Downsizing from a XT103N G+8?

htii · by **htii** » 2025-07-05 3:31 p.m.

Hi all,

I've been playing on a DE XT103N G+8 for several years now. It served me well in college, but I am about 6 years removed from that and find that not playing 1st part on everything for 6+ hours a day anymore has really reduced my endurance. While I used to be able to just sit up high and play all day long, I can barely make it through a 2 hour rehearsal anymore for the local community band I'm in.

So, I'm looking to downsize to something more efficient that won't just absolutely wipe me out. I was thinking going down to a LT101N - not sure of the cup, because I really enjoy the feeling of Doug's narrow rims, but I am also completely unaware of what exists nowadays. I went from a Schilke 51D to my current setup, so I've tried a very small number of things. Should I stick in the DE line and just downsize a little? or look elsewhere like a Denis Wick 5AL? I've seen that recommended around here some.

With the downsize, I do worry about a few things. I'm on a Conn 88HO from the mid-90s and I worry about backpressure. The shank I have is nice and free flowing and I don't really want to lose that. I also don't want to just wreck my tone quality, as I think it's in a good spot. Any advice is thoroughly appreciated!

Burgerbob · by **Burgerbob** » 2025-07-05 3:36 p.m.

Might be worth just trying a G cup.

Doug_Elliott · by **Doug_Elliott** » 2025-07-05 4:24 p.m.

In my stuff there are multiple ways to downsize just a little. XT G, G8 is a good idea. Maybe even XT F+.

I might have an N102.5

htii · by **htii** » 2025-07-05 4:49 p.m.

Would it be worthwhile to switch to LT? I'm not sure how much "just a little" will make an impact in terms of endurance. I am, unfortunately, not playing nearly as much I used to or would like to, but would like to at least make it through a concert on all first parts without straining at the end.

mrdeacon · by **mrdeacon** » 2025-07-05 5:06 p.m.

I vote for trying a smaller cup first if you feel that the rim is still comfortable. G, F+ or even down to F. I really like the F+ cup.

Doug_Elliott · by **Doug_Elliott** » 2025-07-05 8:49 p.m.

If you like the open feeling you get on the XT series, the same thing in the LT series will feel tight. Especialy in the mid to low range.

htii · by **htii** » 2025-07-05 11:36 p.m.

Oh, I guess I hadn’t realized how much impact the cup makes for endurance, then. I was just thinking it might’ve been total weight in the mouthpiece. So, how much of a downshift will feel meaningful while maintaining playability? For a tenor player typically on first, is the 103N and G+ combo a wide and deep combo?

claf · by **claf** » 2025-07-06 1:46 a.m.

My tenor setup for 1st part is XT103N/F+, it really works very well.

Doldom · by **Doldom** » 2025-07-06 2:53 a.m.

Maybe.. isometric exercise or buzzing tube exercise 20~30 minutes everyday might help.

harrisonreed · by **harrisonreed** » 2025-07-06 6:44 a.m.

Yes, it's like changing from your usual size 10 shoe to a size 7 shoe thinking that you'll be able to run faster without training. You can keep the size 10, and get a more efficient type of shoe (lighter, bouncier, etc), but the size 7 in the old shoe type is probably not going to be any better. Might be worse, even, that shoe won't fit right.

There is no substitute for practice time, but a shallower cup is less tiring to play upstairs.

htii · by **htii** » 2025-07-21 11:01 p.m.

Thanks Harrison, and thanks Doug. I'll be shooting you an email soon about some replacement parts.

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Downsizing from a XT103N G+8?