High E and above

sax_starved · Feb 5, 2009

I've just got a new Meyer 5M mouthpiece for my alto. Very nice and eliminated the old 'odd squeak' that I got with my Graftonite. Only problem now is I can't get anything other than what sounds like a duck with piles when playing top E and above. I've tried differrent reeds (Rico 2.5, RJS 2m, Marca Jazz 2.5) but all the same. Embouchure adjustment? Softer/harder reeds?

peedee · Feb 5, 2009

Been playing long? If not, patience, it will come with development of the embouchure, or may need a harder reed. Experiment and practice, experiment and practice.

sax_starved · Feb 5, 2009

PeeDee wrote:
Been playing long? If not, patience, it will come with development of the embouchure, or may need a harder reed. Experiment and practice, experiment and practice.

Nah, you guessed it. Only been playing a few months, it's just that it didn't happen before and I have no problems with the tenor. However I know that you are right. Practice etc.

sax_starved · Feb 7, 2009

Just solved the problem. I wasn't resting my top teeth on the mouthpiece, and as soon as I did, Eureka! So far I've been subconsciously gripping the mpc with top and bottom lips. A strange sensation of feeling vibration through the mouthpiece - I see the forum is divided about using patches but I feel a little self-conscious about marking my new Meyer 5, so may give them a go.

Taz · Feb 7, 2009

I have no problem with patches. Not only do they stop vibration, they protect the mpc, your teeth and they help if you move about a lot during a performance. IMO!

Bobby G · Feb 7, 2009

Patches are ok by me too, I always used them on HR pieces. Oddly though I don't feel the need for one on the metal piece...

peedee · Feb 7, 2009

I always use a thick patch, it makes the mpc feel more comfortable to me, plus the other advantages. Well, avoids dentistry when the vibration shakes your fillings out 🙂