 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: gsurosey
Date: 2010-12-21 04:16
I recently switched to a Vandoren M13 mouthpiece (with Eddie Daniels Rovner ligature) for my clarinet from a Vandoren 5RV (both profile 88 series 13 mouthpieces). I can't decide which of my alto sax mouthpieces work better for me (Hite Premiere and Selmer Goldentone, using a Rovner ligature for both). Are either of those sax mouthpieces comparable to the clarinet mouthpiece (tip openness/closeness, facing, and all that other stuff)? I realize there are a bunch of differences between the 2 instruments. I can't really tell the difference between the 2 sax mouthpieces I have, and I'm not sure if there is much difference between the 2. I ask because my sax playing may be picking up soon, so I'm trying to get a jump on which would work better for me. I;m waiting for funding to fix my sax the rest of the way, so until that happens, I can't play-test much.
Overall the sax isn't bad, but nothing below bottom space F plays without jumping up an octave. The repair tech who worked on it only did about 1/2 of what I needed done because I only had a couple hundred dollars at the time. He put it into playing condition, but it needs more adjustment work (about another $150-$200 worth). The LH G# pad also sticks incessantly.
Thanks
Rachel
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Author: William
Date: 2010-12-21 15:01
Most clarinet players, when switching to sax for the first time, tend to use much to strong a reed. The sax embouchure is really quite relaxed complared to the soprano version--for me, practically double lip. As for finding a sax mouthpiece to *match* that of your clarinet, I would say forget about it. Concentrate more on finding a reed that responds easily on the mouthpiece that you have--and again, softer is better than harder. For those "low notes", use plenty of air with a relatively loose embouchure and, if you sax is in good repair--and with a reed that plays easily--those notes should pop right out. If your lips are too tense, those notes will jump the octave even without the register key.
For starters, I would recommend a Selmer "Soloist" C* alto mouthpiece with a Rico #2 or 2.5 reed. Also, understand that--like the clarinet--not all sax reeds are created equal, so you may need to try several before you find a couple that *sing*. The good news is that sax reeds outlast clarinet reeds by a wide margin if you take care of them. I've actually had some cane sax reeds that I use in rotation (usually 8) for years. However, I recently switched to using Forestone sax reeds which I expect will last indefinately, even without much rotation. My alto set-up (fwiw): Gregory "Hollywood" hard rubber or Selmer "Jazz" metal C* mpcies, Forestone F2.0 reeds with John Winslow ligatures (originals no longer available, even on eBay). Before Forestones, I used LaVoz med strength cane reeds or anything else that would play. But with either of these mpcies, I can play all the way down to low Bb with a whisper or scream out in the altissimo when I feel the need--all with a reed that seems "soft" to my classical clarinet embouchure. Hope this cyberbabble helps a bit...........
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Author: Brent
Date: 2010-12-21 15:47
I find the G# pad sticks on a lot of saxes, even if everything is clean, if the instrument spends a lot of time in the case. I've cut a piece of paper towel slightly wider than the G# pad, and slid it under the pad while the key is open and store the instrument that way. It seems to cut down a lot on the sticking problem.
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Author: gsurosey
Date: 2010-12-22 15:51
I never thought about reeds being too thick. I already planned on stepping down when I buy my next box (hopefully next month). Stepping down helped my clarinet playing, so maybe it will help my sax playing, too. I went from a Rue Le Pic #4 to a Blue Box #3 on clarinet. Sax is currently Java (Green Box) 3.5, so I'll try a 3 and go form there.
Thanks
Rachel
PS: Sorry about the initial cross-post; didn't know I couldn't do that. Hard for me to remember all the rules sometimes. Thanks for setting me straight GBK
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2010-12-22 20:05
The reed issue on saxophone is slightly different than clarinet. The reed should be soft enough (vibrating easily) for the low notes so they are not fuzzy or airy and the reed must be hard enough to get up to high F without being flat or too unstable. It is a compromise between the two. Regarding the instrument and it's condition I would suggest you invest in a christmas rope light. Retreat to a dark room and insert it into your sax. Press the keys down lightly and pay attention to the moment just before the key is fully closed. It should close simultaneously front to back. This investment won't make you a great repair person but you will learn why the sax isn't playing below low F. You might find that there are problems with pads above the note F. These notes are working but not well. Neither of the mouthpieces you mentioned are very open mouthpieces so they would be fine with suitable reeds. good luck
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: William
Date: 2010-12-22 20:07
Just my opinion, if I were you, I would skip the Java 3.0 box and go down to the 2.5 first. As I tried to stress, clarinet players switching to sax tend to use reeds that are too stiff. On sax, softer is often better, especially for relative beginners. Also, of your two mpcies, I would probably go with the Goldentone over the Hite. In all things "sax", I just prefer being as close to Selmer products as possible.
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Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2010-12-23 17:39
I don't think either mouthpiece is that good but will vote in favor of the Hite over the Goldentone. A lot depends on the amount of money you have or want to spend on a mouthpiece. The C*, as mentioned above, is a good starting point. The Larry Teal or (LT) facing is also a fairly good selection from the Selmer mouthpieces. Both of these mouthpieces will run above $100. I like the Fobes Nova mouthpiece in the under $100 category. One of the best middle school band directors in this area is having his students get a VanDoren facing but I can't recall which facing.
Sounds to me that you're trying to use too firm of an embouchure for the lower notes. Make sure the corners are back as in your clarinet embouchure but not overly firm. Make the center of your lip soften a bit and see it that doesn't help you a bit.
Post Edited (2010-12-24 02:51)
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Author: gsurosey
Date: 2010-12-27 01:20
I did a lot of work on one of my current reeds today. Basically just filed it down a bunch to see what would happen. I had a little more success trying to get the lower notes out, so I'm hoping that lighter reeds will do it (especially since it looks liek I won't be able to have it worked on after all). I can't really tell a difference between the mouthpieces, but it looks like the tip openings are fairly open on both of them. I do notice that after a while, my sax reeds tend to warp in the same spot (the right side of the tip at the end curls up towards me a little if I'm looking down at the reed flat on it's back). I try to break the back the same as I do on a clarinet reed; perhaps I'm pushing it too much?
(Keep in mind I'm self-taught on everything I double on: I've only taken clarinet lessons (but worked on all the clarinets I play on with different teachers at different times).
I will jump over to the Vandoren blue box, likely down to a 2 1/2. Too bad I didn't think about that sooner for bass (one of the presents I got was a new box of bass reeds which are 3's).
Rachel
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