Saxophone beginners Squeaky Tenor

[richardr]

There's such a gap between any of the reed tips I have and the mouth piece tip

Reminds me of the mouthpiece that came with my TJ tenor which I bought new. It's a hybrid metal/plastic affair that the dealer said was worth £200 on its own. I started playing the TJ with my favourite mouthpiece at the time (a Britone 3*) but after a few years I had a go with the hybrid. At first I squeaked all over the place. My teacher said it was because of its huge tip opening and advised me to persevere with it because it would serve me better in the long run. So I persevered, mainly by experimenting with my embouchure, and soon I was almost squeak-free. (I don't play it nowadays because I've bought another that I like better.)

What mouthpiece is it? I never bothered to look until just now. I can't find a maker's name unless it's the word "BARI". I'd better see whether it fits on Colin the Bear's baritone!

 

[ColColt]

I had figured the Link 6* was nearly the smallest opening but it's a good bit more than the Yamaha 5C with a standard #2 or 2 1/2 reed. I think, and I'm probably off a bit without checking, the Yamaha is about .075 and the Link .095 which still to me isn't all that big.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Considering tip openings go up in increments of 0.005" and most players can easily tell the difference one step up or down and have a decided preference. Going up 4 steps, all be it only 0.020" is a massive difference. Add to this most players start with a 4c, it would appear you are 5 steps away from base camp. If this was running shoes, 5 sizes bigger than what you require, you would no doubt trip up after a few steps.

Put the Yam on and try some less hard reeds. Rico orange box 1 or 1.5. It will be easier to control and less squeaky. Once you have become comfortable with that set up maybe try a 2 but no harder.

The smallest tip opening listed is 0.063 Selmer B*, popular mid last century with a hard reed, 4 or 5.

http://www.saxophon-service.de/homep/mundverg/vergl-ts.html

Personally I've never liked Links but some love them.

 

[ColColt]

From that chart, seems I should have started with the Link 4 or 4* rather than the 6*. Those former two are more like the Yamaha 5C. I have several #2 reeds, both wood and Rico Plasticover, but nothing softer. I thought that was the softest recommended and so bought those instead.

 

[ProfJames]

If it is any help.........I started on a 5 with alto and a 7 on tenor. I also started on a 2 reed but only because there were some in the case with the alto. I am on 2.5 with my tenor. I also made the move to synthetic reed but only after about a year.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Links are demanding pieces and can be expensive. Beginner pieces are made for beginners and much cheaper because we all move on. The Link 6* may be a keeper. But for later on.

The plasticover is natural cane, french cut, dipped in plastic. Some love them and sound great. I hate them and squeak. Rico orange box are natural cane, american cut.

There is no recommended starting or finishing point. You are where you are and need a fit. You'll end up where you end up and what fits there will be what's required. Everybody's chops are different.

 

[ColColt]

I liked the idea of the plastic or synthetic reed such as the Plasticover in #2 or the Legere 2 1/2 but must say the Legere is a tad expensive.

I didn't know what I'd need, just followed some recommendations. I also included the Rico #2 standard reed to see how well I'd like those. Time will tell.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Ideas count for very little if they don't work for you. Let playability and sound be your guide.

 

[trimmy]

Makes sense what CtB is saying

 

[ProfJames]

Your tutor will give good advice..........he will be able to hear and watch you.

 

[jimmylh]

You should be fine with the Y 5c and a #2 reed. That should not be hard to blow for a beginner. I started with a Hite .90ish tip and #2 reeds. I didn't find it hard to blow. It took me about 2 months before I could blow a #2.5 without getting dizzy. I've never had any luck with plasticover reeds. I get whistles and chirps all over the place when I use them. Since they are dry, I guess they don't seal well on my MP. Others have no problem with them. It's too bad one of us can't be there to check you out. I'm sure this wall of info has your head aching by now.

 

[ColColt]

Not only my head but my jaws and lips feel numb. I decided to try something different. I went back and forth between the Yamaha and the Link mpc with both plastic reeds and started playing all known current notes, B-A-G-F-E-D-D# back to C using the octave key for all and it sounded even worse, chirping all over the place. I think I'll abandon that idea to later on.🙂

 

[Jeanette]

Not only my head but my jaws and lips feel numb. I decided to try something different. I went back and forth between the Yamaha and the Link mpc with both plastic reeds and started playing all known current notes, B-A-G-F-E-D-D# back to C using the octave key for all and it sounded even worse, chirping all over the place. I think I'll abandon that idea to later on.🙂

Pick one set up and stick with it until you are comfortable back and forth won't help at this stage.

Jx

 

[ColColt]

You have a good point. I went to the Rico 2 1/2 wood reed and seem to have better luck. I'm still a mite in the dark about mouth placement. Are your upper front teeth suppose to actually rest on the top of the mouth piece and the lower lip tucked in over the bottom teeth-sort of a look like someone who doesn't have any teeth?

 

[Jeanette]

Yes top teeth rest on top of the mouthpiece, bottom lip can be different for individuals I don't consciously roll my bottom lip over my teeth it seems a natural position that when I stick the mouthpiece in my mouth my teeth are under my bottom lip.

Jx

 

[ProfJames]

This forum is owned and run by Pete Thomas. If you look at the top of the screen you will see "Taming the Saxophone". This DVD and associated books were written and devised by Pete. This will help.......
http://tamingthesaxophone.com/saxophone-embouchure

 

[ColColt]

Thanks and yes, I've read much of Pete's articles but apparently over looked that one. Some very good information there I'll try and put to good use...still reading it.

I've found if I don't provide a good seal I will assuredly get a high pitched squeal but, not being use to the instrument it sort of makes ones jaws a little tired and the bottom lip numb.

 

[trimmy]

it sort of makes ones jaws a little tired and the bottom lip numb.

This still happens to me it's fatigue setting in, don't fight against it put your sax away !

 

[ColColt]

A lot of good advice given on this and most appreciated. Sorry for taking up so much time, especially since it's Mother's Day. At least here in the US. I don't know if the UK has such a recognition of Moms or not.

 

[Jeanette]

A lot of good advice given on this and most appreciated. Sorry for taking up so much time, especially since it's Mother's Day. At least here in the US. I don't know if the UK has such a recognition of Moms or not.

No problem that is what we are here for. Mother's day was in March in the UK 🙂

Jx