related questions...
Thanks to all -- keep those cards and letters coming!
I have a couple of related questions, if you can stand 'em:
1. What are the advantages/disadvantages of various facing lengths? A lot of m'piece makers don't give you a choice, but some do. I don't see any easy way to cross-reference between them, but I assume that if they call a particular facing 'medium' it probably is...
2. For any given opening+facing, how much of a difference (in terms of getting used to playing) is there between hard rubber and metal pieces? I have the impression that the metal ones are usually narrower, and a relatively open metal piece needs a stronger embouchure, but I haven't read anything indicating how much stronger...
I want to hear as many opinions on all this as possible, but it might help to let you know where I'm heading. I really like my Vandoren Java T45 (.0925'' opening, 'medium' facing) for overall playability and am pretty happy with the tone, but I recognize that there are advantages to something more open. I also have a Jumbo Java T55 (.0985, 'long' facing) that I can usually handle, but it's definitely too bright for my taste.
So I'm thinking about a metal V16 (because they have a reputation for consistency and quality, and being relatively dark for metal pieces), but I can't decide between the T45 and T55 (or *maybe* a T75, with a 'medium long' facing and .1043'' opening). I'm also thinking of getting a RicoRoyal Graftonite A7, just to see if I can handle a .105'' opening...
Finally, I guess I should say that I'm mostly talking about jazz and rock'n'roll. To play any classical/legit I already have pieces that work well for me.
Thanks in advance,
Mark
P.S.: I was kidding about classical tenor...
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