Altissimo and Legeres

Martinman said:

So I bought a Legere studio cut today for my tenor, and I love the sound. The only problem is that it have absolutely no altissimo. I was using a RJS 2h or 3s, or similar reeds, and bought a Legere SC 2.25. Is the reed just too soft, or is there something about Legere that limits altissimo? Do I just need to work at it?

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Did you have altissimo before you switched to the Legeres?

Don't know the answer, but if your reed is too soft you should have indications other than altissimo trouble - like a flabby or reedy tone for example. But you say you like the tone so it sounds like the strength is OK.

You could always try a harder strength Legere, but I know it's an expensive experiment.

Can't you return it and trade for a stronger one? I bought one once and returned it for a refund.

Yes, I had a fairly decent altissimo range from F# to D, but have pretty much nothing except the occasional F# now.

I could exchange it, but I want to wait untill my Barone comes in. I am using a Rousseau Studio Jazz 6, which is a tad smaller than the Barone 8 I am getting.

I would have bought a 2.5 or even 2.75 in the first place, but all Prowinds had was the 2.25.

Thanks

Interesting. I used to play Rico Select Jazz 2H like you, and when i tryed a 2.25 legere studio cut altissimo was way easier. I guess this further proves that it's not really about the equipment, it just depends on how you blow..