Klarinet Archive - Posting 000672.txt from 1995/06

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Low notes on saxophone
Date: Wed, 28 Jun 1995 11:55:59 -0400

>Also, I've had a hard time hitting the low notes on my tenor sax, which I
>just took up a couple of months ago...ideas for that, too? :)
>
> -M. Zaiem Beg
> zbeg@-----.org

I have been following these comments and mulling over whether I should
reveal the secret of playing low notes on the saxophone. I have known
this secret for 0ver 35 years, and it has been a closely guarded one.
But, as so many people seem to be having trouble......

These problems are especially severe for one who has switched from
clarinet to saxophone due to the differences in the embouchure, as we
have been discussing.

Well, although I do so with some trepidation, here it is. This is the
big secret to playing low notes on the saxophone. Assuming that the
instrument is in fairly good condition, and that the mouthpiece and reed
are not too wierd, what you do is:

Open your mouth wider and blow more air through the instrument.

There, now that I have said it I feel so much better. It's not everyday
that you can get such advanced techniques as these for free! Have fun!

Ed Lacy
*********************************************************************
Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2=evansville (812)497-2252
*********************************************************************