Craig, First of all do you make sure the reed is wet before each practice session? I usually just stick a reed into a coffee cup full of lukewarm water about 3 minutes before I'm going to play. Squeeking is primarily caused by the lack of a smooth surface on the back of the reed. This causes gaps between the mouthpiece and reed. They are small gaps but it doesn't take much to cause this sound. Secondly because you are using #2 reeds the tip may be so soft that they are closing off at the end of the mouthpiece. 1. Make sure to soak your reeds enough so they don't look warped at the end. 2. When not in use store your reeds in a reed case (not the one they come in) buy a reed case at a music store for a few dollars. They hold the reed flat when they dry out and help prevent serious warpage. The new reeds are a little harder when you first break them in so that's why they work. Have you tried 2 1/2's ? Kristy