Saxophones Got myself a YTS-25

[cappers]

Thanks to all for taking the time to respond.

After reading threads here and elsewhere I was expecting many to say just stick to one whilst learning to avoid confusion and frustration, or one could end up a dabbler rather than doubler!

However my teacher, whom I respect and admire, says it's fine and will be beneficial. He knows me well enough now regarding my enthusiasm, commitment and ability (he says I'm making solid rapid progress!).

I did an hour and half practice earlier on the tenor and found no problems with embouchure or breath support - if anything it has stopped me 'huffing' notes when I get carried away nothing happens when I huff into the tenor, unlike the alto

Some #2 reeds have just arrived so ready for tomorrow, I think the #1.5 a bit soft (use #2.5 on the alto).

Cheers all.

 

[Digger2054]

What you might find is your naturally gravitate to one horn.

I mostly practice Tenor. Yet in the orchestra I play with I've recently started playing Bari, and before that was primarily Alto. When we've done quartet pieces have played sop.

I find tenor more challenging and enjoyable.

 

[cappers]

What you might find is your naturally gravitate to one horn.

I mostly practice Tenor. Yet in the orchestra I play with I've recently started playing Bari, and before that was primarily Alto. When we've done quartet pieces have played sop.

I find tenor more challenging and enjoyable.

@Digger2054 Out of interest, in what way did you find the tenor more challenging? I understand the enjoyable bit!

 

[Digger2054]

@Digger2054 Out of interest, in what way did you find the tenor more challenging? I understand the enjoyable bit!

I play a vintage conn, but that aside, I'm a self confessed lazy player, regarding breath support & voicing (voicing even more on the Bari)

Embochure too, I played tenor for the first time with others a few weeks ago and squeaked something terrible until I relaxed, same with Bari when concentrating on reading.

For me I find the Alto more forgiving, or perhaps because that's what I learnt on many moons ago.

 

[cappers]

I play a vintage conn, but that aside, I'm a self confessed lazy player, regarding breath support & voicing (voicing even more on the Bari)

Embochure too, I played tenor for the first time with others a few weeks ago and squeaked something terrible until I relaxed, same with Bari when concentrating on reading.

For me I find the Alto more forgiving, or perhaps because that's what I learnt on many moons ago.

Thanks.

On the alto it took me a while to get a relaxed but firm enough embouchure, although it goes to pot when my lips get tired.
So far on the tenor (two days ~ 3hrs ) I find the slightly looser embouchure and larger mpc nicer and I don't squeak nearly as much as I did initially on the alto.

Years of yoga, tai chi and some martial arts have given me good abdominal breathing and breath control and that must be helping.

Re voicing, I'm only a raw beginner on sax but I'm as a lifetime whistler I understand how the tongue shape and position and oral cavity can influence the sound. It's totally subconscious for me, and I hope it transfers to the sax.

 

[peedeeblues]

He who dies with the most saxophones wins!🙂

 

[mizmar]

After reading threads here and elsewhere I was expecting many to say just stick to one whilst learning to avoid confusion and frustration, or one could end up a dabbler rather than doubler!

And yet few did!
Seems to me, people's baseline advice breaks both ways. But you always need to take the individual, their abilities and interests into consideration... About which your teacher probably know more than we do!
But I would suggest; don't let changing voice get in the way of other things.
There is some cost in running two (or more) horns in parallel, especially at the start. Maybe 1 month Alto, one Tenor or something.

As an aside: I'm much more drawn to Tenor. But recently have been learning some Duos which are scored for TT, AA or AT... So nice to pick up the A and use the right voice etc.

 

[mizmar]

He who dies with the most saxophones wins!🙂

Do tin whistles count?

Anyway, I don't intend to die with no saxophone - the shabby sax will certainly outlive me.

 

[ghostler]

Some #2 reeds have just arrived so ready for tomorrow, I think the #1.5 a bit soft (use #2.5 on the alto.)

A decent reed clipper will fix a too soft reed. Remove no more than 1 mm at a time. Over time you will know how much to clip.

 

[skeller047]

A decent reed clipper will fix a too soft reed. Remove no more than 1 mm at a time. Over time you will know how much to clip.

I would say no more than 0.25mm. My first clarinet teacher, who taught me how to work on reeds, said to think about the thickness of a hair. That was an exaggeration, but 1mm is way too much.

 

[ghostler]

I would say no more than 0.25mm. My first clarinet teacher, who taught me how to work on reeds, said to think about the thickness of a hair. That was an exaggeration, but 1mm is way too much.

That I gave was a higher limit, and it depends how soft is soft.

1 mm = 1.25/32. I think in fractions of an inch (1/32), and going from a 1.5 to a 2.0 reed is a good size jump. It really isn't that aggressive of a clip.

I hear you @skeller047.

Yes, take off less than more. Suggest practising on old worn out or chipped reeds first, before a good one.

Also invest in a quality clipper. There are poor quality ones out there, too. With a cheap one that I bought from either Amazon or EBay, was half the cost of a traditional quality one, it was not capable of "hairline" cuts. Smallest was 1 mm.

I'd show a photo of such but would have to dig it out of storage.

 

[PiccoloPirate]

Not all reeds match the shape of the mouthpiece tip and that is also a problem with reed trimmers, even the Cordier.
IIRC, in an earlier life, Allard said that the Tenor Cordier was better for Alto Sax reeds.
I use my Cordier, if there is a power failure and the 6"x48" Belt Sander is offline.
Just kidding.
Might be fun to make a fixture, top/bottom, to hold a reed and hand sand the reed to match the mouthpiece.
Not a flute family problem. 👍👍

 

[skeller047]

I have used the quarter or half dollar and a lighter trick. I have sanded the end of a reed with an emery board - it was probably previously used by my date for the night. I prefer the Cordier... but any port in a storm, eh?

 

[LostCircuits]

I have used the quarter or half dollar and a lighter trick. I have sanded the end of a reed with an emery board - it was probably previously used by my date for the night. I prefer the Cordier... but any port in a storm, eh?

What did she say when she found out?

 

[ghostler]

I posted earlier adding a little humour but decided to revise my post more toward being informative.

On the inexpensive reed trimmer I bought, its tolerances were not as tight, so it was totally incapable of doing "hairline" trims. I wound up with having a folded edge with only parts of the reed trimmed. This was particularly true on softer reeds like the 1.5's.

I used a hobbyist knife to trim that folded portion, but this defeated the purpose of the trimmer.

For some odd reason, the traditional quality trimmers now cost a small fortune. I now have good trimmers for my SATB saxes and Eb sopranino and Bb soprano clarinets. So to justify costs, consider these as long term investments.

 

[skeller047]

What did she say when she found out?

She said "Keep it. Ewww." I was neither so fastidious or proud, or I would have never asked her for it in the first place.

My apologies for speaking out of turn, @skeller047

No apologies necessary. I don't mind much, if any, comments about me, my playing or my opinions. Stupidity, that's another story...

I agree the Cordier trimmers are expensive, but they have always been. There was a time when their prices didn't catch up to inflationary trends, but they are up there now. I have never used any other kind - except once 🙂

 

[Colin the Bear]

Nail clippers?

 

[ghostler]

Nail clippers?

Only guitar players need those.

 

[cappers]

Showed my teacher the tenor and after trying it out he said it was lovely, well used but not abused. And at a bargain price too.

He found a couple of minor leaks from the bell keys so has kept it to adjust them and give it an oil and check over. Apparently the pads are good, corks and felts good, just those keys not closing fully. I'm very happy

I asked him should if should I concentrate on one or play both and said given my current ability, progress and motivation to play which ever one I feel like! I used the alto today after four days on the tenor and didn't have a problem with embouchure or voicing.

I feel more 'at home' on the tenor but I also love the beautiful sound the alto can make, so I ordered a second Hannibal stand so they can sit together like Little & Large (A UK 'comedy' duo for non Brits).

 

[rhysonsax]

......

I feel more 'at home' on the tenor but I also love the beautiful sound the alto can make, so I ordered a second Hannibal stand so they can sit together like Little & Large (A UK 'comedy' duo for non Brits).

Hannibal or Hercules ?

Little & Large (A UK non-comedy duo for us Brits).

Rhys