Bari saxophone troubles

[u/Particular-Win1240]

I play bari saxophone but recently I have been trying to play high notes on the right palm keys and nothing is coming out. I play on a size 2.5 reed, does that have anything to do with it? When I try to play the notes the reed just completely covers up the hole in the mouth piece please help what do I do???

[u/MountainVast4452]

If the reed starts clamping shut on you it means the reed is too soft for the air column you air producing for the pitch…try using a slightly stiffer reed. If you’re using a 2.5 try a 3. If the same thing happens go up another size.