Saxophone Forum


by zt313
(1 post)
6 years ago

Trouble with Tone? (Trying to get a darker sound)

So, my issue is that I've been told I have a "way to bright tone" for concert band, keep in mind I'm in both jazz band and concert band. I've been told by my director and at festivals that I have an awfully bright tone. Also, I've additionally been told that it sounds good for jazz, but not exactly for concert. So my question is: how do I get a darker tone? 

I play on a Cannonball Stone Series (Raven) with the traditional neck. For my mouthpiece, I play on the Vandoren TL3 Optimum, along with the Optimum ligature. Lastly, I play on the Traditional Vandoren reeds (3 1/2). 

Any and all help would be appreciated! Thanks!

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  1. by mijderf
    (282 posts)

    6 years ago

    Re: Trouble with Tone? (Trying to get a darker sound)

    It sounds like you should try 2 things:
    1.  Softer reeds
    2.  A mouthpiece with a large chamber and a rollover baffle.  It can sometimes be difficult to really figure out the chamber size on a mouthpiece, so do your research and ask questions. In hard rubber mouthpieces you might check out a large chamber Morgan Jazz or an old Otto Link  .  In metal there are some large chamber Vandoren T16 pieces. 
    Above all else, try before you buy.  You should consider calling someone like Saxquest or Junkdude.com and discuss with them. 

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