Getting
Started
If this page is relevant to you it means you've probably got your hands on a sax - WELL DONE ! It could just be the most rewarding & satisfying thing you'll ever do. There will be challenges and frustrations ahead but they will pale into insignificance when you play your first solo. Stick with it and you'll never regret it.
Mouthpiece
Take care in assembling the mouthpiece correctly as poor assembly will
make blowing far more difficult. Reeds are very fragile so avoid handling
the thin end. Thoroughly moisten the reed by putting the thin end in your
mouth for approximately 30 seconds, (do this before EVERY practise session
as it helps greatly !) Slide the
ligature over the mouthpiece then carefully slide the reed underneath with
the flat side of the reed
against the flat part of the mouthpiece. Position the reed so that it is
straight and the tip level with the tip of the mouthpiece. Secure the reed by tightening the screws until they are
"finger tight". Always put the mouthpiece cap on when not
playing to protect the reed and mouthpiece.
Sax Assembly.
Put
the neck strap around your neck. Take the main body of the sax from its
case holding it firmly by the bell. Hook the neck strap on to the ring
positioned about half way down the back of the body. Ensure the neck screw
is untightened and insert the crook, which should line up with the neck
strap ring. Tighten the screw so that the crook is secure. Apply a little
cork grease to the cork (re-do once a week) and push the mouthpiece on to
the cork with the opening facing downwards.
This picture shows the correct way to put the sax on its stand. It's surprising how many people try and hang it on the other way round !
Instrument Care. Your instrument is valuable and well worth your care and attention. Use a soft dry cloth after playing to reduce the effects of dust and acids from the hands. Clear the instrument of excess moisture after playing as this contributes greatly to problems with pads. Saxophones are lacquered so don't clean with anything abrasive. Very carefully dry reeds and mouthpieces with soft tissue. Don't leave the mouthpiece on the sax when not in use as this wears out the cork. Dry the inside of the sax with a pull-through or specially designed mop. Apply cork grease regularly. Keep the instrument away from extreme temperatures and handle it gently.
Keep it insured - in case of theft or accidents.
Tips on getting started. Don't be afraid to ask for advice! The videos, books and CD's are great but do book up some lessons as there's no substitute for a good teacher. The UK Musicians Union has a register of teachers, some colleges run sax courses, but a recommendation from your local music shop is usually most successful. After buying your sax the best investment you can make is to buy a really good mouthpiece. Don't spend too much too soon as you need to develop your embouchure (lip muscles). They don't come cheap but they can make a huge difference to tone and ease of playing. Start with soft reeds and give them a good suck for 30 seconds before each practice session as this makes them much easier to blow. Reeds are an acquired taste ! Carefully dry them after playing and they last a lot longer. Experiment soon with harder reeds for better tone and intonation. Take care setting up the mouthpiece and don't struggle on with damaged reeds - throw them away. Don't fight the sax. You must RELAX. Let the strap take all the weight and adjust it just right so that the mouthpiece falls naturally into your mouth. Get comfortable with the instrument, letting it rest against your body. If it's an effort to blow and little or no sound is produced, you probably don't have quite enough in your mouth and are gripping too tightly. This closes up the small gap between reed and mouthpiece so no air can get through. RELAX and put the mouthpiece in a bit further. It really doesn't take a lot of puff. If you go too far you get squeaks and a hard honking tone so back off a bit until you produce a good tone. Practice little and often to develop your embouchure (lip muscles). It may tickle or make your mouth sore at first but persevere and these minor discomforts will soon disappear. Once you can produce a sound try some different notes, carefully adding one finger at a time. Practice in front of a mirror -it helps to see where your fingers are going and its great for the ego ! Keep checking to make sure your fingers are on the right pads as its easy to get confused. Curl your fingers over on to the pads and in the process ensure you don't accidentally open other keys. Notes around the middle of the instrument are easiest. Very high/low notes are best left for a while. Buy a music stand - correct breathing is very important and good posture is essential. Listen to other sax players for inspiration.
Can a sax be too cheap?
YES!!!
If you're
about to buy your first sax then please read this article