Hey guys
well i havne`t played in forever, but besides the point. It`s reeds. i`m not sure which to use anymore. I normally breathe harder than most people, and i blow harder too i think. I started on Vandoren size 2.5 and ended at 3.5, but went to Vandoren JAVA reeds 3.5 for my alto. MY friend says that the Java reeds are way softer, and i`m not sure what that does to sound, so i`m hoping some of the more professional, college folks may know. Cuz right now i`m trying to compare playing the normal vandoren 3 to java 3.5, i`m not yet sure which to use.
And other thing, how can i fix that "spit" sound i have, i mean... i`m sure u know what i`m talking bout. i just can`t seem to fix it like i used to be able to. Too many years off i assume, if someone can help, i be most grateful.

Jimmy

Here`s what I use: Vandoren Java 3 for jazz, with a Meyer 5 mouthpiece. For classical, a Selmer C* and Hemke reeds.
Also, try different ligatures, they all have different ups and downs.

Reeds are such a pain. I agree with the java for the jazz, but my favorite legit reeds are the vandoren traditional. I play on a C* with traditional 3 and an Rovner Eddie Daniels Ligature. I am perfectly content with my tone and have no troubles matching timbre with the warmer brass instruments. The real challenge is being able to work the reeds and care for them so that you can get the best tone.

I recently bought a 2 vandoren traditional reeds, in that lil 2-pack they now have. And they sound great (prolly only cuz my current java reeds were 4 years old and in bad shape).
Still, with cheap vandoren reed prices on ebay, i am thinking of taking my shot at some of the other types of vandoren seiries other than java and traditional.

an another thing. i`m using 3.5 reeds, and i`m using a simple metal leg., but like.. i barely tighten it up, so it`s pretty loose... is that suppose to be normal? or is it cuz i`m not used to back in the loop of playing and it`ll be tighter when i get my air flow back?

jimmy

well it depends on your mouthpiece... how open it is and stuff. the more open the tip is the softer the reed you should get! I love JAVA reeds.

Here is a reed strength comparison chart http://www.intlmusicalsuppliers.com/pdf/WWCOMPAR.PDF
Vandoren ZZ reeds are by far the best for playing jazz. I like hemke`s and Vandoren Traditional for concert band. If you have the "spitty` sound you are talking about it is one of three problems. 1. It`s a new reed, if it is it just takes some time to break it in, a week or two and it will sound good. 2. You reed it too strong for you embochure, either tighten your embochure, and work with it, or buy a lighter reed, though I don`t suggest because after you go down it is hard to go back up. 3. The most obvious problem, there is spit in your mouthpiece, as nasty as it sounds, the best way to get rid of this it to just suck in, remember it is your spit, that will clear out the mouthpiece leaving a clear sound.

I think the search for the perfect reed will continue for years to come. Therefore, I think we need to accept the fact that each mouthpiece will sound different with different reeds. One mouthpiece may make a old Rico Royal shine while a Vandoren may sound like crap on it. The best thing to do it just dish out the money and buy a few different boxes of ones that you`ve heard opinions about. Then just try `em out. Also keep in mind...only about 20% of a reeds in a box seem to ever work well. Sucks doesn`t it? But that`s the life of us musicians. Keep swingin`!

Since you haven`t played for awhile I think you did the right thing. Buy the same reed you used before but go 1 full strength less - or less than what you used to play.

That`s basically what I did after not playing for about 15 years. After you build up your embrochure and your breathing etc get more consistent you will probably quickly move up in reed strength again. Then you could start playing with reeds/mpcs to find a particular sound that you may be after.

For Jazz I use A Meyer and Vandoren Z`s size 3 at first it was a little reedy but you adjust in no time. Classical, probably a C* personally I dont use it but there alright. And you gotta combo it with Traditional Vandorens....its quite a bit of money to have all that crap.

I use Hempke reeds around strengths 3 and 4. My sax/flute/clarinet teacher says that in his opinion Vandoren sucks but I like them. Start off with the Frederick Hempke strength 2.5