New mouthpiece or what? Help me please!

[SaxKitten]

I was playing a Bundy II alto with a size 2 Rico Royale reed. Had no problems. I started playing a Cannonball Big Bell Tenor with a size 7 cannonball mouthpiece and a size 2.5 Hemke reed. I played the tenor well for the first few weeks I had it, I played it effortlessly. However, I was causing a lot of pain in my lower lip and mouth muscles...the pain went away and I continued to play well.
Now, however, for some reason, I'm squawking badly unless I blow as hard as I can into the instrument - I can't get a note to sound right. One suggestion was that I need a wider/different mouthpiece instead of going to a size 3 reed. Especially since it seems my mouth has become acclimated to playing - as there isn't any more pain. The instrument is only 3 months old and the pads and all the workings seem to be in perfect order and I'm squeeking with most of the notes I try to play, high and lower octave notes. What do ya'll think? Please help! I'm supposed to play again soon and I want to get this issue resolved! Thanks!

[jazzbluescat]

Probably have a few leaks, take it to a repair tech. Could have a seriously warped reed, too.

[SaxKitten]

I've used a new reed, so I know it's not that. The pads all seem to be okay, again, the sax itself is only 3 months old.

[saxchado]

Just because the reed is "new" doesn't mean it's good!

[Fred]

saxchado's absolutely right. Never assume the sax is all right. I'm personally a firm believer that every sax player ought to have a GOOD leak light to troubleshoot their instruments whenever one starts to act weirdly.

[SaxKitten]

I took it to my expert...he does repairs and plays. He said that there's nothing wrong with the horn, or the operator...he said I outgrew the mouthpiece. Luckily, he's got a few that he'll let me try - he's even letting me take them home to try them out. thanks everyone!

[sw3119]

You didn't mention what mpc. you were using on the Bundy. I'm not familiar with how open a CB7 piece is. You may need to go down in reed strength instead of up to a 3. Maybe try a 2 reed again on the CB mpc.
:cat:

[Kareeser]

Saxkitten.. you don't happen to clean your mouthpieces by placing them in boiling water, do you?

[CSharp]

Perhaps your lip position has changed. I've had this happen to me when I change mouthpieces. Even a slight change in your lip position can make a big difference I've found.

Try this:
take a piece of paper and slide it between the reed and the mouthpiece. When it stops, mark that point with a pen. Place your thumb on that mark and then insert the mouthpiece into your mouth until your bottom lip touches your thumb. This should be a good location, or at least a good starting point.

I've found this technique to be very helpful to me when I'm playing new mouthpieces.

Hope that helps!

[Frank D]

Now, however, for some reason, I'm squawking badly unless I blow as hard as I can into the instrument - I can't get a note to sound right

Assuming the mouthpiece and horn are OK, this is the classic sign of a reed that's too hard. Since you've been playing that reed for awhile, could it be warped or bent? Try several new reeds and see what happens.

One suggestion was that I need a wider/different mouthpiece instead of going to a size 3 reed.

Wrong on both counts. If you're blowing full force to get a sound, a more open piece or harder reed are both moving in the wrong direction.

...he said I outgrew the mouthpiece. Luckily, he's got a few that he'll let me try

Here comes my cynical side: he couldn't sell you repairs, so in a few minutes he's evaluated your playing (did he watch and listen to you play? I'll bet not) and says you've outgrown the mouthpiece after playing tenor for a few weeks. He's trying to sell you a mouthpiece.

I think the suggestions regarding softer reeds (especially since your mouth hurt at first, probably clamping down to make a sound), reed placement and embochure, and mouthpiece damage are on the right track. This isn't something we're going to be able to diagnose remotely. I suggest you find a sax teacher (not a band director who took a semester of sax, but a real sax player) and pay for a lesson to help get this sorted. out.

[Joe Linux]

. I suggest you find a sax teacher (not a band director who took a semester of sax, but a real sax player) and pay for a lesson to help get this sorted. out.

Yeah, and the teacher might charge $35.00 or so to tell you that you need a different reed / mouthpiece combo. I notice different reeds make a huge difference. A "7" mouth piece has a wide opening or facing, and it's my understanding that you use softer reeds with them. I play a B5 or C5 mouthpiece and a 1.5 Fibercel or a 2.0 Vandoren V16. The Vandorens take a long time to break in.

I only play them a few minutes when starting with a new one. I think a large problem for beginners is finding the right mouthpiece reed combo that suits them.

My advice though is to stay away form expensive mouthpieces as a beginner because the risk will be too great if you are not sure what you are looking for.