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Re: Mouthpiece and Reed Questions

Author: Michelle
Date: 2008-08-13 03:00

My personal opinion is that one should never deliberately play with a bad tone. Back down on the reed strength until you get a good, clear tone on whatever mouthpiece you're on ... if you're using a mouthpiece that requires a stiffer reed and you're unable to control a stiff reed and/or produce a clear tone on the stiff reed required by that mouthpiece then you're using the wrong mouthpiece.

Beginners should make things easier on themselves by using a beginner setup - a forgiving mouthpiece and a softer reed, allowing a) longer practice times and b) good tone. As they build up skill, they can inch up in reed strength until they have tapped out the possibilities of the student mouthpiece. At that point, it's time for an intermediate mouthpiece. A good teacher should be able to watch this progress and keep the student informed. I don't think stiff reeds = better player.

I play much "softer" reeds than most people would recommend after so many years playing, but I get a great tone, no buzzing, and I can hit the high notes every time.

Just my opinion... I'm not a professional, I just play a few pit shows a year for peanuts... which keeps me in reeds.

I'm sure you'll hear more opinions shortly ...

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Mouthpiece and Reed Questions new

CarlT

2008-08-12 02:38