easier intonation with a more closed mpc?

[Markus]

I currently use a Lebayle Jazz 7* on my SX90R alto. The tip opening is 0.085.
Now my problem: playing in tune from e2 to c3. When concentrating on embochure and playing with a tuner, no problems. But playing a song or improvising and looking at the tuner from time to time my pitch varyies from f2 +15/20 to b2 -15/+10. No problem getting back in tune with a look at the tuner.
May this be a problem with the tip opening? May a closer mpc with harder reeds help to get less variations in pitch? Is a more closer mpc easier to play in tune?
I did longtones for about 1 month about 15 minutes per day focussing only on f2-b2, but the improvement I got is only very small.

Thank you for your hints.
Markus

[Ritchie]

The open facing - softer reed combination gives more flexibility for pitch control than a closer facing with a harder reed. It might in fact cure your problem if you used a harder reed on a less open piece BUT it would not solve it. Think of the saxophone like of a violin or of singing, not like playing a piano: you are responsible for the pitch, not the instrument.

Do some ear training. Play with accompanying instruments (practise with a friend or a recorded instrument, play along CDs, Band in a Box, midi files, etc.) Get away from grasping at the tuner and, most important, use your ears.

[bohosheets]

I'm now working with "The Tuning CD" (www.thetuningcd.com) and its really helping me. It not only helps you train your ear to tune to a root tone, but also helps in perfecting intonation in both scalar and chordal perspective.

[Paul Coats]

Yes, Ritchie hit it on the head... the saxophone is a "fretless" instrument.

It would not hurt you at all, in fact, I advise it, to play with some Jamie Aebersold play along CDs to get used to playing in tune by ear, not the tuner.

[Markus]

Thank you for your comments.
I switched to a 6* facing (same mpc, but tip opening 0.076). The problem is nearly gone. Intonation has drastically improved.
Maybe something was wrong with the other mpc? I am astonished, that only varying tip opening has such a dramatic effect (for me).

Markus

[Lenny]

Bohosheets,
Tell me more about that tuning CD.
Does it really do more for you than say my electronic metronome that also produces about 2 octaves of chromatic tones.

[bohosheets]

I guess the big difference is on the CD, the tones are not a single tone, but rather a "multitracked/superimposed" overtone series. I also like the CD because I can play it louder.

[Lenny]

Does the "multitracked/superimposed" overtone series make it clearer to hear youir intonation? Also do they instructions make a big difference?
I checked out the website & how it said to start with the chord root then go up an octave then to the 5th etc. I could do that on my tuner. But if it would really make a big difference with the CD I'd buy it in a second.
How much time do you have to spend on it per day & how fast did you see results?
Thanks alot for the info.