Breathing / Lung Capacity

[saxplayerdude]

I play 3-1/2 Vandoren V-16 reeds and I recently switched from a 7-AutoLink hard rubber to the equivalent of an 8*. I like the sound, but I am having a tough time playing on this more open setup.

I would like to avoid playing on a softer reed if I can... I really do like the tone I am getting, but am having to breathe much more frequently and am having difficulties sustaining low notes.

Is this a problem that can be remedied, or do I need to bite the bullet and get a softer reed? If it is, are there any breathing or lung capacity exercises that could help me out?

Thanks a bunch! Murray J

[Mike Cesati]

That was quite a jump from 7 to 8*. You are really better off playing a setup that doesn't tax your breathing.Personally putting a stiffer reed on the 7 might have helped you out.You can build endurance just from practice but our lung capacity is sort of inherent of our physical makeup.Playing needs to be as effortless as possible. It's counter productive to work real hard.
The choices would be the softer reed and you might get good results or it could get brighter or thinner. Next would be try a 7* or 8.The other thing is like I said put a #4 reed on the 7 mpc. The only other thing would be running,swimming,biking,holding your breath under water,studying yoga,etc. If you are doing all that you may not have time to practice the sax. Thats my .02 cents. Best of luck.

[Mike Cesati]

PS I noticed you like v16's . Try a #3 V16 . They run a little to the stiff side. I use 3 1/2 Rico and a 3 V16 is close. I use a 7* Otto Link. I've been playing 25 years I'm not sure of your level and how long you've been playing. Again WE are all different in the physical.

[SoulMate]

Switching to a harder setup (harder reed, more open mpc) always needs some embouchure adjustments. You run out of air support much faster because your chops aren't up to it yet. Because of this you try to compensate a bit by pushing more air through the mouthpiece.

Always remember that there are certain limits your facial muscles ( and your lungs) can handle. To compensate the more open piece it is recommended to step down a bit on the reed strength. Why torture yourself trying to play so loud?

I play a 8* (.115) too, but my reeds vari from 2.5 to 3 (drilled) and I can assure you, it's VERY LOUD. But on the other hand I can make it wisper too, from the bottom end to the first altissimo notes.

Happy searching ...

[Jeff Foster]

You said you "recently" made this switch. My guess is that you'll adapt but it will take time. Practice lots of long tone swells which go from ppp to fff and back to ppp. Make sure you're not going flat as you increase the volume. Diaphram and embouchure are the key. You might want to pick up a copy of "The Science of Breath" by Yogi Yamachuraka (sp?). It's pretty much the Bible of breathing for horn players. Just keep working at it. You'll get there.

[SonnyMurphy]

That spelling is "Ramacharaka" 8)

[Mike Cesati]

That "Science of Breath "book was a great suggestion.Its a great book.