Yardbird Model HR Alto
$299.00
Hand finished in polished German ebonite (hard rubber), this is the same core design as our acclaimed brass Yardbird model, but with that extra warmth and reed flexibility that hard rubber is known for. It has that same power and “pop” as the brass but a bit more “reed friendly” and accommodates a normal HR alto ligature (included).
Remember, fulfillment time for any of our mouthpieces is up to 4 weeks.
Additional information
| Weight | 16 oz |
|---|---|
| Size | Size 5 (0.073 +/- .0015), Size 6 (0.077 +/- .0015), Size 7 (0.080 +/- .0015), Size 8 (0.083 +/- .0015), Size 9 (0.087 +/- .0015) |
Jason –
This is such a great mouthpiece. The metal Yardbird is my main m/piece, but I wanted to try the HR, potentially as a back-up m/piece. Given the amazing price, it was a no-brainer. It definitely has the same presence and signature sound as the metal Yardbird but a more solid core (to my ears). I discovered this is not a ‘back-up mouthpiece’ it’s every bit as good as the metal Yardbird, just a different dynamic to an already great design. I’m glad I own both version. If you haven’t tried one of the Yardbird models then I recommend either!
Miguel –
After a couple of years playing the hard rubber Yardbird as my main piece, I can confidently say that this is my favorite alto mouthpiece of all-time. For years I gigged much more on bari and tenor than I did on alto, and I had a good Meyer-type piece for the occasional alto gig. A few years ago, I started spending much more time playing alto and went on an extensive mouthpiece search. Coming from the bigger horns, I liked the fuller sound of Link-type pieces but still wanted some of the cut and brightness that was easier to get with my old mouthpiece. The Yardbird feels right in the middle. It responds effortlessly and makes it so easy to shape my tone throughout the full spectrum of darkness to brightness, pppp to FFFF. A great straight-ahead mouthpiece to be sure, but someone once told me they also liked the “Sanborn vibe” I could get out of it. The sweet spot for me is the 8 opening with medium strength reeds, but I also have a 6 opening that is great too. And the last thing I’ll say, the $299 price is shocking to me – I don’t know if there’s a better bang for your buck mouthpiece on the market. My HR Yardbirds have ended my mouthpiece search. If you’re thinking of getting one, do it – you won’t regret it!