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Nomad Z
Member
- 28
When I was shopping for a first sax (tenor), I read in many places that the supplied mouthpieces tend to be pretty rubbish, so I got a Rico Graftonite B5 at the same time. I chose the B5 on the basis that it's just about in the middle of the Graftonite range in terms of chamber size and tip opening. I also got some Rico Royal #2 reeds. I used the Rico mouthpiece from the start.
For the first week or so, things went fine as I found my feet with the instrument, apart from the low notes being a bit of a struggle - quite possibly due to my poor technique. However, on a whim, I decided to try the mouthpiece that came with the sax. The finish on the table was a bit rough, so I gave it a few passes over some fine sandpaper (paper on a flat surface, piece passed over it with longitudinal strokes), with a few curving strokes to smooth the finish where the gap bit is. It quickly acquired a much nicer finish and looks very similar to that on the Rico (under a loupe). Note that I didn't try the supplied piece before tidying the finish on the table.
When I tried the supplied piece, I was surprised to find that the low notes were much easier to get. I went through a couple of sessions of swapping between the two, using the same reed (tried a couple of reeds - I have three in use at the moment), and it's always easier to get the low notes with the no-name mouthpiece.
I had a little look at them. The tip openings are different - the Rico measures 2.37mm and the no-name 1.9mm. Measurements were done by holding the piece on a flat surface and measuring the gap between that at the middle of the tip of the piece using digital calipers. The Rico also has a noticeable convex shape on the inside of the sloping part (is this the baffle?), while the no-name just seems to follow the outer shape of the moulding (no convex feature at all).
So far as I can see, the length of the sloping/curved part (between the table and the tip) is pretty similar on both - maybe the Rico is a little shorter. I don't know how to asses the chamber size other than sticking my pinkie into the cork end and wiggling it about. When I do that, there seems to be more wiggle room with the no-name.
What does all this tell me? Could the reed strength be a factor? My technique / embouchure?
While I'm quite happy with the playability of the no-name piece, I don't particularly like it when fitting the reed. It's a bit short (the thick end of the reed overhangs), and the shape is a bit awkward for seeing if the reed is centred. The Rico B5 is much better for sticking the reed on quickly and correctly and is (unsurprisingly) a better fit for the length.
So, I'm wondering if a different piece would let me get to the low notes in a similar way while being a bit better for reed fitting and alignment. I'm not looking to spend loads of money (or even any money, if it's down to me rather than the equipment). That said, the Graftonites seem to strike a good balance between being cheap and decent - cheap enough to be willing to try another as part of the learning process.
If anything, I'm more curious about how the differing features of each piece affect the playability of the low notes. Given my no-doubt poor beginner's technique, why is one easier to use than the other, and how does that inform possible future choices for mouthpiece?
For the first week or so, things went fine as I found my feet with the instrument, apart from the low notes being a bit of a struggle - quite possibly due to my poor technique. However, on a whim, I decided to try the mouthpiece that came with the sax. The finish on the table was a bit rough, so I gave it a few passes over some fine sandpaper (paper on a flat surface, piece passed over it with longitudinal strokes), with a few curving strokes to smooth the finish where the gap bit is. It quickly acquired a much nicer finish and looks very similar to that on the Rico (under a loupe). Note that I didn't try the supplied piece before tidying the finish on the table.
When I tried the supplied piece, I was surprised to find that the low notes were much easier to get. I went through a couple of sessions of swapping between the two, using the same reed (tried a couple of reeds - I have three in use at the moment), and it's always easier to get the low notes with the no-name mouthpiece.
I had a little look at them. The tip openings are different - the Rico measures 2.37mm and the no-name 1.9mm. Measurements were done by holding the piece on a flat surface and measuring the gap between that at the middle of the tip of the piece using digital calipers. The Rico also has a noticeable convex shape on the inside of the sloping part (is this the baffle?), while the no-name just seems to follow the outer shape of the moulding (no convex feature at all).
So far as I can see, the length of the sloping/curved part (between the table and the tip) is pretty similar on both - maybe the Rico is a little shorter. I don't know how to asses the chamber size other than sticking my pinkie into the cork end and wiggling it about. When I do that, there seems to be more wiggle room with the no-name.
What does all this tell me? Could the reed strength be a factor? My technique / embouchure?
While I'm quite happy with the playability of the no-name piece, I don't particularly like it when fitting the reed. It's a bit short (the thick end of the reed overhangs), and the shape is a bit awkward for seeing if the reed is centred. The Rico B5 is much better for sticking the reed on quickly and correctly and is (unsurprisingly) a better fit for the length.
So, I'm wondering if a different piece would let me get to the low notes in a similar way while being a bit better for reed fitting and alignment. I'm not looking to spend loads of money (or even any money, if it's down to me rather than the equipment). That said, the Graftonites seem to strike a good balance between being cheap and decent - cheap enough to be willing to try another as part of the learning process.
If anything, I'm more curious about how the differing features of each piece affect the playability of the low notes. Given my no-doubt poor beginner's technique, why is one easier to use than the other, and how does that inform possible future choices for mouthpiece?
