Good soprano setup for playing lead in a big band

[Noel Mac]

I am playing lead alto in a big band which I have never done before and we are reading a lot of charts that have me playing lead on soprano. Right now I am playing a bari HR .77 with a java 3 reed and I like the sound of it but it doesn't seem to have the projection I would like. My head always feels like it is going to explode when i have to play FFF in the upper register. What are some things I could do to get some more punch and get an easier blow?

[Zman]

Try an SRTech Pro metal with a Rovner dark lig, on the same reed. Sound is not unreasonably bright, and will feel huge and open by comparison. I love mine.

[super20dan]

noel-this may suprise you but try to find a rico metalite .these things rock on sop! very easy to play and reed friendly too.i also recommend the runyon quantum spoiler (plastic) if you can handle the small beak . the ponzel custom is good but pricey(i am shure you know this alleady) of course if you want extreme there is allways the dukoff. yani metal projects well too esp with rico plasticover reed.