I’m playing on a yanigasawa 7 opening hard rubber on a yanigasawa alto. I’m using all types of reeds meaning brands in regards to strengths I stick to 3,3.5 in regards to Ricos that come in soft, med or hard I try all of them as well. Is that bad??? I also “doctor them up” so to speak. There was a book out there on the subject, yes there is some trial and error involved, however you would be amazed at how you can turn a piece of lumber into a pretty respectable reed. Having said that now you guys know I have way to much time on my hands! which is true but least I’m not married!!!!LOL Would a metal mouthpiece be a good thing for me to contemplate?? I left a bit of my playing under the introduction part of this forum, any suggestions? I’m using a 3.5 Rico Royal