I need some help

[Lee]

I bought a Sax.com straight soprano last spring, my first attempt at soprano. I've played the horn quite a bit and feel pretty comfortable and the horn plays great until I get above 3rd octave D. I can't consistently get clear notes up high. I play with either a Meyer 5m or a Link Tonemaster 7. I can hit the notes using a #3 Rico reed but it's a little too strong a reed for me and even then the notes are thin and not very controlled. If I drop down to a 2 or 2 1/2 the high notes just will not come out and if they do it's pretty lousy.
I primarily play alto and have no problem playing a 3 reed and easily playing up to 3rd octave A. I don't know if it's my lack of experience or my setup but something has to give.
I'm sure this has been addressed more than once but I missed the topic.

lee

[HonestLiar]

Hi Lee,
welcome to the club. What you experience is a very common problem for beginners on soprano. I had this myself when I started a year or so ago. There are three things that will help: practice, practice and of course practice. Ah and I forgot practice. And it will take some time, measured rather in months than in days. Here is what helped me:

1. Try not to 'bite'. I know its hard but try anyway
2. Try to imagine the sound of the note you want to play, before you play it
3. Try to voice the vowel "i" while you play. That means push your tong position towards the top of your mouth. This will decrease the volume in your mouth that can resonate and will help the high notes to appear.
finally again:
4. Have patience and practice

Good luck

[Lee]

HonestLiar thanks for the suggestions. I'll use your advice. I've never bit down to get high notes on any instrument so one habit I won't have to break.
Anymore suggestions out there?

[Dave Dolson]

Lee: Assuming your horn is tight and the mouthpiece/reed combo is a good one for you, my only suggestion would be EMBOUCHURE!!

As HonestLiar (interesting name!) alluded to, think the letter "I" as you go for those high notes. I often advise new players to think AHHH down low and EEEE up high, thus closing the throat as the pitch rises, and opening the throat as the pitch lowers. After a while, the process will become second nature and when you go for that high D or above, you will automatically pinch down in your throat and back of your tongue and the notes will speak.

I use an open Super Session piece (J-facing) and soft reeds (RR2, RJS2s, etc.) and those notes pop right out (but I rarely play that high). Good luck. DAVE

[Anji]

You have a 'Big Dog' rig, when you're still on the porch.

I've been playing for three years and use a much more relaxed facing
(Barone 6) with a medium strength reed.

If you have experience with the clarinet, you'll make rapid progress.

If you're adding Soppie to your sax arsenal, it will take some habituation
(that means practice, sorry to say).

Remember, it's a WIND instrument - more air in a tighter stream for the highest notes.

Try this - get a drinking straw, and attach a small balloon to one end.
Blowing through the opposite end, fill the balloon. Same position for highest notes on Soprano sax.

******
I think your mouthpiece facing is FAR too open for starters and a clear mismatch with heavy reeds.

[Lee]

Anji, Thanks for your comments. Do you thing the Meyer 5 is too much? I kinda felt is about right. Like I've previously mentioned I've been playing alto since 1969. I can get nice tone everywhere on the horn except above D3. Even on the Link 7. Thanks again.
lee

[RS]

The Meyer 5M has only a .051" tip which shouldn't be too much even for a beginner. The Link 7 has a .065" tip which might be a little open to start with. Personally I think a tip opening of around .059"-.060" would be about right for starters (assuming a compatible reed).

[oppai]

I have this problem for about 6 months when I exploring the soprano (Like you I am mainly an alto player). I am currently playing RJS 2H or Plasticover 2 and a 1/2 on a Yanagisawa metal #6 (tip opening around .60). I could remember that I did a lot of reed switchig...but in retrospect, it wasn't the reed switching - it was practice and annoying my neighbours at the same time that got me there!.

Altering the oral cavity for the palm key notes and opening up the throat really help to get those notes out. Paul C has written a very nice article on soprano playing on SOTW. Check it out, I've followed his advice and it worked wonder, with lots of practice of course. Once you can get those notes out clearly, then you'll have to keep then in tune...

[Bari player]

stick to your old instrument

[bruce bailey]

Being the last post was 5 and a half years ago, all the horns are old horns now.