when should I move up a size in reeds?

[Emo Fish]

I'm a new tenor sax player(switched from playing cello about a month ago for marching band) and I know almost nothing about reeds. I was wondering, what does the number of the reed mean, and when if at all should I move up sizes? Right now I'm using Van Doren 2 1/2 from the blue box and I'm playing on a Jupiter sax, not sure the make/model. Please and thank you in advance!!:D

[TJS]

The higher the number the stiffer the reed. Usually, you use a stiffer reed with a smaller tip opening and a softer reed with a larger tip opening. However, there are always exceptions to the rules. What kind of mouthpiece are you playing? You are probably OK with a Vandoren 2 1/2 if you are playing a student type mouthpiece. In general your reed is too soft if the sound is a little buzzy or flat and you are having some difficulty in the upper register. Your reed is too hard if the sound is very harsh, the reed seem difficult to get to speak and the low notes are difficult.

There is some good info. here.

http://www.petethomas.co.uk/saxophone-reeds.html

Good luck.

[Emo Fish]

I'm using whatever mouthpiece the sax came with, as it's a school instrument, so I'm assuming it's a student mouthpiece? I'm not sure if it's just me, but I'm having problems with getting a clear sound with the upper notes, and it's like the lower notes don't catch as fast; they take another second or so to kinda click. I know that the section leader uses Van Doren 3s in the blue box, but I'm not sure if that's only because he's been playing since 6th grade or not.

[SaxMoose]

I assume the school probably got something like Yamaha 4C's - that's what my band director buys I think.

You might wanna ask your section leader if he'll sell one of his reeds to you for 2ish dollars, since they're like $24 a box and see if it helps, or if it just needs more practice.

[Emo Fish]

I just checked which mouthpiece i'm using, and it's a Jupiter 4C.

xD Thanks SaxMoose. The funny(and disgusting) thing is that my section leader has been using the same reed since last june. Gross, huh? The music store about 15 minutes away sells them individually though, so i might swing by there on my way home tomorrow. Thanks!! =]