An interesting and unexpected inclusion of the Guardala, rather than just the usual Theo Wanne and Jody Jazz. The DV sounded a bit more laid back, which might have been due to tip size. I have a Studio and it's response is clear and incredibly fast, so great choice!
Tried another cheaper ($200 - $300 range) high baffle piece with little success - I needed to play at least ff or I would get reed squeaks on many reed brands and strengths. Then I got a Durga 4. The difference was immediate. Can play down to mp up to ffff as required to hear myself over loud stage monitors in rock&roll. Now I know I'm playing in tune (and even the right note). A sax deflector is nice to have too. Can play down to low Bb and up to double-altissimo G without too much problem. Yes, they're expensive but sometimes quality costs $$$. Buy once, cry once.
The theo wanne stuff is incredible all of their mouthpieces sound and play great! Also with high baffle mouthpieces alot of people don't get on with them because they spend their whole playing time on pieces where they have to develop an embrochure to bring the bright edge in (for example when playing on certain links and non baffle pieces) and then find a baffled piece wayyy too squarky. I've played baffled pieces for years and I find using thick reed set ups for a darker tone and practice to darken them is the perfect blend because then when I need all that edge and power it's all there. Just my opinion however but all pieces need time to be practiced on!
Interesting. I've never had much exposure to Guardala mouthpieces. Honestly I feel like when you have three different mouthpieces that try to do the same thing, you're not going to hear much of a difference in sound between them. The key difference comes from how it feels to the player to achieve the sound they get.
I play a Durga 2 7* on tenor, and it works great for me. I play it in a big band, casino rock band, and a Motown review band . It is a very versatile mouthpiece for me. I was playing on a Yanagisawa T991, then I bought a 1967 Mark VI last year, and I noticed that the sound was more controlled with the Mark VI than on the Yani, which seemed more brighter in the overtones.
Guardala had a fuller tone, more mids? All had edge. Lots of overtones with the Durga. I liked the Guardala the best of the three for you. More character in the sound for me.
I found the Jody Jazz DV and the Dave Guardala Studio sounding almost identical. The Theo Wanne Durga really stood out for me. All three sounded great.
Guardala! Good review! I recorded straight ahead jazz albums on the Guardala Studio in the 80´s. I recently listened to one of these recordings on UA-cam and had a nostalgia flip and ordered one but it was way too narrow for my neck. I had to send it back without playing it. I did not want to change my cork because it fits the multitude of mouthpieces i use.
The DV has the most seamless and effortless-sounding continuity between notes (except for a few notes at the beginning, possibly because of the 7 tip opening). The Guardala sounds great too-a little more pop. Thanks for the video.
As he said, he might be more comfortable on an 8 like the others. I don’t find them constricting at all, but very free blowing. The tip opening may need to be right for the DV to work the best.
Jody DV sounded really good. On par with Guardala. UA-cam compression may have had something to do with it? I find Theo Wanne to feel good at first but after several weeks the tone feels small or constrained. I’ve had that with two or three different models.
Love my old original Studio DG mpc. bought it used in 1989 and had Dave re plate it a few times and redo my tooth plate back in the day when his factory was 12 minutes from my house. I bought a later DG MBII in gold from WWBW but not that happy with it. I did not like the Tooth plate cheap material that I bit right through and did not care for the Rovner style ligature. I had a friend redo the tooth plate with a black hard resin and use my Selmer metal alto ligature on it,but over all I love the sound you were getting on the newer studio piece. Not a fan of the other two mpcs. that you had demoed. The sound of course was pleasant on them but I am just so comfortable with the DG studio and used to the sound. I use Vandoren V16's 3 1/2 or Nexus 3 1/2 for reeds.what reeds were you using on these pieces? Thanks!
The Durga sounds too eager to please; the DV as if it has a bit of an identity crisis; and DG Studio has it all - vibrancy, control, texture and precision
Very nice playing. I liked the Jody for most ranges, just a bit small in projection. Very much liked the Theo Wanne Durga but with a bit of “overtones-like compression” that felt a bit “edgy.” However, I loved the Guardala. It sounded the most controlled by you. Had for me, the best timbre, solid core, beautiful upper overtones for altissimo control, yet the right amount of compression. Like the three bears. Not too much, not too little, just right. Great vid. Would love an alto comparison with hard rubber as well as metal pieces. Thanks!
When you said ultimate powerhouse the JodyJazz SuperJet is more "ultimate power" than the DV for sure but I suppose compared to the other two the DV is closer in comparison. I liked the Guardala the most as it had a bit more depth and a fuller tone than the other two.
I agree - we could have gone one brighter with all of them actually - SuperJet, Shiva and Superking. But I wanted to keep the mouthpieces in the spectrum of 'flexible', and I think they all deliver on that front. Jim
Jim, thanks again for these very instructive videos. Much appreciated. After listening to this video I decided (GAS attack) to try again of of these Nadir DG Studio mouthpieces.. It didn't take very long at all to decide to stick with my amazing Raphael Navarro Bebop Special 8 metal mouthpiece. I could indeed not find any register where the DG would compare to the quality of the Navarro piece. The Navarro projects as well as a DG but with much more flexibility and comfort. Hence my question : did you try out the R.Navarro brand? why don't you sell them? Again, thanks for your amazing contribution to the sax community. Hope to pass by your amazing shop this fall.
I think you sounded best on the Durga. I currently bounce between my RR Seventh Ave South (mbII mockpiece) and my Jody Jazz DV. I absolutely loved my Durga but there were things about the mouthpiece that didn’t sit well with my voicing particularly well. All incredible mouthpieces!
Personally I felt Theo wanne mp demo pushier.. screaming altis and huge body through the range. I play a srtech fusion, chosen after your previous review about powerful tenor mp !
I listened multiple times with good headphones, like aarontress7167 below. I also focused as much on the second clip, when you're playing in the lower ranges, as I did on the first clip. I agree with aarontress7167: the Wanne has a complexity in the overtones, a richness, and an effortlessness that is unique among these three, especially at the low end. I would rank the Wanne first, the Guardala second, and the DV third. However, tip openings are a big factor in my experience! The fact that the DV tip opening was too small makes that comparison invalid in my opinion.
Really interesting comparison! I have recently bought an Otto Link Super Tonemaster for my tenor after trying it out at my local music store. I'm still pretty new to playing, but what I found interesting is that I was able to play much more in tune on this new (metal) mouthpiece, especially in the second octave as compared to my Jody Jazz HR* (rubber). Is that normal? Do some mouthpieces play flat and some play sharp? I also tried a Jody Jazz (metal) without remembering which one and it also played really quite flat for me... Is that brand specific characteristic? Is Otto link an outlier? Is it my personal issue?
Oh.. that hurts 😢... I actually really enjoy playing it. I did notice that it was missing both the super crisp top end and richer bottom as compared to Jody Jazz DV/NY, but I found that it plays much more in tune for me, especially in the second octave and it was just easier to handle. My teacher plays on the same mouthpiece as well and he's a professional musician, who's got 30 years of experience performing, etc. I figured that if it's good enough for him, then it's more than good enough for me!
depends on what you want to play. jazz yes the link is fine but in a rock setting you will be buried and wont be heard. . i played rock and roll sax for 35 years and not once did another sax player show up with a link. they dont cut it on stage in the real world of competing with amps and drums
@@super20dan ahh I see! I definitely am more interested in jazz at this stage. My teacher is mostly a jazz ayer as well, so makes sense. It does makes sense though, thanks for elaborating! Side question - can that not be worked around my a microphone set up for the sax?
I listened on some nice headphones, and I feel strongly about how you sounded. Listened to both samples a few times. My conclusion is that I did not like the way you sounded on the DV. Stay away from the DV. You clearly have a close connection to the Studio. That one is great on you. But I think that Durga is something special. It's like a nicely tailored suit on you. Although you might prefer playing the DV, as a listener, I think you ought to play that Durga more.
Thank you for the Guardala Studio, because it reminds me of Brecker! Have we forgotten the older brands that were used in the pop rock industry? Berg Larson, Otto Link, Lawton, Ponzel, Sugal, Runyon, Dukoff, Beechler, Yamaha Metal, Van Doren Jumbo Java, Brilhart Level Air. There are so many great pieces that young players have never heard, because there are always many new pieces to try!
Personally after watching this video half baked, the Durga really embodies a somewhat pushy sultry tone. The Durga speaks alive and bright. The DV reminds me of that one kid that sits in class knowing way more than anyone but yet being humble enough to remain in his own lane while still putting on a good performance. The DV is respected because it does have the ability to go far and beyond but chooses to remain reserved most of the time while adding a little something to play the game. The Guárdala, when I heard it reminded me of a serious Studio recording taking place when sound design was really the engineering factor for a recording that just left it’s stamp in the universe. It just sounds studio ready, kinda like when you grab a good mic and a good preamp from a analog board and you just know that quality trumps quantity.
These mouthpieces make the saxophone sound like a kazoo. Add a banjo, a washboard, a moonshine jug and two spoons, and you'll have an Appalachian ensemble. Theo Wannabe, and Jodi Joke
An interesting and unexpected inclusion of the Guardala, rather than just the usual Theo Wanne and Jody Jazz. The DV sounded a bit more laid back, which might have been due to tip size. I have a Studio and it's response is clear and incredibly fast, so great choice!
My favorite was the Durga. I liked the crisp sharp tonality of it. Great video and thank you for sharing!
Tried another cheaper ($200 - $300 range) high baffle piece with little success - I needed to play at least ff or I would get reed squeaks on many reed brands and strengths. Then I got a Durga 4. The difference was immediate. Can play down to mp up to ffff as required to hear myself over loud stage monitors in rock&roll. Now I know I'm playing in tune (and even the right note). A sax deflector is nice to have too. Can play down to low Bb and up to double-altissimo G without too much problem. Yes, they're expensive but sometimes quality costs $$$. Buy once, cry once.
The theo wanne stuff is incredible all of their mouthpieces sound and play great! Also with high baffle mouthpieces alot of people don't get on with them because they spend their whole playing time on pieces where they have to develop an embrochure to bring the bright edge in (for example when playing on certain links and non baffle pieces) and then find a baffled piece wayyy too squarky. I've played baffled pieces for years and I find using thick reed set ups for a darker tone and practice to darken them is the perfect blend because then when I need all that edge and power it's all there. Just my opinion however but all pieces need time to be practiced on!
GOT THE DURGA 7
AND LOVE IT.
and the ligature that stays in selected
Position, no fussing around each time.
Works for me.
Interesting. I've never had much exposure to Guardala mouthpieces. Honestly I feel like when you have three different mouthpieces that try to do the same thing, you're not going to hear much of a difference in sound between them. The key difference comes from how it feels to the player to achieve the sound they get.
I used to play an MBII until I wore the plating off! Loved it!!
I have to agree with you about the Dave Guardala giving the best sound.
I play a Durga 2 7* on tenor, and it works great for me. I play it in a big band, casino rock band, and a Motown review band . It is a very versatile mouthpiece for me. I was playing on a Yanagisawa T991, then I bought a 1967 Mark VI last year, and I noticed that the sound was more controlled with the Mark VI than on the Yani, which seemed more brighter in the overtones.
which reed you are using?thanks
Guardala had a fuller tone, more mids? All had edge. Lots of overtones with the Durga. I liked the Guardala the best of the three for you. More character in the sound for me.
I agree Alan. Jim
Guardala all the way! The tip opening was right for you too.
Hi
I also prefer the sound of the Studio.
When I see you playing it is obvious it is your favourite one.
Thanks for the videos.
I found the Jody Jazz DV and the Dave Guardala Studio sounding almost identical. The Theo Wanne Durga really stood out for me. All three sounded great.
Guardala! Good review! I recorded straight ahead jazz albums on the Guardala Studio in the 80´s. I recently
listened to one of these recordings on UA-cam and had a nostalgia flip and ordered one but it was way too narrow for my
neck. I had to send it back without playing it. I did not want to change my cork because it fits the multitude of mouthpieces i use.
Interesting - cheers Bob
Love these types of reviews and appreciate you giving your opinion
I appreciate that!
The DV has the most seamless and effortless-sounding continuity between notes (except for a few notes at the beginning, possibly because of the 7 tip opening). The Guardala sounds great too-a little more pop. Thanks for the video.
Perfect! Can you do the same for Alto?
Sounds like a good idea!
Guardala is great!! But Wanne is awesome!!! Theo Wanne has the whole spectrum. Jody is constricted and pitchy at some notes...
As he said, he might be more comfortable on an 8 like the others. I don’t find them constricting at all, but very free blowing. The tip opening may need to be right for the DV to work the best.
@@jasongreen6560 It makes sense
Jody DV sounded really good. On par with Guardala. UA-cam compression may have had something to do with it? I find Theo Wanne to feel good at first but after several weeks the tone feels small or constrained. I’ve had that with two or three different models.
A friend of mine swears by his JJ DV. I much prefer my Theo Wanne built Westcoast Sax MOFO1 on my tenor!
Love my old original Studio DG mpc. bought it used in 1989 and had Dave re plate it a few times and redo my tooth plate back in the day when his factory was 12 minutes from my house. I bought a later DG MBII in gold from WWBW but not that happy with it. I did not like the Tooth plate cheap material that I bit right through and did not care for the Rovner style ligature. I had a friend redo the tooth plate with a black hard resin and use my Selmer metal alto ligature on it,but over all I love the sound you were getting on the newer studio piece. Not a fan of the other two mpcs. that you had demoed. The sound of course was pleasant on them but I am just so comfortable with the DG studio and used to the sound. I use Vandoren V16's 3 1/2 or Nexus 3 1/2 for reeds.what reeds were you using on these pieces? Thanks!
The Durga sounds too eager to please; the DV as if it has a bit of an identity crisis; and DG Studio has it all - vibrancy, control, texture and precision
Very nice playing. I liked the Jody for most ranges, just a bit small in projection. Very much liked the Theo Wanne Durga but with a bit of “overtones-like compression” that felt a bit “edgy.” However, I loved the Guardala. It sounded the most controlled by you. Had for me, the best timbre, solid core, beautiful upper overtones for altissimo control, yet the right amount of compression. Like the three bears. Not too much, not too little, just right.
Great vid. Would love an alto comparison with hard rubber as well as metal pieces. Thanks!
When you said ultimate powerhouse the JodyJazz SuperJet is more "ultimate power" than the DV for sure but I suppose compared to the other two the DV is closer in comparison. I liked the Guardala the most as it had a bit more depth and a fuller tone than the other two.
By all accounts these contemporary Guardala copies don't play quite the same as the originals.
I agree - we could have gone one brighter with all of them actually - SuperJet, Shiva and Superking. But I wanted to keep the mouthpieces in the spectrum of 'flexible', and I think they all deliver on that front. Jim
Guardala for me, it just has a fuller sound in all registers
Jim, thanks again for these very instructive videos. Much appreciated. After listening to this video I decided (GAS attack) to try again of of these Nadir DG Studio mouthpieces.. It didn't take very long at all to decide to stick with my amazing Raphael Navarro Bebop Special 8 metal mouthpiece. I could indeed not find any register where the DG would compare to the quality of the Navarro piece. The Navarro projects as well as a DG but with much more flexibility and comfort. Hence my question : did you try out the R.Navarro brand? why don't you sell them? Again, thanks for your amazing contribution to the sax community. Hope to pass by your amazing shop this fall.
I think you sounded best on the Durga. I currently bounce between my RR Seventh Ave South (mbII mockpiece) and my Jody Jazz DV. I absolutely loved my Durga but there were things about the mouthpiece that didn’t sit well with my voicing particularly well.
All incredible mouthpieces!
Personally I felt Theo wanne mp demo pushier.. screaming altis and huge body through the range. I play a srtech fusion, chosen after your previous review about powerful tenor mp !
Cheers Jeff
Thanks 👍
Jim - I assume a Nadir Laser-Trimmed Guardala copy? I liked your tone with the Wanne piece.
Yes you're right. Nadir Laser-trimmed
For Mr the DV sounded more balanced in comparison, but this is just a question of personal taste, I think.
Interesting
cual es más cómoda entregas tres boquillas?
Durga all my life! yes
Guardala Rocks!
I listened multiple times with good headphones, like aarontress7167 below. I also focused as much on the second clip, when you're playing in the lower ranges, as I did on the first clip. I agree with aarontress7167: the Wanne has a complexity in the overtones, a richness, and an effortlessness that is unique among these three, especially at the low end. I would rank the Wanne first, the Guardala second, and the DV third. However, tip openings are a big factor in my experience! The fact that the DV tip opening was too small makes that comparison invalid in my opinion.
Rafael Navarro Artista model smokes all of these pieces. Some of these were ok but kind of sound on the thin side. Navarros new Artista model is huge
IMHO you sound best on the Dave Guardala Studio. Not even close on the other wild ones.
Cheers Bob!
Guardala 👌👍
Really interesting comparison!
I have recently bought an Otto Link Super Tonemaster for my tenor after trying it out at my local music store. I'm still pretty new to playing, but what I found interesting is that I was able to play much more in tune on this new (metal) mouthpiece, especially in the second octave as compared to my Jody Jazz HR* (rubber). Is that normal? Do some mouthpieces play flat and some play sharp?
I also tried a Jody Jazz (metal) without remembering which one and it also played really quite flat for me... Is that brand specific characteristic? Is Otto link an outlier? Is it my personal issue?
that link aint squat compared to these
Comparing a Link to these, is like comparing a 1978 Ford pickup to a 2022 Ferrari. Your Link is the Ford.
Oh.. that hurts 😢... I actually really enjoy playing it.
I did notice that it was missing both the super crisp top end and richer bottom as compared to Jody Jazz DV/NY, but I found that it plays much more in tune for me, especially in the second octave and it was just easier to handle.
My teacher plays on the same mouthpiece as well and he's a professional musician, who's got 30 years of experience performing, etc. I figured that if it's good enough for him, then it's more than good enough for me!
depends on what you want to play. jazz yes the link is fine but in a rock setting you will be buried and wont be heard. . i played rock and roll sax for 35 years and not once did another sax player show up with a link. they dont cut it on stage in the real world of competing with amps and drums
@@super20dan ahh I see! I definitely am more interested in jazz at this stage. My teacher is mostly a jazz ayer as well, so makes sense.
It does makes sense though, thanks for elaborating!
Side question - can that not be worked around my a microphone set up for the sax?
and Lebayle ?
1. Guardala 2. Theo Wanne 3. Jody
I listened on some nice headphones, and I feel strongly about how you sounded. Listened to both samples a few times. My conclusion is that I did not like the way you sounded on the DV. Stay away from the DV. You clearly have a close connection to the Studio. That one is great on you. But I think that Durga is something special. It's like a nicely tailored suit on you. Although you might prefer playing the DV, as a listener, I think you ought to play that Durga more.
Interesting - and always a good idea to listen on headphones as you say
Is it a German guardala or the original?
German
How would the Jumbo Java compare to these 3?
In my opionion, there would be too much edge and not enough depth and beauty - like we're hearing in these 3 here. Jim
Guardala killin! My order would be for darkest and fattest 3,2,1
Cheers Will - I agree! Jim
Durga, Guardala then Jody Jazz.
Thank you for the Guardala Studio, because it reminds me of Brecker! Have we forgotten the older brands that were used in the pop rock industry? Berg Larson, Otto Link, Lawton, Ponzel, Sugal, Runyon, Dukoff, Beechler, Yamaha Metal, Van Doren Jumbo Java, Brilhart Level Air. There are so many great pieces that young players have never heard, because there are always many new pieces to try!
Similar video: ua-cam.com/video/wVcvZiWQP9E/v-deo.htmlsi=pyVdBJr8q7WJh7iR
What song is that?
(I've had) the Time of my Life!
I knew the tune “I’ve had the time of my life” from the movie “Dirty Dancing” but didn’t know the player. Gary Herbig (had to google it to find out)
Durga!
Theo Wanne for the win. Every time.
Personally after watching this video half baked, the Durga really embodies a somewhat pushy sultry tone. The Durga speaks alive and bright.
The DV reminds me of that one kid that sits in class knowing way more than anyone but yet being humble enough to remain in his own lane while still putting on a good performance. The DV is respected because it does have the ability to go far and beyond but chooses to remain reserved most of the time while adding a little something to play the game.
The Guárdala, when I heard it reminded me of a serious Studio recording taking place when sound design was really the engineering factor for a recording that just left it’s stamp in the universe. It just sounds studio ready, kinda like when you grab a good mic and a good preamp from a analog board and you just know that quality trumps quantity.
Who makes this studio
Nadirsaxwind in Germany 👌🏻
I had to pause the video and put on my sunglasses.
Studio wins!
it's probably the cane but it's too bright and I like it beillante
Theo wanna for me
Nobody puts Baby in the corner!
If you want to destroy the house, just try the Brancher 29B mouthpiece!
Just got mine 2 days ago and wow this mouthpiece is amazing, I compared it against my Guardala, 10Mfan, and West Coast Sax mouthpieces.
the gardala by a mile
extremely expensive not for me
JJ made my ears bleed least! Not my style, thanks.
These mouthpieces make the saxophone sound like a kazoo. Add a banjo, a washboard, a moonshine jug and two spoons, and you'll have an Appalachian ensemble. Theo Wannabe, and Jodi Joke