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

markieg · 03-18-2003, 07:15 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!

Paul S · 03-18-2003, 07:30 AM

hi..... hopefully one of the real guru's will wander in, but here's my take FWIW

In my experience, using harder reed typically darkens the tone and makes it very pure (no buzzing, just clean ,often vibratoless). This tendency is at odds with your goal of getting a mean, nasty, down and dirty sound.

Also, I haven't played the Hite piece, but isn't that a fairly tame, medium chamber, medium/low baffle piece?

My suggestion if your looking for that type of sound is to consider going softer on the reeds and possibly changing to a high baffle, bigger tip piece....... oh yes and learn some altissimo and effects like growling.

best of luck!

markieg · 03-19-2003, 06:33 AM

Well I tried a VanDoren 4 and I still got a good jazz tone, but not quite what I'm looking for. My problem with a LaVoz hard reed is that it cuts out when I play loud. It's really squeaky and too easy to force the air through.

JL · 03-20-2003, 09:36 PM

A #4 is a very hard reed, although a lot of personal perference comes in here. The mouthpiece is a major factor, as well. I'd second what Paul S. had to say. For lnts of flexibility and a raunchy sound, you might look into a relatively wide tip size, high baffle mpc, and soft (around 21/2 or so) reed.

markieg · 03-21-2003, 01:42 AM

Thanks for all the help! I use another sax forum called Sax Quest (saxquest.com) and someone there along with JL said it all. Here's the reply on the other site:

So I'm sitting in a waiting area at LaGuardia airport in NYC. (this is about 1988) Plopping down next to me with his cup-o-java is a very familiar face. I suddenly recognize Lenny Pickett of Tower of Power fame, and now of SNL band.

We talk about a lot of non-music stuff, but then face-it, we're sax players, the talk goes to reeds! Lenny changed my thinking that day. I've been going harder and harder, biting my brains out, and still not happy. Lenny tells me that he changed his own life by going soft! He tells me that he's a much happier man since tapering down to 2-1/2 reeds! His lip never hurts, he adjusts his windstream, and BANG! He still sounds fantastic, his range is incredible, his execution sounds effortless, and on a 2-1/2!

Oh well, just another life-lesson, eh?

ii-V-I
kenny j

I was also talking to my band director from back in middle school and he said a good idea would be a metal mouthpiece. I don't know a whole lot about mouthpieces, but I think mine has very jazzy sound compared to other plastic pieces. Here are the measurements from the manufacturer site:

PREMIERE by HITE alto saxophone mouthpiece
Catalogue number: 117
Facing: Medium length, .069" tip (comparable to a C** facing)
Retail price: $38.00

Could someone tell me what that means? Anyways, I'm going to experiment with metal mouthpieces (he told me to check in music stores and they will probably let me take a few into the practice rooms to try them out) and see where to go from there. Thanks!

Paul S · 03-24-2003, 11:24 AM

markieg - .069 is pretty closed on alto - u might think about going a little wider depending on your experience/comfort level.

I personally have never liked metal on alto, just could never find one that worked well for me - got very shrill.

Some pieces you might want to try:
- Vandoren Jumbo Java
- Dukoff D chamber (the classic bright alto piece - think David Sanborn. Try a few, they're notoriously variable. not too expensive either
- beechler bellite....never played one, very differnet design to what you're used to
- Metal or HR berg /2 chamber - I've heard some folks sound great on these! very flexible, but can wail and be edgy when required

I'm not really an alto player, so maybe ask this question in the alto area?

electricninja · 06-25-2003, 12:42 AM

I recently went to the V. Jumbo Java A45 with a Rico 2 1/2 reed after a year and a half of playing, and it seems right on. But then again, I also recently bought a YAS-62II alto.

markieg · 07-01-2003, 06:51 PM

I did do a little amateur refacing work and had pretty good results. My Hite has about a .085 opening now, comparing it with my sister's Hite and making an educated guess. I plan on buying one of Johannes Gerber's pieces when I get the cash, metal, probably around .09-.095. Then I'll try the Java 3.5 or maybe 4 since they are a little softer.