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When one hangs out with classical clarinetists the subject of a clarinet sound having a "ring" often comes up. Typically, this word is not used that much among saxophonists. I've been thinking about this -- especially, in light of the relationship between the ringing quality in a clarinet's sound and its amount of projection. Simply put, are there ways to enhance a ringing quality in a saxophone sound and can this ring actually increase one's projection?
As I've written before, I hear a "ring" in the sound of my 1934 Buescher New Aristocrat. I do not hear this tonal quality in any True Tone or Aristocrat I've played....only the New Aristocrat. I'm most curious why this is. Several other sax players on the Forum who have a New Aristocrat have written to me and said the same thing about their horns. Besides that, I've been focusing my ears on this ringing quality and seeing what I can to do enhance it. I've discovered that the large round chamber of my Morgan 6C, the use of thick cut reeds (for a stronger tonal core), placing my lower lip at the fulcrum point where the reed separates from the facing curve of the mouthpiece, and using a string ligature all combine to help to bring out this tonal quality. I've also found that I get more ring if no mouthpiece patches are used.
I've also noticed that the sound of my NA projects in a rather different way from my sax buddies using high baffle metal mouthpieces. My NA projects a DARK, thick sound through a big band and fills up the performance space. On the other hand, I've noticed that some high baffle mouthpieces sound loud in the immediate area but if one goes to the back of the hall you'll discover the sound drops.
With this in mind, I've been thinking about classical clarinet sound projection and how it might help me to get more projection and resonance on saxophone.
Any insights?
Roger
As I've written before, I hear a "ring" in the sound of my 1934 Buescher New Aristocrat. I do not hear this tonal quality in any True Tone or Aristocrat I've played....only the New Aristocrat. I'm most curious why this is. Several other sax players on the Forum who have a New Aristocrat have written to me and said the same thing about their horns. Besides that, I've been focusing my ears on this ringing quality and seeing what I can to do enhance it. I've discovered that the large round chamber of my Morgan 6C, the use of thick cut reeds (for a stronger tonal core), placing my lower lip at the fulcrum point where the reed separates from the facing curve of the mouthpiece, and using a string ligature all combine to help to bring out this tonal quality. I've also found that I get more ring if no mouthpiece patches are used.
I've also noticed that the sound of my NA projects in a rather different way from my sax buddies using high baffle metal mouthpieces. My NA projects a DARK, thick sound through a big band and fills up the performance space. On the other hand, I've noticed that some high baffle mouthpieces sound loud in the immediate area but if one goes to the back of the hall you'll discover the sound drops.
With this in mind, I've been thinking about classical clarinet sound projection and how it might help me to get more projection and resonance on saxophone.
Any insights?
Roger