[SmoothSaxPlayer]

I just received a Tenor today that I bought from Ebay. I am disappointed though. Well, not with this particular horn coz I really like it, but with the tenor in general. Honestly, I've never tried one before, I only look at them at the store. I contemplated between alto and tenor for a while and a couple days ago, after some research, I made my up my mind and bought me a tenor. I got it today and held it and tested it... but not for long. My problem with the horn is, first, it looks big... actually, it is big. It's almost half the size of my height (i'm only 5'5"). Second, it's heavy and it feels like theres an anchor dragging my head down to the floor. Third, I wasn't comfortable fingering the keys.

What I hate about this situation is I really like the sound of tenor. I don't think it's better than alto but it sound more masculine. But it appears like I'm not man enough to carry a heavy horn So, is this it for me and a tenor sax? I have no problem getting an alto but I was just a little bit disappointed that tenor didn't work out for me.

 

[old git]

Decent sling, correctly adjusted, bit of practising and post again in a week or so. Most people feel inadequate when faced with their first big sax, I emigrated to avoid a baritone.

 

[Saxland]

You should try playing it with a saxophone harness. I use a Gemini harness, it takes the weight off the neck and places it on the shoulders. A tenor weighs about 10 pounds, if you can feel comfortable with an extra 5 pounds per shoulder you can play tenor.

What make is it? Modern or vintage?

 

[Saxmusiclover]

Like any other instrument, the tenor needs some getting used to especially the weight but I've seen sax players smaller than you playing tenor very well. This includes women so I don't think size is an issue here.
Just try to find the proper or most comfortable position for holding it first and the fingerings with follow. Try playing it sitting down. Many do that.
Hey give the tenor a chance. You've only had it one day.
Good luck!

 

[SmoothSaxPlayer]

Thanks for the encouragement. Btw, it's a Venus sax, a yani t991 copy. The problem is, I only have 5 days to return it so I have to make a decision soon.

 

[heath]

You should try playing it with a saxophone harness. I use a Gemini harness, it takes the weight off the neck ond places it on the shoulders. A tenor weighs about 10 pounds, if you can feel comfortable with an extra 5 pounds per shoulder you can play tenor.

What make is it? Modern or vintage?

Yes the Gemini harness is my tenor strap full time now. I'll even gig with it. High quality and very comfy. Bought an extra just in case they ever go out of business.

And you'll grow to love the tenor. Alto is nice, but tenor is the sound of pure love. And there are plenty of shorter guys/gals that play the tenor. Actually some of the best have been shorter than average.

 

[eidollon]

If you're in good health and unless you have chronic physical problems (back, neck) then you'll get acquainted with it if well-adjusted and taught the correct posture. After all there are slim girls playing the tenor well out there (e.g. check out Sophie Alour).

Now of course you may find out that tenor is not for you at the end. But don't get stuck with your initial impression of unease.

 

[tubbycub]

My problem with the horn is, first, it looks big... actually, it is big. It's almost half the size of my height (i'm only 5'5"). .

You're not alone, I am of the same height as you and I even have to play the baritone at times :!:

 

[blindside398]

Ha, I realized the alto wasn't enough for me, so I went straight to bari as soon as I got presented with the chance :].


Of course I'm also 6'4'' and about 300 lbs, so that may make a difference, lol.

 

[Jon B. Bop]

One of the great Tenor players from the Bop era, Jimmy Heath , is smaller than you and I believe he just turned 80 and is still playing his tenor, and beautifully.

Like anything else, a little practice and it will all begin to feel normal.
Good luck.

 

[Canadiain]

You will get used to it I think....Its a whole new load on your body if youve not played before.

Try playing sitting down and try and brace the horn against or on top of something at first if standing is uncomfortable.

Play standing a bit more every day and you will get used to it. Finding a 2 shoulder sling sounds like a good investment too.

 

[betelsax]

Forget the size. With the right physical support and some time, you'll adjust to the size. Maybe you should try a bari for a while; after that experience, the tenor will feel really small.

But do you like the sound of the tenor and its range? Are there tenor players whose voices you admire? Do you want to be able to sing like any of them? Are you willing to work hard to get there? Those are weightier question than the question of the instrument's size.

 

[magical pig]

I'm 5'6" and I have no problem fingering and blowing a tenor, and I exclusively play tenor... I played sopranos, altos and baris as well and with a bit of practice they all felt right. Due to back and neck problems I have to play tenor with a harness. I use NeoTech SoftHarness Strap and though it looks like a man's bra and lacks the freedom of movement of a standard strap it' allowed me to play tenor all day long without any discomfort.

If you love the sound, keep up with it, you'll see it's worth it.

Victor.

 

[SaxyAcoustician]

It takes months to find your sound in a new voice. Keep the horn and keep playing.

 

[saxamaholly]

I'm 5'1", a girl, and have been playing tenor for about 12 years now. I also play a lot of bari, and I play bass sax as well. I play professionally and while I was in school played tenor probably 4-5 hours a day. Yes, the tenor sax is heavy and awkward, but it's all relative. Alto sax is heavy and awkward to a beginner too. You need to give it some time, I really think you'll regret it if you don't!

 

[Giganova]

Maybe you are a born Soprillo sax player!?

No seriously, most people feel the same when trying out a tenor for the first time. It takes some time to get used to it and to become "one" with your horn. Don't give up yet -- give it some time and you might love it!

 

[SmoothSaxPlayer]

This is why I love this forum. Lots of information and people are always willing to give advice. While you guys are replying to this thread, I was practicing with my tenor. Yes, I took it out of the case again and gave it another try. Guess what... I probably spent 2 hours last night and another 3 this afternoon. I think I'm already getting used to it. The strap that came with it is killing my neck. I need to get a padded one. I am enjoying its tone as well, it sounds perfect with easy listening music, which I like. I played some christmas song and it sounded good. I'm getting a lot of squeaks though, maybe I need a new reed and mouthpiece or maybe I just suck and need more practice Anyway, I think I'll just keep it and maybe someday I'll get better on this horn. Thank you guys for saving me from ditching away a nice sax.

 

[RootyTootoot]

Re neck strap make sure you've got it tight enough and re discomfort tuck it behind your collar. Make sure the m/p comes to your mouth rather than your mouth and therefore neck reaching for the mouthpiece - this may be what is hurting your neck.

 

[Saxmusiclover]

This is why I love this forum. Lots of information and people are always willing to give advice. While you guys are replying to this thread, I was practicing with my tenor. Yes, I took it out of the case again and gave it another try. Guess what... I probably spent 2 hours last night and another 3 this afternoon. I think I'm already getting used to it. The strap that came with it is killing my neck. I need to get a padded one. I am enjoying its tone as well, it sounds perfect with easy listening music, which I like. I played some christmas song and it sounded good. I'm getting a lot of squeaks though, maybe I need a new reed and mouthpiece or maybe I just suck and need more practice Anyway, I think I'll just keep it and maybe someday I'll get better on this horn. Thank you guys for saving me from ditching away a nice sax.

I just love happy endings:crybaby:

 

[Giganova]

If the sax neck strap hurts you, try a Neotech sax harness. Lots of people love 'em.