New soprano problems

[Moz]

As some would know (see other posts) I have recently bought a new Yanagisawa soprano.:cry:

I am having problems with low C, D and E, They resonate, big time. Although with concentration I can get a pure tone it is by no means consistent. It is as if the sax is trying to play the note but also trying to play the same note but one octave up. Sometimes both notes play giving a chord effect that isn't altogether pleasant and certainly not the purity of tone that one wants.

I have tried two different types of reed, one softer than the other, and it does seem that the softer the reed the less the bad effects but...

...is there something wrong with the sax or is it me? I have played tenor for three years so my embouchure is a bit slack I suppose.

I have another, wider mouthpiece coming from the devils junkyard so won't make serious judgements until that has been tried.

I have used a leak light but there are no leaks. All the keys appear to operate correctly. There is no problem with the upper register.


Suggestions from other tenor to sop converts please (or anyone at all really).

Cheers

Moz

 

[mfox]

i bet there is a problem with the octave mech..blowing open , but not showing with leak light..

 

[griff136]

Moz,

check again using the lightest of finger pressure with your leak light in a dark room. BTW what type of leak light are you using?
the rope type just aren't bright enough IMHO.

once you have checked with the light go over with a cigarette paper cut to a point. check around the circumference of each pad for equal pressure - something which you cannot do with a leak light.

I would also check that your mouthpiece is nice and snug on the mouthpiece.

check also, as Mfox suggests, your 8va mech
particularly making sure it operates correctly and that when at rest, the octave arm ( the bit that sticks up and operates the crook key) is clear of the crook key.

while you are at it check that all the springs are secure in their latches.

 

[TomMapfumo]

I'm not the world's greatest tech but when I recently returned to soprano I had this effect on two of the mouthpieces I recently trialled (The Brancher B21 - 8* equivalent, and the Yani 5* I purchased 2nd hand). This effect has now disappeared and I am back into my original soprano embouchure mode, primarily playing 6 -7* equivalent pieces. Make of that what you will, but all notes are comfortably playable, and I suspect in my case it was about re-establishing a stable embouchure (I also play trumpet etc. so have quite strong muscles in that area generally) and can produce a very clear tone at will now that I am 'back in the groove', including on the Yani and also the Rico Graftonite (highly recommended B7 facing).

You may also find that a Clarinet type embouchure (with bottom lip turned inward over teeth will provide a more stable embouchure for the time being, and may help to clarify whether it is you or the sax that is the main focus of the current difficulty. let us know how you get on.

Kind regards
Tom 8)

 

[Pete Thomas]

Apart from the obvious possibility of a leak not shown up by the light, you need to be aware that sopranos usually have more resistance, so I like a softer reed on soprano very often.

 

[peterboulanger]

Moz, how do the low b & b flat play? It's weird if you don't have problems with the notes below the low C - it makes me think that it's mechanical in some way, and not the embouchure.

I use #3 reeds on my soprano, or I can't get the top three notes at all.

My low g quiet often takes it's own sweet time deciding which octave it belongs in.

If I choke off the air from my lungs at all, not playing with enough support, I have problems with both the highest and lowest notes.

(Walstein curved soprano)

 

[Linky Lee]

The soprano seems to be a very temperamental instrument, it also reacts very sympathetically to any minor adjustments.

I think the problem will settle down a lot with some practice in a few weeks.

Could well be something mechanical as well.

 

[Moz]

Thank you everyone. The wisdom received from you all has great relevance.

I have checked the mechanisms and all seems in order. There are no leaks and the octave mech is not blowing open (significant other held it down with a toothpick).

Mouthpiece is sealed (very tight actually, I worry about the force required to push it on -- lot's of cork grease, I think).

I have concentrated on my air support and this has improved things.

I have used a softer reed and results are variable and not conclusive.

I have changed my embouchure to clarinet-type with some success.

Don't have much problem with low B and Bb but then that's probably 'cos I like the really low notes and do something different unconciously.

In general, I think Tom's answer is probably the most likely cause of my problem in that my embouchure for the soprano is not stable and for a short time I have probably gone back to novice level. I shall persevere and with the new mouthpiece (yet to arrive) I hope things come together. And Linky, thanks for the reassurance, I wouldn't like to think VISA paid out that much for a duffer! 🙂

I do like the low notes on the saxophone hence my preference for the tenor (bari is too expensive) but the soprano has potential for it's ethereal, classical tone. Can't see me using it much for jazz though (he says, hoping he has not offended any soprano jazzers).

Thank you all. I shall keep you informed as to my progress.

Cheers

Moz

 

[TomMapfumo]

Hi Moz!

Glad to have been of help. What is the new mouthpiece going to be. I agree very much about classical tone on soprano, and love the sound of both my Brancher J15 metal and the Vandoren V16 S6, both of which allowed a pure sound. I am pleased to use a metal mouthpiece on Tenor, otherwise I can feel a little too loose lipped afterwards, and seem to be able to play a metal soprano quite comfortably after also playing the trumpet.

Kind regards
Tom 8)

 

[Moz]

The new mouthpiece is a Bari with a 7 opening. It worked for me when I bought a new mpc for my tenor but if it's no good it'll go back on Ebay for little loss. The mpc I use on my tenor is an Otto Link Super Tone Master and it's bloody brilliant from the very soft, classical sound to a rip-roaring, soul-sucking sax-attack! You have probably got it by now that I quite like it. :whistle:

Cheers

Moz

PS Still haven't received the mpc though but the way my tone is improving I might just not need it afterall.

TomMapfumo wrote:
Hi Moz!

Glad to have been of help. What is the new mouthpiece going to be. I agree very much about classical tone on soprano, and love the sound of both my Brancher J15 metal and the Vandoren V16 S6, both of which allowed a pure sound. I am pleased to use a metal mouthpiece on Tenor, otherwise I can feel a little too loose lipped afterwards, and seem to be able to play a metal soprano quite comfortably after also playing the trumpet.

Kind regards
Tom 8)

 

[TomMapfumo]

The Bari soprano piece seems well thought of. I am very happy with the V16/Brancher J15 on soprano, and the bari was an alternative to the V16 at one stage.

Hope it works out, and glad that things are developing satisfactorily.
Kind regards
Tom 8)