What reed and mouthpiece should i use for tenor sax?

Question

I began playing the tenor sax in a middle school band and i used a rico 1 1/2 reed, idk what the mouthpiece size is. I then played for a year with a rico 3 reed. With this size i got a nicer tone but i wouldnt get as much sound out. i am now starting in a high school marching band and i would like to know what size reed i should use to get more sound but keep that great tone. i was thinking 2 1/2. and also what size mouth piece 4c or 5c yamaha, i used the one that came with the sax.

Answer 1

Go ahead and keep using the 4C, that's a good mouthpiece for your level. Good reeds to keep a nice sound in marching band include Vandoren's traditional (blue box) reeds, V16, or V12. I would recommend starting with the traditional reeds, since they're the most well rounded, but V16 or V12 will give you a nice tone too. Note that these tend to be a little harder than Ricos so you might want to go for a 2.5 (or maybe even a 2 if you want it a little softer than what you're currently using).

Answer 2

4c yamaha is pretty standard, lots of people use it well. Unless you're looking for a metal one, I wouldn't recommend any other type of mouthpiece.



In my opinion Vandoren V16 reeds sound the nicest, in which case I would say use a 3 and use your diaphragm.

However, if you're sticking to ricos then go for 2 1/2, but make sure to use your diaphragm, thats a big part of your sound.

Answer 3

Any good quality 4c mouthpiece will be fine. Vandoren V16 are pretty good, they have a very smooth tone

Answer 4

Garrett has high quality suggestion. distinctive ingredient of analyzing that's looking out and achieving the overtone sequence. flow purchase books like genuine Tones for Saxophone by way of Sigurd Rascher, Ted Nash's learn in severe Harmonics, and others. those have activities which may assist you in analyzing to regulate your strategies for achieving overtone sequence and altissimo. a private lesson instructor is even bigger as they're able to make particular you're no longer adjusting your embouchure whilst working on those activities as your embouchure is sweet for the period of. THe variations are on your throat, tongue place, etc.