Tone Tone of lower Notes

[kevgermany]

OK, I'm getting nice (for me) tones out of my tenor, improving as I go up from the lower G. But below that the tone is more like a foghorn... Especially at D and below.

I need to work on it, I know.

Any tips on how to change my blowing/embouchure to get it into a smooth, dark earthy sound - more like Stan Getz/Plas Johnston for instance?

I don't want to change mouthpieces yet (it's a Rico B5 with Rico Royal #2 reeds).

 

[FastFred]

Probably 20 years will help with the Getz sound...

Diaphragm is very important on the lower notes, forget blow think air release through the mouthpiece/horn. Bottom notes are always more challenging but it seems to help a lot if the horn is warmed up.

 

[Pee Dee]

Read a few tips somewhere:
Press extra hard on the keys when playing low notes.
Breathe as if you were trying to steam up the mirror.
Relax the embouchure.
Put two or three corks in the bell.
Some saxophones just won't work well on the low notes.

My tip? Practice!;}

 

[kevgermany]

Thanks, will work on it.

 

[DaveW]

Pee Dee's tip about breathing as if trying to steam up a mirror works for me Kev. If I try to force it it doesn't work.

I think the experienced players here will say the Getz sound (which I would like to emulate) is .subtoning'.

But as with everything on the sax, it's a case of practice, practice, and more practice!

 

[Pete Thomas]

Press extra hard on the keys when playing low notes.

Only if the horn has leaks, otherwise this shouldn't be necessary.

 

[FastFred]

Yes, listen to Pete as he can actually play unlike most others on here including me...

Pressing hard will also lead to immobilised fingers which will limit speed long term. Ditto lifting the fingers off the keys too much. Watch the pros on you tube and the fingers barely seem to move.

 

[kevgermany]

Not leaking, according to my home made leak light.

Will keep on trying, bound to come!

 

[Luluna]

You might try this breathing support "trick" to see if it helps - it always gets me back on track. While seated and playing, lift your feet up off the floor - it engages your diaphragm and the low notes should come easier. Also, maybe the reed isn't soft enough?

Good luck ;}

 

[kevgermany]

Thanks Lori, will try that. Will be interesting. Especially for any onlookers..... 🙂))

I've found the tenor's a little big to play sitting down, although I've seen people doing it.

 

[thehunt]

Gruß Gott Kev. Work those abs, i find it helps me to actually think and use the diaphragm, eventually you just do it without thinking about it.
Playing tenor sitting down is easy, just swing it to one side, then the tenor!! lol. No really just put it to one side, swivel crook to accomodate new angle and mp, away you go.
I'll try Lori's tip tonight, feet up. Rgds Phil