Clarinet to saxaphone not so easy

[wainsworth]

I took up clarinet at about age sixty. I am seventy now and was unexpectedly given a 1926 Conn alto sax. My ambition was to be reasonably competant third clarinetist in my concert band. Now I don't like to let the sax. sit idle so I am getting keen on learning to play it. I was told that it was easy going from clarinet to sax. I don't believe it. I am having great trouble making a smooth shift from C to B natural. I am having trouble blowing low C without the wawa sound and I can't get out of the habit of trying to support this heavy vintage instrument with my thumb. Has anyone else had these problems? If so did you overcome them and how did you do it?

[RS]

Number one--use a neckstrap. With a strap the weight of the alto sax shouldn't be an issue. If you're already using a strap let it do the work of supporting the horn. Don't push outwards or upwards with the thumb. Number two--get the horn to a good repairman and have it checked for leaks. The low notes on a sax can be close to impossible to play if the horn is leaking.

[RS]

[Erased a double post.]

[wainsworth]

Thanks for the reply. I do use a neckstrap but I have been pushing outward and I guess I'm still in the clarinet habit of trying to support the instrument. I will take your tip and try to relax the right arm. I will get that note tested by one of my good sax player friends but I just paid quit a bit to have the instrument reconditioned so it should be alright. I suppose these things will remedy themselves in time. I still want my clarinet to be my main instrument but I thought I would like to use the sax. for playing by ear and improvising.

[Lyle]

wainsworth

From my own experience, and from what I've read on this forum, your problems are typical for clarinet to sax. I found one solution to the problem of supporting the sax with thumb. At least in my situation. I started out playing the sax in a seated position. I was getting pain in my right arm from supporting the heavy tenor sax. I switched to playing while standing, and let the sax HANG by the strap.
On those low notes-I was amazed by how loose (compared to clarinet) the embouchere has to be. It will all come to you. Keep trying, and expect some difficulty for awhile. The sax has such a great sound, its worth the efforts.

[Lyle]

EMBOUCHURE, EMBOUCHURE EMBOUCHURE!

[RS]

Good advice from Lyle regarding letting the horn hang. You might try leaning slightly forward when you stand to get all the weight of the horn onto the strap and off your hands. If you get where this is comfortable try it while sitting.

[wainsworth]

Thanks. Those seem like good suggestions and they certainly make me feel better.

[Gandalfe]

Also do some long note practice. Seriously, for a week just do eight beats per note up and down the full scale. Especially the low B flat and the high F or F sharp. Blow loud up the scale and as soft as you can down the scale. If you don't hear a significant improvement in your tone after a week, I would be very surprised.

I have a flute and a clarinet (my wife's instruments) that I have been trying to pick up, but I always go back to my saxes. Since I don't give them enough practice time as it is, I have decided to stick with the alto, tenor, and bari vice the clarinet and flute.

Hope that you are havin' fun, 'cuz that makes it all worth while.

[girl]

I have recently taken up sax after playing clarinet. It is surprising just how much more relaxed your embouchure needs to be.

On the low notes, you need to relax your throat. My teacher told me to imagine that I was yawning. It works! A softer reed can also help.

Another thing that helps me to relax into it, is to start by blowing the mouthpiece only. Pretend you have never played an instrument before - just blow. Then add the crook and do the same, before finally the main sax.

[tsaholic07]

i switched from clarinet to tenor this year. its not that hard as long as you relax the arms a little let the neck strap do its work loosend your throat for low notes.

[BobMac]

For the sore right thumb, here's a thought. Instead of putting it in the normal position under the hook, try placing it on the end of the thumbhook, so that the tip of the hook touches the pad of the thumb.

This may solve your problem.