Saxophone beginners Time for a Tenor?

[Targa]

So for all those who play both alto and tenor. When you made the transition did you stick with the same horn manufacturer or go completely different?

Liked my Hanson ST8 so bought a Hanson SA8.

 

[Ivan]

I showed brand loyalty for alto and tenor but went off piste for bari and sop

 

[Al Ex]

Well, having started on alto 10 month ago, I'm in the same situation as you and I'd really love to get a tenor too... I like a lot of tenor players, and since I hope I will be able to join a band soon enough, I think it would be useful to be able to play both saxes (not at the same time, my name's not Roland) I can't help thinking about it since a few days, but I'm still wondering if I should go for it.

After reading all your messages, it seems that I should give it a try! My main concern is that I would mostly practice tenor on week ends, because I live in an apartment, and given the price of another mute (mine fits alto only), I will not be able to get one (at least not when buying a tenor).

I was starting to think of it as a bad idea, but after reading this thread I'm thinking about practicing on my alto during the week, and blow in the tenor on week ends...

Now the hardest part: getting rid of my remaining electric guitar gear to get a YTS 280!

 

[IGoddard]

So looks like you’ve all convinced me to expand to a tenor. So the final question is, YTS280 or a cannonball range?

The YAS280 has been a perfect first alto as it’s just so solid, which would make a YTS a safe choice. But the cannonball range, vintage reborn in particular are just so damn pretty .

Has anyone got any experience of both? How would these 2 models compare? I know they’re not comparable price wise.

 

[Holly]

Thanks for the quick responses. It seems like the overall verdict is to give one a try.

My first and only alto has been a YAS 280. There’s always been a niggle in my head saying this is just a student horn, silly I know because it’s a very good horn that is certainly not limited by my ability at this moment in time.
Would a student tenor be people’s recommendations?
Perhaps a slight upgrade to a YTS-48/62 or other manufacturers equivalent?
Or even a vintage. A buescher big b or con selmer 10m seem to be reasonably priced.

Ian

I began on an alto. After a couple of years, I really wanted to try a tenor. I would strongly recommend going to a shop and trying various makes within your budget. I was surprised to find that for me, hitting the notes in the lowest register was easier on the "professional" models rather than the student models. I am told that the reason is because students play mainly in the middle register. As others have previously stated it is how a sax works for you. Everyone is different and positioning of the keys is a very personal thing. I love my tenor and play it in preference to alto these days.

 

[trimmy]

Liked my Hanson ST8 so bought a Hanson SA8.

There’s a Hanson SS5 in the yard sale, it’s only one step down 😉

 

[Thierry]

I’ve been playing alto for about 8 months and it’s fair to say I’m in love with the saxophone . With a constructive practise routine I’ve been making strong progress in all aspects of playing. Progress I’m keen to maintain.

However, the tenor has always been my favourite from the saxophone family and have been getting itchy feet to try one out recently.

So my question is, would purchasing a tenor be a distraction and compromise my progress? Would it only confuse matters at this stage?
Im currently committing an hour a day to practising and can’t spare any more time, so my hour would be shared by both instruments.

Thanks all

Ian

I'm exactly where you are and am wondering which to pick coming from a Selmer Alto SA 80 II: Reference 54 or Serie III ? Anyone for a good advice welcome.

 

[kevgermany]

Why do you want to move on from the SA80 Series II? This may help your decision.

 

[Thierry]

Why do you want to move on from the SA80 Series II? This may help your decision.

Today I tried a SA 80 Series II, a Series III & a Reference 54. Finally settled for the Series III with a Soloist D. Great stuff 😉)

 

[Thierry]

I realise everyone's different, but that is absolutely not the case in my recent experience. You're right, nearly everything you've learnt on the alto is directly transferable to the tenor. Go and try one in a shop, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Right you are Chris. I Just completed my 1st ever one hour tenor session and I found my marks immediately, almost as if I always played tenor sax! Ok, I admit I went from Selmer SA 80 II alto to Selmer Series III tenor so it may have been easier. Pick a tenor MP you felt good with on alto sax (like my Soloist D with a D'Addario Select Jazz 3M), lower the reed strength to a 3S and off you are. Couldn't stop playing 🙂

 

[Billylongpockets]

Im in the early stages of learning how to play the tenor. I have bought a s/h sax on the web through cash converters. and it came the next day with a 30 warranty. I will only know if it was at a good price when l eventually come to sell it. .My plan is to keep the thing for at least least 12 months. That was last year in January.. I'm now feeling confident to go into a music shop with my m/p and reeds and try a couple out. The shops im wanting to check out also do a rent to buy scheme.. After 3 months the horn is either bought or returned. The returned horns are usually checked over and are up for sale at a greatly reduced price. So March might be a good time to go looking. The choice will be yours. I always try and visit these shops during a weekday when they are more quiet. I think that the most important thing is to find a sound which you like then look at the name as you may be pleasantly surprised..

 

[ac30kev]

I started on alto 18 months ago and have since bought 'several' tenors, (including the world famous 'stinkhorn') and I am equally bad on both.
But, I enjoy having a toot and a parp because for me, that's what it's all about; having fun. As long as you are enjoying the journey, keep on travelling.. Had a quick 20 min toot this morning and it was wonderful.