CountryTrash mentioned reeds.

The right strength reed is very important, and for the same player the reed strength will vary from mouthpiece to mouthpiece. In general, larger tip openings require softer reeds. Larger tip openings and chambers also generally produce a darker sound.

Reeds vary in quality in the same box. Some just play better and some don't play well at all. Hold them up in front of a light and look at the evenness of grain and translucency. After a while, you will see what works best for you.

Abrasive reed rushes and a reed clipper can help rescue some reeds, others are hopeless. I also find it best to put 4 reeds into rotation so they have 3 days to dry before being played again. It makes them last longer. I have a plastic reed saver case that accommodates this.

There are a lot of variables in mouthpiece design, but unfortunately they are a bit expensive so trying out the multitudes of different variations is out of the reach of most. It's like guitar pickups in that it is a major tone producer.

As a student, a middle-of-the-road hard rubber mouthpiece like an Otto Link #6 is a good start. Especially if he/she is in school band.

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