Difficulty playing low notes

[Mendokusai]

I have a bit of trouble playing low notes, around 50% of they time they come out an octave too high. I also get the occasional high pitched squeaking/whistling when I'm playing.

It seems to get worse once I've been playing for a while.

I've got a couple of theories as to what the problem is but, assuming my sax isn't leaking, does anyone have any suggestions how I can cure the problem?

Phil

[Dave Dolson]

Phil: A similar subject has been discussed extensively in another thread. Search for it - there may be an answer there. DAVE

[Gordon (NZ)]

Do you have excellent reason to assume the sax is not leaking?
It is 99% certain that this is the reason.

[Mendokusai]

Phil: A similar subject has been discussed extensively in another thread. Search for it - there may be an answer there. DAVE

Thanks, that's given me a few ideas.

Phil

[Mendokusai]

Do you have excellent reason to assume the sax is not leaking?
It is 99% certain that this is the reason.

The sax has been checked by a local repairer and apparently it's fine.

Phil

[Gordon (NZ)]

Hmmm.
There are technicians, and there are technicians.
There are many not-so-obvious causes of leaks that the average technician would be likely to miss, or even avoid disclosing if he/she felt unable or ill-equipped to deal with it.

[Mendokusai]

That's true. But at some point you have to consider the fact that it could be the beginner holding the sax rather than the sax itself.

Phil

[Mikie F.]

Put more mouth piece in your mouth, less pressure on the reed from your bottom lip, and blow harder. That, and practice. :)

[Mendokusai]

I've done a few experiments this morning and I think you might be on to something. Time will tell.

Thanks.

Phil

[JL]

I used to have this problem. The solution, once you make sure it's not your equipment (sax & or mouthpiece), is LONG TONES.

[Mikie F.]

Just practice and it'll come ;)

[Mendokusai]

:)

[eagle 0 four]

I've played that alto sax for years and years and i play bari now in jazz band for school...i've noticed that after playing the bari my low notes on the alto pop out with no effort. You need to blow hard. Also lower your jaw a little. What you might actually be getting when you try to play low notes is over tones. fingering a low B flat you can actually play several notes higher (F natural i think? don't know i don't really think about it when i play, just think the sound you want then blow. ) anyways, you can also maybe change your air stream, i realized that when playing overtones i can get the highest octaves with the lowest note fingerings because i move the back of my tongue up so the air moves faster and at a more downward angle. maybe all this can work in reverse to help you get lower notes? but i also think that maybe it is an air leak that you have, even though you had it checked maybe something was missed.

[Gandalfe]

I think that low notes on a tenor and bari can be a challenge, especially for people who double from other instruments. Long note/tone practice with good breathing technique will shore up any shortcomings. A month of long tone practice with the lower range should do it for you. If it doesn't, then check in with your favorite sax professor. Come to think about it, if I had that problem, I'd have already talked to my sax instructor.

Good luck wit dat.