*me who started on a 2.5*

i started as a three and i’m pretty good😅

I had repicked up the saxophone after not having one for a while (have a Tenor), my mom got it for me as a Christmas gift the year after my dad passed away. Been practicing a size 3.5 reed... Constantly feels like something is off, gonna get softer reeds soon, thx for the explanation.

Me who started one a three 😅

The reed number is about it's strength not its size, a 2.5 and a 3.0 reed are the same thickness. The strength depends on the individual piece of cane and is tested at the factory.

hey, im looking into starting to learn alto sax, but not looking for a very expensive one. any suggestions on what to buy?

@McGillMusicSaxSchool

7 ай бұрын

Hi. There are lots to choose from. Here are some suggestions: saxschoolonline.com/articles/buying-a-beginner-saxophone/

Tip opening is dictates reed strength more than the years you played sax

Is there any benefit to changing to a larger size? Like right now I’m on a 2.5 on my alto, would it improve the sound or anything if I switched to a larger size?

@ey3_s0ckets83

9 ай бұрын

It would not improve the sound but it is increased strength. A 3.0 could typically last you 3-4 weeks. It is a bit harder to play, but not by much, I don’t think. Hope this helped!

@Jack-qu3qz

9 ай бұрын

I just switched from a synthetic 2.25 to a synthetic 3 and I personally think the sound is different, but that's mainly because it's harder to play and makes your omisher work harder and that shifts your tone a bit.

@bigboiapricot806

9 ай бұрын

it would improve your tone because bigger reed sizes require you to play harder and have a better embouchure which can unlock your sound. However if you want the biggest change in sound, switching your reed’s brand can make a difference. RICO is a very popular reed brand but its only great with beginners. Not to say you cant make great sound on RICO, but switching to something like vandoren will make you sound better. Vandorens are more high end, and are also harder to play than RICO’s of the same size

@McGillMusicSaxSchool

8 ай бұрын

Hi GirlWhoRunsss. Changing to a harder reed will only help you to “sound better” if you’re finding your size 2.5 is too easy to blow and the sound is thin or harsh. As others have said here, a harder reed will make you work harder when playing. It will probably take a little while to build your embouchure up. So best to experiment and see how it suits you.

@GirlWhoRunsss

8 ай бұрын

A huge thank you to all who answered my question! I appreciate the time you spent to comment this information😁

I play bari and started on a 3 about 2 months ago and am playing on a 3 1/2. I also play clarinet and I started on a 3 and am now on a 4. I don’t find this useful as reed strengthness varies from person to person.

@McGillMusicSaxSchool

8 ай бұрын

Glad you have found the right strength for you. It does vary from person to person but most beginners start on a softer reed than you (and it is confusing for lots of newer players about which size is best).