite 7M)

The Meyer New York Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece is a hand-crafted ebonite mouthpiece based on the original 1948 Meyer Bros New York specifications. Produced by the JJ Babbitt Company to commemorate their 100th anniversary, it is designed to replicate the warmth and projection of the most iconic vintage alto mouthpieces in jazz history.

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Historical Context

Meyer mouthpieces have been manufactured in the United States since 1916, establishing themselves as a cornerstone of the jazz saxophone world. The 'New York' model specifically pays homage to the 1948 Meyer Bros New York mouthpiece, which is widely considered one of the most desirable vintage pieces ever made.

This commemorative edition was released to mark the 100th anniversary of the JJ Babbitt Company. By adhering to the original geometry and manufacturing standards of the mid-20th century, Meyer aims to provide modern players with the tonal characteristics that defined the 'New York' sound without the high cost associated with authentic vintage specimens.

Design and Construction

The mouthpiece is hand-crafted from high-quality ebonite (hard rubber). The 7M designation indicates a medium tip opening with a medium chamber and facing length.

Key design elements include: - Authentic Specifications: Built to the exact internal and external dimensions of the 1948 original. - Wider Tip Opening: The 7M sizing offers a slightly wider aperture than standard student pieces, allowing for increased flexibility. - Hand-Finished Facing: Each piece is hand-finished to ensure consistency and response across the full range of the saxophone.

Tonal Character and Playability

The Meyer New York is characterised by a balance of warmth, richness, and projection. Unlike modern 'bright' mouthpieces, it retains a classic woodwind core while offering enough volume to cut through a jazz ensemble.

The 7M tip opening is specifically engineered for expressiveness. It allows the player to execute bends, glissandi, and subtle tonal inflections with ease. This makes it a preferred choice for soloists who require a highly reactive tool for nuanced performances.

Target Audience and Compatibility

While suitable for various genres, this mouthpiece is primarily intended for jazz alto saxophonists. Its versatile nature suits lead alto players in big bands as well as small-group improvisers.

To achieve optimal results, it is often paired with high-quality reeds such as D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java. For secure reed placement, players frequently use specialised ligatures like the Rovner Dark or Vandoren Cuir series, which complement the mouthpiece's ebonite construction.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meyer range, the New York model is distinct from the standard 'G' or 'Medium Chamber' models due to its specific historical architecture. Compared to modern high-baffle mouthpieces like the JodyJazz Super Jet, the Meyer New York offers a darker, more traditional 'smoky' jazz tone.

While student-grade pieces like the Yamaha 5C focus on ease of tone production for beginners, the Meyer New York 7M demands more controlled embouchure but rewards the player with a vastly wider palette of harmonic overtones and dynamic range.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Meyer New York mouthpiece made of?: It is hand-crafted from ebonite, which is a high-quality hard rubber known for its resonance and comfortable feel for the player.
What does the '7M' designation mean?: The '7' refers to the tip opening size, while the 'M' indicates a medium chamber and medium facing length, providing a balanced response.
Why was the Meyer New York model released?: It was released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the JJ Babbitt Company, the parent company of Meyer.
Which vintage mouthpiece does this model emulate?: It is built to the exact specifications of the original 1948 Meyer Bros New York mouthpiece.
Is this mouthpiece suitable for beginners?: While it is easy to play, the 7M tip opening is generally recommended for intermediate to professional players who have developed their embouchure.
Where are Meyer mouthpieces manufactured?: Meyer mouthpieces have been produced in the United States since 1916.
What kind of sound should I expect from this mouthpiece?: It offers a warm, rich tone with significant projection, capturing the classic jazz alto saxophone sound of the mid-20th century.
How does the 7M tip opening affect playability?: The slightly wider tip opening allows for easier note bends and more expressive inflections, which is ideal for jazz soloists.
Does it come with a ligature and cap?: Standard Meyer mouthpieces usually include a ligature and cap, though players often upgrade to models like the Rovner Dark for specific tonal preferences.
Which reeds are recommended for use with this mouthpiece?: Jazz-specific reeds like D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java are popular choices to complement its tonal profile.
Is this mouthpiece only for jazz?: While designed for jazz, its warmth and richness make it versatile enough for various contemporary styles, though it may be too dark for some classical settings.
How does this compare to a standard Meyer rubber mouthpiece?: The New York edition uses the specific 1948 geometry, which many players find offers more 'soul' and a different resistance profile compared to the standard modern Meyer.