Forum of the Saxes

sista · Joined: 18 Jul 2005 Posts: 26

I play the alto and am thinking about getting a tenor.

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Gandalfe · Joined: 19 Sep 2005 Posts: 33 Location: Seattle, WA

Hi Sista,

Although it is relatively easy to make the move to tenor or baritone sax, they do have their nuances that make learning them a challenge and interesting. I had no problem playing alto and bari myself. But I found getting the sound of the tenor to be where I wanted it difficult.

If you are moving to tenor for jazz band, and I hope that is true because playing tenor in concert band is booorrrring, you will need to get serious about learning to improvise and solo. Tenor 1 is the most common instrument to have a solo.

And don't expect the mouthpiece that you like on alto to be the one you end up using on tenor. I play an Otto Link Super Tone on tenor and I've never found an alto player that likes that piece on an alto.

As you start to play the tenor start with long notes and overtones to speed up your acclimation process. And get a decent horn. Don't go cheap just because it is your second instrument. You can get decent tenor saxes starting at $1500.

Enjoy,
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JPSaxMan · Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2005 8:01 pm Post subject:

altosax4ever · Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:54 pm Post subject:

I;ve played tenor in Jazz band and let me tell you, AIR AIR AIR! I had to practice long tones for eternity before I could reach the low Bb again. That was the hardest time I've ever had switching from alto to another instrument. I love my alto!
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Yani-992 · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 20 Location: singapore

I've never really played long on a tenor before. Only held it to help in tuning. However, i love the feeling in my hands. Sometimes when i play the alto, i find it small and yet large. With the tenor it feels large and cool! The keywork is easier too.

Altosaxophonerules · Joined: 25 Aug 2005 Posts: 130 Location: Canada

Tenor was the hardest sax i played. LOTS of Air Support in the low notes. Also being in pitch is hard sometimes, requires adjusting.

Jacob · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 8:58 pm Post subject:

As a clinician once told my high school jazz band last year, the tenor saxophone is the hardest instrument in a jazz context to sound GOOD on. I do believe that to some extent.
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JPSaxMan · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 9:17 pm Post subject:

Jacob · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 9:20 pm Post subject:

The tenor is the hardest from a tonal aspect.
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