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Saxophone beginners If you could go back in time...
Hi all, I'm a newbie of 2 years with the sax. I was wondering if you could tell yourself 3 things when you first started playing the sax, what would it be? What tips would you give yourself to help yourself become a better player? Thanks
38 Replies
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4055 views
Saxophones Thinking to try double Reeds
Hello, i will begin the double Reed instrument, i'm originally saxophonist and clarinettist.
My friends is collector and it will loan me one instrument with double Reed to try and learning
I thinking like this, the double Reed is really complex and very important,
It's for that i think to begin on sarrusophone alto or rothophone alto.
Why this to instrument => globally the same finger charts of saxophone,
Learning new finger charts is for me largely not very complexe.
But learning new technical to make a sound is largely hardest thing.
The sarrusophone alto/rothophone alto could be great choice, to be one slow transition.
We keep saxophone finger charte for 99% and excluded one difficulty, after we can focus only one double Reeds,
After, when i will have one correct sound and correct playing with double Reed, i can go on bassoon or english horn,
Just to learn the new finger charts but that is really simple in compareason to learn double Reed.
And sarrusophone/rothophone is forgotten instrument and i would like to use this rare instrument,
What do you think about my project ???
My heart want learn sarrusophone alto.
In the life, we can try new thing,
My friends is collector and it will loan me one instrument with double Reed to try and learning
I thinking like this, the double Reed is really complex and very important,
It's for that i think to begin on sarrusophone alto or rothophone alto.
Why this to instrument => globally the same finger charts of saxophone,
Learning new finger charts is for me largely not very complexe.
But learning new technical to make a sound is largely hardest thing.
The sarrusophone alto/rothophone alto could be great choice, to be one slow transition.
We keep saxophone finger charte for 99% and excluded one difficulty, after we can focus only one double Reeds,
After, when i will have one correct sound and correct playing with double Reed, i can go on bassoon or english horn,
Just to learn the new finger charts but that is really simple in compareason to learn double Reed.
And sarrusophone/rothophone is forgotten instrument and i would like to use this rare instrument,
What do you think about my project ???
My heart want learn sarrusophone alto.
In the life, we can try new thing,
0 Replies
·
0 views
Animals Show us your Wildlife
Inspired by the convolution of the Show us your pet and Help a Hedgehog threads...
Here's one from another thread;
Red Squirrel
(They exist in Norway)
Here's one from another thread;
Red Squirrel
(They exist in Norway)
880 Replies
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42015 views
Beginner Saxes Draft for comment: Pan American Saxophone History
Folks... I've drafted a compiled history of Pan American saxophones. This is needed because Conn's (the parent company's) factory records were destroyed around 1969/70 -- Pan American was actively making saxophones from 1920 to 1956 +/- a year, so its manufacturer history went up in smoke. What's left now is in bits and pieces scattered across the internet -- much of it worth preserving. I've compiled much of it into a single reference PDF. This is my first review draft, so I'm sure there are issues to be ironed out. I'd appreciate feedback if you have time for a lookover. It should be accessible to you and downloadable from this link, in US letter size format. (Sorry, it's lengthy. It's a reference tome not a thriller. But give it a skim when you can and let me know of anything that pops out.) I'm a business writer, brand manager, and indifferent sax player with a penchant for things Conn related.
drive.google.com
Pan_American_Saxophone_Story.pdf
drive.google.com
18 Replies
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434 views
Saxophones Selmer Supreme alto (quick look)
Had a client bring two Selmer altos in yesterday - a Ref.54 for a service and a brand new solid silver Supreme.
First time I've had my hands on one.
It only came in for a quick tweak - so no time to run up a proper review, but I did notice a couple of things.
First up - the client brought it in because there was a problem when moving from low B to low Bb; a break in the transition.
This turned out to be a badly adjusted link between the low B and the low C#. In fact it wasn't really adjusted at all - so that when his finger rolled down onto the Bb touchpiece and just caught the C# touchpiece on the way, the C# would open about 3mm. That's plenty enough to knock out the low B.
And there was this:
This is the Bis Bb/G# adjuster bar. Take a look at that gap between the Bis Bb arm and the adjuster above it. In horn terms it's miles away.
The adjuster is actually set right in terms of its ability to close the Bis Bb - so you can't screw the adjuster in to take up the play. What this means is that the lower stack is set substantially higher than the upper.
I had a quick peek at the toneholes. Selmer are traditionally pretty good at getting the toneholes level, but I was rather disappointed with the low C on this horn:
I compared it with the Ref.54 - which still wasn't perfect but was rather flatter.
So, not a great start for the Supreme. It comes in at an eye-watering price, and for that kind of money I want all the boxes ticked...and then some. So I'd expect the out-of-box setup to be spot on and rather more precision when it comes to the toneholes. Y'know, a bit like a top-end Yani.
And then I had a blow on the Supreme.
I was expecting a 'Woah!' moment - and I got one...but not the one I wanted.
It prompted me to go back and forth between the Supreme and the Ref.54. The Ref is exactly what you'd expect from a Selmer. Nicely balanced, a 'big' sound with that characteristic Selmer mid-range oomph, slightly resistant but nonetheless punchy - with a wide spread of sound.
The Supreme felt very closed in, like it was keeping the sound huddled around itself. And where was the punch and clarity?
It had a sort of Paul Desmond thing going on...that sort of laid back, soft kind of approach. That's fine...if you can turn it on and off at will but it kind of comes stamped into the horn.
That really surprised me because it's dramatically different from the Ref - so-much-so that I had to put a light down the Supreme to see if there was a problem with one of the pads (nothing major...slight leak on the A, which didn't change the tone when corrected).
I can't say it's a conclusive impression because it's just that horn - but even accounting for variations between seemingly identical horns it seems a bit extreme.
I'm hoping the client is going to book the Supreme in for a proper setup once I've serviced the Ref - at which point I can do a proper run-down on it and see what's what.
First time I've had my hands on one.
It only came in for a quick tweak - so no time to run up a proper review, but I did notice a couple of things.
First up - the client brought it in because there was a problem when moving from low B to low Bb; a break in the transition.
This turned out to be a badly adjusted link between the low B and the low C#. In fact it wasn't really adjusted at all - so that when his finger rolled down onto the Bb touchpiece and just caught the C# touchpiece on the way, the C# would open about 3mm. That's plenty enough to knock out the low B.
And there was this:
This is the Bis Bb/G# adjuster bar. Take a look at that gap between the Bis Bb arm and the adjuster above it. In horn terms it's miles away.
The adjuster is actually set right in terms of its ability to close the Bis Bb - so you can't screw the adjuster in to take up the play. What this means is that the lower stack is set substantially higher than the upper.
I had a quick peek at the toneholes. Selmer are traditionally pretty good at getting the toneholes level, but I was rather disappointed with the low C on this horn:
I compared it with the Ref.54 - which still wasn't perfect but was rather flatter.
So, not a great start for the Supreme. It comes in at an eye-watering price, and for that kind of money I want all the boxes ticked...and then some. So I'd expect the out-of-box setup to be spot on and rather more precision when it comes to the toneholes. Y'know, a bit like a top-end Yani.
And then I had a blow on the Supreme.
I was expecting a 'Woah!' moment - and I got one...but not the one I wanted.
It prompted me to go back and forth between the Supreme and the Ref.54. The Ref is exactly what you'd expect from a Selmer. Nicely balanced, a 'big' sound with that characteristic Selmer mid-range oomph, slightly resistant but nonetheless punchy - with a wide spread of sound.
The Supreme felt very closed in, like it was keeping the sound huddled around itself. And where was the punch and clarity?
It had a sort of Paul Desmond thing going on...that sort of laid back, soft kind of approach. That's fine...if you can turn it on and off at will but it kind of comes stamped into the horn.
That really surprised me because it's dramatically different from the Ref - so-much-so that I had to put a light down the Supreme to see if there was a problem with one of the pads (nothing major...slight leak on the A, which didn't change the tone when corrected).
I can't say it's a conclusive impression because it's just that horn - but even accounting for variations between seemingly identical horns it seems a bit extreme.
I'm hoping the client is going to book the Supreme in for a proper setup once I've serviced the Ref - at which point I can do a proper run-down on it and see what's what.
50 Replies
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1104 views
Miscellaneous watches
Before I subscribe a forum about watches, where I will realize that only expensive pieces made in 1962-63 are worth wearing,
is anyone knowledgeable about automatic watches and straps?
is anyone knowledgeable about automatic watches and straps?
854 Replies
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27355 views
Introduction HELLO
I'm Mike Reed aka Saxdaddy on another forum. I have been repairing saxophones since High School as a hobby since 82 and professionally since 91.
I complete a 2 year repair program and received a certificate in Musical Instrument Repair, then onto a formal apprenticeship for another 3 years under the guidance of the programs instructor. I have worked for myself and ran large and small shops for or in partnership with others. I only repair single reed instruments anymore, since it's always been my specialty and is what I enjoy doing. I like helping others, have horrible grammar, spelling and my posts are full of typos. I can come off as harsh, so sorry ahead of time for my tone. I am much nicer than I often sound, but my patience can be short at times. (I'm grumpy). I focus on Pro and or vintage instruments, but accept all single reed intruments if the client is wiling to pay for and let me practice my craft. I hope to learn and improve my craft through interaction here and hopefully help others to do the same.
I complete a 2 year repair program and received a certificate in Musical Instrument Repair, then onto a formal apprenticeship for another 3 years under the guidance of the programs instructor. I have worked for myself and ran large and small shops for or in partnership with others. I only repair single reed instruments anymore, since it's always been my specialty and is what I enjoy doing. I like helping others, have horrible grammar, spelling and my posts are full of typos. I can come off as harsh, so sorry ahead of time for my tone. I am much nicer than I often sound, but my patience can be short at times. (I'm grumpy). I focus on Pro and or vintage instruments, but accept all single reed intruments if the client is wiling to pay for and let me practice my craft. I hope to learn and improve my craft through interaction here and hopefully help others to do the same.
3 Replies
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61 views
Cafe Moderator
Café Supporter
Miscellaneous Daily Check In
Good morning,
We thought it might be good to have a thread where you can just come and say hi, tell us what you are doing today, have a moan, share an idea that you wouldn't necessarily start a thread for ( we can always create a new thread from posts here if it became a substantial discussion).
It doesn't have to be sax related🙂
Basically an easy way to connect on a daily basis.
So to kick us off, I am writing this whilst prepping a casserole for the slo cooker as I am playing sax today with café sax and need a quick easy tea when I get home.
I am still suffering with a cough which will impact my playing today and I am worried as we are playing our first care home gig next Sunday!!
Have a lovely Sunday
Jx
We thought it might be good to have a thread where you can just come and say hi, tell us what you are doing today, have a moan, share an idea that you wouldn't necessarily start a thread for ( we can always create a new thread from posts here if it became a substantial discussion).
It doesn't have to be sax related🙂
Basically an easy way to connect on a daily basis.
So to kick us off, I am writing this whilst prepping a casserole for the slo cooker as I am playing sax today with café sax and need a quick easy tea when I get home.
I am still suffering with a cough which will impact my playing today and I am worried as we are playing our first care home gig next Sunday!!
Have a lovely Sunday
Jx
2861 Replies
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83526 views
Saxophones Carrying a tenor on a (motor)bike?
I'm thinking of acquiring a secondhand Suzuki Van Van and learning to ride over the summer, the idea being that it will be fun, and more economical than my 4x4 for going to work and other short journeys, when the weather is reasonable. But on quite a few of those journeys I am accompanied by my tenor.
Anyone carry one on a bike, and got any advice please?
Anyone carry one on a bike, and got any advice please?
760 Replies
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83472 views
Saxophones Another Beaugnier
Apologies for a lengthy absence from the Cafe, new home (with neighbours) and other commitments has restricted my playing/practising/generally making a noise somewhat.
I have been happily playing on my Martin, again many thanks to @griff136 and my local tech.
I have expressed my admiration of the Beaugnier marque on several occasions and when a Noblet came up on Ebay I couldn't resist it but several characteristics are different to research I have done into the Beaugnier models, no bent nail bell brace, angled left hand pinky keys, right hand bell keys, different C/Eb key design and different keyguards. I found the same tenor model sold by Stohrer Music some time ago identified as a Beaugnier and a similar alto tested by jazzmanted on Youtube.
It's in superb condition, plays nicely and came with a 1950's Vandoren Perfecta which works really well with the horn. Anyone else come across these.
I have been happily playing on my Martin, again many thanks to @griff136 and my local tech.
I have expressed my admiration of the Beaugnier marque on several occasions and when a Noblet came up on Ebay I couldn't resist it but several characteristics are different to research I have done into the Beaugnier models, no bent nail bell brace, angled left hand pinky keys, right hand bell keys, different C/Eb key design and different keyguards. I found the same tenor model sold by Stohrer Music some time ago identified as a Beaugnier and a similar alto tested by jazzmanted on Youtube.
It's in superb condition, plays nicely and came with a 1950's Vandoren Perfecta which works really well with the horn. Anyone else come across these.
95 Replies
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9000 views
Saxophones Saxophones, rarely discussed
Everybody knows the nice horns that get talked about all the time (Selmer, Martin, Yamaha, etc). Then there are the good instruments less talked about but I would say still fairly well known (a Yamaha Vito stencil for example).
How about a topic for those worthy saxophones (I'll leave the definition of worthy alone for now) that are rarely discussed?
Yesterday I 'discovered' the F.E. Olds Super:
Obviously beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I have to say that is a very cool looking alto! With an interesting story as well, that you can find if you dig a bit here or at the other forum.
So, what other models might fit the topic?
How about a topic for those worthy saxophones (I'll leave the definition of worthy alone for now) that are rarely discussed?
Yesterday I 'discovered' the F.E. Olds Super:
Obviously beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I have to say that is a very cool looking alto! With an interesting story as well, that you can find if you dig a bit here or at the other forum.
So, what other models might fit the topic?
13 Replies
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179 views
Tech/maintenance 1983 Conn 18M Alto Student Sax Restoration
In this thread, I requested an ID and year for this sax that I bought today:
Then I did a little reading up on various Café threads with 18M content:
Inventor: "What have I done?"
Milton: "I'm Milton, your brand new son!"
Did I just get CONNed?
I think @lig knows the answer. 😉
To which @Stocker replied it was a 1983 Conn 18M.
Then I did a little reading up on various Café threads with 18M content:Then the following observation comes through:
with further clarification on the quality of an 18M:
My first thoughts reflected the final words of the cartoon, Milton The Monster's opening song:
Inventor: "What have I done?"
Milton: "I'm Milton, your brand new son!"
Did I just get CONNed?
I think @lig knows the answer. 😉
27 Replies
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411 views
Saxophones Pork Tales: Saxophone Repair DIY Adventures.
Tales from a pig that likes to stick his nose into everything.
Paint that S. How difficult could it be ?
1) Search the net.
2) Find the color.
3) Order color.
4) Study task on University of YouTube, aka; For destruction by DYI presented by pro tech.
Do the cleaning & prep.
Paint and cleanup / detail the edges with hard cotton swabs. Sounds easy……
Yeah tha guy Matt makes it look easy.
Anyone remember your first experience cooking bacon crispy while still in the frying pan !
Paint that S. How difficult could it be ?
1) Search the net.
2) Find the color.
3) Order color.
4) Study task on University of YouTube, aka; For destruction by DYI presented by pro tech.
Do the cleaning & prep.
Paint and cleanup / detail the edges with hard cotton swabs. Sounds easy……
Yeah tha guy Matt makes it look easy.
Anyone remember your first experience cooking bacon crispy while still in the frying pan !
1048 Replies
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58915 views
Saxophones Vito models and parts
There is not much known on the Vito model 7140 USA. This alto is from from1979 according to the serial number (40xxx).
Too late to be a Beaugnier.
It has no technical problems and is wel made. I use it for backup and holidays. The pads are not 100%, but you can blow a soft low Bb.
It has right hand bell keys and one guard for the lowest four keys. This guard is different from all other Vito guards. The pant guard and brace are also unknown.
The regulation screws on the main stack are a nice extra. It is now too dark to make extra pictures. Tommorow more.
Does anyone know who made this?
Too late to be a Beaugnier.
It has no technical problems and is wel made. I use it for backup and holidays. The pads are not 100%, but you can blow a soft low Bb.
It has right hand bell keys and one guard for the lowest four keys. This guard is different from all other Vito guards. The pant guard and brace are also unknown.
The regulation screws on the main stack are a nice extra. It is now too dark to make extra pictures. Tommorow more.
Does anyone know who made this?
92 Replies
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5178 views
Cafe Moderator
Commercial
There are no size limits for upload so that is unnecessary. Or do you mean the automatic forum resizing and webp conversion?
13 Replies
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82 views
Cafe Moderator
Commercial
Cafe Announcements 📣 Find out who plays what - Member info search now shows members' instruments
Great news! You can now use the member info search to find which forum members play (or own) what instruments. Yay!
1 Replies
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92 views
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