Do I need a larger tip opening?

[tlreyn]

I am playing on an hr Meyer 6, .76 opening, but during performances (big band 2nd alto) i get headaches. I've actually switched to my hr Jody Jazz, .80 opening, during performances to relieve my headaches. I prefer the Meyer piece over the JJ for a number of reasons but would a higher tip opening, perhaps a Meyer 7, give me the same sound quality of the 6 but with easier airflow?

[Ike Webkins]

Try perhaps a different reed (strenght and/or make) before increasing the tip opening. My experience is that a too stiff reed is very uncomfortable to play (and could perhaps lead to heahaches..??). With the "perfect reed" (different for everybody I guess), playing must be easy (no struggle). I this tried too (increasing the opening), until I found some "perfect strenght" reeds.

Ask you teacher or band director too.

cheers

ike

[betelsax]

True, the sax should not be hard to play, but you have to expect a new reed to be a bit more demanding on the mouth. And since you should not start off with a really easy reed (because it may well quickly become too easy), expect a bit more effort when breaking reeds in.