Hello,

I have played the trumpet for over 20 years. My heart has always been with the saxophone. I have been playing the Sax for 1 year. I have an Alto and a Soprano. I practice long tones daily. I can hold a note on the Soprano for 50 seconds, but can only hold a note on the Alto for 15 seconds. What is the problem. I bought a used Yamaha and a new Soprano. The Alto is in great shape. What do you think?

it`s very normal, since alto`s size is bigger than soprano, of course, you need to take breathe and blow harder.
so soprano...50sec
alto....15second
tenor.....5 second
baritone....2 second

anyway, you have played trumpet for 20 years, your air support must be strong to play sax, I just wonder why you feel so hard to play it.

torrey

I love the sax, I was thinking something was wrong with it. Actually the sax is very easy to play. I don`t get tired when playing the sax. Playing the trumpet is hard work.

Each saxophone gives you different resistance. I play tenor sax and clarinet so I have the same problem. My only suggestion, and this comes from experiance, is to keep up the work with the long tones. Eventually you will get to be able to hold the notes out the same length of time.

Also remember that the strength reed, mouth piece type, etc. has a lot to do with the resistensce of an instrument.

You`re right about trumpet being harder! This is because the saxophone has a much looser embouchure compared to trumpet. I`m glad you`re enjoying playing the saxophone. We do like it when more players join the Dark Side! If you need any more advice, try posting here> http://saxontheweb.myforums.net/ . It`s a good site.