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CafeSaxophone Forum
Saxophone beginners Vibrato/High to low/Softer Playing
Hello everyone,
I'm a beginner and I have been practicing long tones quite a bit and other beginner things. When I play it seems like the notes are strong and solid basically duck sounds or honking sounds. I often hear other beginners where it seems like the notes(sound of the saxophone) comes at the end of notes as softer, more echoed, and not as harsh. I can't figure out if this is just them having more breathe control and slowly the breath down at the beginning/ending of the notes or if it's some other technique.
Any help or insight would be very much appreciated.
I'm a beginner and I have been practicing long tones quite a bit and other beginner things. When I play it seems like the notes are strong and solid basically duck sounds or honking sounds. I often hear other beginners where it seems like the notes(sound of the saxophone) comes at the end of notes as softer, more echoed, and not as harsh. I can't figure out if this is just them having more breathe control and slowly the breath down at the beginning/ending of the notes or if it's some other technique.
Any help or insight would be very much appreciated.
6 Replies
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1428 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?
56 Replies
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637 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?
103 Replies
·
5392 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 !
1058 Replies
·
59424 views
Dear Forum Members,
I’m very glad to host my first SOTM here in the café. I choose „The Chicken“ from Pee Wee Ellis. I’m shure, most of you know the song from Jaco Pastorius, but there are several other recordings out there.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgntkGc5iBo&list=RDTgntkGc5iBo&start_radio=1
Here are lead sheets in C, Bb and Eb (one document) and some backing tracks (many more on youtube).
Dropbox
For soloing and scale decisions, I found this guitar video helpful, but I personaly think blues most of the time and try to play groovy and in time instead of overthinking the notes too much.
Hoping for many funky contributions!
All the best
Dirk
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQZbsadHm2A&t=17s
I’m very glad to host my first SOTM here in the café. I choose „The Chicken“ from Pee Wee Ellis. I’m shure, most of you know the song from Jaco Pastorius, but there are several other recordings out there.
Here are lead sheets in C, Bb and Eb (one document) and some backing tracks (many more on youtube).
Dropbox
For soloing and scale decisions, I found this guitar video helpful, but I personaly think blues most of the time and try to play groovy and in time instead of overthinking the notes too much.
Hoping for many funky contributions!
All the best
Dirk
1 Replies
·
43 views
So given September marks the start of Autumn, let’s have a tune that amazingly hasn’t been done yet: Autumn Leaves!
It’s a great standard for learning to improvise, with a beautiful melody demonstrating great voice leading and relatively easy harmony to understand.
Some classic recordings:
View: https://youtu.be/tguu4m38U78?is=6zKX4L-i3egwzieu
View: https://youtu.be/by4Cr3kPNPg?is=7mN5sI0y4w-9HHm5
View: https://youtu.be/a-I1jHokbl8?is=9k6tPG-7yT_3UwdP
View: https://youtu.be/Gsz3mrnIBd0?is=Aeu-S8IXURB0I9Xf
And Eva Cassidy also did an amazing interpretation of the song, showing just where you can take it:
View: https://youtu.be/xXBNlApwh0c?is=HPckcaa_NhYsKS4l
I’ll post lead sheets and so on shortly; tons of backing tracks available on YouTube etc.
It’s a great standard for learning to improvise, with a beautiful melody demonstrating great voice leading and relatively easy harmony to understand.
Some classic recordings:
And Eva Cassidy also did an amazing interpretation of the song, showing just where you can take it:
I’ll post lead sheets and so on shortly; tons of backing tracks available on YouTube etc.
23 Replies
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1565 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.
104 Replies
·
9176 views
Misc instruments "I can't sing" - course; very nervous
I feel so brave!
A eCircular came round advertising an "I can't sign", 10 week course, (state sponsored, non commercial); and I thought "that's me"...
People often say sing this or that, it'll improve playing and I'm sure that's true. And I try and it's horid. I don't have a desire to sing, but I do see it improving musicianship in many ways... So... Singed-up!
I'm nervous because 1. I hate class work. And 2. It's in Norwegian and I'm not sure my norsk is good enough. 3. My speaking voice is around C2 (base?) and sounds weird to me... I can't imagine it being a pleasant sing.
Maybe it'll improve my ability to growl?
A eCircular came round advertising an "I can't sign", 10 week course, (state sponsored, non commercial); and I thought "that's me"...
People often say sing this or that, it'll improve playing and I'm sure that's true. And I try and it's horid. I don't have a desire to sing, but I do see it improving musicianship in many ways... So... Singed-up!
I'm nervous because 1. I hate class work. And 2. It's in Norwegian and I'm not sure my norsk is good enough. 3. My speaking voice is around C2 (base?) and sounds weird to me... I can't imagine it being a pleasant sing.
Maybe it'll improve my ability to growl?
99 Replies
·
16021 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
23 Replies
·
539 views
Cafe Moderator
Café Supporter
Cafe Announcements 📣 Recording Thread - Request for Host
Hello All
Would anybody like to volunteer to host a recording thread in Dec Jan or Feb?
December doesn't have to be a Christmas Tune but might be nice.🙂
You don't have to post your own version and help can be provided with backing track and dots.
Please help keep these threads alive.
Hopefully 🤞 🤞 🤞
Jx
Would anybody like to volunteer to host a recording thread in Dec Jan or Feb?
December doesn't have to be a Christmas Tune but might be nice.🙂
You don't have to post your own version and help can be provided with backing track and dots.
Please help keep these threads alive.
Hopefully 🤞 🤞 🤞
Jx
94 Replies
·
6042 views
Misc instruments What other instrument could you just not...
... get along with?
Lots of folks double or dabble; but have you ever fancied adding an instrument but just could not come to terms with it (or them)?
Myself, I fancy a blues harp/mouth organ. I just don't get it. Luckily, trying costs little in that case.
«this thread brought to you by the Department of Idle curiosity »
Lots of folks double or dabble; but have you ever fancied adding an instrument but just could not come to terms with it (or them)?
Myself, I fancy a blues harp/mouth organ. I just don't get it. Luckily, trying costs little in that case.
«this thread brought to you by the Department of Idle curiosity »
14 Replies
·
137 views
Tech/maintenance 1946 The Martin Tenor - an overhaul thread
I'm a bit crazy. I already have a lovely 1924 Martin Handcraft tenor that was overhauled and plays wonderfully.
But here we are, I couldn't help but get a Committee III tenor to match my alto! Serial # 155,xxx.
My wife found this one too, a little bit of a drive away, but worth the trip a couple of weeks ago.
Its quite dirty and nasty looking, but in overall good shape minus a dent in the bow a couple of small dents. The finish looks bad right now, but I couldn't care less about what it looks like. It has the original pads and I doubt its ever been apart before.
Day of purchase:
But here we are, I couldn't help but get a Committee III tenor to match my alto! Serial # 155,xxx.
My wife found this one too, a little bit of a drive away, but worth the trip a couple of weeks ago.
Its quite dirty and nasty looking, but in overall good shape minus a dent in the bow a couple of small dents. The finish looks bad right now, but I couldn't care less about what it looks like. It has the original pads and I doubt its ever been apart before.
Day of purchase:
84 Replies
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8372 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.
62 Replies
·
1521 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)
896 Replies
·
42327 views
The dates have been announced for the 2027 International Saxophone Symposium hosted by the Navy Band at George Mason University: January 8-9.
Plan your trip now if you're coming from afar.
Plan your trip now if you're coming from afar.
25 Replies
·
1027 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?
771 Replies
·
83846 views
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