Saxophone beginners I am a "Wet player"??? Help!

[Ivan]

But I wonder if the increase in warm air from deep in the lungs is the moisture condensing

The air you breath out is just under 80% relative humidity

So, yes, most of the water in the horn is condensate

If some of your horn moisture is drool, the relative proportion of drool to condensate will depend on how orally incontinent you are

 

[Ivan]

A more problematic issue is when water starts coming out the palm keys, or the top stack keys. It gets on your fingers….

When I wipe my hands on my trousers and carry on, I inevitably ask myself, "why is it happening this time and not every time?"

 

[Ivan]

To not gross people out, I would step aside to the driveway area about 15 paces away from the entrance outdoor canopy cover where it was darker to release the water

Too many possibilities...

You walked 15 yards into a dark corner to 'release water'? And hoped your audience wouldn't think that was gross behaviour¿

They might have thought you were filling the donation kettle...

 

[Colin the Bear]

There's always a puddle in front of the Stompers. They are mostly over 80, so it's understandable.

 

[ghostler]

You walked 15 yards into a dark corner to 'release water'? And hoped your audience wouldn't think that was gross behaviour¿

Well, at least I got my zipper up in time.

 

[Pete Effamy]

Lots of warm air passing through a cold metal tube is a condenser. You've become a breath still. 😉

I would say you're on the right track. 👍

At our age it's nice to still have breath.

 

[mizmar]

I'm going to have to block this thread. Every time it appears my ISP asks for age verification

 

[Ballymenaboy]

The air you breath out is just under 80% relative humid
Love that phrase orally incontinent…maybe I should put a nappy under my chin😜

So, yes, most of the water in the horn is condensate

If some of your horn moisture is drool, the relative proportion of drool to condensate will depend on how orally incontinent you are

 

[cappers]

I've found if I'm well hydrated I produce less saliva and usually have a glass or bottle of water around when playing.

I think there's a physiological response when one is dehydrated to salivate when something is put in the mouth. An old walking trick was to suck a pebble when thirsty to promote salivation.

Apparently these foods promote salvation so maybe avoid before playing - apples, hard cheeses, crunchy vegetables, citrus fruits, bitter greens.

 

[DesertRoads]

I have a similar problem, and I'm not a new player. I have always produced a lot of saliva, so I often don't drink any water before a performance as I get "wet" far too quickly. It's helped some. Often after 2-3 pieces in I have to take off my neck and mouthpiece and shake them out. I feel like a brass player draining my spit valve pipe.

 

[Joe from New Orleans]

Means you're making a lot of saliva as you play and it's getting in the mouthpiece.

Seems to be caused by being too tense as you play. Relax, swallow earlier.

Means you sound like Stan Getz!

 

[Woodpad]

Means you sound like Stan Getz!

Also known as Stanley the steamer named after an early steam driven car. In general you start to salivate when thinking of something tasty, which is a problem if you like tasty licks.