Problems on the low B and Bb on Tenor Saxes

[JPrince]

Well, I have been trying to get used to my new Martin Tenor I got, and I am having 1 small problem, but one that plagues me every time I play tenor. Those low B and Bb just don't want to come out every time, or on the first try rather. It is not the horn, because I do it on every tenor. Is it from too many years playing Bari maybe? Well, any advice on correcting this would help, thanks!

[Storamin]

Well, I have been trying to get used to my new Martin Tenor I got, and I am having 1 small problem, but one that plagues me every time I play tenor. Those low B and Bb just don't want to come out every time, or on the first try rather. It is not the horn, because I do it on every tenor. Is it from too many years playing Bari maybe? Well, any advice on correcting this would help, thanks!
From my uneducated opinion, the bari should probaly help you with lower notes on the tenor. After playing the bari, low B & Bb come out easy as pie on my alto. Perhaps your embuchoure(I butchered that word) is affecting it. Bari is very loose.

[Anonymous]

Often this is the first glimpse one gets of the reality that the sax-mouthpiece-reed balancing act is a compromise and that having it all is a tough row to hoe!

Generally, large opening-soft reed favors the low notes, and small opening-hard reed simplifies altissimo.

Of course, you should, and will, go where your conscience (or lack thereof) may dictate!

[Kosma]

I've had this problem with certain mpcs, certain horns, (like mark vi).
Also with too open mpcs. I still bump the F palm key occasionally (that'll do it). One other possibility is that either a key is blowing open or opening momentarily (specifically low C#) when you go for the B or Bb. Or you might have a small leak somewhere else. Playing bari has made tenor much easier for me.

[pepper]

Well, I have been trying to get used to my new Martin Tenor I got

which model Martin is it ?

[jazzbluescat]

IMHO part of it is that of engineering. The tenor just responds differently than bari(and alto). When I switched to tenor, after several years of playing bari., I just had to readjust my approach to playing the horn.
It's like switching from tpt to french horn; rather that from tpt to cornet, e.g.

[JPrince]

Sorry for the lack of responses, but y net connection failed last week and is barely operating now. It is a 1956-57 The Martin, serial 198,XXX. I am currently using a Brilhart Tonalin 4* and Rico Royal 2 1/2 reeds. The reeds aren't my usual choice (Prefer Vandoren or La Voz, but these came with the horn.). I do think you guys are right about switching tho, considering I have played bari forever, and not that much Tenor. Well, I guess its gonna be a lot of practice, but I'll nail it.