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Could any saxophone expert help me choose a sax?

How to Improve Saxophone Tone?

  • I need expert help on this question. I've played the alto sax for almost 3 years, and now I'm how to get a better tone on my sax. I am currently playing on the Yamaha YAS 62, ...show more

  • Answer:

    Like Dan said, it may be the instrument. However, it's more likely that you've simply gotten to the limits of your YAS 62 than it's actually broken or beat up; you sound like someone who knows to take care of your instrument. Before you go out and buy a brand new sax, though, consider upgrading your mouthpiece. This is a lot cheaper than a new horn and can make a huge difference in tone. If you play mostly classical, I would recommend a Selmer C* mouthpiece; if mostly jazz, a Meyer 6. Each of these mouthpieces is a big improvement on most stock pieces, without being to hard to play on, and at a decent price. Reeds can also make a difference in tone. Like Dan, I use Hemke reeds, and even though they're usually cheaper than Vandorens I find them better. Other reeds to look into are the various Vandoren cuts, Gonzalez, and Alexander. With or without the upgrade, the best practice technique to improve tone is long tones, so I doubt that's the problem.

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Part could be that the sax itself has been through too much. I myself recently had to replace my tenor after only 3 and a half years. Then again, it was a beginner tenor, easy to play. Now I play a P. Mauriat PMXT-66RGL, Gold Lacqeur. It's an Intermediate/Expert sax, but from the very first time I blew into it, I could tell my embouchure was fine, it was my old sax that was busted. Tone became tons better. Also, I'll suggest getting new reeds, unless the ones you have are ones you trust. I fell in love with Hemke reeds because they sound great with everything. Hope this helps!

A decent mouthpiece in combination with a good reed will often change your tone in a good way. You can find some pretty good but, cheap mouthpieces out there. I use a Rico Metallite MKM-5, which is only $20-$30 bucks, rather than other mouthpieces that cost +$150! If you got the cash, then get an amazing mouthpiece, such as Otto Link, Selmer, or PPT. Standard mouthpieces are good, but sound like crap and limit your musical abilities once you've played it for a while. Also, in combination with a good mouthpiece, you also need some good reeds. If you are a jazz musician, some popular good reeds are Rico Jazz Select, Rico Plasticovers, Vandoren Javas, Vandoren ZZ, etc. (there's plenty more....) I currently use a Vandoren Java (3 stiffness).

Justin

I have a Yamaha YTS 62. My tone was suspect for a while on it, but i upgraded to a selmer C* mouthpiece. Made a great difference, i have a nice clean smooth sound now. I would try upgrading the mouthpiece, the one they give you is complete crap. get rid of that.

carl

I dont play sax ,but I do know that you tube has many instructional videos on musical instruments of all kinds. Check youtube.com

zen2bop

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