beginner mouthpiece and reed

[woodytwoshoes]

Hi, im a beginner alto sax player (almost 2 months) im using a vandoren AL3 mouthpiece and Legere signature reed 2.5 Is this a good combination to learn on? would love to hear some feedback on this.
Thanks
Woody

 

[Ne0Wolf7]

Sounds excellent to me.

Especially if you are playing classically, the AL3 will serve you for many a year, it's a great mouthpiece. I just so happen to use one myself, and the TL3 on tenor.

There are two schools of thought on the reed:
1- some say the synthetics are good to start on because it's consistent and therefore removes a variable making learning easier.
2- Others would tell you that you'd be best off using cane reeds because the natural variances between individual reeds will help you learn to adjust and have a more flexible embrasure.
I'm not qualified to tell you which is better, although I will say that I prefer cane reeds because I can get a better sound from them (Not true for everyone, though).

What saxophone are you using, and are you getting lessons?

 

[woodytwoshoes]

Sounds excellent to me.

Especially if you are playing classically, the AL3 will serve you for many a year, it's a great mouthpiece. I just so happen to use one myself, and the TL3 on tenor.

There are two schools of thought on the reed:
1- some say the synthetics are good to start on because it's consistent and therefore removes a variable making learning easier.
2- Others would tell you that you'd be best off using cane reeds because the natural variances between individual reeds will help you learn to adjust and have a more flexible embrasure.
I'm not qualified to tell you which is better, although I will say that I prefer cane reeds because I can get a better sound from them (Not true for everyone, though).

What saxophone are you using, and are you getting lessons?

Thanks for the input, much appreciated, i bought a yas 62 and yes, im getting lessons once a week. i just got the synthetic reed and i find it much easier to play and the sound is much better, even the teacher says so. Thanks again for responding

 

[nigeld]

If the mouthpiece works for you and if the synthetic reed is easier to play and sounds better then it seems that you have made an excellent choice. You have a first-rate setup which should be fine for a long time. (Or until GAS strikes )

 

[GCinCT]

I concur with the others. If it’s working, stay with it. Very good set up and the YAS-62 is a really good horn. I have one. At this point, I would stick with this set up while you gain control and develop your skills.

 

[jbtsax]

I think you need to pay your dues and struggle with cane reeds for 20 years like the rest of us before taking the "easy way out" and playing on a synthetic.

 

[woodytwoshoes]

thanks for the input, whats GAS strikes?

 

[nigeld]

whats GAS strikes?

GAS is Gear Acquisition Syndrome - a desire to buy more equipment, often linked to an irrational expectation that it will make the player sound better. It is a common affliction among people who frequent saxophone bulletin boards.

 

[woodytwoshoes]

hahahaa its already struck! But hey, keeps the economy going and tell me of a better place to spend my extra bucks?

 

[helen]

Maybe I missed this your intro thread, but whereabouts are you from woodytwoshoes? I'm from the Metro Vancouver region.

 

[helen]

With regards to your question about G.A.S., I've done up a few humorous--yet not entirely untrue--flow charts for my website over the years, that outline the pathway that players fine themselves travelling down. Enjoy...

 

[woodytwoshoes]

Maybe I missed this your intro thread, but whereabouts are you from woodytwoshoes? I'm from the Metro Vancouver region.

im on saltspring island