Thoughts on modern Jet Tones?

[Christophomicus]

Howdy folks! I've noticed that some people have a love for the older Jet Tones, and I'm curious if anyone's had much experience with the newer ones manufactured today. To my understanding, they're different beasts to the 'vintage' pieces. I've got a modern Jet Tone Leon Merian for my trumpet and Flugel, and I think they're superb mouthpieces, but I'm just curious to see what other folks' opinions are.
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-B&S Challenger 3137/2, B&H 400, Getzen 300, Getzen Eterna, Jupiter JTR-516
-Bach Stradivarius 184ML, Yamaha YCR2330S, Clipptertone Malta, Besson Imperial Flugelhorn, ACB Doubler's Flugel
-Knight USA Euphonium

[nieuwguyski]

I believe the Jet-Tone brand has been discontinued. Here's one clue:

http://www.bill-lewington.com/jettone.htm

That said, I have fond memories of some "old" Jet-Tones I had, back when I played trombone. I had a Buddy Morrow model with a B cushion rim that was a great lead piece. And the Urbie Green deep model was good for jazz...

Anyway, Jet-Tone went through some dark times after Ratzenberger's death. I bought two or three trumpet mouthpieces, mail-order, in the early '90s, and they were just terrible. There was something fundamentally wrong with the design -- things were out of balance, or something, and they were honestly the worst pieces I've ever played.

However, a few years ago I was given a newer Jet-Tone 7S. Given my prior experience I had low expectations. But it was surprisingly good, though quite shallow and bright. I was intrigued and looked online, to find the Jet-Tone line "on closeout" at all the major online stores. They were cheap, so I picked up most of the available depths for both trumpet and cornet, as well as a flugel piece.

They were all quite good, though the "7" label was misleading. The diameter was large -- quite close to a Bach 1.5 rim. Ultimately I decided they were too wide for me, I stopped playing them, and sold some of them off. If a similar set of circumstances had led me to the modern Jet-Tone 10 series, I might be playing them still.
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J. Notso Nieuwguyski

[Christophomicus]

Discontinued! Oh mannn! I know they went through a huge dud period a few decades back, but I was just seeing if I was the only one who's had a positive experience with the newer ones - glad to see it's not just me!
_________________
-B&S Challenger 3137/2, B&H 400, Getzen 300, Getzen Eterna, Jupiter JTR-516
-Bach Stradivarius 184ML, Yamaha YCR2330S, Clipptertone Malta, Besson Imperial Flugelhorn, ACB Doubler's Flugel
-Knight USA Euphonium