Klarinet Archive - Posting 001398.txt from 1998/07

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Reed question
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1998 12:18:34 -0400

Hi Carli--

It's virtually impossible to know how to answer your question without
knowing more about the mouthpiece. If it is a student model, a 2-1/2 might
do OK--but may not; for instance, the Yamaha 4J that comes with their
student line has a relatively small tip opening, and I can't get a sound out
of it w/o a stronger reed.

I would recommend that you get your own mouthpiece. You can spend up to
$600 on a tenor mouthpiece ("if you want to sound just like Michael
Brecker")--but IMHO, this is unnecessary (and insane). A perfectly good
alto mouthpiece is the Brilhart 3*--it will cost you 25 bucks through the
Woodwind, more in a store. Both Joe Allard and Maceo Parker use it, so it's
obviously versatile. I would use 3s on it. (I use a Brilhart 5* myself for
pit work, with Java 2-1/2s. It's a bit rough/loud for classical playing,
though)

For tenor, the Hite Premier is good and cheap. (It's good and cheap on
alto, too, but I like the Brilhart better--gooder and cheaper). I also use
a 3; a 2-1/2 may work, too for you but you'll get an edgier sound.

Good luck . . . and welcome to the joy of sax!

kjf

-----Original Message-----
From: Carli Boyles [mailto:cboyles@-----.net]
Subject: [kl] Reed question

A non-musical friend is loaning me her son's sax...she's not sure if
it's a tenor or alto! My question is: what would be the best reed
strength to use as a beginning sax player? I use a 3.5 Mitchell Lurie on
my clarinet...but have no idea what strength to try out on the sax.
Could someone please give me a clue...for either tenor or alto sax? I
appreciate any and all responses. TIA

Carli Boyles

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