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RE: Mouthpiece Question

Author: Becky
Date: 1999-08-19 22:09

Hi Jim,
I have a Vandoren 5RV Lyre. The two mps are similar only the lyre mp is has a more closed facing. Since your mp is a bit more open, you can get a better tone and response if you use softer reeds. I would suggest using Vandoren tradit. strength 3 ( 3 1/2 at most) or Glotin 500s at either 3 or 3 1/2. A ligature that may reduce fuzziness and increase response is a Bonade. These are just suggestions, I can't guarantee that your tone will be 100% improved because I don't have your exact mp, just one very similar to it.
Another cause for the fuzzy sound you are getting could be that your reed is too saturated, or/and needs to be sanded down a bit. Sometimes reeds develop a build-up of cane and can dampen or make the tone less focused. If you just lightly sand it down with 400-600 grain sandpaper then that will smooth away the excecss scruff and improve the tone. Also, another reason why the reed may sound bad is because it's warped. A way to check if a reed is warped is to lay the reed right-side up on a flat surface (glass is good. If you can see that the reed doesn't lie evenly--it rocks back and forth--then it's warped. Sanding the reed lightly in a circular motion will fix this problem.
Give it and try and tell me your results!

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