Soft reeds?

[dora]

Hello, I bought 2-pack of Vandoren, classic blue box, number 2.0. About 3 weeks ago it was very difficult for me to sustain the tone, the reeds seemed too hard so I put them away for 3 weeks and practised with Rico Royal 2.5. Now, I tried again the Vandoren ones 2.0 and after playing for about 30 minutes, they often produce a squeeky sound before regular sound. Do you think they are too soft now? How do you recognize they are too soft? :? Thanks for reply!

[Dave Dolson]

Dora: All reeds, regardless of brand, are products of nature, prone to huge inconsistencies. Playing two reeds of a certain brand and strength is not an objective test of the entire brand/strength.

Having said that, we need to know your experience level and mouthpiece design to better evaluate the reed strength - and even that is subjective because everyone is different.

I play #2 Vandoren Java on soprano and alto and they work fine for me. I prepare them and I adjust them with a knife and they mostly work. I don't know if your reeds are too soft or have lost their punch. DAVE

[dora]

Hello, I am using Selmer *C MPC. I have been playing saxophone for about a month. I played clarinet for many years at high school, but that is 13 years ago.

[Dave Dolson]

Dora: The C* mouthpiece is known as being pretty closed; e.g., the tip-opening is closer than many pieces preferred by experienced players (although I've heard some great players on C* pieces).

The closer the tip-opening, the harder the reed is pretty much accepted in the reed-instrument world.

Maybe a harder reed is in order. I use #2 reeds on sop and alto, but I play open mouthpieces, so I can get away with it. When I play my C* pieces, I must really increase the reed strength to make them speak. DAVE

[Brian The Hornman]

My suggestion would be to buy a box of Vandoren 2.5's and try them. If they work, great, and if not, don't use them. Maybe try a different brand or something if that doesn't work.