[llamalime]

Hey everyone this is my first post on SOTW. I have found a lot of helpful information on this forum and I was hoping some one could help me out here.

OK, so here's my story. I'm primarily a pianist, but I love sax. I played alto for about 12 years before it was stolen last summer. At that point, I started practicing my clarinet a lot more (it was the only reed instrument I had!) A few weeks ago, I picked up a tenor and I'm getting back into sax again.

On my alto I used to use a Meyer 8, on my clarinet I use a JodyJazz Classic 6, and I just got a JodyJazz Classic 7 for my tenor. I'm using a Rico Royal 3 reed and a Rovner lig on the tenor. I can get out all my notes fairly easily, although the low notes can be a struggle, especially if I want to play them softly.

So here's my problem. I really like the sound of the JodyJazz Classic 7, but it's hard to play. Also, I have a slight jaw pain (TMJ?) issue so sometimes it hurts when I play for a long time. Any suggestions that anyone has about anything pertaining to my situation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance and sorry about the kinda long post

 

[Nefertiti]

get a teacher and go one on one with them so they can see how you are playing and what you're doing. That's the best and fastest answer to you problem. You might be doing something wrong. If so you want to correct it now. Good Luck.

 

[AltoRuth]

On my alto I used to use a Meyer 8, on my clarinet I use a JodyJazz Classic 6, and I just got a JodyJazz Classic 7 for my tenor. I'm using a Rico Royal 3 reed and a Rovner lig on the tenor. I can get out all my notes fairly easily, although the low notes can be a struggle, especially if I want to play them softly.

Try a softer reed, maybe a Rico Jazz Select 2M to start?

 

[LampLight]

I agree that you should see a teacher, and asap, before you either injure yourself or develop a bad habit. I don't think you should feel even slight jaw pain, although a bit of muscle fatigue might come up when you are starting something new. Also, while the problem is usually in our chops and not our gear, what you describe (difficulty in the low register) might just be the result of a leak, and your teacher may be able to shed some light on this for you.

 

[Jolle]

Try a softer reed, maybe a Rico Jazz Select 2M to start?

If you are used playing a #3, take at least a 2H or 3S. 2M is really light, and they tend to warp pretty fast too.

second the teacher-idea