Using super thin reeds on alto?

[coolsax2k7]

I'm about to try RJS 3S filed reeds for my Morgan 7M alto piece. I was wondering if there is anyone else out there who uses super thin reeds and how you feel about this? Thanks.

typo: I meant 2S!!

[jmm1713]

thats not really super thin ...

I play a guardala studio or vandoren A7M with a medium bari plastic reed

A 2.5 or 3 is normal for alto

[CountSpatula]

If 3S is super thin than what is my 2Ms? :(

[Agent27]

I don't know about alto, but Doc Kupka, the bari player from Tower of Power uses 1.5's.

[coolsax2k7]

oops I meant 2S.

[jmm1713]

2S should be fine on a mouthpiece 7M or higher .

[Agent27]

They're easier to play, but the tone isn't quite as good and they wear out faster. Many people play on 2.5 and that seems to be the cutoff point. You probably need to do some breathing exercises to increase the amount of air you are capable of putting through the horn.

[coolsax2k7]

They're easier to play, but the tone isn't quite as good and they wear out faster. Many people play on 2.5 and that seems to be the cutoff point. You probably need to do some breathing exercises to increase the amount of air you are capable of putting through the horn.

So then, in your opinion it would be acceptable to try 2M which is roughly a 2.5, but to avoid 2S? I am on 2H filed now, but I would like to drop a strength or two.

[jacobeid]

Wait...do you think that the softer the reed is, the thinner it is? All reeds of the same brand are (roughly, since reeds are very inconsistant) the same thickness. Brands rate the strength of their reeds by the amount of pressure it takes to get the reed to vibrate.

[coolsax2k7]

Wait...do you think that the softer the reed is, the thinner it is? All reeds of the same brand are (roughly, since reeds are very inconsistant) the same thickness. Brands rate the strength of their reeds by the amount of pressure it takes to get the reed to vibrate.

hmm... yes, I thought the higher ratings on the reeds meant a thicker piece of cane... it takes more pressure to move the thicker cane?

I thought that the S/H thing on the RJS reeds was just a thickness grading system... like a 2S is about a 2.25, a 2M is 2.5, and 2H is 2.75 for more accuracy in choosing, but does it mean something else?

[coolsax2k7]

You probably need to do some breathing exercises to increase the amount of air you are capable of putting through the horn.

It's easier to play loud but when I want to have good control while playing soft it's harder.

[CountSpatula]

Reeds are stiffer/harder and softer...I believe...

7M isn't that open...2Ms UF seem to be great for me, I'd definitly give them a try...but of course there really is no problem in using a softer reed.

[Selmer's_glu]

Its NOT thickness or thiness. The other guy is right, all reeds of each brand are the same thickness, whether its a rico 1 or a rico 5. Its the STIFFness of the cane that is being measured.

Do yourself a favor. There are MANY excellent private saxophone instructors, in almost every area of the country, FIND ONE, and take some lessons.

Its the best investment you can make, much better investment than an over-priced horn or mpc.

Take my word for it.

[Dave Dolson]

I'll agree with the lessons-advice.

I play Vandoren Java #2 and 1 1/2 on my alto Meyer 6S-M, Super Session F, Soloist F, and Morgan-Bilger 6 - and all of my reeds have been prepped by shaving them down.

Reed strength is very personal and requires that the player's own embouchure in conjunction with the mouthpiece's design be considered. The only way to find the sweet spot is to experiment. Some do it for years before arriving at a good choice for themselves. DAVE

[coolsax2k7]

Do yourself a favor. There are MANY excellent private saxophone instructors, in almost every area of the country, FIND ONE, and take some lessons.

Its the best investment you can make, much better investment than an over-priced horn or mpc.

Take my word for it.

Then I might have to practice scales :sleepy2:, or read music :sleepy4:, or do long tones :sad2:!

[Martinman]

Then I might have to practice scales :sleepy2:, or read music :sleepy4:, or do long tones :sad2:!


I hope you are joking...

[coolsax2k7]

I hope you are joking...

Only half-serious. :twisted:

[hakukani]

Reeds help you play all the different tempos: Fast, slow and halffast.
I usually play everything halffast.;)

[coolsax2k7]

Reeds help you play all the different tempos: Fast, slow and halffast.
I usually play everything halffast.;)

wow did you just make that one up on the spot?? clap clap clap