[BabyBoomer]

I'm having a problem with my Durga 8 - it plays great 99% of the time, but I get occasional squeaks in the upper register, but my biggest problem is dropping down large intervals. For example, if I'm playing with the octave key pressed, then drop down a few intervals to play a note without the octave key, the note that comes out actually goes up as if the octave key was never released, until I stop blowing then start again. It's as if the airstream won't let go of the upper register. I thought it was the horn, but I had it checked, and I don't have this problem with any of my other mouthpieces (Link STM, Lakey Aluminum).

Has anyone experienced this with the Durga, or are there some adjustments I need to make when playing the Durga?

 

[Michael Ward]

Could it be the reface causing the problem?

 

[MyMartinTenor]

Try different reed combinations -- strengths and brands. No, I have no control problems w/ my Durgas. In fact, they are the cleanest control mouthpieces I've ever played. Any flaws in the playing are all my fault!

 

[martinm5862]

Could it be the reface causing the problem?

Did he mention a reface?

 

[Michael Ward]

look at his instrument at the bottom.

 

[BabyBoomer]

The reface was done by Wolf Tannenbaum, and he greatly improved it from before, when it was really squeaky. He made it more Link-like in the facing curve, which I was more used to. I had a professional saxophonist try it, and he pushed it and had no problem, but he did say he needed to adjust for it, as it had virtually no resistance.

It must be right on the edge of the control envelope, and I'm just not experienced enough to manage it. I do better with some resistance, so I don't overblow.

I guess the question is, can you add resistance to a mouthpiece? I wouldn't even know what should be adjusted...

 

[groovesax]

Maybe you need to go up a half a reed strength? I just got a new Durga myself straight from the factory. It plays smooth as silk and very responsive. Really digging it!

 

[Mike F]

The reface was done by Wolf Tannenbaum, and he greatly improved it from before, when it was really squeaky. He made it more Link-like in the facing curve, which I was more used to. I had a professional saxophonist try it, and he pushed it and had no problem, but he did say he needed to adjust for it, as it had virtually no resistance.

No disrespect to Wolf, but why didn't you contact Theo if you were having problems? I doubt very much if there was actually a problem with the original facing. If you were squeaking, there far more likely reasons than a bad facing on a TW.

 

[divingdog]

Seems only it has problem, maybe after repairing, it will play smoothly.

 

[BOPITY FUNK]

Seems like the tip opening/facing combination is wrong for the player in question.

 

[BabyBoomer]

No disrespect to Wolf, but why didn't you contact Theo if you were having problems? I doubt very much if there was actually a problem with the original facing. If you were squeaking, there far more likely reasons than a bad facing on a TW.

It was sent back to Theo, he personally worked on it, and it was deemed ok. Again, the piece plays beautifully most of the time, but I spoke with Wolf about my control issues, and decided to let him work on it. I've used Wolf in the past with great results, so I figured it was worth a try. The piece came back with slight adjustments, and it felt even better.

Seems like the tip opening/facing combination is wrong for the player in question.

This is most likely correct - I was hoping there might be some technique I was missing to improve my results with the piece. The other mouthpieces I have good results with are a Link STM NY 8* and a Claude Lakey Aluminum 8* so I thought the Durga 8 would be within my range. Here's my take on the three pieces:

Link STM NY - fat and smooth
Lakey Aluminum - fat and powerful
Durga - all the above + attitude!

Now you know why I was hoping to make the Durga work for me.

 

[markpoirier]

You might just need to spend more time with it to adapt.

 

[MojoBari]

Langhorne is only about a 2 hour drive from me. I should be able to help you out with a back-and-forth adjust/play session.

 

[BabyBoomer]

Thanks to all for your comments - if anything, it confirms I need to work on how to handle the piece.

Mojo - I may take you up on your offer - I'll follow up with you...

 

[Dr G]

Thanks to all for your comments - if anything, it confirms I need to work on how to handle the piece.

I wonder whether that is the case. From your description, it sounds like the mouthpiece may be responding to your airstream - an airstream that is not yet under control.

Have you ever tried voicing exercises in which you play the full range of the horn WITHOUT using the octave key? That may help you to become more sensitive to what is going on.

G'luck.

 

[BabyBoomer]

I wonder whether that is the case. From your description, it sounds like the mouthpiece may be responding to your airstream - an airstream that is not yet under control.

Have you ever tried voicing exercises in which you play the full range of the horn WITHOUT using the octave key? That may help you to become more sensitive to what is going on.

G'luck.

That's a good idea - I've done it accidentally, where I've played into the upper register while forgetting to press the octave key, until a note doesn't work then I realize I forgot.

I'm going to take MojoBari up on his offer - I live nearby, might be good to have a session with a mouthpiece expert.

 

[martinm5862]

Maybe you need to go up a half a reed strength? I just got a new Durga myself straight from the factory. It plays smooth as silk and very responsive. Really digging it!

This will increase resistance.

 

[Honeyboy]

Perhaps you are biting down abit too much in the upper register to get it to play in tune and the reed is jumping up to the higher octave on the lower notes. When you restart the note, you've loosened up your embouchure abit, so it voices properly.

 

[Tzadik]

Try to change the ligature position!
Try it with another ligature.

Ultra-large chamber mouthpiece are not as so easy to manage as you imagine.

 

[BabyBoomer]

Perhaps you are biting down abit too much in the upper register to get it to play in tune and the reed is jumping up to the higher octave on the lower notes. When you restart the note, you've loosened up your embouchure abit, so it voices properly.

Good advice - I catch myself biting from time to time, so it could very well be a contributing factor. I'll have to really pay attention and try to avoid the tendency to tense up and bite down when I'm pushing it.