hello all,

just got back into playing after a 20 year layoff LOL. I bought a yamaha 82 custom Z from Sam Ash about a month ago. So far so good, i'm a little rusty obviously. On the lower notes i don't remember them being so hard to play (like B flat the lowest note) but i guess i'm just getting the facial muscles back into gear. Taking lessons once a week which helps and i have a learning book as well. Starting with a number 2 reed, Yamaha 4C mouthpiece that came with the saxophone. Any other tips? i know...practice, practice, practice.

ditch the mouth piece, get a C*(classical), or a meyer 5 or 6(jazz)

i put in a number 3 reed today using the same mouthpiece (4CM) that came with the sax and what a difference. I thought a 3 would be very difficult to play but it felt much easier. THe lower notes were also easier to play. Very strange...the 3 reed came with the sax as well. I was using 2's before.

well, been playing for about a few weeks now...i'm using a number 3 Van duren reed with a Yamaha 4cm mouthpiece. The tones sounds good and can hit all the notes. The biggest problem i'm finding since i got back is when to breath, can't seem to catch my breath playing a piece. Also, my embouchure (sp?) needs work...when i play a sheet of music i find myself spitting out the last notes as i my lips go numb LOL and can't keep them puckered on the mouthpiece...guess it will take awhile to get that back.

Do Long tones, and alot of them. That will help you. The mouthpiece is probably fine. I doubt its the mouthpiece problem.
When you bought the horn did you have a tech. set it up?

that's what i'm doing now (long tones) and no, i didn't have a tech said it up but thanks for the info

Don't mention it. Many times horn's get knocked around in shipping. I always take a horn to the shop after I get it. Even if the seller/dealer says it is set up.

i'm on a 2 1/2 reed now and seems much better. But again, long tones i'm doing as my breathing is all messed up. That's the hardest part!

Something that may help are Breathing Excersises.
I know it sounds dumb. But it helps to stregthen the Lungs.
Put your open hand in front of your mouth and breath in if your doing it right you will sound like Darth Vader. Then on the out, put your hand in front of your mouth and breath onto it, directing the air onto the tip of your middle finger.
Do 5 or so minutes of it. counting to 4, 8, and 16.
This will stregthen the lung. Also pay attention to the tone. Doing long tones will help with the tone that you get as well...