Switching reeds..........

[markieg]

OK, so my setup is a J&D Hite Premium and a LaVoz hard reed and a standard ligature. I am looking to switch reeds because the LaVoz isn't hard enough and there is no super hard or anything, plus I know LaVoz isn't that great anyways. I was looking at switching to a VanDoren or a Hemke, but are there any other suggestions? I am looking for a dirty tone, for some of that really mean stuff (I've been learning the melody for vocal parts to Aerosmith and it needs to be real jazzy). Thanks in advance for your help!

[Cameron Wigmore]

That's a pretty hard reed. I'm not familiar with your mouthpiece - but maybe you could try a wider tip opening, (berg 110/02). Vandoren blue box makes a hard reed. Good luck!!!

[markieg]

OK, so I've got a couple of sound files of a solo I had way back. I just recorded them today, and they sound very similar, but one was made with a LaVoz Hard reed and the other with a VanDoren 4. The sax on this page is the one I used, and then my Hite mouthpiece. I want a similar tone to the LaVoz, but I want a harder reed. Another suggestion that was given to me was that I use a metal or rubber mouthpiece, but I can't fork out that money right now. Thanks!

Here is the page........ (http://www.angelfire.com/freak/dafrootloop/vs_pics.html)

[Frank D]

You sound fine, why are you obsessed with getting a harder reed? For a dirty sound, try adding a little growl by humming along while you play.

[JR]

Why do you want a harder reed? That tends to darken your sound rather than add the raunch you're looking for. Do you find it closing up on you?

A better way to go would be a very open small chamber piece and a softer reed. I use a Dukoff S8 with a 2 1/2 reed on a MkVII. Very dirty setup.

[mostly alto guy]

If a raunchy sound is what you seek, get a Hahn carbon fibre reed, for the Hite I'd say a medium hard one, 3 or 3 1/2. Expensive, but they last a long time. Saxquest carries them.

[markieg]

I find that the LaVoz hard closes up on me a little. I've talked to some of my old band teachers and on some other forums and found that the mouthpiece seems to be a more popular suggestion than the reed. They mostly suggested metal. It seems like I need about ¼ strength harder, not a ½ as I found out with the VanDoren 4. I need something between those. I've been thinking about trying a VanDoren Java or something, but I'll certainly keep your guys' suggestions in mind. Thanks!