Beginner Saxes Octave G problem

[Isil]

Recently I have been having this problem when playing tenor sax where sometimes when I play G with the octave key it makes this weird sound and sometimes it doesn’t. can you help me? I think it’s my embouchure because I noticed as soon as I fix my position and have less mouth piece in my mouth it goes away.

Watch Octave key G | Streamable

 

[Grumps]

Make sure things are working properly. First check the body octave pad to see if that's opening when you hit the G key along with the octave. If it's sticking or not otherwise functioning properly, it would cause the sort of problem you have with that note. Also the octave pip on the neck. That should drop when you hit the G key along with the octave key. That you can blow through it isn't too surprising. But check that first and see if that's what's causing the problem. It's likely mechanical given what you're experiencing.

 

[cappers]

@Isil You wrote 'recently'.... does that mean the wobbly octave G wasn't a problem before on the same horn, mpc and reed type? In that case it could be a regulation issue as @Grumps suggested.

Assuming your horn is in good order, an unstable, gurgling, wobbly octave G might be an embouchure/breath issue. I had problems initially with G to octave G. I've no idea how I fixed it apart from trying different approaches, mouthpiece depth/angle/air speed etc. Sounds odd but I've been told to hear the note in my head before sounding it.

Caveat, I'm a novice so I'd wait for further advice from the more experienced on here.

 

[turf3]

More air, less pinch.

 

[Nick Wyver]

If it’s any help, octave G on a tenor is often a bit iffy.

 

[cappers]

If it’s any help, octave G on a tenor is often a bit iffy.

If it happens just repeat it and the audience will think it's a technique like growling

 

[Isil]

@Isil You wrote 'recently'.... does that mean the wobbly octave G wasn't a problem before on the same horn, mpc and reed type? In that case it could be a regulation issue as @Grumps suggested.

Assuming your horn is in good order, an unstable, gurgling, wobbly octave G might be an embouchure/breath issue. I had problems initially with G to octave G. I've no idea how I fixed it apart from trying different approaches, mouthpiece depth/angle/air speed etc. Sounds odd but I've been told to hear the note in my head before sounding it.

Caveat, I'm a novice so I'd wait for further advice from the more experienced on here.

I asked my teacher before about the problem but every time I tried to show him, it wouldn’t do it 😂. I don’t think it’s a mechanical problem as I had someone look at it so I think it’s me for sure

 

[Isil]

@Isil You wrote 'recently'.... does that mean the wobbly octave G wasn't a problem before on the same horn, mpc and reed type? In that case it could be a regulation issue as @Grumps suggested.

Assuming your horn is in good order, an unstable, gurgling, wobbly octave G might be an embouchure/breath issue. I had problems initially with G to octave G. I've no idea how I fixed it apart from trying different approaches, mouthpiece depth/angle/air speed etc. Sounds odd but I've been told to hear the note in my head before sounding it.

Caveat, I'm a novice so I'd wait for further advice from the more experienced on here.

Sorry what’s is mpc? And I think I might switch down to an easier reed and see if that’s the problem because my teacher started me on a 3.5 reed 😭or just try the different angles and stuff like you said thanks!

 

[cappers]

Sorry what’s is mpc? And I think I might switch down to an easier reed and see if that’s the problem because my teacher started me on a 3.5 reed 😭or just try the different angles and stuff like you said thanks!

@Isil My apology, 'mpc' is shorthand for mouthpiece.

I think a 3.5 reed is a bit hard for a beginner? I'm not your teacher though!
What 'mpc' is it and what is the make of reed, is it cane or synthetic?
I might suggest 1.5-2 to start.

but every time I tried to show him, it wouldn’t do it 😂.

Good, then it's you not the horn, cheaper to fix!

I really don't know how I fixed it. Make sure the mpc is on the cork at the correct position, a few mm can affect the tuning and I believe the G# stability.
I played G1-G2-G1-G2 until I could do it without warbling, trying more or less mpc in mouth, mpc angles, throat openess, breath support etc until it 'clicked'. I don't know what I do but it rarely happens now. Same for D1 to D2, another known wobbler!

 

[PigSquealer]

Sorry what’s is mpc? And I think I might switch down to an easier reed and see if that’s the problem because my teacher started me on a 3.5 reed 😭or just try the different angles and stuff like you said thanks!

3.5 reed for a beginner 🤯🤯 Mashugana teacher ? Most start on a 1.5 and work up. 3.5 is just nuts. Buy a couple 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5. If a 1.5 keeps closing up. Just learn to control, well everything. If this is really fighting you. Move up to 2.0. What MPC are you playing on ?

 

[Isil]

3.5 reed for a beginner 🤯🤯 Mashugana teacher ? Most start on a 1.5 and work up. 3.5 is just nuts. Buy a couple 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5. If a 1.5 keeps closing up. Just learn to control, well everything. If this is really fighting you. Move up to 2.0. What MPC are you playing on ?

Haha 😭 I only found out a few days ago that I should have started on an easier reed and I’m very surprised I get such a nice sound in both the high register and low register. I play on a 3.5 Rico reed and play on a Vandoren Paris optimum mouth piece.

 

[Isil]

@Isil My apology, 'mpc' is shorthand for mouthpiece.

I think a 3.5 reed is a bit hard for a beginner? I'm not your teacher though!
What 'mpc' is it and what is the make of reed, is it cane or synthetic?
I might suggest 1.5-2 to start.


Good, then it's you not the horn, cheaper to fix!

I really don't know how I fixed it. Make sure the mpc is on the cork at the correct position, a few mm can affect the tuning and I believe the G# stability.
I played G1-G2-G1-G2 until I could do it without warbling, trying more or less mpc in mouth, mpc angles, throat openess, breath support etc until it 'clicked'. I don't know what I do but it rarely happens now. Same for D1 to D2, another known wobbler!

I play on a 3.5 Rico reed and play on a Vandoren Paris optimum mouth piece. Thank you for your tip!!

 

[skeller047]

Regarding reed strength, Rico reeds are noticeably softer than other reeds. Rico 3.5 is about the same as a Select Jazz 3-Soft or Vandoren 2.5 (maybe even 2).

What tip opening Optimum mouthpiece? TL3, TL4 or TL5? These pieces have a longer facing so harder reeds will seem softer. The lower numbers are smaller tip openings; I am not surprised that a beginner would do well with a Vandoren Optimum TL3 and a Rico 3.5 reed.

The real question about reed strength is can you play soft and loud with equal ease? If so, don’t worry about it. If playing soft is difficult, then maybe go down to a 3 or 2.5 Rico reed.

Regarding the cracking G or G#, this is a known problem on tenor especially. Likely nothing about your horn or mouthpiece/reed setup. I’ve been playing saxophone for 65 years and sometimes my G cracks. That is a sign for me to make sure my embouchure is set correctly and I am using good breath support. In other words, I am being lazy with my blowing mechanics.

 

[Grumps]

I don’t think it’s a mechanical problem as I had someone look at it so I think it’s me for sure

It's a good idea to understand how the mechanics work. Take the horn out of your mouth and watch what happens as you finger the keyed range of your horn from bottom to top. See how things work. See how they interact. It ain't rocket science.

 

[Colin the Bear]

It's good practice to learn how to blow through leaks.