tip opening confusion

[TJS]

I am very confused. Which is not a big shocker. I have a Morgan Vintage 7 and usually play it with LaVoz M. I'm having a little difficulty playing the palm keys. When I tried a Vandoren that I have that is around a .042 and the same reeds the palm keys are easier but I can't play the low notes. Shouldn't it be the other way around? So, I went to a local music store and tried a Link 5* and 6. The 5* was easier in the palms keys than the 6. Again, with the same reeds strength. On tenor this is usually the opposite. Any thoughts. I think I have concluded that I need a smaller tip opening but everything seems backwards.

[Dave Dolson]

Jason: I recently bought a soprano Morgan Vintage 7 (and a 6). I think the tip-opening is pretty big for soprano . . . my sources said the 7 was .070; the 6 is .065.

I like softer reeds and use a Java 2 on the 7 . . . and those #2 reeds have been shaved down. On the 6 I use a half-strength up (still, I shave them when I break them in).

I suspect that M reed you are using may be a bit too stiff for the Morgan Vintage 7. But, we are all different. DAVE

[Proff]

I play a morgan vintage 5 (.060) for Soprano
w/ Rico Jazz select 3M's
Its a great set up

If you're having problems, I would try changing your reed.
The La Voz reeds are thinner at the tip than the RJS reeds,
That is why you are playing the Med, not a Med Soft.

Consider trying a 3S or a 2H (RJS) becuase they might respond better
and still have a nice core sound to it.

Also, high notes on soprano are not easy, even with a good set up.
Make sure you are focusing your airstream and supporting the reed with a good embrochure. Might want to try taking more mouthpiece and playing with the angle of the mouthpiece coming into your mouth.

A softer reed will definitely help build a good embrochure and air stream.
Good Luck.

[bruce bailey]

One of the biggest factors with a straight soprano is the angle of the mouthpiece. Make sure the horn is entering your mouth like an alto and not a clarinet. Tilting the horn at a downward angle makes the extremes of the horn not speak as well.

[TJS]

Thanks for the advice.

[MM]

I suggest a very different reed on the Vandoren mpc, a blue box Vandoren 3 to 3.5.