Hey, Dr. Wally! I’ve been playing tenor for about a year, always on a Yamaha 4C, and figured it was time to try a mouthpiece with a larger opening, but I was concerned that it might be hard to play for me. I really like your videos and respect your expertise, so I went for one of the Windy City 56s in a .095 opening. Just got it today. I love it! I find it much easier to play than the Yamaha! I see now what they mean when they say “free-blowing”! It doesn’t resist me like the Yamaha does, and sounds great! Stoked!
I'm glad you did this, been hoping you would. I've really enjoyed the 56 as it goes with the direction I am, and makes it easier. I love the way it affects articulation, and the rich complex sound. Really nice playing by the way. You sound better every time I hear you. Thanks.
Congratulations, Dr. Wallace! A HR tenor piece designed from the ground up by two premium MPC manufactures starting at $325?? How are you making any profit! This is so exciting. And TY for your work in the studio! I’m having a blast every day playing along w/ you. You’re the guru, Dr. Wallace
hey nice, congratulations! Sounds amazing :) i have a question for the tip opening, can you give a rough guideline what tip opening is suited for what player/style/sound?
Hi Dr Wally I have received my 56 this morning and have just completed my practise ....... and WOW love it. First picked up an alto sax 18 months ago, using a Yamaha 4c with a legere 2,25 American cut. I'm using Rico Red 2.0 on the 56 for now because of the larger tip opening. well that's it just wanted to say thanks ( UK)
Hello Dr. Wally Wallace, I was always fascinated by the saxophone and only recently decided to pick it up (I haven't even bought one yet, but I'm working on that!). I just wanted to thank you for all your work, I have been watching all of your videos and I feel they have really helped me to better understand what I am getting into. I am starting to imagine what kind of sound I would like to develop and I must say that your tone on this mouthpiece is absolutely amazing! I really hope to be able to try it in the future when I will be skilled enough. Thank you again and congratulations for this achievement!
great that you invent some new ideas for mouthpieces!......great tenor sound! ...i think the old alto design sounds better then the select, the new one has a slight high frequency boost that i don't like...i know very subjective ...love your Chanel!
I just got the 56 a few months ago. I think I'll wait. I'm still trying to get everything that I can out of it before I try something else. I want to live with it for a while.
@@drwallysax Definitely! It's vastly more stable than my Meyers. It just took some getting used to the wider. . . You know what. . . I'm not finishing that sentence, nope!
Hi Dr Wally can I buy this mouthpiece to be delivered in France please ? Is there special promo code ? Thank you for your videos, It's more difficult for me because of the language barrier. You speak fast and I have to often go back the video but I cling to your advice. 😁
Last year I was trying to get a TW Slant Sig 2 for my tenor to test it but it was very hard to get in Holland, is this maybe a similar kind of mouthpiece? By the way, finally at the beginning of this year I bougth a TW Gaia 3 - 7*, which is still an amazing mouthpiece for me. Theo is the best.... :)
I currently LOVE my Vandoren V16 medium chamber A8. I mean it is wonderful in so many ways and I don't need to buy a new piece, but I am more tempted than ever to get one of those satin-y alto 56s!!!!!! It is so beautifully designed. Where were you when I was trying to get that cool school, Desmond sound 25 years ago!?
You know I have been tempted to the light-side (ahem Vandoren) recently. I'm playtesting the A6 S+ and its really a nice piece. I can't quite get the dry sound of a Brilhart, but it certainly is a better version of the Meyer. It's not as strident in the upper register and is a little more free blowing.
Would be great if he was playing the piece without the reverb. when people use effects they tack away from the true sound of the mouthpiece. For the price i would like to hear the mouthpiece dry
Congratulations! It looks and sounds fantastic. I just moved on to a WCW Jazz Classic (there were no 56 with 0.70 opening on the 3D printed ones, as you know) but for my future development I will keep this one in mind.
Do you still think the original 3D printed 56 has a use if you own this new one? I wish I knew about this coming out before purchasing the original 56.
I’ve been saving to buy the mouthpiece , my previous is a seller s80 c* I did the math and that’s a .59 tip opening would a .70 tip opening be ideal or should I try for a .75
Dr Wally, I am finding that the Mk II version of this mouthpiece is much more resistant than the OG version. That was surprising for me considering my love for the original Brilhart design. I can't think of any reason looking at the mouthpiece geometry why this would be. I suppose it may not be getting along with the Legere American cut reeds I love. Have you play tested the 3D printed versions of your mouthpiece?
I have! Several UA-cam videos (before the release video) were recorded on it. I found the resistance nearly identical, but more focused at higher volumes. This video is the 3D mark ii: ua-cam.com/video/FfP7yrPxBfk/v-deo.html It might be the reed perhaps? Not sure, but that wasn't my experience. BUT, I'm not discrediting YOUR experience!
Theo Wanne himself did make some changes to the new version that allow some more airflow while keeping the integrity of the piece. It does have a more fuller sound. You will also notice the side and tip rails being more narrow. With this said the original is still a very good piece. I would also add the original is slightly darker, but very slight. One other thing, the 56 Select is being hand faced by Theo Wanne.
Theo just optimized the existing design. From my perspective, it added some brilliance when you push it and gave it a darker, more centered core to the sound. It's still my beloved 56, just better!
Peter, these should be able to be ordered from the windycitywoodwinds.com website. UK is supported. Shoot us a note at info@windycitywoodwinds.com if you are having trouble getting the order form to support shipment to the UK. We ship to the UK all of the time. Dave (WCW Staff)
Ah thanks for this David yes I realised I could order it from a few UK emporiums but as it’s available in many openings I don’t think they’ll be too excited to order them for me to try. Thanks. P.
Dr wally, When will you play the new 56 mk II alto mpc for us to hear? Also, How does it compare to the original 56 alto mpc? Thanks and keep up your great sax videos!
Dr Wallace, I hope you are well? Like previous comments, if I’d have known this was coming out, I would if held off purchasing the first 56. For those of us who have already purchased your first version (3D printed), are you offering a discount on the new mouthpiece, or on any new additional 3D printed one? Thanks
Hi Thomas, sorry for the slow reply! I don't handle pricing, but there are no discounts planned. They're two very different products, so it's not "improved" but different with more luxury elements. I still play on my original 56 - and at the price, I don't think it can be beat!
Dr. Wally - I need help choosing the tip opening for the 3D Tenor version - can you assist? I have/love the Alto (.080), and want to stay close to that same sound on tenor, and don't want it to be too bright. For reference, I have a Yamaha 4c (student), but also have a Berg Larsen Tenor (105-3-M) - which I think is bright enough for me. I'm initially thinking I should go with the smaller opening .095. Your thoughts?
Hi Dr. Wally, been watching your videos since I picked up the sax last January. Love your vibe, sense of humor and expertise. I know I probably have no business buying a new mouthpiece yet, but life is short and what the hell, let's live a little. My question is, what tip opening would be good to try? I'm currently using the Yamaha 4c on my tenor.
Hey FatCatMaui! What reed are you using on that 4C? You'd probably feel very comfortable on the .095" with a softer reed (which most jazz players tend to do - wider tip opening and softer reed). Keep me updated!
Congratulations 🍾🎉🎈I like supporting what you do as you’re the only teacher I have now. I’m not a pro player and need some advice on the tip opening. I’m guessing the 7 would be easier for a novice like me to play?
Hey Edward, the .070" would feel VERY comfortable to the beginner player. With a softer reed, almost anyone should even be comfortable with the .075" Thanks for your support, I really appreciate it Edward. Hope you have a great weekend, and let me know if you have any questions!
@@drwallysax well the deed is done. First big boy mouth piece. Went with gloss as I was worried what to do if Matte discolored. I know Mother’s aluminum polish will always bring back the deep black shine.
Age 65 20 years of plying meyer 5 Lvp medium lately Vandoren V16 s+ 5 with V16 reeds 2 1/2 Looking for more Desmond Sound what facings would you recommend for 56 or what model and reed ?
@@drwallysax thank you kindly sir i shall order it My school number was 56 my birth year was 56 always been my number i might still keep Marble but i just have to order 56🙏
Bart, I had a direct conversation with Theo about this very subject. Bottom line is the Matte simply holds up better. Shows less scratches and all. So if you are the type that likes to have a pristine mouthpiece long-term, I would lean towards the Matte. The gloss looks really good, but has to be taken care of. They both function the exact same. Dave (WCW Staff)
If i wouldn't have invested all my Money in Legere Reeds i would think about it . But for the Moment i guess i Stick to mine. But at least one more Option on my Christmas/Birthday wishlist. One question about the Tip opening. I guess you need to Test out what fits best for you? But this could bei an expensive Journey.
Hello Doc. Hope all's well. Right now I'm using Yamaha 5c and Vandorene A35. My alto sax model is Yamaha AS180. Will this 56 mouthpiece go well along with it ?
Very exciting!!! Quick question with a bit of backstory though: I went up from Yamaha 4C to Select Jazz 6 a few months back and am finding that it's so much harder to play as it requires so much air. I've been practicing with it for 3 months and while I'm starting to get the hang of it, I'm still running out of air way quicker than my 4C, which seems like that's not going to change. Biggest issue is running out of air on long, low notes. Why do people prefer more open mouthpieces like 7 and 7* (which seem most popular). Does it not make sense to play on something like 5 instead, as we would be able to play way longer without having to stop for breath? It's also a question on this mouthpiece sizing, which seems to be 6, 7 and 8. Apologies if that's a very basic question. I'm still quite new!
Hey GRoss, a wider tip opening does create resistance (as you note), but that helps shape the tone. If it's completely freeblowing (small tip opening and soft reed) the tone tends to be rather thin and anemic. A wider tip opening allows for more volume, and different tone colors. Also, don't forget, when most people switch to a wider tip opening we use a softer reed! Try a softer reed on your new D'Addario mouthpiece, you might love it!
@@drwallysax thanks so much for sharing your experience with me! So basically there's a good reason for all the extra struggles afterall then. I actually did go down a reed size to 2.0 from 2.5 when I switched to the new mouthpiece, but I feel like I shouldn't go lower than 2.0, because as far as I understand, there's serious limitations at the top end with softer reeds. I feel like I could play on a 3.0 on my 4C pretty ok, so the wider tip opening makes a hell of a difference! I keep waiting for that magical moment, where I will be able to effortlessly play on a 6 tip opening mouthpiece, but I'm afraid that might never happen (I've only been playing for 6 months though, so I'll keep working on it!)
@@pas0003 Be patient with yourself! It takes YEARS to develop a proper embouchure. Start working on the exercises I designed in my free fundamentals course - you'll get there.
Scott, I talked to Theo for about an hour on the entire mouthpiece industry down at the NAMM show. In his mind there are very few Master Facers left out there. It is an art for sure and one that requires many years of experience. When you listen to him and understand how he learned, you have an even greater appreciation of his skillset. He knows every mouthpiece ever made in excruciating detail. We initially leaned on Theo to help WCW/Wally so we could make the 56 in hard rubber. We were getting a lot of requests for it and thought it was an appropriate next step for WCW. What we quickly realized was that the hard rubber was secondary to his design skills. He took a very good 56 and made some tweaks to it to keep the integrity and spirit of the piece, but allow it to perform even better. He made adjustments on the tip and rails as well as some of the facing curves. Of course he added the ring as well giving it some true character. When he was done, we had an outstanding mouthpiece that rivals a lot of the best pieces on the market. WCW is a young company and collaborating with a true master was both a privilege and an honor. I should also mention his staff is as professional. We iterated several times during the process and there was a lot of chemistry between Wally, WCW, and Theo's group. More to come there for sure! Dave (WCW Staff).
A 3D/FDM version of the alto and tenor will be available to order in the coming weeks. We needed time to incorporate the new Theo design into the new version. To be clear though, the 56 Select will be hand faced by Theo Wanne where the 3D version will be faced by the WCW team. Dave (WCW Staff)
Hmmm...German Rubber... I have the original “56”.. I like it, but it seems a little stuffy and resistant for me.. although it’s close. I see Theo Wanne has tweaked the original WCW version and now this premium version... German Rubber... Hmmm..
Hey, Dr. Wally! I’ve been playing tenor for about a year, always on a Yamaha 4C, and figured it was time to try a mouthpiece with a larger opening, but I was concerned that it might be hard to play for me. I really like your videos and respect your expertise, so I went for one of the Windy City 56s in a .095 opening. Just got it today. I love it! I find it much easier to play than the Yamaha! I see now what they mean when they say “free-blowing”! It doesn’t resist me like the Yamaha does, and sounds great! Stoked!
Congratulations! You make that mouthpiece sing!
Thanks Bob! I'm in love with it!
I’ve been playing on my tenor for several months now and absolutely love it it is my go to MO
I'm so glad, Bruce! It's been a dream of mine, I smile every time I play it as well. Happy practicing!
Awesome!! Congratulations!!!
Thanks Adrienne, hope you're having a great weekend!
I'm glad you did this, been hoping you would. I've really enjoyed the 56 as it goes with the direction I am, and makes it easier.
I love the way it affects articulation, and the rich complex sound. Really nice playing by the way. You sound better every time I hear you. Thanks.
Congratulations, Dr. Wallace! A HR tenor piece designed from the ground up by two premium MPC manufactures starting at $325?? How are you making any profit!
This is so exciting.
And TY for your work in the studio! I’m having a blast every day playing along w/ you. You’re the guru, Dr. Wallace
@@drwallysax Wishing you the same! I’ll be jamming out in the Academy shed))
Dr. Wally this is exciting!! I was happy to see Theo Preview this on Facebook. And the sound it amazing!!! Can’t wait to get one or both!!! 😁
Thanks Ignacio!
Aside from your great info on the mouthpieces, that cool looking shirt you're wearing and says jazz all over it.. very nice choice of attire Doc.
Awwwww, thanks my friend!
hey nice, congratulations! Sounds amazing :) i have a question for the tip opening, can you give a rough guideline what tip opening is suited for what player/style/sound?
Hi Dr Wally
I have received my 56 this morning and have just completed my practise ....... and WOW love it.
First picked up an alto sax 18 months ago, using a Yamaha 4c with a legere 2,25 American cut.
I'm using Rico Red 2.0 on the 56 for now because of the larger tip opening.
well that's it just wanted to say thanks ( UK)
FANTASTIC!! Glad you like it, I love mine as well! Happy practicing my friend!
Hello Dr. Wally Wallace, I was always fascinated by the saxophone and only recently decided to pick it up (I haven't even bought one yet, but I'm working on that!). I just wanted to thank you for all your work, I have been watching all of your videos and I feel they have really helped me to better understand what I am getting into. I am starting to imagine what kind of sound I would like to develop and I must say that your tone on this mouthpiece is absolutely amazing! I really hope to be able to try it in the future when I will be skilled enough. Thank you again and congratulations for this achievement!
great that you invent some new ideas for mouthpieces!......great tenor sound! ...i think the old alto design sounds better then the select, the new one has a slight high frequency boost that i don't like...i know very subjective ...love your Chanel!
Wow they sound Awesome
I just got the 56 a few months ago. I think I'll wait. I'm still trying to get everything that I can out of it before I try something else. I want to live with it for a while.
@@drwallysax Definitely! It's vastly more stable than my Meyers. It just took some getting used to the wider. . . You know what. . . I'm not finishing that sentence, nope!
😆🤣😂
Congratulations my friend 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳!!!!!!!!! I’m so happy the 56 is upgraded. I wish you all the best and I can’t wait to try itttt😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆
Hi Dr Wally can I buy this mouthpiece to be delivered in France please ? Is there special promo code ? Thank you for your videos, It's more difficult for me because of the language barrier. You speak fast and I have to often go back the video but I cling to your advice. 😁
Wow, these look great but way out of my price range. Any chance of a PLA tenor piece from WCW?
Yes, soon!
Yup - and just $130 apparently
Really good looking pieces! I suppose a cool look means a cool jazz sound 😏 Anyway, you sound great on alto and tenor with it!
When do we see a baritone model? 🤞
what size chamber these mouthpiece are built?
Bravo, Doc! Looking and sounding great :D
Does the Alto come in a the Tip 0.80 that would be comfortable for me, I can’t see going any larger of a Tip
Last year I was trying to get a TW Slant Sig 2 for my tenor to test it but it was very hard to get in Holland, is this maybe a similar kind of mouthpiece? By the way, finally at the beginning of this year I bougth a TW Gaia 3 - 7*, which is still an amazing mouthpiece for me. Theo is the best.... :)
Price point is competitive. Do you have a trial time for the pieces so it’s possible to try different tips?
Are the mouth pieces 3D printed or CNC milled??
Is it you or the mouthpiece? Dig your sound and style Sir. Very inspiring.
I currently LOVE my Vandoren V16 medium chamber A8. I mean it is wonderful in so many ways and I don't need to buy a new piece, but I am more tempted than ever to get one of those satin-y alto 56s!!!!!! It is so beautifully designed. Where were you when I was trying to get that cool school, Desmond sound 25 years ago!?
You know I have been tempted to the light-side (ahem Vandoren) recently. I'm playtesting the A6 S+ and its really a nice piece. I can't quite get the dry sound of a Brilhart, but it certainly is a better version of the Meyer. It's not as strident in the upper register and is a little more free blowing.
Would be great if he was playing the piece without the reverb. when people use effects they tack away from the true sound of the mouthpiece. For the price i would like to hear the mouthpiece dry
Congratulations! It looks and sounds fantastic. I just moved on to a WCW Jazz Classic (there were no 56 with 0.70 opening on the 3D printed ones, as you know) but for my future development I will keep this one in mind.
Thanks Javier! The JC is a great mouthpiece for sure, congrats man!
Do you still think the original 3D printed 56 has a use if you own this new one? I wish I knew about this coming out before purchasing the original 56.
Absolutely, there will still be times I play on the original 56 - it's a darker, more Desmondy feely than the new version. They're both great.
can't wait to get one!
Thanks Jeremy, I'm a happy fella!
i dig how you sound on the 🎷
Thanks very much!
Is the ligature included in the $295 (56) alto model? How much for a matching cap?
I’ve been saving to buy the mouthpiece , my previous is a seller s80 c*
I did the math and that’s a .59 tip opening would a .70 tip opening be ideal or should I try for a .75
Dr Wally, I am finding that the Mk II version of this mouthpiece is much more resistant than the OG version. That was surprising for me considering my love for the original Brilhart design. I can't think of any reason looking at the mouthpiece geometry why this would be. I suppose it may not be getting along with the Legere American cut reeds I love. Have you play tested the 3D printed versions of your mouthpiece?
I have! Several UA-cam videos (before the release video) were recorded on it. I found the resistance nearly identical, but more focused at higher volumes. This video is the 3D mark ii: ua-cam.com/video/FfP7yrPxBfk/v-deo.html
It might be the reed perhaps? Not sure, but that wasn't my experience. BUT, I'm not discrediting YOUR experience!
as a new student what is the best tip opening
Congrats on the release of a tenor piece! Will a 3D printed tenor 56 be available from WCW? I love the facing curve these guys put on the 56 alto…
Yes, the line will be rebooted with the 3D printed models getting the "theo" improvements!
@@drwallysax 🤔
Any Soprano piece on the horizon?? I play a TW Ambika on my tenor already.
Hi, how does the the W W 56 compare to this? Is it just different or ist Theo Wanne mp a superior version of the 56 piece?
Theo Wanne himself did make some changes to the new version that allow some more airflow while keeping the integrity of the piece. It does have a more fuller sound. You will also notice the side and tip rails being more narrow. With this said the original is still a very good piece. I would also add the original is slightly darker, but very slight. One other thing, the 56 Select is being hand faced by Theo Wanne.
Theo just optimized the existing design. From my perspective, it added some brilliance when you push it and gave it a darker, more centered core to the sound. It's still my beloved 56, just better!
Not good news Mr W these MP’s don’t appear to be available in the UK so I’m off to ‘go practice’ with my ancient Meyer !!
Peter, these should be able to be ordered from the windycitywoodwinds.com website. UK is supported. Shoot us a note at info@windycitywoodwinds.com if you are having trouble getting the order form to support shipment to the UK. We ship to the UK all of the time. Dave (WCW Staff)
Ah thanks for this David yes I realised I could order it from a few UK emporiums but as it’s available in many openings I don’t think they’ll be too excited to order them for me to try. Thanks. P.
very cool!
Dr wally,
When will you play the new
56 mk II alto mpc for us to hear?
Also,
How does it compare to the original 56 alto mpc?
Thanks and keep up your great sax videos!
I've been playing them on a few of the UA-cam videos! They're a bit more free blowing and louder/brighter when you push them.
Nice sound!
Dr Wallace, I hope you are well?
Like previous comments, if I’d have known this was coming out, I would if held off purchasing the first 56. For those of us who have already purchased your first version (3D printed), are you offering a discount on the new mouthpiece, or on any new additional 3D printed one? Thanks
Hi Thomas, sorry for the slow reply! I don't handle pricing, but there are no discounts planned. They're two very different products, so it's not "improved" but different with more luxury elements. I still play on my original 56 - and at the price, I don't think it can be beat!
Dr. Wally - I need help choosing the tip opening for the 3D Tenor version - can you assist? I have/love the Alto (.080), and want to stay close to that same sound on tenor, and don't want it to be too bright. For reference, I have a Yamaha 4c (student), but also have a Berg Larsen Tenor (105-3-M) - which I think is bright enough for me. I'm initially thinking I should go with the smaller opening .095. Your thoughts?
Hi Steve, I really perfer the 105 opening. It works with such a wide variety of reed strengths!
@@drwallysax Many thanks Dr Wally!!!!
Wanted to say thanks again. I'm loving the .105.
@@stevehoward9432 Fantastic, I'm so glad you love it!
Hi Dr. Wally, been watching your videos since I picked up the sax last January. Love your vibe, sense of humor and expertise. I know I probably have no business buying a new mouthpiece yet, but life is short and what the hell, let's live a little. My question is, what tip opening would be good to try? I'm currently using the Yamaha 4c on my tenor.
Hey FatCatMaui! What reed are you using on that 4C? You'd probably feel very comfortable on the .095" with a softer reed (which most jazz players tend to do - wider tip opening and softer reed). Keep me updated!
@@drwallysax Thanks, Dr.W! I use Legere 2.25s and Vandoren 2.5s
Wow, might purchase one, Not too bright or dark, I’m more of a player that is to be more of a contemporary player
Which aperture?
The 56 Select sounds great when you play it but I'm wondering what reeds you are using and how much this would affect the sound?
I'm using a Boston Sax Shop 3.5 - sounded the same with my vandoren. I found it to be reed friendly 😀
Congratulations 🍾🎉🎈I like supporting what you do as you’re the only teacher I have now. I’m not a pro player and need some advice on the tip opening. I’m guessing the 7 would be easier for a novice like me to play?
Hey Edward, the .070" would feel VERY comfortable to the beginner player. With a softer reed, almost anyone should even be comfortable with the .075"
Thanks for your support, I really appreciate it Edward. Hope you have a great weekend, and let me know if you have any questions!
@@drwallysax well the deed is done. First big boy mouth piece. Went with gloss as I was worried what to do if Matte discolored. I know Mother’s aluminum polish will always bring back the deep black shine.
Age 65
20 years of plying meyer 5 Lvp medium lately Vandoren V16 s+ 5 with V16 reeds 2 1/2
Looking for more Desmond Sound what facings would you recommend for 56 or what model and reed ?
56 works beautifully with the .075" facing and a medium reed - very dark and warm sound.
@@drwallysax thank you kindly sir i shall order it My school number was 56 my birth year was 56 always been my number i might still keep Marble but i just have to order 56🙏
@@drwallysax very likely the last MP i will ever order
I"ll check 'em out.
Congratulations again! Is this a limited run, or should these be available for the foreseeable future?
This is a limited run, but we may have a longer running premium option - not sure yet! Also, hey Tom!
Are there any practical differences between matte and glossy other than the look?
Bart, I had a direct conversation with Theo about this very subject. Bottom line is the Matte simply holds up better. Shows less scratches and all. So if you are the type that likes to have a pristine mouthpiece long-term, I would lean towards the Matte. The gloss looks really good, but has to be taken care of. They both function the exact same. Dave (WCW Staff)
@@davidbraner156 OK perfect! Thank you for the quick response and clarification.
If i wouldn't have invested all my Money in Legere Reeds i would think about it . But for the Moment i guess i Stick to mine. But at least one more Option on my Christmas/Birthday wishlist. One question about the Tip opening. I guess you need to Test out what fits best for you? But this could bei an expensive Journey.
Hello Doc. Hope all's well.
Right now I'm using Yamaha 5c and Vandorene A35. My alto sax model is Yamaha AS180. Will this 56 mouthpiece go well along with it ?
Hi Nitin! mouthpieces generally work on any horn!
When I first played my 56 alto I declared I would get a tenor and that is exactly what I’m going to do.
I hope you love it Don!
@@drwallysax USPS tracker says my 56 is out for delivery today!
@@donl3248 SWEEEET! Lemme know how you like it!!!
@@drwallysax WOW! Just WOW! I left a more detailed review at the Academy Coffeehouse.
Very exciting!!! Quick question with a bit of backstory though:
I went up from Yamaha 4C to Select Jazz 6 a few months back and am finding that it's so much harder to play as it requires so much air. I've been practicing with it for 3 months and while I'm starting to get the hang of it, I'm still running out of air way quicker than my 4C, which seems like that's not going to change. Biggest issue is running out of air on long, low notes.
Why do people prefer more open mouthpieces like 7 and 7* (which seem most popular). Does it not make sense to play on something like 5 instead, as we would be able to play way longer without having to stop for breath? It's also a question on this mouthpiece sizing, which seems to be 6, 7 and 8.
Apologies if that's a very basic question. I'm still quite new!
Hey GRoss, a wider tip opening does create resistance (as you note), but that helps shape the tone. If it's completely freeblowing (small tip opening and soft reed) the tone tends to be rather thin and anemic. A wider tip opening allows for more volume, and different tone colors. Also, don't forget, when most people switch to a wider tip opening we use a softer reed! Try a softer reed on your new D'Addario mouthpiece, you might love it!
@@drwallysax thanks so much for sharing your experience with me! So basically there's a good reason for all the extra struggles afterall then.
I actually did go down a reed size to 2.0 from 2.5 when I switched to the new mouthpiece, but I feel like I shouldn't go lower than 2.0, because as far as I understand, there's serious limitations at the top end with softer reeds. I feel like I could play on a 3.0 on my 4C pretty ok, so the wider tip opening makes a hell of a difference!
I keep waiting for that magical moment, where I will be able to effortlessly play on a 6 tip opening mouthpiece, but I'm afraid that might never happen (I've only been playing for 6 months though, so I'll keep working on it!)
@@pas0003 Be patient with yourself! It takes YEARS to develop a proper embouchure. Start working on the exercises I designed in my free fundamentals course - you'll get there.
For the alto mouthpiece, what’s the size of the chamber?
It's narrow and tall - very similar to Brilhart Ebolin and Tonalin.
I got a Vandoren SM811M A5 Medium Chamber V16 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece last winter. How do you think your new 56 select mouthpiece compare to that?
The 56, in my estimation, has a warmer/darker core to the sound. More a a vintage aesthetic.
IMHO Theo Wanne is on the forefront of mouthpiece design and manufacturing.
Scott, I talked to Theo for about an hour on the entire mouthpiece industry down at the NAMM show. In his mind there are very few Master Facers left out there. It is an art for sure and one that requires many years of experience. When you listen to him and understand how he learned, you have an even greater appreciation of his skillset. He knows every mouthpiece ever made in excruciating detail. We initially leaned on Theo to help WCW/Wally so we could make the 56 in hard rubber. We were getting a lot of requests for it and thought it was an appropriate next step for WCW. What we quickly realized was that the hard rubber was secondary to his design skills. He took a very good 56 and made some tweaks to it to keep the integrity and spirit of the piece, but allow it to perform even better. He made adjustments on the tip and rails as well as some of the facing curves. Of course he added the ring as well giving it some true character. When he was done, we had an outstanding mouthpiece that rivals a lot of the best pieces on the market. WCW is a young company and collaborating with a true master was both a privilege and an honor. I should also mention his staff is as professional. We iterated several times during the process and there was a lot of chemistry between Wally, WCW, and Theo's group. More to come there for sure! Dave (WCW Staff).
uah! 💥🎷💥 🐻👍👍👍
The preorder link does not work.
It's up
If I want a Screamer tenor MP do you guys recommend any?
For a screamer, you can't go wrong with the Windy City Woodwinds Jazz Bright!
@@drwallysax thank you Doctor 🤙
I can't afford the 56 now, haha. Congrats!
A 3D/FDM version of the alto and tenor will be available to order in the coming weeks. We needed time to incorporate the new Theo design into the new version. To be clear though, the 56 Select will be hand faced by Theo Wanne where the 3D version will be faced by the WCW team. Dave (WCW Staff)
I WANT!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Leo! You shaved! Hope you're well my friend!
why did i think Doc was gonna review 56 different alto and tenor mouthpieces in under 7 minutes :(
So the one for under $100 is gone?
Nope, just adding the re-designs and upgrades from Theo Wanne. They'll be back in stock and rebooted soon (including the tenor!)
Wow will this make me play as good as Wally Wallace or do I have to Go Practice !! Ugh !
This replaces practice! 😀
Wonderful rest ‘at last’ 👏
@@peterdobson679 Know what you should do with this new found rest time? GO PRACTICE!
Dr. Wally Wallace back at it again!
Can't stop.
And there I go wondering how you can review 56 different mouthpieces in under 7 minutes...
Hmmm...German Rubber... I have the original “56”.. I like it, but it seems a little stuffy and resistant for me.. although it’s close. I see Theo Wanne has tweaked the original WCW version and now this premium version... German Rubber... Hmmm..