Reed Strength
Hi all.
I’m in between teachers at the moment and I need some wisdom on the subject of reed strength.
I’ve always used pretty soft reeds since I started a little over four years ago. My set up is an Otto Link STM 6* with a Vandoren Optimum lig and I float between the V-16 and Java #2 and a Rico Jazz medium soft on a YTS-62. My intonation is solid although I have a little trouble articulating the low B and B flat. The notes come out but I have to coax them a little more than I probably should, they don’t just pop. I’ve settled in on these choices and feel pretty good about them and the reason I “float” is simply because there are times when I feel like changing for a little different sound. For the most part, I like my sound and never felt too compelled to force a harder reed on my set-up.
I have tried some stronger reeds but anything more than a 2 1/2 is like putting a 2x4 in my mouth and I struggle to get any sensitivity or decent sound. I don’t enjoy it and it seems like it would be a waste of time for me to make a harder reed work for me. Yet, from reading posts, it seems like I play a softer reed than most folks do.
So what’s the theory behind reed strength? How does the mouthpiece you use affect what reed strength to use? Does the style of play (jazz, concert, church etc) factor into that? Is there something inherently wrong with using a soft reed?
Thanks all and have a Happy New Year.
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