Intonation Seeking Advice on Tenor Sax Intonation

[jxw1401]

Hello Experienced Tenor Sax Players,

I just started practicing tenor sax with a new Yanagisawa TW-O1 and its stock mouthpiece. I found that I have to push the mouthpiece all the way down to almost the end of the cork in order for me to get in tune. Otherwise, every note is flat. Even with the mouthpiece pushed to the end of the cork, I have to use tight embouchure to produce the sound in tune.

Since I'm very new to tenor sax, I was wondering if this is a common issue for the new leaners on tenor or it could be a problem with the stock mouthpiece.

BYW, I use the stock ligature and Vandoren traditional reed 2.0.

Your advice would be much appreciated.

 

[lydian]

You realize the tenor sax is a transposing instrument, right? So if you play a C, then seeing Bb on your tuner is correct.

 

[jxw1401]

You realize the tenor sax is a transposing instrument, right? So if you play a C, then seeing Bb on your tuner is correct.

Yes, I do. What I was referring that when I play a note, it's more 10 cents flat if I don't push the mouthpiece all the way down to the bottom, which I think it is too much. I play alto sax as well. There is usually at least 5mm uncovered cork while I can get in tune.

 

[lydian]

Cork length is entirely arbitrary. Push it in so it’s in tune. There is no fundamental problem with Yani tuning. I do suspect your embouchure since your alto is also to the hilt, apparently. Would you mind posting a sample of your alto and tenor playing?

 

[Pete Thomas]

Otherwise, every note is flat.

This doesn’t seem like an intonation issue.

I might be wrong but I think of intonation problems being where some notes are in tune but others are not.

If all notes are flat it is just a case of tuning rather than intonation.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Get in tune and play it there.

 

[jxw1401]

Thank you all for the responses. I suspected that it was an embouchure issue, but also wanted to make sure it's not a saxophone or mouthpiece issue. From your responses, it is most likely caused by my embouchure, which I need to keep practicing.

 

[Ivan]

...my embouchure, which I need to keep practicing

You are not alone

Always a work in progress as far as I'm concerned