Alto to Tenor

[jadoube]

Just how much more puff should a tenor require over an alto?

Having just had my first go on one I found it somewhat harder going then I'd hoped might be the case. Imagine a wheezing, rather sweaty, walrus and you can picture the effect of my practice tonight. :S

 

[Bobby G]

I found the transition from alto, my main horn, to tenor a lot easier than alto to soprano; you do need a bit more puff with tenor, especially on those low notes, but not as much as you might expect, and this is offset by a more relaxed embouchure and stance. I find now I've been playing with tenor more, it's no trouble at all to swap between the two.


Have you tried a bari yet 😉

 

[jadoube]

Have you tried a bari yet

Going by the tenor I'd be lucky to get any breath to the far end of one.

I think my wimpy elderly lungs need a spot of remedial P.E.

:whistle: :whistle: :whistle: :whistle: :whistle:

 

[Bobby G]

Maybe you were using a harder-to-blow combination of reed and mouthpiece on the tenor, which could have made it feel harder? Like I say, it shouldn't really be that much harder, and I didn't touch a tenor until I was 49 come to that...

 

[mfox]

there isn't much difference to speak of..weight and set up would be the only problems.

 

[helena]

I swithed just before Christmas, and found it a challenge for the first few plays and now I do think it is easier. I spent ages in the shop (nearly 3 hours) making my selection, mouthpiece etc, and now I am pleased I made the switch.

have fun!

Helen

 

[Pauline]

I'm sure you just need a softer reed.

When I first tried my tenor with the reed which came with it (don't know the strength) I couldn't get any sound at all, but this all changed when I bought a 1.5 reed.

I find the tenor easier to blow than the alto and I am a weedy 8st 55 year old. 🙂

 

[jadoube]

Thanks everyone.

Looks like some 1.5 reeds are the answer. Currently on 2's

 

[tengu01]

Record yourself. Take a listen to how you sound. When I made the transition, I thought I was great until I heard a recording. I needed to spend more time working on beefing up the sound by opening my throat more and providing more air support to the notes.

I only realised exactly what needed work when I took a good listen to myself. (or get a good teacher to do the same thing)

My 2c