Problem with Low Notes on a Tenor Solved

[saxysteve]

After playing about 2 years on Alto, I switched to Tenor about a month ago and really love the tenor sound much more. I bought a new Selmer-Prelude and ordered a Hard Rubber Meyer-G 6 mpc from Junkdude. I highly recommend Dave from Junkdude, his service is quick, friendly and honest; The airfare out here to Hong Kong is the best rate and many times chepaer than wwbw's. Anyway, I had serious problems playing with lower notes from D down to Bb in that they would often play an octave higher. I searched this site and got over 20 pages of useful tips, and today finally solved the problem and would like to share with anyone having similar problems. At first I thought it was a leak but had it checked out by my teacher and he had no problems. I thought maybe he's so good and could play around the problem but that wasn't it. At first I was using a Plasticover 3 as this is what I used on my Alto. I tried to make my embouchure as loose as possible, and tried saying "door" when playing the low notes. This helped a lot and worked sometimes but was not consistent. I then tried a softer read as advised and went to a Hemke 2 1/2. No good. I then tried a 2 1/2 Plasticover which is softer, and it was a bit better......geting there. I then tried a Rico Jazz Select 2M which is equivalent to a Vadoren Traditional 1.5 and .....Eureka ! It solved my problem. I thought this would be way too soft. Morale of the storey, don't let your ego get to you and don't treat the Tenor like a big Alto. If you're a novice player in Alto, go down a couple of reed strengths if you're switching to Tenor. Also, a loose embouchure is essential as well as voicing. GOOD LUCK.

Steve Heathcote
HONG KONG

[gary]

Hi Steve! This might sound presumptuous so I apologise in advance -just seeking solutions- but playing the lowest notes with a weak reed is not difficult to do. IMO a #2 reed is too soft for a #6 mpc. Of course, you could be 100% correct and that would be great, but on the surface you are looking for answers in the wrong place.

Having the notes hang on an upper octave like you were doing is more indicative of too tight an embouchure (considering the mechanics of the instrument are OK). Using a weak reed doesn't solve the too tight embouchure problem it only masks it. If you've been playing alto and are not yet accustomed to the tenor it is very possible that you are using too tight an embouchure for tenor. You may even have the instrument in too high a position (loosen your neck strap just a wee).

How are your uppermost notes on the horn and your altissimo? Can you play these in tune? If you can't one reason would be too weak a reed, another problem having been created by what seemed a solution to the first.

If you can play the full range of the sax (and higher) with a nice full sound and good intonation then great, If not....long tones and low-note exercises. ;)

[saxysteve]

Thanks fpr the tips Gary. Very true, I think my Alto mouth muscles need to change and slowly develop into Tenor ones, and I'll certainly do much more long tones and low-note practices in my daily routine. Definitely I need to loosen the embouchure much more for those low notes.Yes I also notices playing the Tenor lower down and more in front of my legs rather than by the side makes it easier to play in tune. I got no problems with playing up to high F# with the Rico Jazz #2M, and the Tuner indicates the notes are quite in tune (but not sure whether it sounds good to others-seems alright to me when I play against a wall !) I was thinking of using this reed for a month or so to gradually develop my new Tenor embouchure, and then gradually increase my reed strength as appropriate. I find it much easier to really relax my embouchure on this soft reed at the moment and it certainly helps my confidence when practicing for my Trinity College (UK) Grade 5 Pieces. Just hope I'm ready for the exam by next April ! Cheers.

Steve

[jazzbluescat]

Hate to sound contrary, but I use a 7* NY Link w/#2 Java and do not loosen my chops to get the low notes. However, if I was going for a subtone, I'd drop the jaw a bit.

[Razzy]

Coming from alto to tenor about three years ago, I used a meyer 6M, then with 2.5 vandorens. These days I use 3.5 vandorens. Also, the fact that your teacher had no problems with the horn is no real indication of its actual seal. Many experienced players are used to playing through leaks and wouldn't notice them, and leaks affect some players more significantly than others. I am very sensitive to them, and thought that my trouble with the low register on tenor for months was my own problem. Then I played a horn that wasn't leaking and the problem INSTANTLY went away. Have it checked by a tech, not a teacher.

[usda]

I have taken to buying stronger reeds and sanding a little. It seems I am able to take a #3 to a 2 & 3/4 or some such and get the sound and reed that I need.

Just don't move the sandpaper in the direction of the reed tip...one way only.

This is strictly trial and error...but not too hard to get the hang of.

[jazzbluescat]

I have taken to buying stronger reeds and sanding a little. It seems I am able to take a #3 to a 2 & 3/4 or some such and get the sound and reed that I need.

Just don't move the sandpaper in the direction of the reed tip...one way only.

This is strictly trial and error...but not too hard to get the hang of.

I do something similar on reeds. I have better luck clipping a too soft #2 rather than using a #2 1/2.

[Tschu]

Similar success in similar stage with Saxysteve.
Certainly loosened embouchure as well as softer reed works, but the former tends to loose the tone and the latter reed sticking to mouthpiece.

In my case, I tried to make soft blow in case of lower notes under D, such that the speed of air would not be fast. This was a hint from the book of Larry Teal as well......... cheers !

David Tschu
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