Going From Alto to Tenor

[Dave Collins]

I've been playing alto for about 12 yrs, and tenor for about 6 months. I play on a Meyer 5M with Jazz Select 2h reeds, and it gives me pretty much what I want. When I play tenor, though, I don't feel like I'm getting as much out of it for the air I put in, especiallyin the upper register. I am using a HR Link 6* now on my tenor with JS 2M reeds right now. Is it that I'm not used to tenor yet? Should I get a different sizee mpc, or one with more resistance? A harder reed? I don't have too much of a frame of reference for what playing tenor should feel like, but I listeen to lots of tenor players and I've recorded myself and don't hear the fullness I'm seeking. Anyone know what I mean? Any suggestions?

Thanks In Advance
Dave
davesensei@gmail.com

[gary]

Dave, the only advice I can give is basic because I don't think there's anything about your set-up that would be conducive to wind problems. If anythin, the reed might be a little soft, which would make air control easier.

Even though it's been six months, maybe you just need more time with the tenor. Long tones and patience? By the way, here's an exercise I learned as a trumpeter that might help.

Play a long tone but, and this is the most important part of the exercise, when you get to the end of the long tone, not worrying about the quality of the sound (which is not the purpose of this exercise) keep blowing until the tone quivers. Then still keep blowing until your abs almost cramp. Then still keep expending the air even after the sax tone stops until aour last few expellations are just individual puffls. Do this exercise for a month and see if you still have problems.

The other aspect, of course, is to make sure your support is sound when you play.

[martysax]

Work up to a stiffer reed, obtain a larger facing mouthpiece, gain ~10 pounds, and approach the horn more aggressively than the alto.

For years I played a Meyer 5/Vandoren 3 on the alto and a Florida Link 8*/Vandoren 3 1/2 on the Tenor. After some serious time on the Tenor, the new lung power gave me a huge sound on the Alto as well.

[singlereed]

You do not need to be a superhuman to get a big sound on tenor - my daughter has been playing one with an enormous sound since she was about 10 years old. However, the tube is much longer and the volume of air vastly more than an alto, and it really needs much more air support. This will come with practice, or maybe have a couple of lessons - even though you are an experienced player.

Also, make sure the horn is checked over as it could be leaking - I only realised that my horns were all leaking when I acquired a new Yanagisawa bari that blew so easily! You could be struggling with a difficult instrument.

That said, I believe the tenor is difficult to master, in particular to get a nice even sound across its range and it could show a weakness in technique that was less apparent on alto. I think this applies to all horns - they each have their quirks, but when you get all aspects of your technique working well, then its quite possible to play all of them well. ... and, like lots of people here, I am very much still working on it!

[synchro]

I've played Alto for quite a few years and am happy with my sound on it. I started playing Tenor just over a year ago. I am now after a year of playing long tones, working on my embrouchure, experimenting with different reeds and mouthpieces etc., STARTING to get the sound I am looking for. Tenor is a totally different beast and takes time and practice.