I had started on the pseudo "Yamaha 4" sold with the Antigua Wind 590. Then I went to tips of .055 to .057. Played them for several years. Then I tried a new Yamaha 5C. By this time I was using mainly #2 ZZ reeds. It seemed extremely easy to blow. But I have significant dynamics with it. I can scream with the best trumpet players or get close to merging with flutes. It's great fun.