Doubling on tenor sax

[Gendreauj]

Decided to become a comeback player on tenor sax. Any thoughts or information on playing both instruments??!

[robertwerntz]

I found that Alto was an easier switch I prefer the sound of Tenor but you can use your muscle memories with the first three fingers of the right hand on Alto with some early success - have fun!

[Gendreauj]

@robertwerntz
I soon will have both to compare.

[Kehaulani 0]

I played Saxes professionally for about two decades. I think you might have more sucess, if you're going to play trumpet and sax if, at least in the geginnings, if you play Trumpet first and then Sax. I think that sequence is a little easier on the chops.

I disagree that Alto is easier to play than Tenor. I played Soprano, Alto and Tenor. I would say that the higher you go in saxes, the more muscle power you need in your embouchure. Another diference is in hearing the tones in the horns' respective ranges.

Have you settled on a Sax? If not, you can get a lor of help at Sax on the Web (https://www.saxontheweb.net/).

[Gendreauj]

@Kehaulani-0
Thanks for your reply and advice. I do enjoy reading your posts on this forum and TH.
I bought a black colored Mendini tenor sax made in China. Should receive by Friday.
Since my cornets were made in the same factory in China decided to sell the ACB silver doubler cornet. More chance of getting a better price than the Schiller cornet.

[Kehaulani 0]

Good luck with the Mendini. A lot of those Chinese woodwinds are good at first then start falling out of adjustment after a while and then begin a frustrating thing of never-ending adjustments. Keep an eye on that and maybe you'll have some luck with it.

Also, when you start playing, know that reeds can be frustrating and, what may seem difficult to get a sound out, may just be that your reed is too stiff. Conversely, if your reed is too soft, you may have trouble with high notes.

[Gendreauj]

@Kehaulani-0
Thanks for advice. Played a Martin tenor sax for almost two years.
When I get my chops back I will buy a better tenor sax.
Have two sax coming in this week, Mendini tenor sax and King 613 alto sax.
I have ordered a Legere American cut Alto 2.5 synthetic reed and Legere American cut tenor synthetic reed
Have tried many natural reeds but prefer synthetic reeds.
As a hobbyist player I am happy with the current setup with my cornet.
Will see this week if I will be happy with the sax.

[administrator]

I used to be super anti buying cheap knockoff instruments. However, if it gets you playing (vs not playing at all) it's probably acceptable. I've been impressed with some of the knockoff instruments. They can be better than expected at times.

[administrator]

I suppose I'm just trying to cope with the fact that I spent over $5k on one trumpet!!

[Gendreauj]

@administrator
I am tired of older used equipment that need repair.
Whether it works out or not we will see.
In the past spent to much money on cornets, trumpet, saxes, lessons and repairs.
Trying to limit buying more instruments , mouthpieces etc.
Just want to enjoy playing.

[barliman2001]

@administrator
Whoa!
You should try a different approach - mine.
Got my Courtois flugelhorn as a factory surplus - free.
Inherited

• my B&H Sovereign trombone
• my Selmer G picc

found my Garreis trombone in an ntique shop for a hundred quid
found my latest cornet (Besson Bb/A) in a pawn shop, for less than $100...

Got this nice and wonderfully decorated Conn International off e-bay at € 47...

and was given this nice Arnold & Sons pocket trumpet - the ideal hospital trumpet! free, in exchange for a review...

and finally exchanged a badly dented and patched UMI Benge 7 for this Olds Recording...

[Gendreauj]

@barliman2001
Very nice. You are amazing at finding excellent shape horn bargains.

[Gendreauj]

Due to an awful cold I have been limiting my playing time.Almost back to normal so will be playing more .
Tried blowing on my cornet, no sound came out. Wiped down the valves and it plays fine. A huge bottle of blue juice came with this cornet.
Started playing the tenor sax and it does sound good. It came with cane reeds, neck strap, ligature and mouthpiece.
Of course I bought a new mouthpiece, ligature, neck harness and different strengths of Legere reeds.
Did not like the first neck harness and waiting on another one.
Now I am a doubler again.

[robertwerntz]

Great news!

[Dale Proctor]

@barliman2001

Here are a few of my finds over the years:

1977 Bach Stradivarius at a junk store for $150. Just needed polishing.

1983 Bach Stradivarius C trumpet, almost new trade-in at a music store, $500.

1890 Besson (London) A/Bb/C cornet on eBay, $65. I did have to pay a shop $50 to unstick everything.

1976 Bach Mercedes on eBay (my most recent find), $175. It plays as well as my Strad, and BTW, it’s not a Mercedes II.

[J. Jericho]

@Dale-Proctor The mouthpieces in your Bach Mercedes case look fairly deep... or is that an illusion?

[Dale Proctor]

@J-Jericho said in Doubling on tenor sax:

@Dale-Proctor The mouthpieces in your Bach Mercedes case look fairly deep... or is that an illusion?

They are what I’d call a medium C-cup depth. The gold one (top one) is a Connstellation 9C-W, and the silver one is a Curry 3C.