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Friends, I am playing a vintage Martin with slant sig Otto Link with a five facing. It is a great piece with the 3.5 V16's. Problem is that I can kill a new reed in hour of playing. I will soak it, slap it on and it will play just lovely. Within a half hour or so, it starts to close down, and within 30 more minutes, I can blow into it and literally not be able to get air into the horn - like the tip of the reed has collapsed. I have tried Legere synthetics and did not have the same problem, but never found a strength or sound I liked. I am originally a clarinet player and probably have a tighter emboucher than a dedicated sax player. I do not have the same problem with my alto, or with the the clarinet. I have tried varying my emboucher. I have altered how much piece I have in my mouth and whether to pressure the teeth or not. Nothing seems to make a difference. The same thing happens with other reeds as well - like Alexanders, which I really like. Perhaps I should go with a harder reed than the 3.5's, or try a more open piece. I would appreciate any suggestions. I play lead tenor in a big band. I am sure you know how frustrating and unnerving it can be when you have to worry more about your horn than the music. Thanks in advance.