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

markieg · 03-18-2003, 07:14 AM

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!

Tears June · 03-18-2003, 04:34 PM

markieg

Dirty tone? I can't understand. Can you explain what kind of sound you like - dark, Bright, Rich & Brilliance....etc. Also, who is your favorite player?

Such information is worthy to know before you switch your setup.

Razzy · 03-18-2003, 09:34 PM

La Voz is about as dirty as it gets. Try some alexander superial DC 3's.

markieg · 03-18-2003, 09:50 PM

If you've ever listened to Aerosmith, you know what a dirty tone is. The real jazzy, kind of raspy tone that you get, almost like a small natural growl. As far as a favorite player, I don't know if I have one. I like a lot of the old Count Basie big band music, but he played piano for Duke Ellignton and wrote a lot of cool sax parts. I'd probably have to say Coltrane if I had to pick. I love the 1920s.

markieg · 03-19-2003, 06:23 AM

Well I couldn't wait. I went and got a VanDoren 4, and it's good but not quite what I was looking for. It's too classical, sort of concert band. Anyways, keep your suggestions coming please.

milan · 03-21-2003, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markieg

Well I couldn't wait. I went and got a VanDoren 4, and it's good but not quite what I was looking for. It's too classical, sort of concert band. Anyways, keep your suggestions coming please.

No offence, but why the obsession with harder and harder reeds?

DanF · 03-31-2003, 12:16 PM

Markieg, I think the dirty tone you speak of comes from the mouthpiece. The growl you speak of is caused by the combination of mouthpiece and ligature allowing the reed to vibrate , or resonate. Usually the pieces allowing you to do that are more open on the end with a larger tip opening. I think you'll be better served with a Runyon custom spoiler or a Dukoff. You may want to consider a Rovner ligature. Generally speaking, a tenor is used more effectively to get this sound. Good luck.

DanF · 03-31-2003, 12:19 PM

One more thing. I tried a Fibracell reed in October. I am still playing it. You instantly have the entire range of the horn. No more sanding or messing with reeds. No need to keep soaking them. And they last!! They sound great. Give them a try. WWBW has them at a great price.

mr00420 · 03-31-2003, 03:55 PM

Dan F, are you talking about those plastic coated reeds?

markieg · 03-31-2003, 08:06 PM

As far as I know plastic coated reeds are only made by the brand Plasticover.

DanF · 03-31-2003, 10:13 PM

Markeig, I'm talking about the Fibracell brand reed. It is not a cane or plastic reed but one made out of a composite material which looks and sounds like a cane reed but plays MUCH better and last longer. Go to www.wwbw.com and check them out.

Razzy · 04-01-2003, 02:18 AM

I guess it's a matter of preference. I tried one of those, a good reed but it was lacking something. I guess I just prefer the feel of the wood in my mouth

And sanding is not that hard. With my reeds, if they are stuffy or dead sounding right out of the box, I usually just take a reed knife, chop some wood out of the vamp, and sand it from vamp to tip a few times. Takes a minute or so for each reed, if that

And thus far I've had 90% success.

Saxman71 · 04-01-2003, 07:36 AM

Anyone ever tried putting marbles down into the bell...it can add a raspy sound if you use the right marbles!!

asian sax · 04-01-2003, 08:38 AM

how big are your marbles?

William J. Dillard · 04-01-2003, 08:50 AM

Hi all,

I have to totally agree with DanF about the Fibracells. In my opinion, they're really fantastic. Can't remember the last time I had to change reeds, although I'll estimate that it's been well over three months. Furthermore, the one I'm using now is still going without the least sign of stress. Low notes, high notes--even the altissimos--are easy and rich. I don't think I'll ever go back to cane. I play a Yamaha Alto Custom 875 with a Meyer 5 mouthpiece and the standard ligature that came with the horn.

silverghost · 04-23-2003, 03:14 AM

If regular VanDorens are halfway there for you, try VanDoren JAVA. They are a good step up, and they definitely don't have a concert band sound.

SG

colibri · 04-23-2003, 05:12 AM

I just tried some Zonda #3.5K on my Jumbo A95. These reeds are great, 5 out of 5 played consistently. The sound is a lot meatier than the Rico #4 that I've been using. Give those a try. 8)

markieg · 04-23-2003, 10:15 PM

I've changed my mind and I'm going to a slightly softer reed. VanDoren Java 4, which is actually softer than a LaVoz hard. If it's not quite it I might go with a 3.5. I also did a little refacing work on my mouthpiece. I used really fine sandpaper and widened the tip, I'm guessing around .08-.085 (I don't have tools to measure), and I opened the baffle a little as well. It helped a bit, but I still want to try Javas. BTW- anyone who is planning on modifying mpc's- know what you're doing, unlike myself. Check out posts in the mpc modify/refacing forum, and also the "Modifying Mouthpieces" thread under general mouthpiece discussions. You need great attention to detail and a good eye and know what you're modifying and what the effects of that is.