This is the new AMMA mouthpiece being produced by Theo Wanne. A friend on SOTW generously offered to let me borrow his and try it out. When I opened the package the first thing I noticed was the quality of the mouthpiece. The tip, rails and baffle were perfect as well as the outside of the piece. The next thing I noticed was how big the chamber was. It’s the biggest I’ve seen. I thought it would be similar to my NY links but it’s even bigger.
I tried playing it the first night but could not find a good reed I went through about 10 Java 2 1/2 and 3 reeds which I usually love but couldn’t get one to feel comfortable on it. They were either too soft or too hard. This morning I tried a 2 1/2 V16 which I don’t usually like and it was perfect.
The piece blows differently than other pieces I have and at first I didn’t like it but after playing it for a little bit I started to like it a lot. I don’t feel totally at home with the piece because I’ve only played it for a couple of hours though. I’d be interested in it’s possibilities once I got the reed choice locked in and gotten use to it. It’s got a nice fat sound too it. I really like how the low notes come out on it. It would make a great straight ahead piece. I recorded a cut playing a laid back “All the Things You Are” and then another cut a bit louder and more R@Bish . I could play standards on this piece all day long. Well it’s off to the Post Office to send it back to the owner. Thanks Man. I appreciate you letting me play this one. Let me know what you think.
listen…
All The Things You Are
R&B type solo
wonderful. It’s the sound i ‘m searching. I decided ti buy a AMMA. I’ m looking for used one. do you help me?
thanks
I don’t have a used Amma. Try keeping an eye on ebay or Sax on the Web”, sometimes they turn up used there. Good Luck. Steve
Reps from Theo Wanne’s company announced earlier in 2011 — and several online web forums repeated the announcement — that Theo had decided to discontinue the AMMA, noting that the BRAHMA and GAIA mouthpieces were very close to the AMMA.
As of September 2011, however, the AMMA was listed as available for purchase in the “Store” on Theo’s website. I contacted Theo’s company recently and they confirmed that they will not be discontinuing the AMMA line, in large part because of the mouthpiece’s continuing popularity. I suggested to them that they should rescind their “discontinuation announcement” more broadly in the community. In addition to the online sources, some dealers that carry Theo’s mouthpieces here on the East Coast are telling folks that the AMMA is being discontinued.
I’ve ordered the AMMA, BRAHMA, and GAIA tenor mpcs, all metal, from Theo recently and I look forward to comparing them side by side.
help me: which kind of reeds could i use with my amma 8?
I use Vandoren Java 2 1/2’s a lot. Lately, I have been using Rigotti gold 2 1/2 medium and strongs. I didn’t use those on the Amma but I really like those reeds.
which kind of mouthpiece do you use now?
I have a number of favorite mouthpieces for tenor now.
JVW refaced link 8 with a baffle
EB HR Link 7*
Gerber Slant 8
Florida Link 7*
Those are my main favorites.
hi Steve, just curious i have heard this term before , “straight ahead piece” and what is “standards” sorry for my ignorance,, also are you going to the 2019 NAMM this year
Philipe, I don’t have plans to go to NAMM as of right now. (I feel like I’m at NAMM everyday when I look at my desk and see all the mouthpieces on it. Haha!) By “Straight Ahead” music I just mean “traditional jazz”. “Standards” refers to the chosen standard repertoire of most jazz players from the Real Books. Steve
also steve the tip shape was fine right, not funny like the otto link STM, the reason i am asking is i have a chance of getting a few, thanks
Philipe, The tip rails on Theo Wanne mouthpieces are usually perfect. I have never seen one that wasn’t of all the ones I have played. Steve
thanks pal, you have to be busy, just testing the small amout of MPs i have is time consuming
i have 2 coming in the mail, cant wait to try