• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Website of Steve Neff

  • BLOG
  • SHOP
  • MEMBER’S AREA
    • JOIN
    • FAQ
    • MEMBER LOGIN
    • Member Monthly Lessons
    • Member VIP Area
    • Member-Practicing with Neff
    • Member-Brecker Alternate Fingering Lessons
    • Member-Killin’ Altissimo Lick Lessons
    • Member-Monster Lick of the Day
  • RAVES
  • CONTACT
  • SUPPORT
You are here: Home / Reviews / Mouthpiece Reviews / Alto Mouthpiece Reviews / Alto High Baffle Reviews / Drake Vintage Resin Contemporary Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

Drake Vintage Resin Contemporary Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

July 14, 2010 by Steve 11 Comments

I’m starting to get overwhelmed by how many great mouthpieces are out there today.  This morning  I received a box from Aaron Drake at Drake Mouthpieces.   I couldn’t open it fast enough.  Inside were 3 brand new vintage resin alto saxophone mouthpieces for me to try.  I’ve been wanting to try these for months now and I was very excited.  The first one I played was this one.  It is the contemporary model and has a 6 tip opening (.080).  It has a high long baffle in it  that scoops into the chamber sort of like a Berg or RPC mouthpiece would.  There’s no edges on the decline of the baffle into the chamber.  The high baffle gives this mouthpiece a brighter, punchier sound that is great for modern playing…………………..

Drake Contemporary Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

  • Appearance:

The tip and rails of this mouthpiece are perfect. The tip curve matches my Vandoren Java reeds perfectly. The baffle is high and long as you can see in the pictures and is completely even.  The chamber has a smooth horse shoe shape to it that reminds me of some hard rubber Berg Larsen’s and RPC’s  I have played.  I’m not sure what size the chamber is?  It looks to be the same size as a medium Meyer.  The difference is that the baffle extends into the chamber and then slopes down into it.  The mouthpiece as  a nice copper band around the shank end and the engravings on it are neat and nice to look at.

  • Tone:

You can make your own decision from listening to the clip,  but I would place this mouthpieces tone in the brighter end of the spectrum.  It’s not as bright as some other alto mouthpieces I have tried but it’s getting close.  I like the fact that you can back off  of it with your air and it mellows out a bit.  This has a great tone for that modern Sanborn type sound that so many alto players love.  I play a few jazz lines on it also and it sounds great with those also…….just a little brighter to me.  When listening to the clip try to imagine a little bit of reverb and effects on the sound.  I recorded it with no effects to taint the sound but if I were playing this live on a gig I would be sure to have the soundman put some nice effects on this to sweeten it up even more.

  • Intonation:

Intonation was great with this mouthpiece and within normal limits.  My Selmer Reference alto saxophone has a tendency to go sharper on middle D,Eb and E when I play high baffled mouthpieces and it was sharper on those notes.  That’s not a big deal though as I am used to bringing those notes down in pitch anyways.

  • Control:

This was a very easy mouthpiece to play and control. It is very even sounding up and down the horn.  The altissimo notes were much easier on this mouthpiece because of the higher baffle.

  • Volume:

Powerful!  I could feel it when I blew in it. Even at  a medium air flow it was LOUD!  When I pushed it, it was even louder!  I could push as much air as I wanted through this piece.  I actually had to take a step back from the microphone because it was recording so “hot”.

Great job Aaron Drake!  If you are curious about trying Aaron’s mouthpiece you can visit his website at www.DrakeMouthpieces.com for more information.

https://www.neffmusic.com/images/mp3/Drake%20Contemporary.mp3

Filed Under: Alto High Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: aaron drake, alto mouthpiece, Alto Saxophone, contemporary, Drake Mouthpieces, vintage resin

Steve

About Steve

Steve Neff has been playing and teaching saxophone and jazz improvisation around the New England area for over 30 years. He is the author of many best selling jazz improvisation methods as well as founding the popular jazz video lesson site Neffmusic.com.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarDerrick says

    August 29, 2010 at 7:22 pm

    Hey you sound great on this mpc! I was wondering do normal alto ligatures fit that piece? Would the FL Ultimate ligature fit on that?

    Reply
    • stevesteve says

      August 29, 2010 at 11:30 pm

      I Don’t have it here anymore. I think I used a Vandoren Optimum on it but I can’t remember 100%. I don’t think it was small. You might want to email Aaron Drake and ask him.

      Reply
  2. AvatarJoaquin says

    February 3, 2012 at 10:01 am

    Hi Steve,
    Congrats on the blog, it’s really interesting and useful!
    Do you know how does this mouthpiece compare to a Vandoren Jumbo Java?
    Which is “brighter”, “harsher”, “huskier”, “edgier” -whatever?
    Thanks a lot, best regards.

    Reply
    • stevesteve says

      February 4, 2012 at 11:24 pm

      I’m not sure. I haven’t played a Jumbo Java in like 14+ years I think. I don’t remember anything about it. Sorry I couldn’t help more.

      Reply
  3. AvatarJoaquin says

    November 4, 2012 at 6:30 am

    Just to contribute something: I finally could compare a Drake Contemporary 7 with a Jumbo Java A45, both around 0.085″. The Contemporary has a more open, more agressive, buzzier and brighter sound, with tons of harsh power. But it’s also easier to control, and responds better, “as it should be”, in every register. It roars like a wild tiger and obeys like a well trained dog. The Jumbo Java is a bit darker, rounder -keeping in mind that both are very bright mouthpieces. Also, there’s a big difference regarding beak design: the Contemporary has a lower profile, thinner beak. If you prefer the traditional, thicker design, go for the Jumbo Java. Thanks again for all the useful info, best regards.

    Reply
  4. AvatarAlex says

    March 12, 2014 at 7:13 am

    Steve I just bought the alto contemporary piece. And the altissimo is really hard on this piece. I currently use Beechler bellite and diamond sometimes and the altissimo is a breeze on those. What do you think?

    Reply
    • SteveSteve says

      March 12, 2014 at 4:53 pm

      Alex, Not sure. I don’t remember having any particular issues with the Drake piece when I tried it. I believe the Beechler is a smaller chamber so maybe you are really used to that smaller chamber. Sometimes going to a larger chamber is a bit of adjustment. Sorry I couldn’t help more. How do you like the tone of the Drake compared to the Beechler in general?

      Reply
  5. AvatarRoberto Jimenez says

    November 25, 2014 at 2:52 pm

    I m actually playing a 7 tip opening Drake Contemporary alto sax piece. I love it! my set up with it is a fibracell #4 reed and I can play it at any volume and register at ease. What a great Mouthpiece!

    Reply
  6. AvatarAndrej says

    March 20, 2015 at 5:32 am

    Hi Steve,

    As always you sound great. I am considering buying this piece from Aaron but am a bit cautious on the tip size. You are playing 6 here while Aaron is recommending 7 to me. I am new to the alto world, but on tenor I usually play pieces between 6* and 7* with 3 soft reeds (either Hemke’s or Rico JS). Do you think it would be hard to play size 7 with, for example, Rigotti 2.5 on alto? The only alto mouthpiece I own is Phil Tone’s solstice 0.76 tip with which I use RJZ 3S reeds. Just bought my alto few months ago, but have been playing tenor for ~11 years. Not a pro, just an engineer who enjoys playing… Thanks!

    Reply
    • SteveSteve says

      March 24, 2015 at 9:58 am

      This Drake Contemporary mouthpiece has a pretty high baffle so I think a 7 is a safe bet for this one. The high baffle balances out the bigger tip opening so it doesn’t seem as big usually. Steve

      Reply
  7. AvatarAndrej says

    March 24, 2015 at 11:37 am

    Thanks Steve! 7 is on the way….

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Cart

Subscribe to the Neffmusic Newsletter for the latest reviews and best deals delivered straight to your inbox every month. Join now and you will also receive my 40 Ultimate Michael Brecker Licks free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to


Thanks for joining!


NEFFMUSIC PRINTED BOOKS

Testimonials

I like so many other subscribers feel so encouraged by Steve’s learning techniques; you will enjoy reading the comments of praise others have left as you too will feel that you share a common view and path. I feel very lucky to have come across Neffmusic and that feeling will remain with you as you search through a treasure trove of learning materials on offer, you will quickly find the lessons that you are suited to. You will instantly recognize the unparalleled quality of Steve’s teaching … Read more
Stephen
I just wanted to write a thank you note to you for this website. I play and teach saxophone, but I have always been intimidated by the gear aspect. Your website has helped me become a lot more knowledgable. Your knowledge is staggering! I’m telling all my students about your website. Pierre
Pierre
I’ve been a member of Steve’s site for about six months now and the difference it has made to my playing is immeasurable. The (many) benefits of this membership are that you can have lessons at time convenient to you, they work out A LOT cheaper than face-to-face lessons with a teacher of the same calibre and you can replay them ad infinitum. I don’t know how many times have I had lessons in the past where I’ve ended up covering the same concepts when really a ‘replay’ of the last lesson would h… Read more
Nick
I want to let you know that your instructional material is transforming my playing.  It is an immense pleasure to learn and play now, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am. The instructional material I got from you is by far the best of any I own (and I have over 100 books, DVDs, and what not). I literally can’t thank you enough! Deric
Deric

Thank You Steve. I think that I will be busy for years. Thank You for your great contribution to jazz music. Your books, more than teaching “how to play jazz”, actually teach “how to speak jazz”. I wish I found your methods years ago.  

Jean-Eric

Your material is great! I got your New Altissimo Lesson 6 months ago and I have learned more from that than in all my 44 years of playing! I appreciate your down to earth teaching method and I really appreciate the heart that you teach with. I have been a subscriber to your lessons for the past 6 months and I have learned a great deal. Over that period of time I have had some questions and you have never failed to respond. Thanks! I have already recommended your lessons to a number of players in… Read more

Michael Byington

Hello Steve,

I have not received my alto yet but have already gone through 14 lessons. I love your approach, style, knowledge and competence. I now regret so much to have stayed away from playing the sax for the past 45-50 years…(I am 65).  But It is never too late to get back to your first love. After 23 years in compuer sciences and 22 years in finances…I am now back to music for the rest of my life.

Doing some research on the net, I found this:

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?1… Read more

Claude

I must say again how much I appreciate all your material. Including the video tutorials. It help keep me focused and knowing what to aim for. And your laid back teaching style appeals to me too. 

Thanks

P

P

Steve, just a note to say thanks.

I’ve been playing a long time, but your material, laid out in such a thoughtful way, helps me to understand concepts in a new and deeper way.

You are a true gift to the jazz community.

60 lessons and going strong,

Kevin Ledbetter

Kevin Ledbetter
Your major diatonic patterns book is great. I”m studying the first twenty patterns (first twenty pages) each day with different articulation each day and slowly increasing the tempo each week or so.  There is a noticeable improvement in finger coordination across all keys and its amazing how much more secure I feel on the difficult keys when attempting to play pieces with 5+ flats/sharps. I’m able to sort out the fingerings for these pieces now much more quickly than before, often in one or two … Read more
Geoff

Featured Video Lessons

  • The Secret to Modern Outside Jazz Lines Lesson-Minor $9.99
  • Creating Modern II-V-I Lines with Simple Pentatonics Lesson
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • The Best Embouchure for Tone, Intonation and Endurance Lesson
    Rated 4.90 out of 5
    $9.99
  • The Secret to Altissimo (no one has ever told you about before) Lesson
    Rated 4.75 out of 5
    $9.99

Now over 600 video and audio lessons to choose from!
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY AND SAVE BIG ON EACH LESSON!

Devastating Dominant Lines for Jazz & Funk
Devastating Dominant Lines for Jazz & Funk

Free Lessons

  • Free Lesson on The New Ultimate II-V-I Primer-Major Keys
  • Free Video Lesson on Mastering Altered Pentatonics
  • Free Video Lesson on Mastering the Blues Scale Volume 1 & 2
  • Free Video Lesson on Mastering the Dominant Bebop Scale and Language Book 1 & 2
  • Free Video Lesson on Approach Note Velocity Book

Recent reviews

  • Mastering Altered Pentatonics (Digital PDF Book)
    Rated 5 out of 5
    by Dino Govoni
  • Mastering the Bebop Scale Review-Blues in All Keys Lesson 1
    Rated 5 out of 5
    by Steve Nye
  • Devastating Minor Lines for Jazz and Funk Soloing (Digital PDF Book)
    Rated 5 out of 5
    by Mark White
  • Devastating Dominant Lines for Jazz and Funk Soloing (Digital PDF Book)
    Rated 5 out of 5
    by Mark White
  • The Best Embouchure for Tone, Intonation and Endurance Lesson
    Rated 5 out of 5
    by Christopher Lutyk

Jazz Improvisation Books

Mastering Altered Pentatonics
Mastering Altered Pentatonics
Devastating Dominant Lines for Jazz & Funk
Devastating Dominant Lines for Jazz & Funk
Mastering the Minor ii-7b5 V7b9 Bebop Scale
Mastering the Minor ii-7b5 V7b9 Bebop Scale
Dominant Bebop Scale Book
Mastering the Dominant Bebop Scale
Mastering the Dominant Bebop Scale-Book 2
Mastering the Dominant Bebop Scale-Book 2
The New Ultimate II-V-I Primer (Major)
The New Ultimate II-V-I Primer (Major)
Mastering Major Diatonic Patterns
Mastering Major Diatonic Patterns
Devastating Minor Lines for Jazz & Funk
Devastating Minor Lines for Jazz & Funk-Thirty 5 Star Reviews!!!
Mastering the Blues Scale Vol. 2-Dominant Chords
Mastering the Blues Scale Vol. 2-Dominant Chords
Best II-V-I Patterns Book
Best II-V-I Patterns
Approach Note Velocity Book
Approach Note Velocity
Mastering the Blues Scale Vol. 1-Minor Chords
Mastering the Blues Scale Vol. 1-Minor Chords
Major Bebop Scale Book
Mastering the Major Bebop Scale & Sound

Footer

Recent Comments

  • Steve Ostapower (Debukochi) on KPoudavoff Florida Double Ring Otto Link Copy Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review
  • Alfonso on Drake FG (Freddie Gregory) Model Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review
  • Steve on Drake FG (Freddie Gregory) Model Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review
  • Alfonso on Drake FG (Freddie Gregory) Model Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review
  • Steve on Meyer Bros New York Connoisseur Series Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

Top rated products

  • Overtones-The Path to Altissimo Lesson
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • The Dorian Mode Lesson
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • Cool Piano Voicings Lesson 1
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • The Best II-V-I's Overview Lesson
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99
  • Straight No Chaser-Jazz Articulation Lesson
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $9.99

Product tags

alto sax alto saxophone approach notes audio lesson bebop scale beginner beginner saxophone blues blues licks blues patterns blues scale blues scales diminished scale dominant chords ear training fundamentals II-V-I improvisation jazz improvisation jazz lines jazz patterns jazz sax jazz saxophone jazz standard jazz standards licks Mastering the Blues Scale Michael Brecker modern improv modern improvisation online lesson patterns playing outside practice habits reading music sax basics sax lessons saxophone scales smooth jazz steve neff tenor sax tenor saxophone video lesson video lessons
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • SUPPORT

Neffmusic © 2023