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Re: Effects of a softer/harder reed

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-06-04 22:09

"4accord,"

I generally avoid trying to plow through too many different mouthpieces in one go (and I even get more leery about changing all the equipment around). I certainly had gone through periods like that in my past and wished I hadn't.

The difference in mouthpieces (as vast as the design and measurements seem) is not that huge on 'your sound.' Eventually you can get used to many different configurations that are in the ballpark of what suits you, and at that point you just sound like yourself.

With that in mind I advocate waiting for some aspect in your technique that you want to improve and then seeing if the mouthpiece is the root cause holding you back. Then you address that issue in your search. And I DO find it better to concentrate on ONE piece of equipment at a time. That way you can be sure which variable is making the difference.

I also recommend using the "SQUAWK" test to establish a base line on a new mouthpiece. If you only use YOUR "comfy spot" for every mouthpiece, you could easily be taking in too much mouthpiece on one, or too little mouthpiece on another thinking (quite rightly under those conditions) "Wow, those mouthpieces stink!"

The "SQUAWK" test is simply playing an open "G" while you take in more and more mouthpiece (starting from as close to the tip as practical) until you get a great big, uncontrollable "SQUAWK." Backing off just slightly (back toward the tip) from there gives you the mouthpiece's optimal fulcrum (no guessing). You can adjust from there, but it's good to have the knowledge up front.

..............Paul Aviles

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