Lawton's Own Description of the Model R
1984 article by Leslie Evans in Crescendo: Geoff Lawton has also introduced one new model mouthpiece, which he is calling his ‘R model’, and this will be in metal only. He has made a scoop immediately behind the rim-tip, in the baffle area, which he claims produces a different type of tone altogether. In discussing this with him, Geoff said: “It reminds me of the ‘light’ type of tone Paul Desmond used to get”, and I said: “I always described Desmond’s tone as having a sort of ethereal quality” “That’s the word. Ethereal will do very nicely”. So there we go. Hands up everyone who wants to try for an ethereal sound !
Lawton Baritone 8 STAR R (Reflector Baffle)
Notes
Introduced in about 1984.
Available in metal only.
Variant of the Plain, B and BB models, with the sidewalls, slope, chamber and throat as normal. One example I have seen appears to be based on the “S” model but is not marked as such.
The distinguishing feature of the “R” model is a machined out depression in the baffle immediately behind the tip rail. The exact size and depth of this “reflector” feature varies slightly in the few examples of the “R” model I have seen.
The reflector baffle feature seems to remove some of the harshness from the tone which can result from a high baffle but without greatly affecting power.
Lawton Tenor 8 STAR B R (Reflector Baffle)
Lawton Alto 7 STAR B R (Reflector Baffle)