Reeds 2.5 reed

[prelude1]

I really didint think i would ever play a 2.5…..a 2.0 was tough enough but i got pretty good with it. Then i was given a 10 pack of 2.5. A few months ago and didnt really give them a thought……buuuut i decided to give one a try so i prepped it and tried it…..i surprised myself and i got a good meaty sound…..still squeak a bit looking for the right location but im 90% there…..aaaand it made me blow from low in the belly and open my throat.…..love preogressing….only been playing for a year…

 

[Colin the Bear]

Bigger numbers don't equal a better player. Progress is measured by how beautiful and musical a sound is coming out of your saxophone.

Don't confuse a harder reed with progress. If that were the case, Old timers would all be playing 9's.

Play a reed that is easy to play and only change if you're looking for a better or different sound.

The numbers don't match from maker to maker or cut to cut. Sometimes not even box to box of "identical" reeds.

Having said that, do occasionally experiment with different reeds, just to see if there's something more suitable out there.

Recently I've felt my alto is sounding a little strident or bright so went on a hunt. I just received a selection of reeds from Curly woodwind 2 each of five different cuts. Found the one I liked and ordered a box.

I've come down from a 2.5 to a 2. Same mouthpiece and horn. Maybe this seasons crop are a little stiffer or the measuring process has altered. Who knows.

Go for the sound. Numbers are just for comparison. Compare yourself to your heroes.

 

[cappers]

Good you've found the 'right' reed for your current progress.

I'm a year in now too and use 2.5s (Rico Royal or Selmer Classic or Alexander DC for tenor). It all depends on the brand, there isn't much equivalence in the numbers. Higher/stronger doesn't mean 'better'.

Most beginners think they need to go stronger as they progress but it really is down to the horn, mpc and blowing technique - find the set up that works for you!

Agree about breath support from the belly, with an open relaxed throat the tone becomes richer and fuller. Hearing my squawking spurred me to really practice long tones and dynamics and it is paying off.

Good luck on your journey.

 

[prelude1]

Thanks for the replies... It's certainly possible that the tone changed more with my lower diaphragm blow than the reed.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Er, I’ve been playing professionally for 40 years and I use 2.25 because 2.5 is a bit too hard.

 

[mark_addy]

I hesitate to ask this - but I am going to 🙂 Baritone reeds are expensive, and I have a few which are too hard on the fairly open mouthpiece I use (I like it, it's the only one I have, I'm unlikely to buy another). So...any suggestions for skinnying them down a bit? A million (OK, 45) years ago my Dad used to do this to my clarinet reeds when I had a few lessons in primary school, with a razor blade. I imagine there might be some views on that, here. I don't really remember clearly what he tried to do, but he once played a little sax which might be where he got the idea from. We are similarly tight-a*sed - it might be genetic.

 

[Pete Thomas]

So...any suggestions for skinnying them down a bit?

Right here on this site!

Reeds - Working on reeds: preparation, maintenance and care

Preparing a reed for playing (summary) 1. Soak the reed: Place the reed in a cup of water for around 30 seconds to a minute. This will allow the reed to absorb water and make it play more easily. 2. Adjust the reed: After soaking, take the reed out of the water and examine it. Some reeds may...

cafesaxophone.com

 

[wakyct]

I played for a while -- maybe my first nine months? Before I realized Vandoren trad 2.5 were too hard and I went down to a 2.