When is the "right time"?

[bluesaxgirl]

I was wondering if any of the beginner sax players on the forum are having such a similar issue. I currently play a 2.5 Vandoren (equiv. 3 for all Rico users) and my notes lately have just seemed to "bend out", similar to a body builder lifting five pounder weights. Which is obviously incorrect. Maybe stepping up to harder reed would be sufficient? When would be the "right time" to step up to even a harder reed?

[Doghouse Riley]

Good question!

I've been playing about eighteen months and I slowly progressed from Rico 1.5s through 2s and 2.5s to Vandoren ZZ 3s about six months ago I find I can play loud or soft with these reeds, but they will occasionally "lock up" on the palm keys, usually I find moving the edge of the reed a fraction, further away from the tip of the mouthpiece helps. I also find I lose a bit of control on these notes after playing for about 30 or 40 minutes. I presume both these things are related to tiredness of the lip muscles and rubbish technique?
So I 'spose it's a case of less golf and more practice. I just find playing "long tones" boring so I make the effort to play tunes that need 'em. I try to play between 30 minutes and an hour a day, not necessarily all at the same time

I don't know, but as I mostly play standard ballads with the occasional Isley Brothers or similar stuff thrown in, will I ever need a harder reed?
I've found my metal link so much more flexible than the rubber "tone edge" I was using before, so I'm quite happy with the reeds I'm using. But I'd be interested to hear views on harder reeds.

[hgiles]

I think you should get where you can comfortable handle a middle of the road strength of reed. Trying to go macho and play on a #6 reed is a foolish endeavor.

If you feel you need a little more 'this' or 'that' after you've gotten to a medium strength reed, you need to start looking at your mouthpiece.

My point is a medium reed is not going to be too soft nor too hard, but be just right and give you all the flexibiity you need to be musical.

[A Greene]

If you think it's the right time - IT'S THE RIGHT TIME. You'll always be questioning yourself and this will create mental noise - which will distract you from practice. Give the harder reeds a try - if they work GREAT. If not, at least you'll be done with the entire situation. T.

By the way, you shouldn't feel like you NEED harder reeds to be a better player. SOTW members and regular folk play whatever WORKS are ALL levels.

[AuntSaxophone]

I feel that the time to go higher is when you feel that you need/want to. In your case, you're feeling that what you're using isn't performing to what you are used to. So perhaps now is your time. As for me, I prefer whatever I can get my hands on. Never really liked anything higher than a 2 &1/2 Rico... But that's just me.