Oh, and your reeds are fine. I would step it up a notch though, to 3s. If that doesn't work, get Alexander D.C. 2 1/2's. They're worth the extra money, unlike the vintage selmers (in my humble opinion, of course)

I guess I've been tempted to weigh in on the C* thing so here goes. I assume that you're playing jazz and alto. I agree that you should find a quality mouthpiece and stick with it- that's really good sound advice (no pun intended). If you're not having to do any legit work, I think the Meyer is the way to go. My experience with the Selmer piece, and C* in particular, is that it is too close of a facing and too stuffy and fluffy on a Selmer horn. Made for legit and with a Selmer horn you will sound pretty weak next to someone with a more straight ahead jazz setup. Pretty weak period. Do some comparison, pick the one you like the best, and stick with it. With the reed thing, ask yourself: does it blow easy?, in tune? good tone quality? Find the one that answers these questions and you've got it.

The C* can be stuffy only if you get a bad one as with any brand but you can get a darn good one as well with narrow rails that rocks ,,,, I have one in my collection that blows away any Meyer ( watch out for buzzy meyers ) but if you are to deviate a little (and I mean a little) then try also a Charles Bay these also are versatile. Here is how you choose one. First make sure that the piece plays legato easily and that notes seem to to cavalcade on top of each other as you play a scale. there should be no holes between the notes ( a no go with a meyer) Second play detached ( not staccato just detach every note from the prior with a slight tounge touch just enough to stop the note and begin a new one while the fingers work out of phase with the tounge-- jazz guys never practice this ) making sure that the piece responds quickly and maintains a steady volume without extra blowing. Third play all notes attacking them evr so softly making sure that the response is instant. Fourth make sure that the color of the notes is uniform bottom to top at all volume levels. Fifth make absolutely sure that you can play the piece without occupying yourself with breathing or blowing ,,,but simply by looking at the music .as if someone else was doing the blowing and playing while you just look at and read the notes . A good piece will liberate you not occupy you . Good luck

The Charles Bay pieces are some of the most blatantly classical pieces on the market. Your Meyer is absolutely fine. Selmer, you're obviously a legit player, and you're giving legit advice to a jazz player. It's a whole different world.

TO: Bleeding_Gums_Murphy and all Anyone can tell someone else what to buy,,, as we all have preferences. My job as a teacher is to teach him how to fish for himself. You should try and do the same not subject him to trial and error with a heck of expense in the meantime ,,,unless of course you want to pay for him!!!!!, remember he is playing Alto he needs some sweetness in his sound and probably appreciates it otherwise he would be playing tenor .

Teaching the student to fish for himself is, of course, the path of wisdom. Suggesting a C* for jazz on a Selmer horn is ... too Selmer 4 ever. Check the record. How many jazz alto players have done their thing on a Meyer/ Selmer combo, and sweetly? Countless. How many on a (legit) C*? Not many. Not that it can't be done, but in my opinion you gotta work too hard. And in a big band situation, you are sure to get buried by the brass. For fishing, bass is better eating than carp. (and all.)

I wholeheartedly agree, francis.

I didn't see where the original post specified jazz or legit. If it is jazz stay with the meyer and work on your air. As selmer 4 ever said (to paraphrase) no point in wasting money on gear until you've got the basics of sound production well in hand. A meyer 5 is a great place to start for jazz. If you are having problems with a 2 1/2 try a 2 it is not regressing. It is foolish to make playing the sax any harder than it needs be. If you are working on legit the selmer C* if you have it is good.