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CafeSaxophone Forum
Reeds reed comparisons.
Ok, I got a few of some of every reed I could lay my hands on and gave them all a thorough go today with various bits of equipment etc.
I was looking at:
Strength.
Tone.
Clarity.
Range.
Low note accessibility.
High note accessibility.
I played each reed from new condition under the same circumstances. Those being.
Hanson sax, S80 C* BG standard lig.
and the second run I used
Hanson sax, Otto Link STM 6 (metal), rovner light lig.
I played them through on the S80 first, then in the same order on the Otto Link.
The results are as follows.
S80.
La Voz M- Mildly breathy tone, medium strength of response
, and an average acceptable tone, nothing to great though. Generally consistent.
So my favorite with the S80 was the RJS 2M. Lovely sound suitable for classical or jazz, and had a really good feel when playing it.
Then for the Otto Link.
(everything got a bit jazzier and hotter here!)
F. Hemke 3- very breathy, hard blow. Warm smooth sound. Edge when played loud.
Obviously none of this applies to anyone else 😛
But it should give you some idea as to what reeds have what kind of tendencies in general.
I'm incredibly impressed with the Rico Jazz Select reeds, they are absolutely superb and really open up when you ask them too. Fantastic flexible reed for expressive playing IMO
Going to go buy a box of 10 now. Though I recommend using the 2H live and rehersal/practise on 2M as you can get away with that extra bit of top end punch, and the reed doesn't break up as soon as the 2M does when it hits it's volume limit. And we all play louder when we get excited in performances. The heavier articulation will cut your sound through the mix a wee better as well!
I was looking at:
Strength.
Tone.
Clarity.
Range.
Low note accessibility.
High note accessibility.
I played each reed from new condition under the same circumstances. Those being.
Hanson sax, S80 C* BG standard lig.
and the second run I used
Hanson sax, Otto Link STM 6 (metal), rovner light lig.
I played them through on the S80 first, then in the same order on the Otto Link.
The results are as follows.
S80.
La Voz M- Mildly breathy tone, medium strength of response
, and an average acceptable tone, nothing to great though. Generally consistent.
So my favorite with the S80 was the RJS 2M. Lovely sound suitable for classical or jazz, and had a really good feel when playing it.
Then for the Otto Link.
(everything got a bit jazzier and hotter here!)
F. Hemke 3- very breathy, hard blow. Warm smooth sound. Edge when played loud.
Obviously none of this applies to anyone else 😛
But it should give you some idea as to what reeds have what kind of tendencies in general.
I'm incredibly impressed with the Rico Jazz Select reeds, they are absolutely superb and really open up when you ask them too. Fantastic flexible reed for expressive playing IMO
Going to go buy a box of 10 now. Though I recommend using the 2H live and rehersal/practise on 2M as you can get away with that extra bit of top end punch, and the reed doesn't break up as soon as the 2M does when it hits it's volume limit. And we all play louder when we get excited in performances. The heavier articulation will cut your sound through the mix a wee better as well!
25 Replies
·
553 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 !
1202 Replies
·
67960 views
Tech/maintenance I did it! 😂😉🎷
So my neck cork came loose last week and I managed with by being careful when fitting my mp.
But I decided to tackle replacing it once my new corks arrived yesterday.
So, armed with @Stephen Howard Haynes manual i got to work. It was a bit nerve wracking as I haven't done any repairs on my horn before. Give my an angle grinder or stihl saw or road breaker or any construction power tool and I'm away 🤔👷😂
but this was more on the delicate side 😳😂
But I decided to tackle replacing it once my new corks arrived yesterday.
So, armed with @Stephen Howard Haynes manual i got to work. It was a bit nerve wracking as I haven't done any repairs on my horn before. Give my an angle grinder or stihl saw or road breaker or any construction power tool and I'm away 🤔👷😂
but this was more on the delicate side 😳😂
21 Replies
·
209 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
2929 Replies
·
91952 views
Saxophones Couturier-Lyon&Healy-Holton
So, in the C melody discussion, and elsewhere, was discussion of the Couturier-Lyon & Healy - Holton path and the related products. I alluded at the time to my Couturier-design Holton Collegiate soprano, so here it is. I have many photos so will probably have to break this into several posts.
Overall view
Here is the distinctive LH table, with integrated C# and G#.
Overall view
Here is the distinctive LH table, with integrated C# and G#.
3 Replies
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70 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
11 Replies
·
959 views
Saxophones King Tempo
Hey all, there are a few threads on these at the other place but I didn't see one here. Found a listing for a King Tempo bari, I have a message to the seller asking about the serial # (edit: it's 60165, second number 1406) but anyone have a clue to this one's era/condition from the pictures?
www.craigslist.org
Baritone saxophone King Tempo, overhauled - musical instruments - by owner - sale - craigslist
King Tempo Baritone Saxophone Famous King craftsmanship with a big, rich baritone sound. Recently professionally overhauled: • Complete cleaning • New pads installed • New springs where needed •...
0 Replies
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47 views
Saxophones Conn 10m.... Could this be the one?
So guys😊☺️. I ve recently discussed with some of you, possible upgrades to move on from my Arbiter Pro jazz tenor. I almost went to try out a selmer SA80I but decided against it in the end.
Now, whilst I am not in any rush to move on just yet, I think it is definitely on the cards to happen at some point over the coming months. 😉
I was very drawn to a Selmer initially, but have stumbled across some YouTube videos on the Conn 10m.
Having watched a few comparison videos on Selmer mark VI Vs Conn 10m, (not that I was looking at the Mark VI 😳) I immediately noticed how different the tone was between them. The selmer sound much cleaner, crisper, whereas the Conn was a little warmer, fluffier 😳 (is that sacrilege to use fluffy and Conn in the same sentence?.... 🤔😳🤷)
I thought it would be just that one video so I watched a few others and yeah, it was still "fluffy" ☺️ I really liked the "fluffy" sound.
Someone said it was because they were made during the Swing era and so were more "harmonic" and "softer" built for a more acoustic environment and they blended well in a section with the likes of Buescher's. In context, this made so much sense to me.
Someone commented in my last post that perhaps I didn't really know at this stage what direction I wanted to go in looking for a new/old tenor, they were correct, I didn't know. But now I think I do 💡😳🤔
So... If this is a light bulb moment could y'all please enlighten me as to your opinions and experience with the Conn 10m tenor sax.
Is there a particular year or time period that was better than others to look for?
Any faults to look out for?
Are they harder to blow because they are so old?
What's an average price these sell for?
And really any other areas I've not thought about 🤔☺️
Now, whilst I am not in any rush to move on just yet, I think it is definitely on the cards to happen at some point over the coming months. 😉
I was very drawn to a Selmer initially, but have stumbled across some YouTube videos on the Conn 10m.
Having watched a few comparison videos on Selmer mark VI Vs Conn 10m, (not that I was looking at the Mark VI 😳) I immediately noticed how different the tone was between them. The selmer sound much cleaner, crisper, whereas the Conn was a little warmer, fluffier 😳 (is that sacrilege to use fluffy and Conn in the same sentence?.... 🤔😳🤷)
I thought it would be just that one video so I watched a few others and yeah, it was still "fluffy" ☺️ I really liked the "fluffy" sound.
Someone said it was because they were made during the Swing era and so were more "harmonic" and "softer" built for a more acoustic environment and they blended well in a section with the likes of Buescher's. In context, this made so much sense to me.
Someone commented in my last post that perhaps I didn't really know at this stage what direction I wanted to go in looking for a new/old tenor, they were correct, I didn't know. But now I think I do 💡😳🤔
So... If this is a light bulb moment could y'all please enlighten me as to your opinions and experience with the Conn 10m tenor sax.
Is there a particular year or time period that was better than others to look for?
Any faults to look out for?
Are they harder to blow because they are so old?
What's an average price these sell for?
And really any other areas I've not thought about 🤔☺️
110 Replies
·
1857 views
Saxophones What to avoid?
New here, first question?
I'm a tuba player, looking to find a saxophone(s) for occasional doubling. I took a saxophone class when I was in school 20+ years ago. Went very well, really enjoyed it. I play in a group that is frequently short on saxophones and abundant with tubas so I can fill in where needed.
My question isn't what horns should I look for, but what i horns i should avoid. There's always those certain ones that are no good all around.
I'm looking for dirt cheap used instruments. I really like old instruments. I'm very good at repairing things and I work in a machine shop with access to all the toys. Thank you
I'm a tuba player, looking to find a saxophone(s) for occasional doubling. I took a saxophone class when I was in school 20+ years ago. Went very well, really enjoyed it. I play in a group that is frequently short on saxophones and abundant with tubas so I can fill in where needed.
My question isn't what horns should I look for, but what i horns i should avoid. There's always those certain ones that are no good all around.
I'm looking for dirt cheap used instruments. I really like old instruments. I'm very good at repairing things and I work in a machine shop with access to all the toys. Thank you
40 Replies
·
1038 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. 😎
116 Replies
·
3394 views
For those on Facebook, listen to this Irish folk tune medley by Eddie Barbash.
View: https://fb.watch/v/6fc-PYXdq/
His website and YouTube channel are also well worth checking out. Folk, classical, jazz, blues, latin, ... he has (for me) a refreshingly wide repertoire of performances and playing styles.
View: https://fb.watch/v/6fc-PYXdq/
His website and YouTube channel are also well worth checking out. Folk, classical, jazz, blues, latin, ... he has (for me) a refreshingly wide repertoire of performances and playing styles.
0 Replies
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53 views
Saxophone FS Hanson VIII Alto
As per thread title, lovely example of Hanson VIII which I bought in 2020, in fantastic condition bar the octave ring being very slightly bent + slightly chipper cork on the neck, otherwise in pristine condition. Plays top to bottom super easily 🙂.
Comes with original case (never used since I also have a hiscox).
Happy to answer any question, provide more photos or let anyone try it in person.
Open to reasonable offers.
Comes with original case (never used since I also have a hiscox).
Happy to answer any question, provide more photos or let anyone try it in person.
Open to reasonable offers.
1 Replies
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128 views
Miscellaneous Anyone know this company?
😉😉 Evening all.. I have been looking for an alto sax for a pal and have found some interesting Conn altos on the Vintage Sax.co.uk site.. Is there anyone in the cafe had any dealings with them.. Regards. 😉😉
2 Replies
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142 views
Tech/maintenance Vise Advice
Picture of vise with V notch.
1. Why do some vises have that?
2. Not great for using parallels.
Thoughts for making something to allow use of parallels for milling.
Will be making small mounts for optics and other precision items, like metal bridges for string instruments, motor bike parts/mods, etc etc.
Might drill thru the rear block, from the back, make a metal plate, with counterbores, that is wider than the V notch and bolt it on when necessary.
Thicker parallels are an option, but they are not often used, like a parachute. 🙄
Thx
PP
1. Why do some vises have that?
2. Not great for using parallels.
Thoughts for making something to allow use of parallels for milling.
Will be making small mounts for optics and other precision items, like metal bridges for string instruments, motor bike parts/mods, etc etc.
Might drill thru the rear block, from the back, make a metal plate, with counterbores, that is wider than the V notch and bolt it on when necessary.
Thicker parallels are an option, but they are not often used, like a parachute. 🙄
Thx
PP
9 Replies
·
277 views
Cafe Moderator
Café Supporter
Animals Show us your pets.
I apologise in advance but rest assured the Café is not going to turn into Facebook.
As a competition maybe the photo with the most likes or funnies gets a prize. I can offer a Cebulla or B.Air neck strap, as a prize. Might think of a few more. Or else a book or DVD. Or something else.
As a competition maybe the photo with the most likes or funnies gets a prize. I can offer a Cebulla or B.Air neck strap, as a prize. Might think of a few more. Or else a book or DVD. Or something else.
359 Replies
·
24243 views
Theory & Impro learning theory and improv
hello
I have been playing saxophone for roughly 13 years but only maybe half that time seriously
i play jazz
somewhere along the way on my practice i started skipping theory and fundimentals like learning all the keys, arpeggios, scales chords, and chord structures and how chord structures over songs work and how to propelry do voice leading, and i just started playing by ear and transcribing stuff without understanding how it works harmonically.
I found i have hit a wall where my playing doesnt make sense a lot of the time and i just play lines that i think sound good without understanding why. i think it is wrong
how can i re-learn the fundimentals and un-do these years of bad habits built up without having to completely re-learn everything i know about playing. i feel like my playing is still at a beginner level because i have not mastered the fundimentals when in reality i should be at a much higher level by now with my playing
I have been playing saxophone for roughly 13 years but only maybe half that time seriously
i play jazz
somewhere along the way on my practice i started skipping theory and fundimentals like learning all the keys, arpeggios, scales chords, and chord structures and how chord structures over songs work and how to propelry do voice leading, and i just started playing by ear and transcribing stuff without understanding how it works harmonically.
I found i have hit a wall where my playing doesnt make sense a lot of the time and i just play lines that i think sound good without understanding why. i think it is wrong
how can i re-learn the fundimentals and un-do these years of bad habits built up without having to completely re-learn everything i know about playing. i feel like my playing is still at a beginner level because i have not mastered the fundimentals when in reality i should be at a much higher level by now with my playing
22 Replies
·
441 views
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