Better than a Meyer? GS New York alto mouthpiece.

[@haroldfrank83]

I am slowly becoming a fan of these GS mouthpieces! I am very impressed by the accuracy of their copies. This NY has "that sparkle " of the classics. Everyone who's played vintage pieces knows they can be brighter, darker and several other variations within the same model, but that center/Crispy/ brilliant thing is what the good Meyers have in common. Thanks for those excellent reviews. I really like you smart touch of humour :)

[@drwallysax]

Sparkle is a great word for it (and one that Brian uses as well). Great price for the vintage charm too!

[@Steelhammerr]

I have to admit, as someone who has been skeptical of 3D printed mouthpieces and the trends I've seen over the past few years with equipment, this mouthpiece PLAYS. I had a trusted colleague recently let me try this piece and wow it really is great to play. I ended up buying it in the 5 tip opening and I am very impressed by how easy it is to play. I also felt the same "fun" element that you described in the video - this mouthpiece makes it fun to play considering how easy, colorful, and expressive the piece can be.

[@grantkoeller8911]

I loved the sound of both mouthpieces, they were both incredible.

[@drwallysax]

Well, that just made my afternoon, thanks Grant!

[@smrtn2441]

i bought a GS Reso for tenor a year or so ago. Quality piece. I love it. I don't play alto but the GS New York sounds pretty good.

[@manuelvalencia9407]

I can listen to him all day long over a good glass of red wine. Great playing. I'll also look for that mouthpiece, too. Thanks!

[@andyk6767]

Nice review! Brian's GS mouthpieces are the real deal. I have a GS Reso w/ the FG SPECIAL 7* facing for my tenor and it is superb.

[@drwallysax]

I like the Reso as well!

[@NoahKawaguchi]

The one thing Vandoren is consistent at is providing every tonal possibility in a single box 😆

[@drwallysax]

It's a feature!

[@NoahKawaguchi]

I'd recommend trying Boston Sax reeds if you haven't. I know they're way overhyped but they were a game changer for me in terms of consistency

[@ChipTheMusicMan]

Nice one Doc! I got a Morgan Jazz NY piece recently and it's fantastic. Morgan mouthpieces tend to kinda fly under the radar but it's a great Meyer style piece that's made like the old hr pieces were made - completely hand finished after they come out of the mold!

[@drwallysax]

I've seen the pictures of the process - sheets of rubber, it's a hoot! Glad you're loving the Morgan, they're super nice people too!

[@oniasribeiro3309]

I've been playing saxophone for 24 years, Meyer is the best I love it

[@patriciadrank6543]

I have my original Meyer from the 1970s seventies and it sounds very much like you're a Meyer. I have to say that I feel admire is more focused and clear. Some people have commented that the GS was darker but I have to disagree. I really enjoyed this video also and it was fun to listen to listen to such a pro on both mouthpieces!

[@robstevens9590]

Nice sound! My impression was that the Meyer was brighter. The GS NY was darker, but with more projection.

[@drwallysax]

The GS has bit more bottom, agreed. Meyer feels stuffy to play (comparatively)

[@elchicolovely]

agreed with both

[@dcp8nts]

I have a regular Meyer 5M, and a GS New York Meyer, 5, the latter of which i find so much more. Alto. It's bright and powerful.... and yes, FUN! Thanks for your review.

[@drwallysax]

Right? As I was saying it "fun" felt silly, but it just seems like the right word!

[@dcp8nts]

@@drwallysax You have many 'right' words. Love your style. Thanks for all you do. Love your vids!

[@silver10m10]

That really sounds great. Speaks clear and as about as close to the original as my ears can detect.

[@drwallysax]

I've been impressed! Happy Thursday and happy practicing!

[@blainehoopes2153]

Terrific video and great playing, as always! I bought the GS New York in a 7 a few weeks ago and it's great. I still think your 56 is great too (I bought one of the first). Thanks for all you do! (gee ... how many times did I say "great"? haha. Sweet!)

[@drwallysax]

Thank, Blaine! The GS is a great companion to the 56, different vibe but very fun to play. happy practicing!

[@gusmarrero]

I also bought the first 56 and I bought the 2nd one as well, but returned it. I wish I knew why they changed it. His original 56 was the best. I play a meyer 6m and the 56. Those are my mouthpieces. Maybe I’ll get the GS.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Can't wait to see a review on that Yanagisawa

[@drwallysax]

I rather like it! You tried the Yani line before?

[@Sirvalorsax]

@@drwallysax I recently tried the AWO30 and it is the best alto I've ever played. I demo'd some others also in a recent video

[@cfny]

and a Keilwerth!

[@olebirgerpedersen]

I used for many years to play Meyer. I had a 5, a 6, a7 and a New York, but sice I happened to get a Brillhard from 1942, I habe been playing this since. But I find this particulary Mayer very good.

[@drwallysax]

I loooooove a good Brilhart, great mouthpiece!

[@olebirgerpedersen]

@@drwallysax me too !

[@e.curley2325]

Omg why do I love the white material look

[@mattsax_music8439]

I actually really wanna try this piece I already have a GS reso which is amazing! I also really want to compare it to my vintage Meyer bros NY from the 40’s ish. P.S. I’m not rich I found it at the high-school I went to while repairing some of their stuff and I get to keep it!

[@Animal.CUT...]

:)

[@claptrap22]

The mid range sounds great. The higher up the horn you play the more biting and hollow it sounds

[@rhrh2025]

I put a wedge in my Meyer, and it really provided a kick!

[@drwallysax]

I had a teacher who would put molding putty in kid's classical mouthpieces - it works (kinda). Moulding? Molding? One is gross and one makes sense.

[@ronrobbins2737]

Hey Doc, you sound amazing as always! Thanks to you I love my "56" mouthpieces, new and latest, both .8 tips. But now i'm dying to try this GS New York; what size do you recommend as equivalent for me?

[@WillieWunderbar]

The Gs reso seems to be bit louder or more resonant? Anyhow, I do think the GS reso sounds the best out of these 2 mouthpieces based on the back to back comparison in this video. I ordered a GS reso for my C melody, can't wait to get it. Dec 2023: All (severe) intonation problems are solved on my buesher true tone c melody using the Gs reso.

[@grantkoeller8911]

Yes, a great mouthpiece will give back to the player a total and tonal joy of performance.

[@drwallysax]

Agree, there's an indescribable feeling, right?

[@grantkoeller8911]

Yes!!!

[@jazzygiraffe8589]

You really have a fine sense of humor :-)

[@drwallysax]

My wife would disagree, but thank you my friend!

[@paulrothbart244]

You have a beautiful tone on both mouthpieces, but the Meyer sounded a little stuffy by comparison to the GS. The GS had more resonance and a little more harmonic complexity to my ears. I know exactly what you mean by "fun to play". It's a joy to find a mouthpiece that feels like that and I treasure the ones I have.

[@drwallysax]

YES, you nailed it. I'm glad you know that "fun to play" feeling - it's kinda magical. All part of this amazing hobby I call "saxophone." Happy practicing, hope you're having a great week Paul!

[@KrisVComm]

What a contrast! The GS had a lot of bright character

[@drwallysax]

Bit more "sparkle" to the sound. Very fun to play!

[@KrisVComm]

@@drwallysax I am really diggin' all the new mouthpieces! Actually just finished my first production pieces because...I don't already have enough to do in life with running my company and trying to relearn sax! I've noticed you playing Selmer and Yanagisawa, is your old Yamaha baby back from the shop yet? One day I need to hear you playing my silver plated Ishimori!

[@jonathanclark7623]

I think the Meyer was a little brighter but the GS has a nice full sound , you sound great by the way gonna blow some notes now peace.

[@drwallysax]

Happy practicing Jonathan!

[@thepianokid27]

I think the original Meyer was just a very slight bit warmer sounding? The Toothalin had a nice edginess to it. And it seemed to be slightly easier to play as compared to the Meyer? At least to my ears, the notes seem to pop out much easier on the Toothalin. 🤓

[@drwallysax]

Very much agree - Toothalin for the win!

[@johnnyloungejazz5477]

But This is how the Alto sax should sound . The Tone is so pleasant

[@robertpayne5233]

The Meyer sounded thinner to me. You sound great on both, but I'd have to go with the GS. It had a more complex and interesting sound, at least to my ears. When are you coming out with an album? You really should you know. I think you can get used to just about any mouthpiece, yet if you find one that makes getting the sound you want in your head easier, well then... If I was in the market for a mouthpiece I'd certainly try the GS, and Brian is a very nice person, he actually cares about his customers.

[@drwallysax]

I like Brian as well, good guy!

[@KonstaSednev]

Great sound of mouthpiece, many thanks to you for this video and perfomance 🙂👋🎷

[@jazzhomemade4219]

Hello Doc, cheers from Italy! After this video I got my own 7 tip GS New York, so thank you for sharing it! I’ve always wanted to ask you a little off topic, so I take the chance right now. How do you get this super reverb (superb? Supereverb?) out of your sax? I always try to get a good reverb when recording but it’s never good. What software/settings do you use? Thank you!

[@oboeash]

You've convinced me to try one! "Fun to play" is almost unattainable on that other instrument I play from time to time, so I understand the weight of that word choice. I've been enjoying playing a GS Slant on tenor. I find it validating that you also like blue box on jazz alto setups, even if having that in common won't magically get me to be able to sound and improvise like you do. I guess I'll have to go practice...

[@drwallysax]

Practice? Nonsense! Buy more gear! I'll actually be releasing a new mouthpiece in a few weeks with Windy City Woodwinds, might want to wait a bit ;)

[@oboeash]

@@drwallysax Glad I asked! I'll wait, then. I go to Virginia next week for my summer festival anyhow, so August would be better timing for some retail therapy before the academic year starts.

[@dksax]

Fantastic vid as always! Where did you get the sound proofing panels? They look super good!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, DK! They're a custom order from GIK acoustic. Took forever, and kind of expensive, but other than that, I like them!

[@maexmaestermann471]

Hi, which sax are you playing here?

[@fleming_instruments_and_repair]

Thank you for the phenomenal video!

[@drwallysax]

My absolute pleasure, happy Thursday my friend :)

[@PhilipHart]

Thanks for the interesting video. I was struck by the difference in sound with the slightly harder reed from the same box - did you change your embouchure as well, do you think? That darker tone you achieved is what I'm looking for myself.

[@drwallysax]

Absolutely, and good observation. You can even see my cheeks relax, making the airstream less focused. It's all about the sound concept in your head - your body can figure out how to achieve it with most equipment.

[@Rabittsfoot1]

Dr Wally, another A+ review. Wondering how this mouse piece stacks up against the 56?

[@drwallysax]

VERY different. This is more open and brighter. The 56 is more of a love letter to vintage brillharts. I will be releasing a new mouthpiece very soon - much more like the Meyer (more open, more projection).

[@johnasti7429]

Ok my 2 cents. the GS has a fuller sound with more depth n the sound than the Meyer. The Meyer is smaller sound with lest depth and more mid range partials. But the GS in your upper register is definitely brighter and piercing. This piece would probably be a great lead Alto piece.. Btw, nice playing Wally....

[@drwallysax]

Very much agree, happy practicing my friend :)

[@Craig2760]

I'll have get back to you on the mouthpiece comparison later. I found myself distracted by the Yani you were playing.

[@drwallysax]

Whaaaaa? What's wrong with my new Yani?

[@donl3248]

@@drwallysax Absolutely nothing at all wrong with it. Sounded great! Thought you were a dyed-in-the-wool Yamaha player.

[@robfleming5588]

How does the GS NY compare to the WCW "56" pieces you spec'd for them?

[@drwallysax]

Much brighter. I've been working with them on a new Meyer-esqe piece that past year. VERY Excited about this piece, should be announced for presale in a few weeks

[@chrizze5062]

We need a Yanagisawa review!!

[@drwallysax]

Ask and you shall receive! (Ive already shot b-roll footage of it).

[@CraigAB69]

Nice to see you putting up content again. It's just a bit too bright for me. I prefer something with a little darker sound. Why the switch from the Yamaha to the Yani? I have played Yani's since 1985 High School (Back when the only sax to have was a Selmer) and tried Yamaha and MKVI's and others, the Yani just "fits".

[@drwallysax]

I like my Yamaha, but having had the lacquer removed there's a bit more corrosion than I like seeing. The Yani was shiny, so I bought it! Also so I could review it - it's tough to get these in my neck of the woods ;)

[@michaeldavis9954]

Great review. I get the “more fun” thing. I own a Meyer copy that was too much money but it ticks all the boxes and makes me absurdly happy. Which brings me to the real issue of the day. Is that a The Donnas t-shirt?!!!

[@drwallysax]

ha! no, The Goonies

[@michaeldavis9954]

@@drwallysax better!!

[@HahnJames]

I always find these videos full of valuable information. I'm just over six months in to learning how to play soprano sax. It has been a lot of fun and pretty challenging. I use a Yamaha 5C and an Otto Link 6S Tone Edge. I like them both. At the moment, I'm not ready to add any new mouthpieces to my small collection. I'm still going to take a look at the GS New York, though. As far as I know, I still have a future ut, I don't know what that will bring. Have you ever done a video on the various nomenclature that the mouthpiece manufacturers use? For instance, I've seen advertisements for 5C, 5S and 5* mouthpieces. Are the C, S and * talking about the same thng?

[@drwallysax]

The nomenclature is unique to each brand, no common system I'm afraid!

[@mikespadafora9077]

I thought the intonation was better on the GS, but I preferred the tone of the Meyer

[@marcusbarstow7509]

Buying a mouthpiece is like choosing a Harry Potters wand. Until you have it on your saxophone you never know what your going to get and how it’s going to sound. Very interested in your take on this mouthpiece, so much so I bought one, no regrets plays fantastic. Can’t always see the position of the reed with it being white but not a big issue. Definitely can see me having this one for a while. Thank you for all your videos and useful advice, they are very much appreciated

[@drronclark]

How would you compare this to you’re new WCW 64 series?

[@drwallysax]

The GS has a very brilliant high end, lots of edge/buzz. I find this has a bit fuller core through the mid/high range and slightly less buzz. I like the GS, but I find the 64 drives the heaver, ribbed constructed modern horns a bit better (especially my Yamaha and Yanigisawa). Both are great, I obviously prefer the one I helped develop.

[@jamesmurphy2206]

The GS sounds better to me. Do you prefer the Yani alto to your Yamaha?

[@drwallysax]

Honestly, I like them both! I'll play the Yani for a while, it's just different enough to be interesting. Full review coming soon :)

[@michaeleubanks9020]

@@drwallysax I'm looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts on the wo10. I have been a Yani alto player for years. The army got me a 992 when i was in. Then I got a 991 in college and recently switched to a wo10. Between those 3 horns I would say the wo10 is the closest to what a Yamaha is.

[@hectorl6737]

Please, I have seen few youtubers who have talked about the new meyer bross new york. I would like to hear your comment about it, thank you very much. it is a little expensive and has a metal ring.thank you

[@hugomontuori9272]

Can you buy one for a strait soprano sax?

[@drwallysax]

It's only for alto (being a copy of an alto mouthpiece). I imagine he'll introduce a soprano piece (though not a Meyer) eventually.

[@arnoldcummins2359]

Wally…by the way, the Yani sounds great!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Arnold - I haven't fallen in love with it yet, but I have no specific "complaints"....know what I mean?

[@BillColeExperience]

What kind of hat will improve my playing the most?

[@drwallysax]

What's the opposite of a fedora?

[@hflynnjr]

Sounding really nice and cool as always Wally...and another great review too! A mouthpiece that can take your tone to the next level without getting in the way too much is really enjoyable. I know the more experience you have with different mouthpieces makes adjusting to them quicker. How much time did you have to spend on the GS? The last 2 pieces I've had both took a good month or so until I felt like I knew the mouthpiece well enough to get the sound I was looking for out of it. But when you can get the sound you are looking for, it's a super great feeling!

[@drwallysax]

Hey Hank! Good to "see" you man! I spent a month with the GS, perhaps a bit overkill for a review, but I like it! Totally agree, it's such a fantastic feeling when you find one that gives that sound in your head! How's the summer going for you?

[@hflynnjr]

@@drwallysax It's always nice to see you too Wally. My summer is going very well so far. We had a good holiday weekend, and I still have all my fingers so I can "go practice."

[@drwallysax]

@@hflynnjr A good 4th of July is one where you can still finger low Bb the next day.

[@elissahunt]

Maybe Johnny hasn't been practicing, but I have. :)

[@drwallysax]

Excellent.....eeeeeexcellent.... :)

[@alexsandrosaxmin.delouvors9008]

Muito relevante esse tema..👏👏👏

[@christopherdamore1993]

At 5:30 roughly you sound exactly like Paul Desmond

[@SylasXavier]

The first one more core sound for me.

[@joseguillermoespinozaarce]

Quisiera una GS me gusto mucho su sonido.

[@drwallysax]

Yo también, feliz practicando mi amigo!

[@darylsol]

Nice video... the gs has core that the production babbit doesn't

[@ericskidmore3694]

The difference is negligible, really. I actually doubt if we heard more excerpts blindfolded if we would be adept at identifying which is which. You sound like you on whatever piece, but it’s nice to know there are affordable options. The hype around vintage gear gets ridiculous.

[@drwallysax]

It certainly feels different, and I think that's part of the fun. Saxophone is a cool hobby for so many of us, rather than a vocation. Is *slightly* different gear going to make you better? Of course not. But I think it's all part of what makes the hobby so interesting.

[@arnoldcummins2359]

Dr. Wally, Sounds great…however not wearing a necktie is totally unacceptable. You know better.

[@drwallysax]

My sincerest apologies, I will correct this.

[@johnvaros8246]

Yanagisawa???

[@drwallysax]

Wait, WHO replaced my Yamaha without asking!!!!

[@grantkoeller8911]

What is this thing called love

[@drwallysax]

Yup - saxophone academy theme song is a contrafact over those changes

[@johnnyloungejazz5477]

Drake NY and the Pillinger NY are both close to that Meyer.

[@grantkoeller8911]

Available in 4 5 6 7and 8

[@richardsteinberg7654]

The Meyer sounds More real.😁

[@grantkoeller8911]

Richie Cole

[@leycroftcoman5487]

The Meyer is clearer a cleaner attack .

[@SaxInstructor]

Meyer is a bit smoother

[@drwallysax]

It honestly "feels" a bit stuffy by comparison. I like smooth, but for a Meyer, I want a bit of sizzle! But very much agree with your ears!

[@lion037]

I'm not Johnny, but I feel called out. . .🥴

[@drwallysax]

I'm on to you Spencer.....

[@gastondebernardis3362]

I already bought the 56 model. Not satisfied with it!

[@johnnyloungejazz5477]

Meyer…

[@grantkoeller8911]

The Meyer is hard Rubber, this mouthpiece is dental resin.

[@grantkoeller8911]

Blue Bossa in concert C minor

[@madyeti3224]

Well...definitely no trust fund here...

[@madyeti3224]

I do like the sound on that one... but you’d probably sound good blowing into an old shoe.

[@drwallysax]

Me Neither - replica it is!

[@Theitaliangjrinch]

Try Raganato mouthpiece. Handmade Italian mouthpiece. Top level.