I have a friend's old Conn C-melody and I'm experimenting with reducing 
the volume of tenor mouthpieces to get decent intonation and response.  
I imagine the mouthpiece length could also be part of the equation - 
pushing the tenor piece far onto the C-melody's cork might have some 
undesirable effects if the neck extends too far into the mouthpiece's 
chamber.  I've read some of the old posts, and the recommendation of 
trying a tenor Rico Metalite (small chamber), and my friend might try 
one of those.

Anyone want to share their experience with finding a C-melody 
mouthpiece?  Thanks.

Dan T

why not get a real C melody mouthpiece? Runyon makes an excellent  
one......I don't understand trying to make something designed for  
another instrument work when  the correct solution is readily  
available.....like trying to make Ford parts work on a Chevrolet, IMHO


On Dec 4, 2010, at 3:14 PM, Dan Torosian wrote:

> I have a friend's old Conn C-melody and I'm experimenting with  
> reducing
> the volume of tenor mouthpieces to get decent intonation and response.
> I imagine the mouthpiece length could also be part of the equation -
> pushing the tenor piece far onto the C-melody's cork might have some
> undesirable effects if the neck extends too far into the mouthpiece's
> chamber. I've read some of the old posts, and the recommendation of
> trying a tenor Rico Metalite (small chamber), and my friend might try
> one of those.
>
> Anyone want to share their experience with finding a C-melody
> mouthpiece? Thanks.
>
> Dan T
>
> 

I second Steve's comment, most tenor pieces do not work well with c-mels. Check out Aquilasax mouthpieces at https://aquilasax.3dcartstores.com/C-melody-Tenor-sax-mouthpieces_c_16-1.html, they make a good variety. I've used the MetalPro and the MetalPro WideBody. The WideBody has a great beefy sound and both pieces have good intonation with both my York and Aquilasax c-mels.

John Korchok

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, Dan Torosian <dtorosian@...> wrote:
>
> I have a friend's old Conn C-melody and I'm experimenting with reducing 
> the volume of tenor mouthpieces to get decent intonation and response.  
> I imagine the mouthpiece length could also be part of the equation - 
> pushing the tenor piece far onto the C-melody's cork might have some 
> undesirable effects if the neck extends too far into the mouthpiece's 
> chamber.  I've read some of the old posts, and the recommendation of 
> trying a tenor Rico Metalite (small chamber), and my friend might try 
> one of those.
> 
> Anyone want to share their experience with finding a C-melody 
> mouthpiece?  Thanks.
> 
> Dan T
>

Well now, I put a small block chevy engine in a Volvo 145 once and 
except for having to weld in a couple of motor mounts and hammer out the 
transmission tunnel, it worked really well!  And I had the only V8 Volvo 
wagon in existence @ that time!  I pity the guy who bought it going to 
Pep Boys though.  LOL

On 12/4/2010 3:24 PM, STEVE GOODSON wrote:
>
> why not get a real C melody mouthpiece? Runyon makes an excellent 
> one......I don't understand trying to make something designed for 
> another instrument work when  the correct solution is readily 
> available.....like trying to make Ford parts work on a Chevrolet, IMHO
>
>
>
> On Dec 4, 2010, at 3:14 PM, Dan Torosian wrote:
>
>> I have a friend's old Conn C-melody and I'm experimenting with reducing
>> the volume of tenor mouthpieces to get decent intonation and response.
>> I imagine the mouthpiece length could also be part of the equation -
>> pushing the tenor piece far onto the C-melody's cork might have some
>> undesirable effects if the neck extends too far into the mouthpiece's
>> chamber. I've read some of the old posts, and the recommendation of
>> trying a tenor Rico Metalite (small chamber), and my friend might try
>> one of those.
>>
>> Anyone want to share their experience with finding a C-melody
>> mouthpiece? Thanks.
>>
>> Dan T
>>
>
> 

Since the Conn CMel has a bore that is even narrower than that of an alto, I have found my alto mpcs to work well on my Conn. The biggest probelm is that to tune one has to pull them almost all the way off the neck. Perhaps an alto mpc with a shank extension is worth exploring.

Toby
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dan Torosian 
  To: Mouthpiece Work 
  Sent: Sunday, December 05, 2010 6:14 AM
  Subject: [MouthpieceWork] C-melody


    
  I have a friend's old Conn C-melody and I'm experimenting with reducing 
  the volume of tenor mouthpieces to get decent intonation and response. 
  I imagine the mouthpiece length could also be part of the equation - 
  pushing the tenor piece far onto the C-melody's cork might have some 
  undesirable effects if the neck extends too far into the mouthpiece's 
  chamber. I've read some of the old posts, and the recommendation of 
  trying a tenor Rico Metalite (small chamber), and my friend might try 
  one of those.

  Anyone want to share their experience with finding a C-melody 
  mouthpiece? Thanks.

  Dan T


  

Runyon makes an actual, modern C melody mouthpiece. Contact Mr. Paul Coats (he is a frequent contributer on the forum) and ask for the C Melody Custom Spoiler mouthpiece in your choice of color and facing. It changed my sax into a MUCH more in tune, user friendly axe! I now can use it for mellow pop & classical or edgy rock depending on if I use the spoiler (a removeable wedge with the wavy metal tongue). 

If you want to play the instrument well, I feel working on an alto sax or tenor sax mouthpiece is just wasting your time compared to these mouthpieces. AND unlike a vintage C melody mouthpiece, (and I think the new Aquilla mouthpieces), they are made to fit a regular tenor sax reed.

FYI- This is not a paid endorsement. I am just pleased with the product and personal service!

E v e r e t t F i d l e r   

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "Toby" <kymarto123@...> wrote:
>
> Since the Conn CMel has a bore that is even narrower than that of an alto, I have found my alto mpcs to work well on my Conn. The biggest probelm is that to tune one has to pull them almost all the way off the neck. Perhaps an alto mpc with a shank extension is worth exploring.
> 
> Toby
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: Dan Torosian 
>   To: Mouthpiece Work 
>   Sent: Sunday, December 05, 2010 6:14 AM
>   Subject: [MouthpieceWork] C-melody
> 
> 
>     
>   I have a friend's old Conn C-melody and I'm experimenting with reducing 
>   the volume of tenor mouthpieces to get decent intonation and response. 
>   I imagine the mouthpiece length could also be part of the equation - 
>   pushing the tenor piece far onto the C-melody's cork might have some 
>   undesirable effects if the neck extends too far into the mouthpiece's 
>   chamber. I've read some of the old posts, and the recommendation of 
>   trying a tenor Rico Metalite (small chamber), and my friend might try 
>   one of those.
> 
>   Anyone want to share their experience with finding a C-melody 
>   mouthpiece? Thanks.
> 
>   Dan T
>

I have three Aquilasax C-mel mouthpieces and tenor reeds work very well on them. Put a Harry Hartmann Carbon Fiberreed Medium Hard on an Aquilasax WideBody #6 and you will have a bold, ballsy and in-tune sound on your C-mel!

John Korchok

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "fidlershorns" <grassinospam@...> wrote:
>
> Runyon makes an actual, modern C melody mouthpiece. Contact Mr. Paul Coats (he is a frequent contributer on the forum) and ask for the C Melody Custom Spoiler mouthpiece in your choice of color and facing. It changed my sax into a MUCH more in tune, user friendly axe! I now can use it for mellow pop & classical or edgy rock depending on if I use the spoiler (a removeable wedge with the wavy metal tongue). 
> 
> If you want to play the instrument well, I feel working on an alto sax or tenor sax mouthpiece is just wasting your time compared to these mouthpieces. AND unlike a vintage C melody mouthpiece, (and I think the new Aquilla mouthpieces), they are made to fit a regular tenor sax reed.
> 
> FYI- This is not a paid endorsement. I am just pleased with the product and personal service!
> 
> E v e r e t t F i d l e r   
> 
> --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "Toby" <kymarto123@> wrote:
> >
> > Since the Conn CMel has a bore that is even narrower than that of an alto, I have found my alto mpcs to work well on my Conn. The biggest probelm is that to tune one has to pull them almost all the way off the neck. Perhaps an alto mpc with a shank extension is worth exploring.
> > 
> > Toby
> >   ----- Original Message ----- 
> >   From: Dan Torosian 
> >   To: Mouthpiece Work 
> >   Sent: Sunday, December 05, 2010 6:14 AM
> >   Subject: [MouthpieceWork] C-melody
> > 
> > 
> >     
> >   I have a friend's old Conn C-melody and I'm experimenting with reducing 
> >   the volume of tenor mouthpieces to get decent intonation and response. 
> >   I imagine the mouthpiece length could also be part of the equation - 
> >   pushing the tenor piece far onto the C-melody's cork might have some 
> >   undesirable effects if the neck extends too far into the mouthpiece's 
> >   chamber. I've read some of the old posts, and the recommendation of 
> >   trying a tenor Rico Metalite (small chamber), and my friend might try 
> >   one of those.
> > 
> >   Anyone want to share their experience with finding a C-melody 
> >   mouthpiece? Thanks.
> > 
> >   Dan T
> >
>

	

Can anybody tell me if there's a practical difference between the C-melodies with a long straight neck (looks like a big alto) and the ones with a short curved neck (resembles a small tenor)?

Just curious.

Thanks -
Tom Mitchell

Conn made the only straight-neck C-melody saxes, presumably so they could fit them with microtuners.  The consensus seems to be that the straight-neck Conns are some of the best of the sorry lot.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "tcmitchellmusic" 
Sender: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:36:06 
To: 
Reply-To: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MouthpieceWork] Re: C-melody


	

Can anybody tell me if there's a practical difference between the C-melodies with a long straight neck (looks like a big alto) and the ones with a short curved neck (resembles a small tenor)?

Just curious.

Thanks -
Tom Mitchell




------------------------------------

Got a Mouthpiece Work question?  Send it to MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com

Visit the site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MouthpieceWork to see the Files, Photos and Bookmarks relating to Mouthpiece Work.

To see and modify your groups, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/mygroupsYahoo! Groups Links

This html message parsed with html2text ---------------------------Thanks for all the great info and input, everyone. My "Franken-piece" project
of trying to modify an alto or tenor piece for the C-melody is just a learning
exercise (with mediocre results so far). I've tried a couple of C-melodies in
pawn shops over the years, but that's the extent of my experience with them.  
  
I'm sure the horn's owner will wind up with a modern mpc designed for
C-melody. The horn is an old Conn (rolled tone holes, neck shaped like an alto
neck, microtuner on the neck), BTW.  
  
Dan T  
  
On 12/8/2010 9:29 AM, fidlershorns wrote:

> Runyon makes an actual, modern C melody mouthpiece. Contact Mr. Paul Coats
> (he is a frequent contributer on the forum) and ask for the C Melody Custom
> Spoiler mouthpiece in your choice of color and facing. It changed my sax
> into a MUCH more in tune, user friendly axe! I now can use it for mellow pop
> & classical or edgy rock depending on if I use the spoiler (a removeable
> wedge with the wavy metal tongue).  
>  
>  If you want to play the instrument well, I feel working on an alto sax or
> tenor sax mouthpiece is just wasting your time compared to these
> mouthpieces. AND unlike a vintage C melody mouthpiece, (and I think the new
> Aquilla mouthpieces), they are made to fit a regular tenor sax reed.  
>  
>  FYI- This is not a paid endorsement. I am just pleased with the product and
> personal service!  
>  
>  E v e r e t t F i d l e r  
>  
>  \\--- In
> [MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com](mailto:MouthpieceWork%40yahoogroups.com),
> "Toby" [](mailto:kymarto123@...) wrote:  
>  >  
>  > Since the Conn CMel has a bore that is even narrower than that of an
> alto, I have found my alto mpcs to work well on my Conn. The biggest probelm
> is that to tune one has to pull them almost all the way off the neck.
> Perhaps an alto mpc with a shank extension is worth exploring.  
>  >  
>  > Toby  
>  > \\----- Original Message -----  
>  > From: Dan Torosian  
>  > To: Mouthpiece Work  
>  > Sent: Sunday, December 05, 2010 6:14 AM  
>  > Subject: [MouthpieceWork] C-melody  
>  >  
>  >  
>  >  
>  > I have a friend's old Conn C-melody and I'm experimenting with reducing  
>  > the volume of tenor mouthpieces to get decent intonation and response.  
>  > I imagine the mouthpiece length could also be part of the equation -  
>  > pushing the tenor piece far onto the C-melody's cork might have some  
>  > undesirable effects if the neck extends too far into the mouthpiece's  
>  > chamber. I've read some of the old posts, and the recommendation of  
>  > trying a tenor Rico Metalite (small chamber), and my friend might try  
>  > one of those.  
>  >  
>  > Anyone want to share their experience with finding a C-melody  
>  > mouthpiece? Thanks.  
>  >  
>  > Dan T  
>  >  
>  
>

Conn made curved neck versions prior to around 1922

Steve Goodson
Saxophone Guru and Visionary
New Orleans

This email sent from my I Pad

On Dec 9, 2010, at 7:58 AM, zoot51@... wrote:

> Conn made the only straight-neck C-melody saxes, presumably so they could fit them with microtuners. The consensus seems to be that the straight-neck Conns are some of the best of the sorry lot. 
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry 
> 
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: "tcmitchellmusic" <tcmitchellmusic@...> 
> Sender: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com 
> Date: Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:36:06 
> To: <MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com> 
> Reply-To: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com 
> Subject: [MouthpieceWork] Re: C-melody 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Can anybody tell me if there's a practical difference between the C-melodies with a long straight neck (looks like a big alto) and the ones with a short curved neck (resembles a small tenor)? 
> 
> Just curious. 
> 
> Thanks - 
> Tom Mitchell 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------ 
> 
> Got a Mouthpiece Work question? Send it to MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com 
> 
> Visit the site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MouthpieceWork to see the Files, Photos and Bookmarks relating to Mouthpiece Work. 
> 
> To see and modify your groups, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/mygroupsYahoo! Groups Links 
> 
> 
> 
> 

Hi Tom,

I have a new Aquilasax c-mel that I got with both straight and curved necks. The ergonomics are much better for with the straight neck as it lowers the position of the horn relative to my body. This makes my hand positions more natural and less tiring. I'm 6'2" tall, a short person might find the curved neck better for them. There are no noticeable acoustic consequences to changing the necks.

John Korchok

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "tcmitchellmusic" <tcmitchellmusic@...> wrote:
>
> 
> 	
> 
> Can anybody tell me if there's a practical difference between the C-melodies with a long straight neck (looks like a big alto) and the ones with a short curved neck (resembles a small tenor)?
> 
> Just curious.
> 
> Thanks -
> Tom Mitchell
>

If I am not mistaken Aquillsax makes c-melody specific reeds. It may not be
them though, but some other chinese company. I have a few pack of c melody
reeds that are to big for alto and to small for tenor, but fit my buescher
c-melody mouthpiece just right.


Isaac

This html message parsed with html2text ---------------------------Hello I've tried a lot of tenor mouthpieces (Meyer small chamber, Selmer pre
Soloist with round chamber, ...) and the better is the morgan Excalibur. But
there is intonation problem, the right hand is too sharp. The C mouthpieces
(Conn, Beusher) are very old school tone. Actually, I play with a Morgan C
melody mouthpiece but the tune is not perfect. Moreover the reed make give a
tenor tone. The Aquilla reeds produce a tone more androgyn, very nice. but
it's poor quality reeds. Valentin \\--- In mouthpiecework@yahoogroups.com,
wrote: If I am not mistaken Aquillsax makes c-melody specific reeds. It may
not be them though, but some other chinese company. I have a few pack of c
melody reeds that are to big for alto and to small for tenor, but fit my
buescher c-melody mouthpiece just right. Isaac

I use a Runyon C-melody mouthpiece with tenor reeds & have been quite pleased with the results.
Of course, it's not a totally "off-the-shelf" mouthpiece. It has been adjusted by (IMHO) an expert in the the field of mouthpiece work.

The French-American Reed Co. still makes C-melody reeds, too I believe.


 
Sonus Instrument Repair
Tom Tapscott
802 Glendale Dr
Clarksville, TN 37043
931-551-9411
sonusrepair@...


________________________________
 From: "grzzz@..." <grzzz@...>
To: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 10:56 PM
Subject: [MouthpieceWork] RE: C-melody
 


  
Hello
I've tried a lot of tenor mouthpieces (Meyer small chamber, Selmer pre Soloist with round chamber, ...) and the better is the morgan Excalibur. But there is intonation problem, the right hand is too sharp.
The C mouthpieces (Conn, Beusher) are very old school tone. 

Actually, I play with a Morgan C melody mouthpiece but the tune is not perfect. Moreover the reed make give a tenor tone.

The Aquilla reeds produce a tone more androgyn, very nice. but it's poor quality reeds.

Valentin


--- In mouthpiecework@yahoogroups.com, <isaacspaeth@...> wrote:


If I am not mistaken Aquillsax makes c-melody specific reeds. It may not be them though, but some other chinese company. I have a few pack of c melody reeds that are to big for alto and to small for tenor, but fit my buescher c-melody mouthpiece just right.


Isaac
 

add a baffle to the Conn mouthpiece


On Sep 8, 2013, at 10:56 PM, grzzz@hotmail.fr wrote:

> 
> Hello
> 
> I've tried a lot of tenor mouthpieces (Meyer small chamber, Selmer pre Soloist with round chamber, ...) and the better is the morgan Excalibur. But there is intonation problem, the right hand is too sharp.
> 
> The C mouthpieces (Conn, Beusher) are very old school tone. 
> 
> 
> 
> Actually, I play with a Morgan C melody mouthpiece but the tune is not perfect. Moreover the reed make give a tenor tone.
> 
> 
> 
> The Aquilla reeds produce a tone more androgyn, very nice. but it's poor quality reeds.
> 
> 
> 
> Valentin
> 
> 
> 
> --- In mouthpiecework@yahoogroups.com, <isaacspaeth@...> wrote:
> 
> If I am not mistaken Aquillsax makes c-melody specific reeds. It may not be them though, but some other chinese company. I have a few pack of c melody reeds that are to big for alto and to small for tenor, but fit my buescher c-melody mouthpiece just right.
> 
> 
> Isaac
> 
> 

Yes, the French-American reed company makes C melody reeds (the whole family of saxophone and clarinet reeds) and has been based in Jackson, TN for about 15 years.  Delightful, family run company!


Dave

This html message parsed with html2text ---------------------------Been there, tried it, and I am MUCH more satisfied with the Runyon Custom
Spoiler mouthpiece, with or without the spoiler baffle. It just plays
throughout the horn better in tune and with a more modern tone. No more stuffy
parlor freak from the 30's; it is a real sax now! Before I tried any Runyon
Mouthpieces, I had both an old Conn and a Buescher mouthpiece refaced to
Selmer C* tenor sax specs, which helped a lot. A baffle helped some more, but
the Runyon kicks their tails way into the "historical preservation box of
extra mouthpieces", never to see the light of day again. It really is that
much of a difference. Also, I can use my favorite Tenor Sax or Bass Clarinet
reed on the Runyon mouthpiece. (Bass clarinet reeds have a shorter tail, but
are about the same cut, so it can work better on a tuneable neck. Compare them
before you blast me, please.) Two things else to consider, 1. cost wise, how
many hours are you looking at to reface the Conn mouthpiece, reduce the
chamber volume, and make a baffle vs. the cost of a replaceable, better
playing mouthpiece? 2. For the group I play it in, they knew something was
different the first time I player the Runyon and liked it a lot. Also, FYI:
Guru Steve says to "put the biggest resonators you can in on your next re-
pad". I fully agree on C melody saxophones. It is a bit of a pain to get the
flat stainless ones center punched and under the Buescher snaps. But it looks
nice, and also really helps to liven up the sax. If it is too lively, use a
soft ligature and remove the spoiler to mello it out. It still projects
nicely. E v e r e t t F i d l e r \\--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com,
wrote: add a baffle to the Conn mouthpiece On Sep 8, 2013, at 10:56 PM,
[grzzz@...](mailto:grzzz@...) wrote: > > > > > > Hello > > I've tried a lot of
tenor mouthpieces (Meyer small chamber, Selmer pre > Soloist with round
chamber, ...) and the better is the morgan Excalibur. But > there is
intonation problem, the right hand is too sharp. > > The C mouthpieces (Conn,
Beusher) are very old school tone. > > > > > Actually, I play with a Morgan C
melody mouthpiece but the tune is not > perfect. Moreover the reed make give a
tenor tone. > > > > > The Aquilla reeds produce a tone more androgyn, very
nice. but it's poor > quality reeds. > > > > > Valentin > > > > >> > \\--- In
> [mouthpiecework@yahoogroups.com](mailto:mouthpiecework@yahoogroups.com), >
wrote: > > >> >> If I am not mistaken Aquillsax makes c-melody specific reeds.
It may not be them though, but some other chinese company. I have a few pack
of c melody reeds that are to big for alto and to small for tenor, but fit my
buescher c-melody mouthpiece just right. >> >> > >> >> > >> >> Isaac > > >

This html message parsed with html2text ---------------------------It is a link from  The C melody reed link is hard to find, but sure enough it
is there! Thanks for the info on another source for when someone wants to keep
it original! All my historical sources dried up for vintage NOS reeds. \\---
In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com,  wrote: Yes, the French-American reed
company makes C melody reeds (the whole family of saxophone and clarinet
reeds) and has been based in Jackson, TN for about 15 years. Delightful,
family run company! Dave