Saxophone beginners Just Bought New Sax, A Little Squeaky

[DutchGFX]

Hey! I'm new to the forum, and I've been playing T-Sax for 6 years, and just bought a Phil Barone Classic Tenor and a Phil Barone Vintage 6* mouthpiece. Im in 11th grade, and My band teacher says I sound much better with the new sax, and I agree partially. Its much easier to play high notes, but I still have to play relatively loud to get the low notes out. The real issue is that when I play a mid-level D, like , all 6 and the octave, it often squeeks unless I play pretty loud.

Could it be the new mouthpiece since I'm not used to it? Could it be the reeds? Thanks guys!

 

[Justin Chune]

Play test the new sax with your familiar mouthpiece and reeds.

Jim.

 

[Greg Strange]

I agree with Jim. Try experimenting with the equipment you have available. You might find if your new mouthpiece has a larger tip opening than your previous one, then a softer reed may be the solution. The thing with the sax there is a lot of variables to consider - mouthpieces, reeds, ligatures, etc.

Good luck and happy honkin' - hopefully without the squeak...

Greg S.

 

[jbtsax]

If just the D squeaks, it may be that the neck octave key is opening slightly. Check to see that there is about 1/16" (1.5mm) clearance between the post that sticks up and the neck ring. Finger low G and hit the octave key hard several times and watch to see if the neck key bounces. If it does, it is out of adjustment. When you go from a lower note to D2 make sure that the 3rd finger of the left hand isn't late.

If you want to be sure it is the saxophone and not you, play on the neck and mouthpiece apart from the saxophone. If it still squeaks, it is mouthpiece or embouchure related. If the new mouthpiece has thinner side rails than the one you are used to, it will require more embouchure control. As Greg indicated, If it has a wider tip opening, you may have to go to a softer reed as well.

 

[Grumpy]

I have the same problem. When I change from say C# or B to middle D I often get the overtone before the real note comes out. I get this on my Tenor, C Melody and alto. Help

 

[jazzdoh]

I have the same problem. When I change from say C# or B to middle D I often get the overtone before the real note comes out. I get this on my Tenor, C Melody and alto. Help

Which note comes out when this happens.

 

[Pete Thomas]

When you go from a lower note to D2 make sure that the 3rd finger of the left hand isn't late.

This is often the cause. If that finger is later then toy are momentarily fingering an A before the D.

I have the same problem. When I change from say C# or B to middle D I often get the overtone before the real note comes out. I get this on my Tenor, C Melody and alto. Help

The cure is to consciously think of that finger LH 3 ( G ) and deploy itvery slightly earlier. Pracrice that for a while and you will gradually slip into doing it subconsciously.

 

[jazzdoh]

This is often the cause. If that finger is later then toy are momentarily fingering an A before the D.



The cure is to consciously think of that finger LH 3 ( G ) and deploy itvery slightly earlier. Pracrice that for a while and you will gradually slip into doing it subconsciously.

This was my thoughts too.

 

[Grumpy]

Thanks everybody, especially jbtsax and Pete I think the note that comes out is A2.
Back to the practice room. Cheers Grumpy

 

[JayeNM]

Thanks everybody, especially jbtsax and Pete I think the note that comes out is A2.
Back to the practice room. Cheers Grumpy

Right, solved.

The G key being depressed (third finger left hand) is what activates the octave mechanism to OPEN the body octave key and CLOSE the neck octave key (when you hit the thumb octave key). So....that G key HAS to be completely DOWN before you blow your desired note (G or below).

 

[Pete Thomas]

Thanks everybody, especially jbtsax and Pete

Just in case you aren't aware, jbtsax (John Talcott) sadly passed on just over a couple of years ago. He was one of our finest contributors and we have a memorial collection of his wisdom:

John Talcott in memoriam

A collection of posts by the late John Talcott one of our most prolific and helpful members. May he rest in peace.

cafesaxophone.com

 

[Pete Thomas]

The G key being depressed (third finger left hand) is what activates the octave mechanism to OPEN the body octave key and CLOSE the neck octave key (when you hit the thumb octave key). So....that G key HAS to be completely DOWN before you blow your desired note (G or below).

I guess the other thing that could cause this is a badly adjusted neck octave key. This would need fixing in case it's just staying open a tiny bit. Take it to a tech if you don't feel confident making the adjustment (a little bit of bending), but do get them to show you how to fix it yourself if that is the issue as it isn't that difficult once you know what and where to bend.