Soprano player wanting to play Tenor

[leehwd]

Dear All,

I have played soprano sax for three years, and like it very much. Now, I want to go further with new instruments. I am thinking to play tenor sax, but bit afraid becaues tenor sax seems to way bigger and heavier than my soprano. Can any one advise me on this shift? Is it hard to switch back and forth? Thank you all for any comments.

Howard

[Zman]

Go for it, man! I added tenor to soprano two years ago. Tenor requires HUGE airflow and air support. Extended range notes require more attention than on soprano. In my experience throat position is more sensitive on tenor than soprano.

I would choose a medium-sized mouthpiece (like a Runyon Custom 6, or a Jumbo Java T45/T55) until your air is really under control.

I don't think a pro-level horn is required right away, but it is IMPERATIVE that your tenor be set up properly. Otherwise, you may get frustrated trying to sound notes that would fall out of a correctly set up horn.

Having said all of that, I repeat: go for it! Tenor is a gas!

[leehwd]

Thank you for your encouragement. That has given me lot of confidence. By the way, how long did it take for you to get accustomed to your Tenor sax? Weeks or months?

Thank you.
Howard

[Zman]

Oh, definitely just weeks to find out what the key differences are and transfer your basic skills. Higher level proficiencies, good attack and release skills, etc. will take you a several months to develop, but you will certainly will be playing credibly while you woodshed.

I performed on tenor about four months after I started. It took about 8-9 months of regular practice to feel really competent on the horn. Pros tell me that *mastering* tenor is a lifetime pursuit.

Just be careful not to overdo the mouthpiece. Better IMO to start smaller and work up. Your lungs and diaphragm will thank you. Something with a tip opening in the .80-.85 range is probably all you need at first, then .87-.95 after a few months of development.

On tenor, small increments in mouthpiece size make a huge difference in resistance and required airflow (it's a big pipe, man). Check out the size chart at saxgourmet.com to compare.

[Tears June]

Zman

I'm playing alto & soprano for one year. Wants to add tenor in soon.
Any suggestion for the tenor MP size if I feel comfortable for the below pieces:

Alto: Beechler Beechler Metal #6
Soprano: Beechler Bellite Metal #7

What about a Link #7 (tip = 100), a ESP 100 or a V-16 (T-75, tip size = 105)? Too large? The worst thing is all the tenor piece I like is not very cheap. Not worthy to buy one then get another one later because of the sizes. Need to consider middle of the road/more long run. Any input ?


:cry:

[Zman]

Tears, I suggest that you go to saxgourmet.com and print the mouthpiece size comparison charts. Look to see where your sizes fall in the range.

If you are playing mid-sized mouthpieces on your other saxes, I suggest that you start on a mid-sized tenor mouthpiece. Smaller, start smaller, etc.

Bear in mind that tenor will require *huge* air support, so you do not want to over-size your mouthpiece.

From looking at the charts, I would say the Beechler Tenor#5-6 (tip opening .85-.90) is in the range of what you are already playing.

For me, 100-105 is too big. 90 feels perfect.

[Bootman]

Tenor is a big jump from a Soprano, you will have issues with air support, tone quality etc....Remember that tenor requires a looser embouchure than a Sop or an alto. I would recommed experimenting with some smaller mpcs at first and not too hard a reed. Also persevere through the initial problems because you can get tenor up and running with hard work.

[singlereed]

... and absolutely make sure you have no leaks. It goes for any horn, but you just won't get the low notes on tenor if it leaks. Get used to the instrument with a fairly soft reed, and learn to subtone the lowest notes, you can move to a slightly harder reed later, and you may need to do so in order to get the higher notes in tune. You will probably find it hard to deliver the first D in the second octave with clarity and evenness; although some horns are better than others, it is an especially awkward note on tenor and exposes the player who isn't really supporting the note from the diaphragm. It will come with practise. Good luck, and enjoy!

[Tears June]

Bootman

If an alto soprano player wants to add tenor. He used to use some narrow Metal piece, what metal tenor piece you will suggest (because for more comfortable reason when being switch to tenor) - Need more rich and dark tenor sound. ESP? Metal Link? V-16?


:cry:

[Morry]

I'm an alto player that played some tenor back in the 80's for several years, but never kept it up. I tried to pick tenor back up using some large chamber mpcs (STM, Barone Jazz, Ponzol II-V-I), but just didn't have the breath support for it. I found a Yani metal 7 that has a smaller chamber, and it made all the difference in the world.

[Jazzophone]

go for it! tenor's amazing. i started with rico standard 2 1/2s, that might be good to start with depending ... but i came off raw, never having played reed instruments before. that might make a difference.

[SaxComposer]

go for it man, i switched from clarinet to alto to tenor, its not that much of a transition but its fun you will love it