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Re: Reed question

Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2023-01-12 11:09

I used to play the B40 with a Vandoren Tradition (Blue Box) #3 and it took some effort. A 2.5 would be possible, but even for this mouthpiece a 1.5 is probably too soft to get good results. A closer, medium facing (eg, 5RV or 5RV Lyre or similar) would probably be a better choice.

Since then Vandoren has released the Juno reed which I tried on Alto Sax with a #3 reed on a Fobes Debut mouthpiece. It worked great. This reed has a much more flexible and forgiving design and may be a good choice for getting good results. I would try a 2-2.5 on something like a Fobes Debut to start. Pilgerstorfer Dolce (my favorite) and Behn Aria reeds are also more responsive and forgiving (as well as 1/2 strength softer) than other reeds so they might be worth a try.

I find that good tone and good technique are more dependent on a strong, focused air stream than a stiff(er) reed. I would advocate using the softest reed that yields the tone and performance you want. Long tones and slow scales/intervals help build an embouchure sufficient to allow the reed/mouthpiece combination to produce the desired results.

Finally, it is important to have a good idea of how you want to sound and play. Emulation is a great way to improve. A good teacher can help to make the right choices and correct problems.

Hopefully the suggestions offered on this thread will help you improve and achieve your goals.

Bob Barnhart

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Reed question new

Runhammar

2023-01-09 15:16