i started alto sax a year ago, and i always wanted the raspy, bright, loud jazzy sound. I always got frustrated trying to figure out how to get that noise. you saved my life !!
I've been trying to find a way to understand this concept, and your explanation of blending and the amount of the mouthpiece in mouth was great and seriously helpful
Just starting out, but I've played around on several of the popular mid-cost mouthpieces. At this point, the large- chamber Martin "no-name" and Caravan mouthpieces have been the easiest to play, and I like the nice warm heart-melting tone.
It seems like every soprano player I love uses a Selmer Concept! My listening is mostly to classical playing, but I also want to be able to get a brighter sound because I want to play with a rock ensemble at times as well. I was glad to see you can get a jazzier sound as well, though I guess I really should get a second mouthpiece for a rock setting. Thanks for the great videos!
I’ve been playing classical saxophone for the past 9 years and recently completed my trinity atcl performance diploma. Now I’m going to university and am done with lessons but I don’t want to have come all this way and just stop playing! So I want to look into jazz and see what I can do with that and what groups I can maybe join but first need to actually learn how to play jazz because it’s so different…
Your videos are great. You seem so friendly and enthusiastic-- makes for great teachings. Coming from playing flute, forever, i bought and alto sax 2 months ago. I'm in love with my YAS 23. I have been playing with D'Addario #2 M and H Jazz Select reeds, and i'm wondering if there would be an advantage to trying a 2.5. I have a 4C mouthpiece, and i'm considering upgrading soon. Thank you!
Thanks a lot DC - nice choice with the YAS-23 👍 yeah definitely try the 2.5 reeds, they could add a bit more body to your sound. For reference, I play size 2.5 reeds on alto and size 3 on tenor. Thanks for the support!
Just found your channel and enjoyed the video! I’ve been wondering this exact question. I noticed from Saxologic channel that when he plays a classical embouchure it looks like he’s playing near the tip bit it also looks like some other things are going on: maybe more of a tilt like a clarinet and puckered lips. I started playing this year on alto with a generic plastic mouthpiece that seems to have a bit of an open chamber. It takes a lot of air and an open throat. Then a lady gave me an alto that has a plastic encore mouthpiece which says C*. I like it a lot. To me it sounds and plays “classical”. I can get a bright cutting sound though if I take in a lot of mouthpiece. I love Paul Desmond but also other alto players with a more traditional jazz sound who are brighter. I like that you have backing tracks because I already understand music theory from other instruments and an past the fingering chart stage and decided to learn by ear. I will check it out!
Devout classical sax player here: Classical players are actually trained NOT to use little mouthpiece (and if you were, maybe your private teacher really didn't appreciate your sound), although it creates a better sound initially it also limits the amount of power and volume in your sound. A dark and round sound is the goal of most classical players (examples: Otis Murphy, Tim McAllister on soprano), the amount of mouthpiece you put in your mouth doesn't really control your tone much, and most of it comes from the throat/embouchure/air control. Simply decreasing the amount of mouthpiece you put in your mouth doesn't really create the ideal "classical sound", it comes with lots of practice and exercises. I would actually argue that putting less mouthpiece in your mouth decreases your tone control rather than increasing it.
Very useful content. Thanks a lot. I do not know anything about saxophones, but the classical approach on soprano saxophone caught me at all. I listened to Ravel's Pièce en forme de Habanera last week played on a straight soprano saxophone. The sound was a blending of an oboe- and clarinet-like, but was not any of them. The tone quality was warm, controled, fat (but not sharp), and blended well to piano part. I would like to try soprano saxophone for playing classical music. What kind of mouthpieces do you recommend, in addition to Selmer one?
Hey; I am a complete beginner on sax - got the soprano and went with the selmer concept - living on the edge :) Can I stay with the concept mouthpiece or should I store it and get a 4C before - giving I already chose too many difficult options? thx (by the way I bought your course, wanted to thank you :) )
I just bought a yamaha 4c mouthpiece considering im a beginner and its a good universal mouthpiece. Good for all types of music. Would you say the yamaha 4c is a good first mouthpiece upgrade? My original mouthpiece was the crappy one that came with my sax
Absolutely, the Yamaha 4C is a great mouthpiece, you can actually get a pretty wide range of tones on it too. If you end up playing with a band you might want something that 'cuts' a little more, at which point you might like to look into either the Meyer or the Claude Lakey. Otherwise, stick with the 4C!
Very useful but how much of good sound is attributableto the player using almost any mouthpiece 95%? How common is it for saxophone to be used in an orchestra? Never noticed any.
Depends on the saxophone, as well as the piece and player. Often you will not see one, as they were disliked and neglected for a long period of time because of it being new and odd. Alexander Glazunov made a few pieces utilizing the Alto Saxophone and proved it’s worth, Eugene Rousseau, a professional saxophonist who specializes in classical playing is actually seen in this video playing to show how well a sax can blend. I recommend listening to Alexander Glazunov’s “Concert in E flat op.109”. It sounds absolutely amazing. Personally I have not played in an orchestra, but instead a Concert band as a first chair Alto Saxophonist. If you would like a consistent classical sound for more or less 130-140$ I recommend an E. Rousseau mouthpiece, now sold by JodyJazz, so you know it will be high quality.
Hey Lolenie! The book comes as part of the entire Beginner Series course which also includes lesson videos and demo tracks. It’s available here: www.SaxTuition.com/products/beginnerseries-eb Thanks for your interest 😊
Hi Jakey! There’s a place called Ozwinds in Melbourne which is the only dedicated woodwind / brass store in Oz (that I know of), but unfortunately nothing in Sydney. It is really hard to try these mouthpieces before you play, so the only thing you can really do is take a chance on one and see how you go.. it’s a pain I know only too well! Hope that helps - Jeremy
i started alto sax a year ago, and i always wanted the raspy, bright, loud jazzy sound. I always got frustrated trying to figure out how to get that noise. you saved my life !!
I've been trying to find a way to understand this concept, and your explanation of blending and the amount of the mouthpiece in mouth was great and seriously helpful
Just starting out, but I've played around on several of the popular mid-cost mouthpieces. At this point, the large- chamber Martin "no-name" and Caravan mouthpieces have been the easiest to play, and I like the nice warm heart-melting tone.
I love the Martin too! Great tip, thanks for the comment.
It seems like every soprano player I love uses a Selmer Concept! My listening is mostly to classical playing, but I also want to be able to get a brighter sound because I want to play with a rock ensemble at times as well. I was glad to see you can get a jazzier sound as well, though I guess I really should get a second mouthpiece for a rock setting. Thanks for the great videos!
Before I read your Quick Note I was thinking Mozart sounded a tad jazzy lmao. Definitely a great sound.
I’ve been playing classical saxophone for the past 9 years and recently completed my trinity atcl performance diploma. Now I’m going to university and am done with lessons but I don’t want to have come all this way and just stop playing! So I want to look into jazz and see what I can do with that and what groups I can maybe join but first need to actually learn how to play jazz because it’s so different…
Your videos are great. You seem so friendly and enthusiastic-- makes for great teachings. Coming from playing flute, forever, i bought and alto sax 2 months ago. I'm in love with my YAS 23. I have been playing with D'Addario #2 M and H Jazz Select reeds, and i'm wondering if there would be an advantage to trying a 2.5. I have a 4C mouthpiece, and i'm considering upgrading soon.
Thank you!
Thanks a lot DC - nice choice with the YAS-23 👍 yeah definitely try the 2.5 reeds, they could add a bit more body to your sound. For reference, I play size 2.5 reeds on alto and size 3 on tenor. Thanks for the support!
Amazing like always, thank you so much!
Really helpful, thank you
Just found your channel and enjoyed the video!
I’ve been wondering this exact question. I noticed from Saxologic channel that when he plays a classical embouchure it looks like he’s playing near the tip bit it also looks like some other things are going on: maybe more of a tilt like a clarinet and puckered lips.
I started playing this year on alto with a generic plastic mouthpiece that seems to have a bit of an open chamber. It takes a lot of air and an open throat. Then a lady gave me an alto that has a plastic encore mouthpiece which says C*. I like it a lot. To me it sounds and plays “classical”. I can get a bright cutting sound though if I take in a lot of mouthpiece.
I love Paul Desmond but also other alto players with a more traditional jazz sound who are brighter.
I like that you have backing tracks because I already understand music theory from other instruments and an past the fingering chart stage and decided to learn by ear. I will check it out!
I wish I grew up playing with a jazz mouthpiece and playstyle but nah I'm the classical dude
This guy wins you over!
super clear and complete, thanks a lot !
Glad you liked it!
Devout classical sax player here:
Classical players are actually trained NOT to use little mouthpiece (and if you were, maybe your private teacher really didn't appreciate your sound), although it creates a better sound initially it also limits the amount of power and volume in your sound. A dark and round sound is the goal of most classical players (examples: Otis Murphy, Tim McAllister on soprano), the amount of mouthpiece you put in your mouth doesn't really control your tone much, and most of it comes from the throat/embouchure/air control.
Simply decreasing the amount of mouthpiece you put in your mouth doesn't really create the ideal "classical sound", it comes with lots of practice and exercises. I would actually argue that putting less mouthpiece in your mouth decreases your tone control rather than increasing it.
So well done! Excellent job.
ive been playin a ria 8 metal for 30 years on alto
Awesome video. You sound great!
Very useful content. Thanks a lot. I do not know anything about saxophones, but the classical approach on soprano saxophone caught me at all. I listened to Ravel's Pièce en forme de Habanera last week played on a straight soprano saxophone. The sound was a blending of an oboe- and clarinet-like, but was not any of them. The tone quality was warm, controled, fat (but not sharp), and blended well to piano part. I would like to try soprano saxophone for playing classical music. What kind of mouthpieces do you recommend, in addition to Selmer one?
very very helpful !!!
Glad it was helpful Carlo!
Hey; I am a complete beginner on sax - got the soprano and went with the selmer concept - living on the edge :) Can I stay with the concept mouthpiece or should I store it and get a 4C before - giving I already chose too many difficult options? thx (by the way I bought your course, wanted to thank you :) )
I just bought a yamaha 4c mouthpiece considering im a beginner and its a good universal mouthpiece. Good for all types of music.
Would you say the yamaha 4c is a good first mouthpiece upgrade? My original mouthpiece was the crappy one that came with my sax
Absolutely, the Yamaha 4C is a great mouthpiece, you can actually get a pretty wide range of tones on it too. If you end up playing with a band you might want something that 'cuts' a little more, at which point you might like to look into either the Meyer or the Claude Lakey. Otherwise, stick with the 4C!
How long are you playing?
Very useful but how much of good sound is attributableto the player using almost any mouthpiece 95%? How common is it for saxophone to be used in an orchestra? Never noticed any.
Depends on the saxophone, as well as the piece and player. Often you will not see one, as they were disliked and neglected for a long period of time because of it being new and odd. Alexander Glazunov made a few pieces utilizing the Alto Saxophone and proved it’s worth, Eugene Rousseau, a professional saxophonist who specializes in classical playing is actually seen in this video playing to show how well a sax can blend. I recommend listening to Alexander Glazunov’s “Concert in E flat op.109”. It sounds absolutely amazing. Personally I have not played in an orchestra, but instead a Concert band as a first chair Alto Saxophonist. If you would like a consistent classical sound for more or less 130-140$ I recommend an E. Rousseau mouthpiece, now sold by JodyJazz, so you know it will be high quality.
Sir jazz embouchure and classical
Sax tuition how could i buy that book thanks
Hey Lolenie! The book comes as part of the entire Beginner Series course which also includes lesson videos and demo tracks. It’s available here: www.SaxTuition.com/products/beginnerseries-eb
Thanks for your interest 😊
Hi Jeremy is these mouthpieces available in Kolkata ,India?
Hi Aparajit, I’m not sure unfortunately! Most are available on Amazon or elsewhere online 😊
Hi there! Where can I buy these mouthpieces easily in Australia? It doesn’t seem like there’s a market for saxophone stuff here in Sydney
Hi Jakey! There’s a place called Ozwinds in Melbourne which is the only dedicated woodwind / brass store in Oz (that I know of), but unfortunately nothing in Sydney. It is really hard to try these mouthpieces before you play, so the only thing you can really do is take a chance on one and see how you go.. it’s a pain I know only too well! Hope that helps - Jeremy
SaxTuition thank you so much!! Also, great videos!
? What?? Try saxophone and woodwind