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<\/a><\/p>\nFour New Ken Okutsu Traditional Alto\u00a0Sax Mouthpieces<\/strong><\/p>\n Here is the description and features of the Traditional alto mouthpiece from the\u00a0Okutsu\u00a0website<\/a>:<\/em><\/p>\n Ken Okutsu Traditional Alto\u00a0Sax Mouthpiece<\/strong><\/p>\n The Okutsu mouthpieces are hard rubber and come in a protective plastic case. \u00a0Within the case they are wrapped in a black velvet bag. \u00a0I received four\u00a0alto saxophone mouthpieces from Mr. Okutsu. \u00a0The alto\u00a0mouthpieces are the Traditional model, the Traditional II model, the\u00a0Focus Core model and the High Baffle\u00a0model\u00a0(listed in order from darkest to brightest). \u00a0I kind of like how simplistic and straight forward the model names are. \u00a0 The Traditional model looks to be the darkest of the four, then the Traditional II looks to have a slightly higher rollover baffle. \u00a0The Focus Core has an even higher baffle and the chamber is much smaller. Finally, the High Baffle model has the highest baffle as the name implies although the chamber is bigger than the Focus Core model.<\/p>\n The mouthpieces looks great\u00a0upon first inspection. \u00a0The hard rubber is shiny and without any imperfections. The gold engraving is neat and clean. \u00a0The rails, tip rail, table and baffle look very well crafted and even.<\/p>\n Ken Okutsu Traditional Alto\u00a0Sax Mouthpiece<\/strong><\/p>\n The Traditional \u00a0model was very reed friendly for\u00a0me. \u00a0I had no trouble trying different reeds on it and all the reeds passed the suction test when first put on and then later after playing a while. \u00a0The Okutsu mouthpieces have a concave table which many player’s and mouthpiece manufactures have preferred over the years. \u00a0In recent years,\u00a0\u00a0it seems like I am getting a lot of mouthpiece with flat tables instead of concave. \u00a0Now that I’writing this review, I am curious \u00a0as to what the differences are \u00a0between the two table in regard to playability, response and sound……….In the Okutsu bullet points above, the concave table is listed as making the tone full and rich and increasing the life of reeds\u00a0which I think is\u00a0interesting…………..<\/p>\n The roll-over baffle on the Traditional model is small. \u00a0I would say it is a good half inch in length before it starts to descend smoothly into the medium chamber. \u00a0Just from viewing the baffle by eye, I would say that this Traditional model would have some brightness and punch to the sound if I had to guess.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ken Okutsu Traditional Alto Sax\u00a0Mouthpiece<\/strong><\/p>\n I thought the Ken Okutsu Traditional alto\u00a0sax mouthpiece played great with a Rigotti Gold 3 Light reed. Although it is the darkest of the four Okutsu mouthpieces I received, I would not label it as dark at all. It has a bright crisp sound to it and can get some nice volume when pushed. Although it leans to the brighter side, it still has a nice round, full sound to the tone that is very nice……….<\/p>\n The intonation was very good and\u00a0it’s tone was very even and smooth throughout the range of the horn.<\/p>\n Ken Okutsu Traditional Alto\u00a0Sax Mouthpiece<\/strong><\/p>\n The Ken Okutsu Traditional Alto\u00a0Saxophone Mouthpiece was great\u00a0to play. \u00a0This is another\u00a0great\u00a0mouthpiece for players who want the best of both worlds……..a sound that can be used for a brighter traditional jazz and bebop sound or even a bit brighter for lead alto or funk music.<\/p>\n If you like the sound of the clip below and the mouthpiece catches your interest then please contact Ken Okutsu\u00a0and give it a try. You can contact Mr. Okutsu\u00a0at his website at Okutsumouthpieces.com<\/a>. Tell him Steve sent you………….Great work Mr. Okutsu!!<\/p>\n Let me know what you think in the comments below. Thanks, Steve<\/p>\nFeatures<\/em><\/h1>\n
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