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CafeSaxophone Forum
Misc Reviews Best Brass E-Sax Mute
I live in a flat, and would like to practise without disturbing anyone around me. For this reason, I have bought this mute. I am reviewing it here so that others can judge if it is worth getting one.
The E-Sax Mute is made in Japan by Best Brass, who also make silent practice systems for brass instruments such as trumpets. It is a lot easier to mute a brass instrument than a woodwind instrument, since all the sound of a brass instrument comes out of the bell, while with woodwinds the sound comes out of tone holes down the side of the instrument as well as out of the end. Therefore in order to effectively silence the saxophone, it has to be encased.
The Best Brass E-Sax Mute is more of a muffler than a mute. It greatly reduces the volume, but can still be heard. However, it takes the volume down to that of a television, so the sound insulation in modern apartments should be able to cope with it. As well as preventing conflict with the neighbours, it enables you to practise without feeling self conscious of others hearing your mistakes.
This mute is available in the UK for around £500, although they do sometimes come up second hand as owners move into more forgiving accommodation.
Usage
The saxophone is held in place in the mute by three supports. One is at the top of the saxophone by the crook socket, and another is around the bow. There is a bumper above the bow support that rests on the key guard and prevents the saxophone from coming loose. This mute is designed for modern saxophones with the bell tone holes on the right hand side as you hold it. The position of all three supports can be adjusted. The mute is lined with a sound insulating layer. This is pushed into place rather than glued in, so can come adrift around the hand holes.
One problem that I have found when using the mute is that the low notes are more difficult. To reduce the problem, I have positioned the saxophone in the mute so that there is as much space in front of and above the bell as possible. In order to achieve this, the crook is as far forward as it can go before the cork hits the outside of the mute, and the bow is as far back as the sling ring will allow it to go. It is difficult to sound the notes from low C# downwards, and a lot of long notes practice is needed. However if you can get them to sound in the mute, they should be a doddle when playing without the mute.
There are three sling rings on the case itself. The middle one lines up closest with the ring on my saxophone, so that's the one I use. The case plus saxophone combination is very heavy around the neck, so I have bought a Vandoren harness to use with this mute. This allows me to practise for longer.
When putting the saxophone into the mute, I rotate the crook to the right slightly so that it won't hit the mute.
Then I put the saxophone bow over its mount, and lower the crook socket into its mount. Finally I loosen the crook socket screw and rotate the crook into position through the opening in the mute. The end of the crook should be as horizontal as possible where it goes through the opening, and the cork shouldn't touch the mute.
Once everything is lined up, the mute can be closed and latched shut with the five latches. After finding the ideal position for the mounts, the saxophone goes into the mute easily. Bottom bow, crook socket, rotate the crook, close the mute. The mute has insulated hand holes on either side giving access to the keys. Movement is restricted, but all notes are possible, and you're forced to keep your fingers close to the keys. This trains you against "flying fingers". By practising in the mute, your fingering becomess more disciplined.
I use the mute with over the ear headphones. These reduce external distractions and let me focus on my playing. I plug the headphones in and put them on before picking up the mute. Then I hook on the sling, put my hands through the hand holes and pick up the sax/mute combination. Make sure you remove the mouthpiece cap before putting your hands through the handholes, unless you don't mind pulling it off with your mouth and spitting it out like the end of a cigar. When playing, the saxophone is completely encased with only the cork and mouthpiece showing. This prevents you from becoming distracted by admiring the lovely finish on the octave key, for example. Everything is done by feel.
The mute has a built in microphone, which is powered by a pair of AAA batteries. The headphone volume is adjustable. When playing, you get a clear tone through the headphones. A major advantage is that this is the sound that someone in front of the sax would hear, and it gives you a new perspective on your playing. When the batteries are running low, the reverb indicator light flashes. The batteries last for several practice sessions, but rechargeable batteries would be more economical.
As well as the microphone, headphone socket and volume control, the electronics unit has line in and line out sockets, reverb control and a metronome. The line in socket allows you to play with backing tracks, and the line out socket allows you to record. I have found that when recording through an audio interface into a PC, the audio interface should be set to instrument mode (as in a guitar input) rather than microphone mode. The gain can be backed off, and noise (hissing) is reduced. However the quality doesn't compare to using a stand-alone microphone. I have also plugged the line out into an external tuner, and don't see why it can't go through effects pedals. All of the sockets are stereo mini-jack sockets.
The metronome allows the speeds displayed on the electronics unit, but also allows speeds half way between these displayed speeds. The reverb can be set to small, medium and large rooms. I find that small is enough when practicing. Medium gives the sound of an empty hall, and large sounds like a cathedral.
One problem I am having when practicing with the mute is when turning pages. To remove my right hand from the hand hole, turn the page and put it back in takes about half a bar at 90 bpm. I need to practice speeding this up, or else photocopy extra pages and line them up on the stand.
Conclusion
Plus points:
- The mute muffles the sound enabling practice in close proximity to others
- You can play without feeling self-conscious of others listening to your practice
- You hear your sound as if you were in front of the sax
- You don't get distracted by the mechanics of the saxophone
- The mute prevents "flying fingers"
- You can plug the mute into a tuner or audio interface
- The low notes need extra practice (this may be a plus)
- Low recording quality
- Heavy - recommend Vandoren harness
- Restricted hand movement means palm key notes need practice
- Turning pages while playing is slow
- Expensive
16 Replies
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19202 views
Saxophones Alto for warm tone
Me again!
I'm curious to know - what alto do you think produces the warmest, most mellow tone?
No particular reason for asking just pure curiosity........
I'm curious to know - what alto do you think produces the warmest, most mellow tone?
No particular reason for asking just pure curiosity........
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Tech/maintenance Super glued pads - a cry for help
Hello, folks. Many of you may know me from that other site.
A while back, I bought a nice, shiny purple logo Yts-32 from a guy in Japan. It arrived unplayable due to leaks. No prob, I think. I'll fix 'er right up. Wrong again.
The pads are glued in with ca glue. Lots of it, filling the cups. It is very hard and thick. I have scraped out a couple of pad cups. It was a long, tedious drudge. Acetone barely softens the surface.
Is there a better way?
A while back, I bought a nice, shiny purple logo Yts-32 from a guy in Japan. It arrived unplayable due to leaks. No prob, I think. I'll fix 'er right up. Wrong again.
The pads are glued in with ca glue. Lots of it, filling the cups. It is very hard and thick. I have scraped out a couple of pad cups. It was a long, tedious drudge. Acetone barely softens the surface.
Is there a better way?
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Miscellaneous Old Saxophone Advertisements or Case Emblems ?
Anyone have vintage catalogs, advertising or case emblem pictures / copies to share ?
Store emblems make for some fascinating historical research.
This sax below came from Smarts Music Shop. Could it be the one in display case ?
Store emblems make for some fascinating historical research.
This sax below came from Smarts Music Shop. Could it be the one in display case ?
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Hello everyone
my turn to be SOTM host again, I've chosen 'Footprints' by Wayne Shorter.
I've added lead sheets and backing tracks HERE
Lead sheets - there is one for Eb instruments, and Bb has a high version, for people with leaky low notes, and a low version for people who don't like palm keys. There are some adventurous looking tuplets, but if you're struggling with them have a listen along to the original (below) and it makes a lot more sense. Structurally, think of it as a Cm (concert pitch) blues, with a more harmonically exciting turnaround at the end.
Backing tracks - I had a look on ireal pro but none of the backing tracks really captured the feel/rhythm correctly, so the backing track uploaded is me bashing away at a piano and a drum module in Reaper. It's more natural sounding than the iReal stuff, but still not great so if you've got a better one feel free to use that! There are two versions of my homemade one, both with a four bar intro - one that repeats 6x, and one that's just 3x, although you could argue both versions are....SHORTER 😉
Here's the original:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgaIUqH0w6c&list=RDLgaIUqH0w6c&start_radio=1
Looking forward to hearing your recordings.
my turn to be SOTM host again, I've chosen 'Footprints' by Wayne Shorter.
I've added lead sheets and backing tracks HERE
Lead sheets - there is one for Eb instruments, and Bb has a high version, for people with leaky low notes, and a low version for people who don't like palm keys. There are some adventurous looking tuplets, but if you're struggling with them have a listen along to the original (below) and it makes a lot more sense. Structurally, think of it as a Cm (concert pitch) blues, with a more harmonically exciting turnaround at the end.
Backing tracks - I had a look on ireal pro but none of the backing tracks really captured the feel/rhythm correctly, so the backing track uploaded is me bashing away at a piano and a drum module in Reaper. It's more natural sounding than the iReal stuff, but still not great so if you've got a better one feel free to use that! There are two versions of my homemade one, both with a four bar intro - one that repeats 6x, and one that's just 3x, although you could argue both versions are....SHORTER 😉
Here's the original:
Looking forward to hearing your recordings.
9 Replies
·
513 views
Saxophones The Alphabet of Tone
The Alphabet of Tone
words often encountered when one discusses or expresses an instruments tone....
Bright
Warm
Rich
Dark
Lush
Centered / Focused
Spread
what else have YOU heard?
words often encountered when one discusses or expresses an instruments tone....
Bright
Warm
Rich
Dark
Lush
Centered / Focused
Spread
what else have YOU heard?
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Introduction Hello!
I would like to introduce myself. My handle is Viljams (IYKYK). I am a trained woodwinds player (clarinet major). The sax became my focus in college (university for all you European folks), but the clarinet paid my bills! I have been a classroom music teacher, a fulltime private instructor, and played in all kind of ensembles/bands. I even had the privilege of joining the Chicago Musicians Union so I could play one gig. But hey that was the '70's in Chicago! I haven't played much in recent years due to my career and a lot of travel. I am hoping to restart things soon. I already did that once in my life and found that the restart resulted in me playing better than ever. Looking forward to following the various threads and journeys that others are on.
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I'm wondering if anyone's noticed a change in the consistency of Vandoren Java Red reeds recently? My last two boxes have been noticeably substandard, with the last box not having a single, decent reed in it. Resistance has increased noticeably and the sound is much less bright. I swapped in an old Red and it was great.
It feels like they've changed how they gauge the Reds, or changed the design slightly. Is it just me or has anyone had this recently?
It feels like they've changed how they gauge the Reds, or changed the design slightly. Is it just me or has anyone had this recently?
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Saxophones Trying to date my Amati Kraslice Tenor
Hi everyone!
A coworker's grandma passed away and her family passed her Amati Kraslice Tenor on to me.
It looks quite old (for example: the whole thing is silber, but the inside of the bell is gold), but me and my friends didn't have any luck finding something with the serial number.
The serial number is: 43826
I've added some photos, maybe this will help 🙂
Thanks already!!
A coworker's grandma passed away and her family passed her Amati Kraslice Tenor on to me.
It looks quite old (for example: the whole thing is silber, but the inside of the bell is gold), but me and my friends didn't have any luck finding something with the serial number.
The serial number is: 43826
I've added some photos, maybe this will help 🙂
Thanks already!!
17 Replies
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9975 views
I found this ancient Otto Langey Saxophone Fingering Chart, circa 1890, inside the case of a 1921 C Melody sax. The condition is poor, but it's still a cool find. I gather it's a fingering chart for those transitioning from the "older" 12-key saxophone to the "newer" 15-key layout. I don't see a date on this anywhere, so the 1890 guess came from the PC.
14 Replies
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309 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.
426 Replies
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16522 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
2987 Replies
·
96221 views
Cafe Moderator
Cafe Announcements 📣 Testing new feature: Social Feed
As some of you have noticed we are testing a new forum feature that may or may not be made permanent. It is still under development so any critique, bug reports are welcome.
This is a different way of viewing recent posts, in a social media type view. This is never going to replace the existing traditional forum / subforum and new posts view, rather it's an alternative if you like that kind of view. So we don't need need an opinion on the feature itself. In fact I don't really like it myself. The reason is to make the forum more familiar and hopefully less perplexing for new users who may be used to this type of view but not the traditional forum format.
Currently the access to Social Feed is a sub menu item of New (along with the various different New views). You can also switch back and forth between the SF view and trad view via a link at the top of each thread. Social Feeds shows the latest started or replied to threads showing the first post and latest two or three replies. The Load More Replies link opens up each thread to show all replies (but we may reduce that to 10 or so at a time)
If you reply to a post in SF format it will show as "nested" but when viewing the same post in traditional view it will have the post it is replying to as a quote. (or rather, it should do with any luck)
Please supply any comments in this thread, so not interrupt normal threads with comments about the Social Feeds system.
Again: this is totally optional and will not replace any current view so we won't be taking a poll on whether you like/want it or not.
What will be most useful is if those of you who are used to this kind of feed with social media can comment in this thread which may be sticky for a while
This is a different way of viewing recent posts, in a social media type view. This is never going to replace the existing traditional forum / subforum and new posts view, rather it's an alternative if you like that kind of view. So we don't need need an opinion on the feature itself. In fact I don't really like it myself. The reason is to make the forum more familiar and hopefully less perplexing for new users who may be used to this type of view but not the traditional forum format.
Currently the access to Social Feed is a sub menu item of New (along with the various different New views). You can also switch back and forth between the SF view and trad view via a link at the top of each thread. Social Feeds shows the latest started or replied to threads showing the first post and latest two or three replies. The Load More Replies link opens up each thread to show all replies (but we may reduce that to 10 or so at a time)
If you reply to a post in SF format it will show as "nested" but when viewing the same post in traditional view it will have the post it is replying to as a quote. (or rather, it should do with any luck)
Please supply any comments in this thread, so not interrupt normal threads with comments about the Social Feeds system.
Again: this is totally optional and will not replace any current view so we won't be taking a poll on whether you like/want it or not.
What will be most useful is if those of you who are used to this kind of feed with social media can comment in this thread which may be sticky for a while
Do you use the social feed?
10 votes total
31 Replies
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2109 views
Saxophones Franken-sax?
My primary instrument is Tuba. Among tuba players there are quite a few who build what are called Franken-Tuba's. Basically we find old junk, sometimes buy new components, and build homemade conglomerations.
Is this a thing in the saxophone community?
Is this a thing in the saxophone community?
14 Replies
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288 views
Saxophones Pork Tales: Saxophone Repair DIY Adventures.
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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 !
1248 Replies
·
73844 views
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