What does it mean?

[jazzbluescat]

Got this from the Google board.
I think it's meant to "disturb" the already disturbed, like me.
But, maybe it's a bonifide situation.

What does it mean [The article, that is. ]

"Since I switch from alto to tenor I'm having problems with clog reeds. I
start with a dry reed and can play for about 30 minutes then it get's harder
and harder to play with up to a point where no sound will come out. If I
switch to another dry reed I can play again but it will last for about 30
minutes also. I tried Vandoren V16 and Rico Jazz Select reeds with different
mouthpieces and it's always the same. Maybe I'm producing to much saliva?"

[Jeff Foster]

Hmmm. I think it means whoever wrote that needs to sign up for private lessons with good teacher right away.

[Ewan Mackenzie]

Strangely enough I got a smilar problem to this a couple of weeks ago. I am still a relative beginner (been playing about 2 years) but have a teacher and know the correct embouchure etc. I was playing for a short while and then couldn't get a sound so stopped playing. The same thing happened the next day. I then realised what was happening. I was playing with a fairly closed mouthpiece (a stock Yamaha 4C) and quite a soft reed (Rico Royal 2) and as the reed got softer through playing I was biting and simply closing off all air flow. I guess I was tense or stressed and that was why it hasn't really happened before. Since then I have been playing with a more relaxed embouchure and an Otto Link 6 mouthpiece and it hasn't happened since. I had originally stopped playing with the Otto Link piece because I kept squeaking but this has gone now and I think it is all down to not being tense when I play.

[jazzbluescat]

So, assuming you can get something other than a honk and squeaks using a dry reed, the wetter the reed gets, the more flexible it gets, thereby closing the tip of the piece, shutting off the air. Thank goodness there's a somewhat logical explanation.
Seems like someone would have told him to wet the reed, at least.
Whew. I though I was going ape.

[Jeff Foster]

Sorry if I seem like a smart @$$ but let me reiterate. I said a "good" teacher. A good teacher would be able to keep track of your development in the chops dept. and recommend a stiffer reed, more open face, etc., as your embouchure gets stronger.

[johnsax]

OK first, the disclaimer: I'm a beginner, having just started taking up the alto sax at the ripe old age of 45 (have played about 3 months). So I don't need to be told that I don't know what the hell I'm talking about. I'm already well aware of that!

That said, I developed this same problem myself. I've found that my saliva gets very tacky and causes the reed to stick to the mouthpiece.

I have come across a solution that works well for me. I need to be well-hydrated when I play. I usually drink a few glasses of water when I start my practice sessions and drink continuously during. This seems to do the trick. If it does start to happen, I take out the reed, clean it under the faucet with a lot of water wiping the old saliva off and start over.

Just a thought.

John

[Lyle]

I am also a beginner:

I think what is happening when you stop playing and wash the reed, is that the interval allows your muscles to relax. As a beginner I have had the same problems of no sound, or horrible sound after playing many minutes. Seems a common problem for beginners.
I just accepted the fact that my chops were fatigued, and I stopped to rest. I no longer have that problem. My chops are stronger now. Now, when they weaken, and I bite down, I squeal. Then, I stop and rest.

[jazzbluescat]

Didn't mean to sound condescending; if taken that way, I apologize.

It's just the darndest situation that I've heard of since showing up at a gig without my mouthpiece.

[No comparison, I'm sure. It was just embarrassing that other people saw what a rookie I could be, having played for 40+years. ]