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CafeSaxophone Forum
Saxophone beginners Tenor saxophone mouthpiece exercise
Ladies and gentleman, I have got a problem. When I work on my tenor sax just with embouchure and reed, I can't get G sound, I always get straight "A" sound. By the way; I use Ricco No:3 reed. Where am I mistake? What should I do? Pls I need your help...
5 Replies
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1608 views
Miscellaneous Latest Chris Potter
😉😉 Been listening to the latest Chris Potter playing over the last months. There is some strange stuff around?? Discuss?? Regards 😉😉
1 Replies
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7 views
Miscellaneous Photography - all aspects
Following various recent posts, I thought I would create a thread specifically for photography. Somewhere to talk about equipment, experiences, processing...
To start off, I was a Nikon user for over 40 years, but had to 'down size' as handling full-frame cameras and lenses was getting to be too much like hard work and giving me shoulder issues. My current digital camera is a mirrorless Fuji X-T5.
For film cameras, I have a Pentax MX, Mamiya RB67, and a Sinar F2.
To start off, I was a Nikon user for over 40 years, but had to 'down size' as handling full-frame cameras and lenses was getting to be too much like hard work and giving me shoulder issues. My current digital camera is a mirrorless Fuji X-T5.
For film cameras, I have a Pentax MX, Mamiya RB67, and a Sinar F2.
368 Replies
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12519 views
Backing Tracks Chord charts & backing tracks
Hello everyone,
I’ve created a simple website that aggregates backing tracks, performance videos from youtube, and chord charts, all in one place.
The site is completely free, and it will always stay that way.
Feel free to check it out here: OpenRealb - The Ultimate Source for Chord Charts
Any feedback is very welcome, I'm actively working on it!
I’ve created a simple website that aggregates backing tracks, performance videos from youtube, and chord charts, all in one place.
The site is completely free, and it will always stay that way.
Feel free to check it out here: OpenRealb - The Ultimate Source for Chord Charts
Any feedback is very welcome, I'm actively working on it!
15 Replies
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1779 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
2858 Replies
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82922 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.
1 Replies
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13 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.
34 Replies
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642 views
Saxophones C Melody Saxophones
I've been interested in C Melody saxes, for a while.
Apparently, they were quite common in the 1920s-30s, and the general concensus seems to be that the designs got better as time went on. Earlier models were often made in High Pitch (a tuning system that predates using A=440Hz), and should be avoided, unless you want to accompany a Highland bagpipe player.
From what little research I've done, it seems Conn made some of the better sounding ones, and their later models were improvements over the earlier ones. The ones with a "straight" neck, similar to an alto, are supposed to be good. Personally, I don't really like the S shaped neck on a tenor.
Anyway, here's one I've asked about recently. I've posted a couple of these pictures in Ads's review discussion thread of the Sakkusu C Melody sax, but here's all I have.
This is a 1924/1925 Conn C Melody, currently for sale at the Trevor Jones shop in Bristol. It's in low pitch, has had a partial repad, and is ready to play.
Bristol is a bit far for me to visit so I asked if they could send me photos, particularly of the hand positions, because the ergonomics are a bit different on these old saxes, and C melody saxes in particular.
Ermm... there seems to be a 2 file upload limit. Hopefully, that's per post
The thumb rest is apparently soldered on, so can't be adjusted easily, but the position looks good for reaching the right side trill keys (Bb/C/high E). This seems to be an issue on the Sakkusu / Thoman C Melody (see https://cafesaxophone.com/threads/sakkusu-c-melody-saxophone-review.13705/Ads's Sakkusu C Melody review[/URL])
The "L" stamped below the serial number indicates it's built for "Low" pitch - i.e. designed for modern A=440Hz tuning. I've read different accounts of what was meant by High Pitch (and maybe there was more than one definition), but the consensus seems to be it was at least A=450Hz, or A=453Hz - kind of between semitones, in modern tuning, and too far out to compensate for by positioning the mouthpiece differently etc.
It's important to check for that when buying any brass or woodwind instrument from that period. I think military bands kept it going for a while longer, in Britain. Scottish bagpipe and Irish/Scottish Bb flute players tend to still use it, as I understand it. It's certainly the normal tuning for 5 or 6 key Bb flutes.
Apparently, they were quite common in the 1920s-30s, and the general concensus seems to be that the designs got better as time went on. Earlier models were often made in High Pitch (a tuning system that predates using A=440Hz), and should be avoided, unless you want to accompany a Highland bagpipe player.
From what little research I've done, it seems Conn made some of the better sounding ones, and their later models were improvements over the earlier ones. The ones with a "straight" neck, similar to an alto, are supposed to be good. Personally, I don't really like the S shaped neck on a tenor.
Anyway, here's one I've asked about recently. I've posted a couple of these pictures in Ads's review discussion thread of the Sakkusu C Melody sax, but here's all I have.
This is a 1924/1925 Conn C Melody, currently for sale at the Trevor Jones shop in Bristol. It's in low pitch, has had a partial repad, and is ready to play.
Bristol is a bit far for me to visit so I asked if they could send me photos, particularly of the hand positions, because the ergonomics are a bit different on these old saxes, and C melody saxes in particular.
Ermm... there seems to be a 2 file upload limit. Hopefully, that's per post
The thumb rest is apparently soldered on, so can't be adjusted easily, but the position looks good for reaching the right side trill keys (Bb/C/high E). This seems to be an issue on the Sakkusu / Thoman C Melody (see https://cafesaxophone.com/threads/sakkusu-c-melody-saxophone-review.13705/Ads's Sakkusu C Melody review[/URL])
The "L" stamped below the serial number indicates it's built for "Low" pitch - i.e. designed for modern A=440Hz tuning. I've read different accounts of what was meant by High Pitch (and maybe there was more than one definition), but the consensus seems to be it was at least A=450Hz, or A=453Hz - kind of between semitones, in modern tuning, and too far out to compensate for by positioning the mouthpiece differently etc.
It's important to check for that when buying any brass or woodwind instrument from that period. I think military bands kept it going for a while longer, in Britain. Scottish bagpipe and Irish/Scottish Bb flute players tend to still use it, as I understand it. It's certainly the normal tuning for 5 or 6 key Bb flutes.
645 Replies
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72965 views
Miscellaneous The Official Off Topic Thread.
The Everything thread. Off topic and derailing posts welcome.
My roses don’t like the heat. Lots of food and water but they still don’t grow well. Water less time but more frequent? The pink are doing better than red ones.
My roses don’t like the heat. Lots of food and water but they still don’t grow well. Water less time but more frequent? The pink are doing better than red ones.
800 Replies
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24105 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 !
1044 Replies
·
58532 views
Miscellaneous Colorado residents
Hey everyone, I wanted to start a quick thread (hopefully in the right spot).
I wanted to see who all on here lives in Colorado. I'll be moving next week back to CO in the south Denver metro area.
I could not find a thread or posting that had who lived where, so I figured I'd start one!
I wanted to see who all on here lives in Colorado. I'll be moving next week back to CO in the south Denver metro area.
I could not find a thread or posting that had who lived where, so I figured I'd start one!
16 Replies
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197 views
Saxophone FS Conn 10M Tenor Saxophone
1952 Conn 10M, plays great all the way up and down, in good condition, price reduction to £1800, buyer collection only.
0 Replies
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38 views
Playing the saxophone Left hand/arm tension while playing
Hi everyone, new to the forum, but not new to playing. Looking for some advice on proper ergonomics for playing the tenor while standing. After about 20 years of playing (and about 3 years of daily jazz practice), I've notice some tension in my left hand, wrist, base of thumb, and forearm. Right hand/arm is fine. I use a Jazzlab neck strap, but also have a Balam harness which I've had some difficulty adjusting, but willing to keep trying. What's happening is if I hold the sax to the side against my right leg/hip, it moves too much to the left and I have to push it with my left hand/thumb to keep it straight. I think that's what's causing the tension. It's better if I just balance it against the front of my right thigh but still having trouble. FWIW I'm short, around 5'4" and I have smaller lady hands. I've gone over videos, Reddit, YouTube, and a lot of discussion around making sure the strap is doing the work (which it is), but really haven't found much about solving this problem specifically. Wrists look straight, I've tried moving neck/mouthpiece to keep my head straight. I suspect it has to do with the Jazzlab (even though I love it and takes all the weight off) but the sax still seems to pivot a lot, even though though the center piece is fully extended. Possible solutions; swap out springs for lighter tension, try the Balam, ease up on the left hand (not squeeze too much), practicing every other day or long tones in between, strength training for hands/forearms. Switching to alto not really an option. Tenor is my thing, but I do have an alto. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!
11 Replies
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216 views
Saxophones Conn alto age
Hi All. I just came into possession of this Conn alto sax. Serial is 6503. Per all the list I've been able to find, I have a hard time with it being well over 100 years old.
What am I missing? Getting ready to make it play well again. Just regular flat metal reso's but not original 😉. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
What am I missing? Getting ready to make it play well again. Just regular flat metal reso's but not original 😉. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
20 Replies
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378 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?
840 Replies
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27067 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?
91 Replies
·
5049 views
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