Antigua sop problem -- probably me?

[rockinsage]

Just received a new Antigua 586 soprano today, very nice horn. Though I am having a troubling problem with it. I've played alto and tenor for about 23 years, so I'm assuming I'm just experiencing some newbie problems on the soprano. I tested for leaks with a leak light and did not find any. I've tried a variety of mouthpieces (Otto Link metal, Yanagisawa metal, Morgan Jazz, Selmer SS, Bari) and reeds, still the problem persists.

My low E (and to a lesser extent F) are warbling like crazy. It's a very nice multiphonic sound, but not what I'm going for. ;) It is pronounced with all of the above pieces, but for some reason much less so on the metal Link. From reading through a few threads and Coats articles, I understand that the problem is likely a combination of holding the horn too close to my body and not having the mouthpiece in far enough on the cork. I'm concerned about the later -- just how far does one have to push the mouthpiece in on a soprano? That cork is long, at least on the Antigua! It's a struggle to get it even close to 1/2 way, or maybe I'm just worried about bending the neck (yes, I am using cork grease).

I've experimented with different amounts of air pressure, embouchure pressure, and amount of mouthpiece in my mouth, but it's still happening. I won't have access to a tuner or keyboard for a few days (to check tuning, etc.).

Help? Thanks!!

[Dave Dolson]

rockinsage: Sand down that cork immediately!! Really, you gotta have the piece on almost to the end of the cork. That's the way mine is (a 590LQ) and every other Antigua I tried. Plus, the rest of my sopranos are the same way (three vintage and three new, including the Antigua). DAVE

[DaveKessler]

Test the mouthpiece fit with a tuner. On the Antiguas (and Yanagisawas) you have to get about 80% on the cork.

Just use plenty of cork grease and get that sucker on there! My guess is that is what is causing the issue.

I believe it has something to do with the air column not being the proper length. My guess is that this problem also disapears when you go to low Bb.

[Zasky]

Whatever you do, don't force your mouthpiece onto the cork. If, as you say, it's a "struggle," the cork is too thick and you run the risk of cracking the mouthpiece. Do as Dave Dolson suggests and sand it down. It's easy, if a bit time consuming. Sand off a little at a time, evenly, using 150 or 220 grit paper (Paul C., I think, once recommended drywall sandpaper), and check the fit frequently. Also, wrap a bit of masking tape around the neck adjacent to the cork so you don't scratch the finish. There have been a number of posts in the past offering advice on how to do this, so you might want to hit the search button for additonal informaton.

If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, your repair tech can probably tackle the job while you wait.

[rockinsage]

Dave, Dave, Zasky,

Thanks, you all hit it right on the head. I started sanding down the cork little by little, and the situation is definitely improving as I go. Still have a little further to go though. The tuning is also improving.

Thanks again, you saved me a lot of heartache!