Beginner Alto Sax

[Winks]

Hi,
To start off i jsut wanted to say i think that the sax has one of hte sexiest sounds ever, thats why after 7 years of playing the drums i desided to give it a try. I have been playing for about 2 hours now ahaha. Anyways I am having all of the basic problems that everyone else on this form is having, (squeaking, pitch problems, embushember problems etc..) I have spent the last hour or so going threw here reading various post and i must say that almost of my questions have been answered...so thanks to everyone for posting and respondng :) Oh and i am playing on a alpine alto beginner sax (is this good 695.00 cnd) Newho on with the questions..1st being i have no idea how to tune my sax..everytime i play a note it comes out a bit different and i am not sure what it is supposed to sound like.. :D the 2dn question may seem a little strange but ..i live in a semi detached house with relatively thin walls..so I desided for the benifet of my neighbours to play in the basement hoping that this may cut down on the noise for them ..anyways my question is how does a sax note carry..meaning if i deside to play 4 in the morning will i be waking up my entire neighbourhood? I dont know if tihs question can be answered but i thought i would throw it out htere...anyways i am looking forward to learning how to make this puppy sing and the ladies weep :D

[Martin Williams]

1) to tune the sax you pull out/push in the mouthpiece on the cork. Play a G, (left hand 123) and that is the same as a Bb on guitr and piano, and for most people the best tuning note for sax. I suggest you get a tuner to help teach yourself the pitch so that it is easier to do by ear.

2) The sax can carry just as well as the drums you play, so if you are worried about waking the neighbourhood, don't play at that hour; lol. You might wanna talk to them since you live rather close to eachother to make sure you dont try to practice in a time that is going to **** them the heck off.

I hope that answers your questions. I have had no expirence with the model of sax you have, so Im not going to pass judgement there. Also, since you are new to the sax, I HIGHLY recomend that you get a teacher for at least a half dozen lessons, to make sure you dont start off with any bad habits. After at least a few lessons you will be infinitley more prepared to teach yourself, though I recomend continueing the lessons.

Lastly, welcome to SOTW!! visit often, read lots, and ask lots of questions!!

Martin Williams

[Dave Dolson]

I agree with Martin. However, what you described in being unable to play the same pitch each time makes me believe you just need time in developing your embouchure (the muscles in your oral cavitiy and throat).

What almost all beginners fail to grasp (at least early in their playing) is that blowing in the horn and fingering a certain note is only a small part of efficient playing. That's why many school bands are SO painful to hear. The players haven't done their jobs until they all are playing proper pitchs all the time.

It is one thing to make sure your mouthpiece is properly positioned on the horn's neck - and quite another to play-to-pitch.

As far as playing ANYWHERE at 4AM - don't do it unless you are in a club that is open at that hour OR miles away from others. That sound will penetrate houses from afar. DAVE

[Winks]

Thanks for your responce, they are greatly appriaciated. And no i deffonetly won't play at 4 am...haha...and with my embusher i made some adjustments i believe my problem was taht i was placing my lower lip too far over my bottom teeth makin it look as though i did not have any at all