Your reed being off (on either side) by a millimeter can totally mess up your sound on sax.
Other adjustments, like how far the ligature is up on the reed also make a difference.
Even how tight the ligature is can change your sound.
If your reed seems a little bit too stiff, then put the tip of the reed very slightly below the top of the mouthpiece. And you can also tighten the ligature at the bottom-most part of the reed.
If it’s a little soft, then put the tip of the reed very slightly above the top of the mouthpiece. And you can also tighten the ligature at the top-most part of the reed.
These small adjustments affect the physical movement of the reed and thus the sound.
If you place a ruler on the edge of the table with a large portion of it hanging over the side, it will vibrate if you make it. However, if most of it is on the table and only a small section over the edge, it won’t vibrate very much.
There are equations for how this stuff works, if you’re interested I can explain them.
Very good and useful post!
.-= Manel´s last blog ..Imagine (un préstamo de Lennon para titular un deseo sobre la lectura) =-.
Hey Neal,
I read this article and i’m very interested on these “equations” how work between mouth pieces, reed and ligature. Can you explain please.
Thanks
Hey Adyna,
I was referring to some equations for the motion of levers and things like that. A bit simplified, but they seemed applicable.
Took a class where we designed a micro-scale microphone, similar to how the hearing system on a fly works.
Have you taken any physics classes before?
-Neal
Some tips to help reeds play better, and last longer:
1. If it’s too stiff, shave some off the face of the reed. There are charts with specific “mapping”, but generally, if the low end is tough, shave towards the thicker part, lower, and personally I only shave higher up very slightly, and then, mainly to lightly scrape off “stuff” coating the reed, deadening it.
2. If it’s too soft, and closing up, don’t toss it yet, use a reed clipper, and clip the tip off! Usually the combination of shaving & clipping will help allow reeds to play better, and last longer.
3. Also, when you find reeds that just don’t play, no life, not happening at all, don’t toss them. Keep a little (or big) box to hold funky reeds. Letting them sit around and age, can sometimes mean you can try them at a later time, and they’ll sound better. Cane, like much of the produce in the stores, is picked too green, so the aging can somewhat compensate for it not being ready when cut. I’ve got hundreds or reeds sitting in tenor, alto, & soprano boxes, many of them years old. I am constantly pulling reeds out of those boxes and being able to use them on gigs.
Thanks for the tips Steven, sounds like you’ve got all the right equipment and technique to work on your reeds and make them play better.