How Do You Sax Players Avoid Squeaking???????

[rpking]

 I've been playing the soprano sax professionally on an off for over a decade, but I've never mastered playing without squeaking.  I play a Selmer Paris Series III with a Selmer Paris Super Session mouthpiece and Vandoren 2 1/2 size reeds.  I adust my ambechure until I hit my notes clean, but I wish that I didn't have to adjust it for every note played.  Do you all have any tips that you use to avoid squeaking? 

[Jbroad572]

I've been playing the soprano sax professionally on an off for over a decade, but I've never mastered playing without squeaking.  I play a Selmer Paris Series III with a Selmer Paris Super Session mouthpiece and Vandoren 2 1/2 size reeds.  I adust my ambechure until I hit my notes clean, but I wish that I didn't have to adjust it for every note played.  Do you all have any tips that you use to avoid squeaking? 

Playing over a decade and still got the same problem? Wow, I barely ever squeak and if I do its due to my setup (old reed, need adjustments or something). Are you having these squeaks on every mouthpiece you have tried or have you been playing the same piece? It's very possible if it's the same piece it could be an imperfection in the actual mouthpiece that a good refacer should be able to fix. Let me know if you need a name or 2 of a few good ones. What is your setup by the way?

[theunit]

IT COULD BE A SERIES OF THNGS THAT COULD CAUSE THIS PROBLEM WHAT I FIND THE MOST COMMON IS THAT THE RTEED IM PLAYING ON IS NOT MOIST....HERE'S A SECREAT I USE TO KEEP IT MOIST. USE CHAP STICK ON THE REED WHEN FINISHED PLAYING IT WILL RETAIN  A HIGHER LEVEL OFF WATER INSIDE THE REED IT SELF ....IT KINDA SEALS IT IN.....A WILL BETCHA THE NEXT TIME YOU PLAY IF DONT HAVE THE PROPER TIME TO WARM UP...THIS WILL HELP ALOT...HIT ME BACK ON THIS POST AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK .....BUT TRY IT..IT WILL WORK

THE UNIT

[ES7Mike]

Have you tried looking into different reeds?

[Jbroad572]

Have you tried looking into different reeds?

Yea that could be it... I used to use Alexander Classique reeds and they squeaked like crazy on 2 different mouthpieces. They are great reeds with a really nice meaty sound, but they only worked without squeaking on one mouthpiece. So, it could be the type of reeds you are using.

[rpking]

Well, after reading your comments, it comes down to this.....the more I practice, the less I squeak.  I only get squeaks when I go long periods of time without picking up the instrument.  When I pick up the sax again, I expect the notes to come out the same way they did when I last played it, but it doesn't.  However, when I put time in my practicing, the reed gets warm and wet, so the squeaking goes away.  Again, I've used my Selmer Super Session mouthpiece with an Eddie Daniels ligature and Vandoren reeds - size 2 1/2 for about 5 years.  I never squeak on the performance/praise stage - it's only when I pick up the sax to practice for the first time after going a long period of time without playing it.  Wetting my reeds and changing them should solve the problem, so thanks for the advice.........

P.S.  Unit, I will also try the chapstick too....thanks alot......

[Cherri]

I'll have my daughter do the same. Thanks!

[ifiwereu]

This my dear friend is your problem...(on an off for over a decade). Sax is not an instrument that one puts down for a couple months or even weeks then picks up again if you want to be good. Consistency with practice eliminates most emboucher problems.

Squeaking can come from a number of reasons. 1)Improper breathing 2) reeds not soaked enough. Some sax players suck on their reeds for a few minutes then play without any squeaks whereas others need to soak them in water for 10 minutes at least.  Maybe your mouthpiece is not on the cork at the right distance.

Your mouth must also fit around the mouthpiece like a rubber band. Also make sure that the reed tip is a hairline lined up with the mouthpiece.

If that doesn't correct it short of practicing consistently for weeks see a teacher for a few sessions.

[saxandkeys]

Just an opinion....but perhaps your emboucher is too strong for a 2 1/2 reed???

[jremon]

Something else to consider........

     Sometimes reeds are unbalanced. One side is harder than the other and this can cause a lot of squeaking. If you have experience with a reed knife, you can take some wood off of the harder side and this will eliminate squeaking as well.

[ifiwereu]

jremon, I'm glad u mention unbalanced reed. Using a reed knife is not the best thing for an inexperienced sax player. I remember sanding down a reed I felt was unbalanced only to find out my worst performance was created by the reed I attempted to fix. It squeaked like crazy.

[Cherri]

Thanks again guys.

[rpking]

I second that.....all of your suggestions work..........thanks again........

[keynote]

Also, if you want to check to see if your reed is balanced or not, when it's dry, put a pice of notebook paper on a hard, flat surface (like a table or countertop), and rub the flat side of the reed back and forth on the paper lots of times real fast (evenly, use a little bit of pressure, but not too much) . After a while the back of the reed should get shiny. If the shine is evenly distribuited over the reed then it's balanced, if not you can sand the part(s) that aren't shiny CAREFULLY and with VERY FINE sand paper and repeat the process until you get it even.

It is also important that your reed seals the mouthpice. To check this, make sure your reed is moistened properly and place it on your mouthpice (securing it with the ligature). Place the back end of the mouthpiece on the palm of your hand making an air-tight seal. Suck the air out of the mouthpiece, and the reed should momentarily seal the mouthpiece (like a suction cup) then make a small "pop" sound when it releases (it won't hurt the reed).

Usually, if the reed is balanced, it will seal.

be blessed

[redtenorsax]

Its simple. PUT MORE OF THE METAL MOUTHPIECE IN YOUR MOUTH!  You have more control over the air, the read and everything that way.

[Wolfram]

If you are squeaking all the time then you are not controlling the mouthpiece or your embouchure.  Here are some suggestions:

1) Watch yourself in the mirror.  Are you playing in the right position?  Are you puffing your cheeks? Are you holding the sax like a clarinet? (DO NOT DO THIS) Are you using a neck strap? Is your Adam's apple or throat moving all over the place when you play?

2) Listen to yourself.  Are you in tune everywhere on your horn?  Do you practice everyday?  Have you taken time to play long tones to perfect your intonation?  Squeaking could be you mouthpiece/reed setup.  You may not be able to play on a metal.  Try a different, less aggressive mouthpiece.  Try a different brand of reed.  Is your reed positioned properly?  Is your ligature adequate? Cheap ligatures make for horrible sounds.  Why the metal mouthpiece?  Did you play it with a hard rubber mouthpiece?  There are quite a few jazz mouthpieces out there that are not metal.  They sound awesome and are easier to control.

3)  Don't Over-blow.  Sop has a sweet spot.  Find that spot.  It sounds beautiful in this dynamic range.  Do not get louder than that.  You can get softer but never louder.  The reason is that the smaller the saxophone, the more unstable it is and more difficult it becomes to control.  Add that to the fact that you added a metal mouthpiece to the mix and you have a wild horse in your midst.  Remember that sop is a lyrical instrument, not an axe.

One last set of questions...

If you have been playing professionally, how can you still be having these problems?  When I am hired to play, I am expected to PLAY.  That comment baffled me the most of all in your post.  Do you play another horn and are just now attempting the sop?  Sop is not very versatile.  It is lyrical, but lacks the punch power of alto or tenor.  I do not know why so many people flock to that horn instead of learning how to play one of the other saxes FIRST. 

Good luck with your squeaking.  I really do hope you get the problem under wraps.

[ifiwereu]

Possible squeak causes: Be sure your reed's not too dry (keep reed moist; well soaked)
                                 Balance reed on mouthpiece
                                 Practice
                                 Properly placed ligature
                                 
                                 

[BMA]

Squeaking can be caused by one or a multiple amount of problems. Here are some solutions to try and each one of them should be fixed if it is broken:
1. Make sure the reed is at the tip with only a Hairline of the mouthpiece being visible.
2. Make sure you do not take in too much mouthpiece. (MORE THAN LIKELY YOUR PROBLEM)
To figure the right amount measure by looking at the side of the mouthpiece with the reed on it. Grab a pencil and draw a line where the reed seperates from the mouthpiece. Place your thumb nail on that line and put the mouthpiece in your mouth to that point only. No more or no less.
3. Don't puff the cheeks. Imagine the inside of your cheeks being super glued to your teeth.
4. Make sure the reed you use is the proper strength. THe facing of the mouthpiece makes the difference. For metal mouthpieces or pieces with open tips (Meyer, Otto Link, Beechler) stay with a 2.5 or a 3. For mouthpieces like a Selmer C*, Larry Teal, Premier, or of the like you need a 3 or a 3.5. THe closer the tip the harder the reed you need to avoid closing on the tip. Also, do not over use a reed or use a chipped reed.
5. Relax your throat as you would in a Yawn. (Take a golf ball and put it in your mouth. THis is a close measurement as to how much space you need in your mouth to get a good sound. Sing a slurred "oo" from your highest to your lowest note. A choir warms up this way to get the vocal chords going. When you play low notes you should open your throat as if you were singing a low note or saying the word HOE or HA. When you play high notes you should say HE. Saying HOE lowers the back of the tounge, saying HE raises it. High for high notes low for nor low notes. Common sense.
6. Make sure the neck strap is pulled up high enough. The mouthpiece should brush the top lip when you look straight ahead. YOU ARE IN CONTROL!!!! not the sax, strap, neck, etc. Adjust everything to fit you. If you bend your head down, to the side etc you have restrained your air flow thus causing poor sound and possible squeaking.
7. Watch out for the left hand palm keys and the side right hand keys. Sometimes these keys are in the way and need to be fitted to the players hand. If the player BARELY bumps these keys squeaks can sometimes occur as well.
8. Finally, seek a private tutor. You are more successful with a personal trainer when you go to the gym. Likewise, with the sax. Sitting down with a professional teacher is important. Notice I said TEACHER not that cool sounding guy or gal you heard last week at the revival meeting. Get with a legitmate sax teacher that does it for a living. Look for a local Music School or university. Most importantly find the place that is comfortable and affordable. Nothing is worse than taking one lesson and not going back. Take a minimum of the 3 months. Then decide what to do. Make the commitment. You will be glad you did. My 2 cents.
Musically,
Kreston Smith
Bartlett Music Academy Inc.,  President

[lisacrum]

Examine your mouthpiece with the reed off and make sure that the rails are good and even and that the tip isn't nicked.  Make sure your ligature clamps the reed down firmly and that it doesn't wobble.  A good reed is a must.  If I use one too hard for the mouthpiece I've got, it will catch me off guard and squeak because I'm having to blow too hard to get the sound out.  I use a Dukoff #9 (metal) mouthpiece, and I've found that nothing stronger than a 2 1/2 works best for me on that mouthpiece.  My personal pick for a reed is a Harry Hartmann Fiberreed.  It's the best reed I've ever used, bar none.  They're 20 dollars a reed at Woodwind Brasswind, but I've got as much as 4 years of fairly heavy play out of one!  Seriously!  They more than pay for themselves.  Now, I've tried other synthetics but they have too much of a plastic feel for my taste.  The Hartmann feels instantly broke in from the moment you start playing.  You don't have to soak them before playing because they're already soft and pliable.  I just ordered a new one today...I've got one on my sax that I've been playing since 2002 or 2003.  It's still working but I've had to trim a couple of light nicks out of the end, so it's time to finally retire the old girl.  I'll probably save her as a backup just in case something happens to the new one.  Can't hardly stand to go back to a cane reed now that I'm used to the Hartmann.

Also, have a repair shop go over your sax if it hasn't been checked out in a while.  I had a problem with an annoying squeak on one or two notes my Selmer that developed suddenly, something that became too aggravating to keep trying to lip away or compensate for.  I put it in the shop and found that one of the keys had been bent slightly and it had affected its ability to seal properly.  I've had no more problems since they worked it over.  Another thing you can do is to drop a penlight on a string down in your sax.  Close off the keys and see if you have any light peeping out of the closed valves.  That would indicate a poor seal and possibly a pad(s) that needs replaced.

Good luck!