Resistance: Reed strength vs. tip opening.

[dirvin]

Resistance as it applies to resonance.


I would like to get the "collective" opinion comparing 2 types of resistance in our setups. Reed strength vs. tip opening.

A few years back, I switched to a more open piece (went from a Dukoff D8 to a Ponzol M2 120). Since it was more open, I backed off the reed strength a notch (went from med hard to med Lavoz). Now I absolutely love the Ponzol and I think that I get a decent sound from it. But, over the years, I noticed that my sound doesn't have the resonance that it had before. You know that sound you get when you play in a room with a lot of hard surfaces? Kind of like a natural reverb? I would get that most of the time. Even in stuffier rooms. Now.... not so much.

So.... I'm beginning to think that the resistance encountered with a wider tip opening doesn't necessarily equal the resistance encountered with a stiffer reed. I think that over the years my air support has dropped a bit with the softer reeds, but remains sufficient for the more open piece.

To be scientific about this, I should drop the tip opening and increase the reed strength and see if the resonance returns (after a sufficient time to get used to it).


Just curious to hear other opinions.


Thanks,
Dwayne

[Dlew]

I play a three and a half on a vandoren, AL3, and C*, I find that it comes more from support with me, though I get it more so when I 'find my grove' and perfer the 31/2 ZZ's when soloing in jazz/rock music.


I did find when I played a otto link with a 7 opening I had to drop the reed strength, to a 2 1/2 vandoren. to find what suits for you, perhaps experiment, start upping your reed strength, not being the fan of la voz reeds I can't help you but give it a try boosting it, it will take more air, but learning to play on a med hard then a hard, will strengthen those emrochure muscles and lungs too. Also give you a bit of insight to what sound comes from each.

just a thought

Don

[dirvin]

Thanks for replying Don...


It's a given that increased resistance will require additional support. But what I'm curious about is the difference between harder reed resistance and increased tip opening resistance. All things considered, I don't think the 2 are equal.

I agree, experimentation is the way to go. And I am in the process of doing just that. In the meantime, I was still curious about the group's opinion.

What I'm finding is the reed based resistance seems to affect resonance (in a good way) more than tip opening resistance.

[Bokudesu]

I am also curious about others about this.I like a slightly softer reed on a slightly open mouthpiece because of the flexibility I can get on the sound and intonation.I use Rico jazz select 3 soft on Lebayle LR metal 8 star.