Saxophones Help with notes

[S150436]

I am trying to get a clean transition from high E -> low F without it squeaking, fading in or what seems a slow reaction.

I am playing a set of notes (high F -> high E -> low F), and with or without using the octave key, I still can’t seem to get a nice clean quick change down.

1.5 reed with Yamaha 4C mouthpiece.

Is it Technique? Will a thicker reed help?

Thank you in advance.

 

[S150436]

There are lots of alternate fingerings, some more in tune than others. But if I were playing this, I'd use the standard palm key fingerings.

Second Octave - Alternate Fingering Chart for Saxophone - The Woodwind Fingering Guide

The elephant in the room here is the 1.5 reed on a 4C. That's essentially tissue paper and really only appropriate if you're an absolute beginner (in which case you shouldn't be playing high F yet), or if you have some sort of physical limitation due to health or age. An experienced player is going to get the best overall response from something around a 3.5 (+/- .5) on a 4C. Many here will disagree with me, but that's the reality, like it or not.

Yes, and I have only just started to use the 4C, as I was using the one off I got off my first Sax (cheap Eavone, but really good favourable mouth piece for me)

Awesome finger guide - thank you. More combinations I didn’t even know.

Thank you.

 

[S150436]

On soprano, I play Rico 2.5 on the equivalent of a Yamaha 13C (if it existed) or Selmer J. On a 2, I wouldn't be able to play the palm key notes at all. But I suspect the OP is on alto or tenor, in which case, a 1.5 would immediately close up on a 4C unless you had no embouchure at all and an extremely weak air stream. I don't think the OP is doing himself any favors playing on such a soft reed.

Correct, OP is on Alto, and never got to play much before now due to work and life. Now that a few things have shifted, I can dedicate a little time once a week in which I am loving.

Also was using the mouthpiece I had on my first cheap Alto (Eavone, but came with a really good mouthpiece that has a closer gap that the 4C, and just used to it on a 1.5mm (now that I am practicing more I’ll be moving soon I’m sure).

 

[S150436]

Yes, and I have only just started to use the 4C, as I was using the one off I got off my first Sax (cheap Eavone, but really good favourable mouth piece for me)

Awesome finger guide - thank you. More combinations I didn’t even know.

Thank you.

Second to that, I think the best way to describe myself is intermediate with little to none dedicated practice.

This will be changing now, as my personal situation has changed.

Using the palm keys for the high F -> high E -> low F - it’s Children by Robert Miles that I am learning to play.