Trying to get to the next level, but now I'm squeaking!

[jfratus]

I've been playing tenor (self taught mostly) for about 12 years in rock bands, and decided it's time to "take the next step". I signed up for some lessons told the teacher I wanted to learn to play altissmo, improve my intonation and overall "sound". I could play well enough for my bar/church/home recording gigs, but I wanted to sound more like Lenny Pickett.

My teacher recommended a change in set up. In my early days I used a Dukoff D5 with cane reeds (2 1/2s), but over the past several years I'd been playing a Selmer C* with Fibracell and other syth reeds. It made sense to me that I should move to a bigger tip opening, and the teacher isn't a fan of synth reeds.

Sadly, after 3 weeks I'm in that HELL of uncertainty, trying different mouthpieces/reed combinations and NOTHING feels right. For the past week I've been using a Link NY 7 with LaVoz Medium reeds, and I'm squeaking like a beginner! I tried a link NY 5*, and found I was choking the high notes, and that thing squeaked too! My old set up feels WAY too tight now and I don't wantto go back.

I like the tone and free blowing feel of the 7, but I'm real concverned about the sqeaking. Will this go away over time?

Is this squeaking a common problem with the Link NY? They do have a unique ligauture. Do you think it't just an adjustment to the more open tip? Will this go away with improved embrouchure?

ANy help/comments are most welcome. I find myself in a place where I can't go back, can see where I want to be, but can't seem to get there. :cry:

[Martin Williams]

Is it a brand new link? Many links coming out of the factory often need a little work to bring them up to par. The new links dont go through the same quality control they used to, since nowadays they are mass produced. You can send the piece to any refacer or tech who does mouthpiece work and they should be able to help you out. try Mojobari on this board, ive heard great things about his work

Martin

[jazzbluescat]

If you're using the stock ligature it's possible the reed ain't laying flat/tight enough to the table. Generally speaking stock Link ligs don't do the job.


[I use a Selmer 404(?)ligature with my NY Link. See the ligature forum on SOTW.]

[kingperkoff]

squeaking is usually caused by too much pressure on the mouthpiece. :?

[DooDaa]

I did something rather strange to my Otto Link ligature which produced unexpected, but pleasant results. I didn't really care for the way the reed sort of moved around while tightening up the ligature. I also noticed that if I tightened it up too much, the pressure plate would damage my cane reeds.

I cut a piece of 1/16" thick goatskin to the exact size of the link ligature's pressure plate and cemented it to the plate with contact cement. WOW! Not only did it improve the reed movement issues, but it also did wonders for my sound! Try it, you'll probably like it. *smiles*

[jazzbluescat]

Good idea, DooDaa, Mr. Rogers would be proud. :)

Link ligatures are notorious for not doing the job. I replaced mine with a Selmer lig. If I had thought of the goat hide/leather shim, I'd definitely tried that first.

[JL]

It's hard to say whether your set up is responsible or not for the squeaking. But my guess is kingperkoff hit it right. You probably need to loosen up your embouchure a bit, especially when going to a larger tip opening. Ask your teacher for some advice on this.

[seanm]

I was reading this link and I am in the same boat. Except that I am only just starting back with the sax after a long period of not playing.

I played a Selmer C** with Rico Royale 3 1/2 reeds and decided to switch. I bought a Rovner Deep V. People warned me that with the bigger tip opening I would need a thinner reed so, in anticipation, I bought a fibracell medium soft and medium.

So I am squeaking, mainly on the lower D and E, never in the upper register. It has only been a week and it is getting better but I found that I needed to go back to the 3 1/2 to help with the squeaking. I squeak more with the fibracell. Plus, with the fibracell, the D always sounds like it is on the verge of sqeaking.

With the 3 1/2 I have to blow like h*ll to get the notes out, and have no dynamics, but the squeaks happen less often.

I know this is an old thread, but has anybody gone through this and how long did it take for the squeaking to go away?

[kingperkoff]

Seanm- if you have to blow like hell to get the low notes out, you need a softer reed or your horn needs work. You are probably biting too hard. Relax your jaw a fraction, it'll make a difference. :)

[seanm]

Seanm- if you have to blow like hell to get the low notes out, you need a softer reed or your horn needs work. You are probably biting too hard. Relax your jaw a fraction, it'll make a difference. :)
I think you are right. I will have to work at it. I think I tighten up because I am dreading the squeak.

[Sigmund451]

DooDa, Cool idea...you made a Rovner Dark STM Lig :D