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Cafe Announcements 📣 We apologise for a potentially misleading ad on the forum
As you know we run ads on the forum to help sustain what we do. We are usually not (easily) able to control the ads, Google is in charge of that. It came to my notice that one of the ads they showed is very misleading as it looks like part of the forum, and masquerading as a related topics widget.
Clicking on what look like forum links and prefixes takes you to the advertiser. This is the offending ad, as you can see it doesn't have the usual Google link to give you a clue that it actually is an ad.
I have now added some text above the ad position to show that what you see there are actually ads.
We will always strive to be
Clicking on what look like forum links and prefixes takes you to the advertiser. This is the offending ad, as you can see it doesn't have the usual Google link to give you a clue that it actually is an ad.
I have now added some text above the ad position to show that what you see there are actually ads.
We will always strive to be
10 Replies
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303 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.
375 Replies
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13916 views
R & B, Blues, Soul Recommended Blues Listening
My teacher has suggested trying to improvise over a blues progression.
For various reasons I've barely touched my saxes since, I'm after some listening recommendations to give me a little bit of inspiration.
So what should I be listening to?
For various reasons I've barely touched my saxes since, I'm after some listening recommendations to give me a little bit of inspiration.
So what should I be listening to?
10 Replies
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177 views
Tone or Sound subtone
is subtone supposed to be achieved by moving the bottom lip lower on the reed to dampen the sound? or is it achieved by just lowering/widening the airstream and keeping the embrochure the same?
found you can achieve a subtone by doing both but am not sure if one or the other is better, or if they can both be done interchangably. also i find doing the former (dampening the reed by moving the bottom of the lip lower on the reed) makes the sound slightly more thin and muffled than doing the latter variation of subtone.
found you can achieve a subtone by doing both but am not sure if one or the other is better, or if they can both be done interchangably. also i find doing the former (dampening the reed by moving the bottom of the lip lower on the reed) makes the sound slightly more thin and muffled than doing the latter variation of subtone.
13 Replies
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304 views
Miscellaneous Is AI taking over!
I just made this with AI today (inspired by my daughters recent wedding) and was totally mind blown... The song itself, band, singer and sax solos were just too good... There's no future for humans in music if this is just the early stages!
Walk her to forever
Walk her to forever
641 Replies
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27499 views
Saxophones Selmer no longer supreme!
Okay so I was saddened when I saw this video today and a little shocked but not all that surprised.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PYOU5SgysM
One of my favourite players Eric Alexander has moved to a Chinese brand saxophone. Can I blame him? No as I have done the same and most of my playing buddies have cashed out of the high end French and Japanese horns. They cannot justify the investment on return and these are gigging musicians who say it just doesn't matter!
I just booked a friend and a killer alto player for a gig this past weekend. He now sells insurance, he gave up gigging a few years ago but jumped at the offer of $400.00 for an hour wedding gig. Insurance sales are not paying the bills. He has sold off all his expensive Yamahas and now has Eastern music horns.
How many young players are on Chinese or Taiwan horns these days?
The times they are a changing - sell your VI's because the up and comers won' be lusting after them. 😎
Introducing our newest BetterSax artist, Eric Alexander!
One of my favourite players Eric Alexander has moved to a Chinese brand saxophone. Can I blame him? No as I have done the same and most of my playing buddies have cashed out of the high end French and Japanese horns. They cannot justify the investment on return and these are gigging musicians who say it just doesn't matter!
I just booked a friend and a killer alto player for a gig this past weekend. He now sells insurance, he gave up gigging a few years ago but jumped at the offer of $400.00 for an hour wedding gig. Insurance sales are not paying the bills. He has sold off all his expensive Yamahas and now has Eastern music horns.
How many young players are on Chinese or Taiwan horns these days?
The times they are a changing - sell your VI's because the up and comers won' be lusting after them. 😎
11 Replies
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407 views
Miscellaneous Motorbikes
Señor Pig,
Would like to know more about this bike/side car.
More pics?
Thanks.
Might make a side car for the kids and grandkids, for the '79 XT500, if they buy a ranch/farm in the Rockies.
Off road only.
Would like to know more about this bike/side car.
More pics?
Thanks.
Might make a side car for the kids and grandkids, for the '79 XT500, if they buy a ranch/farm in the Rockies.
Off road only.
51 Replies
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1333 views
Saxophones Playing at Old people’s home
Evening,
I have been asked to play at a local old people’s home for a coffee morning for a hour. It’s for ages 65 up. The question is how many songs should I aim for and how long ie a hour straight of 2 , 25 minute sets with a short break.
I will be playing old Jazz ballads.
Thank you Paul
I have been asked to play at a local old people’s home for a coffee morning for a hour. It’s for ages 65 up. The question is how many songs should I aim for and how long ie a hour straight of 2 , 25 minute sets with a short break.
I will be playing old Jazz ballads.
Thank you Paul
76 Replies
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5580 views
TV/film/books Do you read books?
Do you read books in any form, hardcover, paperback, on an e-book reader, online, on a tablet or phone?
I just ordered a hardcover book to try to get back into reading, because I read one novel in the past year. I also have saxophone and music books, but I didn't read any of them all the way through in any given time. An author friend gives me books, none of which I have gotten far into. It's a little like giving a musician music. It doesn't always work out.
- Fiction, non-fiction, saxophone or music only, cheap detective novels, sci-fi, romance, western, mystery, self-help, cooking?
- Novels, anthologies, essay collections, tech manuals (like books about Photoshop and such)?
I just ordered a hardcover book to try to get back into reading, because I read one novel in the past year. I also have saxophone and music books, but I didn't read any of them all the way through in any given time. An author friend gives me books, none of which I have gotten far into. It's a little like giving a musician music. It doesn't always work out.
Do you read books?
40 votes total
140 Replies
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6805 views
Tech/maintenance Lacquer polish
I have been using Meguiars Cleaner/Wax for what seems like decades. I first learned of it from guitar builders that used it for final touches on boutique guitars with nitro finishes. I have not yet tried the next-gen ceramic-based automotive products. What do you use on your concours cars and fine guitars? @PigSquealer @Phil
34 Replies
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546 views
Clarinet Stupid question about clarinets
Having recently fallen in love with the bass clarinet but being very naive about all things clarinet related can I ask a question to any clarineteers out there. How do I tell if a Clarinet is a German system model? I’m trying to get a case for my 1960s Kolhert and the question- is it German system or not- keeps on coming up. Any assistance on this one?
8 Replies
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1885 views
Tech/maintenance Abalone key pearls
Needed to order from Amazon so I added a set of these to see what they're like: Bnineteenteam Key Buttons for Alto Sax, 9pcs Sax Abalone Shell Key Buttons Saxophone Key Button for soprano, alto and tenor saxophones : Amazon.co.uk: Books
Not expecting much. Most of the "real shell" pearls I've looked at seem to be covered in acrylic which means they're no different than a plastic key surely?
Anyway... for a fiver it's worth a go. Let you know what they're like once they arrive.
Not expecting much. Most of the "real shell" pearls I've looked at seem to be covered in acrylic which means they're no different than a plastic key surely?
Anyway... for a fiver it's worth a go. Let you know what they're like once they arrive.
119 Replies
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8228 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:
85 Replies
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8698 views
Mouthpiece/Lig FS Mouthpieces for sale
Hello, I have two excellent mouthpieces for sale in perfect condition.
Tenor PPT - 8* - £150
Soprano Pillinger - PJ 7 (LAR) - £125
Happy to take questions
Pictures below
Tenor PPT - 8* - £150
Soprano Pillinger - PJ 7 (LAR) - £125
Happy to take questions
Pictures below
0 Replies
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33 views
This is the only mouthpiece currently in production that can hold its own against my Otto Link Slant. I’ve been playing this Morgan Classical for a while now, and to me it's just wonderful. Finally, someone made a "no-baffle" baritone mouthpiece with a one-inch neck extension—essential for those who play a Conn.
I want to make clear that I have no sponsorship or any endorsement deal; I bought the mouthpiece just like anyone else. What do you think?
P.S. Turn on English subtitles in the youtube menu.
P.P.S I have played the Morgan Florida, which I returned for the classical. so you can compare both.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZFd2_aftKM
I want to make clear that I have no sponsorship or any endorsement deal; I bought the mouthpiece just like anyone else. What do you think?
P.S. Turn on English subtitles in the youtube menu.
P.P.S I have played the Morgan Florida, which I returned for the classical. so you can compare both.
9 Replies
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200 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?
881 Replies
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29363 views
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