[Guest]

I've recently started to play my Alto Saxophone again, after quitting over 3 years ago. I can't remember what I sounded like prior to quitting...and I'm not sure how to improve my tone. I used to play mainly classical music, but I'm thinking about learning a few Jazz pieces this time around.

Any tips, advice or criticism (please be specific) is welcome. Thanks!

Yamaha 4C Mpc on a Yas-100 (student) saxophone, using a Vandoren Traditional reed that I opened today. The song is simple, but I think it gives an ok idea of what I sound like. Sorry if the mic quality is poor. I used a webcam mic, and put it on the ground away from me.

View attachment 31257

 

[Nonsensical]

Had a few issues...here is the attachment:
View attachment yamaha_2.mp3

Here is the link:

 

[Pete Thomas]

You could try the famous 12 Step Sound and Tone programme

 

[Reedscraper]

After teaching saxophone for 40 years so I have a few opinions on tone. Yours is very musical. Centered, in tune, even in all registers, tapered releases. You're on your way back! I would suggest developing a consistent vibrato for both classical and jazz, which are somewhat different. Develop a strong dynamic ranges (speed of air) and of course, develop technique. You can't have enough of that.

 

[JL]

I got too many warnings to open that attachment (in the 2 first posts).

 

[Nonsensical]

Thanks for the advice, I tried to click on the 12 Step Sound...link, but it's not taking me anywhere. I've also uploaded a youtube video instead, I was trying to find an embedded music player last night, but couldn't find one.

I'm also considering buying a new mouthpiece, but am not sure what would be flexible enough for me to play both Jazz and classical music. I've searched the forums on that topic, but it seems that most people use one just for Jazz and one just for classical music...

 

[Pete Thomas]

Thanks for the advice, I tried to click on the 12 Step Sound...link, but it's not taking me anywhere...

Try the link again, it should work now:

12 Step Sound and Tone programme

 

[JL]

I think Pete's 12 step sound program pretty much answers the question of how to improve your tone quality. I'm sure this is covered there, but I'd pay close attention to 2 things (for a start): 1) Be sure to put lots of air in the horn; it can be fast air for volume, or slower air for less volume, but you always want to fill that horn with air. 2) Watch how you articulate each note; how you start and end the note. Especially be careful to start the note cleanly.

Regarding how you judge your sound, obviously a good recording is one way to do it. But I still think what I hear bouncing off a wall should be a pretty good representation (at least of how it sounds relatively up close). I've read statements in this forum that the sound bouncing off a wall in front of you is not a good way to judge your sound, but would like to know why not. It makes sense that it might sound different in the back of the room, or through a P.A., but that tone bouncing directly off the wall in front of me should be pretty close to the natural acoustic sound of the horn. Any thoughts on this?

 

[Nonsensical]

I think Pete's 12 step sound program pretty much answers the question of how to improve your tone quality. I'm sure this is covered there, but I'd pay close attention to 2 things (for a start): 1) Be sure to put lots of air in the horn; it can be fast air for volume, or slower air for less volume, but you always want to fill that horn with air. 2) Watch how you articulate each note; how you start and end the note. Especially be careful to start the note cleanly.

Regarding how you judge your sound, obviously a good recording is one way to do it. But I still think what I hear bouncing off a wall should be a pretty good representation (at least of how it sounds relatively up close). I've read statements in this forum that the sound bouncing off a wall in front of you is not a good way to judge your sound, but would like to know why not. It makes sense that it might sound different in the back of the room, or through a P.A., but that tone bouncing directly off the wall in front of me should be pretty close to the natural acoustic sound of the horn. Any thoughts on this?

I'll admit that articulation was never my strength- I was happy enough just to slack off and get the sound I wanted whilst playing Legato.

Interestingly enough, I was testing out an Ebay saxophone at the same time that I made the recording (it cost $155 including shipping). I noticed that in order to deal with the issue of the sound peaking, and the recording become shrill and buzzing, I had to sacrifice the clarity of the sound. To my own ears, while I was playing, my Yamaha horn had significantly smoother and more event one, especially on the low and high notes. When listening to the recording, I could barely hear the difference! This, of course, could be due to the poor quality of my microphone. Recording myself playing is a good way of reminding myself of what I can improve on, but not really a good gauge of how my tone sounds like, in my opinion.

Thanks for the link, Pete, I visited it last night, and came to the realisation that I was biting too hard. I'll need to work my way back to having a good embouchure again. It's also a great resource for learning the altissimo notes, and other techniques that I want to work on.

I think that my practice will revolve around scales and long notes, as well as working on my embouchure for a week or two at least.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[JL]

I'll admit that articulation was never my strength- I was happy enough just to slack off and get the sound I wanted whilst playing Legato. .

Nonsensical, I wasn't speaking about your recording. I didn't listen to it because I got all kinds of warning flags from my computer when I tried to download it (my computer's fault, not yours). Anyway I was speaking in general regarding articulation. Some players don't realize that how you start a note will affect how the tone quality of that note is perceived by the listener. I was really surprised when I learned this, but it becomes pretty obvious when you listen for it on a recording.