mouthpiece only dilemma

[jeanniep412]

When playing just the mouthpiece-reed assembly, one is supposed to produce A- 880mz, right? But my tuner doesn't go to 880mz, it only goes to 440. I play the alto and I can't get anywhere near "A" on my tuner so I'm thinking it's because my tuner says 440. Can someone help and explain this to me? Thanks

[Merlin]

A 880 is one octave higher than a 440hz tuning note. Get them to sound good together and you'll be fine.

As far as tuning with the horn, remember that F#2 (F# on the 5th line of the staff, with the octave key on) is the same sounding pitch as A440.

[singlereed]

Your tuner goes way beyond 440 Hz, that's just the reference point and it will recognise 'A' at several octaves above, including at 880Hz. Each successive octave doubles the Hz. Don't worry, let the electronics work it out and just tune to 'A'.

[jeanniep412]

Thanks. I was just using the mouthpiece only and not the horn. When I play with the horn, the F#2 does tune to A on the tuner.

[Paul Coats]

Jeannie: Do not work too hard trying to get the tuner to freeze exactly on the A. If you are +/- 20 or 30 cents, you are doing well. This is just to teach the approximate correct amount of embouchure tension to use.

You SHOULD be able to tune your alto sax's F# to A on the tuner. Perhaps you are not pushing the mouthpiece far enough onto the cork?

Paul Coats

[jeanniep412]

Thanks Paul. I've been working on my embouchure a lot lately and I discovered that I was not inserting enough mouthpiece. I now have a much more relaxed embouchure and can produce a good strong tone on the mouthpiece only... and very close to "A" on my tuner.

I no longer have to bite as hard and my chin is not bunched up but relaxed and pointed as it should be. Thanks to all of your articles which have helped me work out this ongoing problem of mine. :D

[Paul Coats]

Do you hear an improvement in your basic tone, when playing the instrument now, and improved intonation?

That is the beauty of this method, it teaches not only how much embouchure tension, but also HOW MUCH mouthpiece to insert. What it does it let you find, intuitively, the best way to make the tone generator (the mouthpiece and reed) function. When this is working most efficiently, then when on the sax, everything is working really well. So simple! This should be the standard way to teach single reed instruments in our schools.

[jeanniep412]

Yes, my basic tone is fuller and my intonation has also seemed to improve, especially in the upper register. The horn is much more free-blowing now (before, it felt like I had cotton stuck in the neck). :wink:

Now I can concentrate on making music! BTW...just got into a community band!! :D