How much difference does .015" make on tenor?

[max]

Okay, dumb question time... :?

I know .015" is theoretically the difference between a 6 and a 7* in Link facings, but how much of a difference is that?

(in other words, what kind of difference would I notice if I took a mouthpiece that was .090" and had it opened to .105"?)

[Mike Ruhl]

It depends on what you're used to playing. If you've never played anything more open than the .090" #6, then at first you'll notice that it takes more air to play. After you get used to that (which shouldn't take too long), you'll probably notice that your sound is fuller and a little louder, as the reed has more room to vibrate and produces a broader spectrum of sound waves.

[max]

Oh - I guess I should add some context...

My main tenor mouthpiece is a metal Link .105" - I just got a Broadus that's growing on me, but it's only been opened to .090".

I can't put the air through it as well. I know it's going to be darker, but I'm wondering if opening it an additional .015" will help it feel a little more free...

[MojoBari]

You are safe. Both piece has similar interior designs. If you like your .105 Link, you''ll like the Broadus opened up too.

[Mike Ruhl]

I've played a 7* Florida Link STM since the mid-1970s. A couple of years ago I was going for a more Getz-like sound, and picked up a #5 (.080") rubber Link. That mpc got me started playing harder reeds. You may want to try that, if you haven't already.

Also, it may be worthwhile to send that Broadus to an experience mouthpiece refacer. Maybe all it needs is to have the facing curve tweaked some.

[Riff]

I'd agree with meruhl. Try a harder reed on the Broadus.
Being used to the Link 7*, you may be applying too much embouchure pressure on the smaller tipped Broadus and thereby closing the tip opening even more. A harder reed would give more resistance to your embouchure "bite" and not close down as much.

[Mike Ruhl]

Of course, as Mojo said, opening up that Broadus probably wouldn't hurt either. This is one of those fun situations to be in. You can play with harder reeds for a while, then maybe try either having the facing curve lengthened, or the tip opened, or both, a little at a time.

There's a guy up in the Seattle area, that Sarge of World Wide Sax uses, who has worked on a lot of these Broadus mpcs. You may want to contact him through Sarge. www.worldwidesax.com

[Mike Ruhl]

Bob Carpenter.

http://www.worldwidesax.com/mouthpie.htm