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Older Players and Softer Reeds

Author: CarlT
Date: 2012-08-19 23:46

This is mostly for you senior folks 60 and above (I'm 74).

I've been playing over four years now, and by now I thought I'd surely be playing at least a 3.5 reed. I seem to be stuck somewhere between a 2.5 and a 3.0 no matter how much I practice long tones, scales, etc.

I play a Buffet R-13, W. Grabner K-14 mouthpiece, with 2.5 to 3.0 Vandy V12s or Legere Signatures 2.75 to 3.0 reeds.

Now I know it's not a contest, but I also believe that the sound can be better with a firmer reed. A 3.5 for me is like the proverbial popsicle stick. Oh, I can extremely adjust it and make it work, but I'd sooner play a softer reed than do that.

I do have a rather nice sound (so several have told me from my community band), and I will stick with the softer reeds if I have to, but is there any hope for me, or do most seniors face a softer reed as they age?

I am (as I knock on wood) pretty healthy...work out regularly at the "Y" and play racquetball 2-3 times per week, so I don't "feel" old???

Oh, and if it's just a matter of MORE long tones, I'm willing to do that, too.

Thanks in advance for your kindly advice.

CarlT

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