[GallowaySaxMan]

Currently I am playing on an Otto Link STM 8, I'm loving my sound, but only when i put a brand new reed on. After a bit of playing, say about half an hour or less, the response on it goes down the drain, squeeks, high register not responding well, low register, that whole thing. I've played numerous reeds from Java to Rico, of all sized from 2.5 to 3.5. I am going to be in the market for a new tenor mouthpiece and was wondering what might be a good suggestions for me. I've heard of course Otto links, also dukeoffs, guardalas. Any others? I really like the sound of the MBII especially from the sax on this video around 5:42.

Now I know that the mouthpiece doesn't make the music or the tone, it's the players chops, but in order for me to get my own sound I need something that'll help me develop it.

Any suggestions or anything would be greatly appreciated.

And or also a suggested ligature, I am currently using one of the Rovner Start Series ligs inverted, but I would really like to try a 404 on my otto link to see if that would help set the reed.
So if anyone has an extra one laying around .

 

[HeavyWeather77]

Sounds like it's the reeds, not the mouthpiece. I'm guessing it's a combination of two things:

1. Your reeds are drying out partway through your practice sessions, particularly the heel of the reed. The WHOLE THING needs to be damp, not just the tip, so when you're wetting your reeds make sure you're getting the whole thing done. Don't be afraid to take it off the mouthpiece partway through a session and stick the heel back in your mouth to re-wet it, that's going to be the part that dries out most quickly. Take this seriously and I promise you'll see results.

2: Sounds like your reeds might be a little soft. Try moving up a half-strength (or a whole strength, even) and start breaking them in. I always have four reeds on a rotation, and when they're new I don't play them for more than 30 minutes at a time before letting them dry out again. I don't start letting them really take a beating until I do this 3 or 4 times, but then I can usually let them go for a couple hours straight and they'll be fine, lasting for weeks as long as I keep rotating through them. You'll get used to a stronger reed before you know it, as long as you break them in right and use plenty of air. Air is more important than embouchure strength in this case.

Good luck!

 

[GallowaySaxMan]

Alright, I'll be sure to try that then.
Next question is is my ligature a good selection for my mouthpiece? I'd really love to keep the mouthpiece and save the money unless its needed, is the star series lig sucking the reeds life and should i try to get one of the 404s?

 

[dexdex]

I played quite some time with a Rovner MkIII on my STM 8. It fits very well, no squeaks, excellent response all over the horn. I used to place it at the far end of the mp, and tighten it like hell. They do dampen a bit the high harmonics, so I switched to a Rico H about 1 year ago. The best lig on the STM, and it won't drain your wallet.
Before switching to synth reads, I played LaVoz MH, spent quite some time breaking them in, and used to put them into a glass of lukewarm water before playing. They become much more predictable, and can last for weeks like this. But ok, this was almost 10 years ago. I dunno which are the leading reeds today.
Hope this helps.

 

[GallowaySaxMan]

Then it looks like i need to go reed hunting and try other ligatures.

Thanks for your replies!!

 

[SactoPete]

Another thing to consider is the tip opening. 8 is pretty open, and you may be biting down on the reed to compensate... After a bit, the reed gives in and your tone dies. STMs are pretty versatile pieces... you could try moving down to a 7 or so and see if that fixes things up. Also a smaller tip opening will give you a bit more focus to your sound which it sounds like you like. Just a suggestion if you run out of ideas.

 

[GallowaySaxMan]

That's orignally why I started this post, I got the STM 8 for pretty cheap and used, I know the table was slightly warped so I did a little work to it and it helped. I want to move down in size, but I wouldn't know what piece to get, I love my dark tone, but I generally have a dark toen because that's what I want and I work towards it with any mouthpiece. I almost want to get a MBII so that I could brighten it up slightly or a Guardala studio, unless anyone else has any suggestions. Does anyone know the tip opening comparison from the Link 8 metal to the MBII and studio?