These reeds are the EXACT same color as my metal mouthpiece, therefore there is no contrast between the reed and mouthpiece tip and I can't see the tip of the reed well enough to line it up properly. Anyone have any solutions for this ? Thanks!
I used to play Legere reeds and had this same problem on my metal Link. I just applied a little non-toxic Sharpie to the tip (table side). Worked quite well for me.
For the vertical component (how high the reed sits), view it side-on. You should be able to see where the reed sits relative to the tip that way. In terms of centering it, you can probably tell from the front or back of the mpc. Or even by feel.
I've seen Bob Reynolds lightly touch the tip of the mouthpiece to kind of feel where the reed is......not implying that he uses Legere, just pointing out that I've seen him do this.
I personally like to get it to where I think it looks centered, then put it in my mouth and feel it with my tongue. The eyes can be easily deceived, but I've never had an issue with an off-center reed when my tongue knows it's in the right spot.
This image I posted is of a reed I had played for a month or so - maybe six weeks. I just had a peek at the marker I used - it wasn't an actual Sharpie, but a Staples brand, non-toxic permanent marker.
Ultimately, I'd have to side with the other posters here, and say it's probably better to use your sense of touch to find your reed's position. You often cannot count on lighting conditions to be good enough for a visual approach.
And of course, let your ears and embouchure be the final judge in the matter, since symmetry isn't always indicative of the ideal reed position.
I've mentioned that to Julie at Legere customer service, it is a bit of a pain on a silvery mouthpiece- especially one where reed placement is critical.
Once you figure out the "touch" method, you'll always use it. My eyes aren't that great to begin with so a dark stage is no place for me to sight check anything.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Sax on the Web Forum
3.3M posts
75.5K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to saxophone players and enthusiasts originally founded by Harri Rautiainen. Come join the discussion about collections, care, displays, models, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!