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Had a jolly down to Stuart and Linda at Woodwind exchange last Thursday with a mate of mine.
I've always been interested to try a Runyon mouthpiece so I asked if they had one. Stuart fiddled about in his tenor draw and popped one up. No idea which model it was, so i took it into a room and blew it for a while. It was an excellent piece. Just what I was looking for brighter and more focussed. I hummed and hawed for a bit but decided it was worth it so I bought it.
I had a look on the site and from the look of it I'm pretty sure it's a Custom #12
Quite a change from my Tone Edge
Does anyone have any views, opinions about these pieces.?
I've always been interested to try a Runyon mouthpiece so I asked if they had one. Stuart fiddled about in his tenor draw and popped one up. No idea which model it was, so i took it into a room and blew it for a while. It was an excellent piece. Just what I was looking for brighter and more focussed. I hummed and hawed for a bit but decided it was worth it so I bought it.
I had a look on the site and from the look of it I'm pretty sure it's a Custom #12
Quite a change from my Tone Edge
Does anyone have any views, opinions about these pieces.?
6 Replies
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177 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.
584 Replies
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71476 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
2803 Replies
·
81247 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
615 Replies
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23022 views
Saxophones Wireless mic and reverb effects
Been playing a year now and looking at getting a wireless clip on mic. The Isolo Choice mic comes with mic, transmitter and receiver WITH effects like echo and reverb. Thinking of getting one but concerned will it be ok in the UK it ships from Taiwan. Assuming the 9v power supply can be used in UK. It’s the effects I am after. Anyone in UK bought one they are £425. Thanks . Chris.
50 Replies
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10131 views
Great Players Mr Super Hip. Carl Mellor
I was just wondering if anyone here knew Carl Mellor.
The first time I met Carl was at Covent Garden sometime at the start of the 80s. He had a Mountain bike with a trailer on the back. The trailer was full of car batteries and a cassette machine. He would play with backing tracks...as a matter of fact he used Abersold and was the first guy to introduce them to me.
He was quite a characterful saxophonist/guy. The last time I saw him he was playing outside a coffee shop... Starbucks on the bridge at Camden it think. That must have been 10 odd years ago, maybe more.
Truly one very Interesting player. If you know anything at all about Carl I would very much like to know.
Kind Regards
ManEast
The first time I met Carl was at Covent Garden sometime at the start of the 80s. He had a Mountain bike with a trailer on the back. The trailer was full of car batteries and a cassette machine. He would play with backing tracks...as a matter of fact he used Abersold and was the first guy to introduce them to me.
He was quite a characterful saxophonist/guy. The last time I saw him he was playing outside a coffee shop... Starbucks on the bridge at Camden it think. That must have been 10 odd years ago, maybe more.
Truly one very Interesting player. If you know anything at all about Carl I would very much like to know.
Kind Regards
ManEast
13 Replies
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5086 views
I'm considering purchasing an effect that allows me to simulate a horn section a bit for LIVE use. So far I've been using the Roland Aerephone AE10, which isn't bad, but I'd like to try it with my tenor sax so I can switch from clean sax to horn section-like effects. I was thinking about a Zoom A2.1 or a Roctary Poly Octave, but I don't have any experience. I'd use it with my Xvive wireless microphone.
6 Replies
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170 views
Mouthpieces Jody jazz DV Chicago tenor.
Anyone using one on tenor? What are your impressions and thoughts? Cheers!
9 Replies
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264 views
Saxophone beginners If you had to do it all again
Evening all.
I'm returning to playing the sax after nearly 25 years, used to play alto (played in various bands, gigs in pubs, clubs, fesitvals, weddings & wakes, recorded some albums). I've only gone and bought myself a tenor off of ebay by accident and i'm planning to do some practice, mostly so I can get some half decent sounding brass parts down on my computer based deep house noodling.
When i started learning (early 90s) I taught myself, never had a lesson and subsequently developed a load of bad habits. These days there's something called youtube and it's full ofAI slop tutorials for people to learn off so I've had a look around.
I'm planning on focussing on my embechoure first (long notes, stupid face exercises), intonation then finger placement (always moved my fingers too much and hit the pads too hard).
So my question is, if you had to do it all again - how would you go about it, what would you concentrate on?
Coke Escovado - I wouldn't change a thing
I'm returning to playing the sax after nearly 25 years, used to play alto (played in various bands, gigs in pubs, clubs, fesitvals, weddings & wakes, recorded some albums). I've only gone and bought myself a tenor off of ebay by accident and i'm planning to do some practice, mostly so I can get some half decent sounding brass parts down on my computer based deep house noodling.
When i started learning (early 90s) I taught myself, never had a lesson and subsequently developed a load of bad habits. These days there's something called youtube and it's full of
I'm planning on focussing on my embechoure first (long notes, stupid face exercises), intonation then finger placement (always moved my fingers too much and hit the pads too hard).
So my question is, if you had to do it all again - how would you go about it, what would you concentrate on?
Coke Escovado - I wouldn't change a thing
25 Replies
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2591 views
Apparently, at a Richard Thompson gig a girl asked him to "play that song about the Water Bed". "I don't do a song about a water bed" he replied. "Yes you do, the one the goes Let me ride on your water bed one more time".
View: https://youtu.be/gw1ZDzBoUf8?si=yah5OyWiRWCpzq_T
Have you got any other examples ?
Rhys
Have you got any other examples ?
Rhys
48 Replies
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2828 views
Miscellaneous Any Cafe members in the Curitiba / BR region?
I'll be traveling to Curitiba / Campo Largo in October and I was just wondering if there are any familiar faces in the area.
😉
😉
2 Replies
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63 views
Mouthpiece/Lig FS for sale - Phil-tone Isotope tenor mouthpiece, 8*
for sale - a rare beast, the Phil-tone Isotope. This has been discontinued for a while, it was a collaboration between Phil-tone and Theo Wanne -beautifully made piece as you'd expect. Comes with the original wooden box. Big step baffle so unsurprisingly leans towards the bright side with a clean, modern sound, but I found it to be capable of a bit more warmth and versatility than a guardala for example.
Always used with a patch, I've removed this to give it a clean up for selling and you can see on the photos there's a bit of a colour difference on the beak where the patch has been stuck on. There's also some discolouration on the table which I've shown in the photos below, this was there when I purchased it (I'm not the first owner) but doesn't affect playability - table is flat and rails are unblemished. I've found myself to be more comfortable on rollover baffles, but this needs to be enjoyed by someone instead of sitting on my shelf. UK postage only please.
Always used with a patch, I've removed this to give it a clean up for selling and you can see on the photos there's a bit of a colour difference on the beak where the patch has been stuck on. There's also some discolouration on the table which I've shown in the photos below, this was there when I purchased it (I'm not the first owner) but doesn't affect playability - table is flat and rails are unblemished. I've found myself to be more comfortable on rollover baffles, but this needs to be enjoyed by someone instead of sitting on my shelf. UK postage only please.
3 Replies
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169 views
Blog Tenor Viol's musings
OK. I've thought about doing this for a while - setting up a general thread for me to post in, rather than necessarily creating a separate new thread every time for relatively minor matters, or discussion of how things are going etc.
So, the first item is my FB page got me with an Amazon advert and I seem to have ordered a jazz theory book... It will get delivered to the Amazon lockers at work on Monday
Tomorrow is a Café Trio/Quartet...Septet day where @trimmy is going to demonstrate ascending chromatic scales in augmented fourths, and descending in diminished fifths... 😀
Yesterday was a wind band concert in Maghull. There were about 85 of us playing. We had a contrabassoon in the band...
So, the first item is my FB page got me with an Amazon advert and I seem to have ordered a jazz theory book... It will get delivered to the Amazon lockers at work on Monday
Tomorrow is a Café Trio/Quartet...Septet day where @trimmy is going to demonstrate ascending chromatic scales in augmented fourths, and descending in diminished fifths... 😀
Yesterday was a wind band concert in Maghull. There were about 85 of us playing. We had a contrabassoon in the band...
1919 Replies
·
109800 views
Miscellaneous What is “Politics”?
In the current thread on AI, Pete reminded us to keep politics out of the discussion, and to put side queries in another thread. So here is the side query…
When does a discussion become political? If something is an important societal topic (e.g., the state of music education, or the emergence of AI), there are certain to be politicians and government employees involved somehow. (Well, maybe not in music education, more’s the pity.) I’d like some clarity and perhaps a discussion on where the line is.
Case in point - government involvement in and support of health care. In most of the developed world, this is a non-issue. In the USA it’s a political hot potato. But this topic is important culturally and socially. Studies on strategies for extending lifespan. What tests to get, and where and how to get them. Seeking advice on a particular health condition. Etc. Here in the US, this can stray very easily into political waters - because of the various money, power and philosophical opinions around the subject.
So if I say “I think taxpayer funds should be used to provide a sensible baseline of health care support for everyone”, is that political? Or do I have to add something about a particular politician, or perhaps discuss specific legislation, to make it cross the line? “Joe Blow is an idiot because he thinks Medicare should be cancelled.”
I ask because topics like AI and healthcare affect us all, both as musicians and as humans in society. (Also as saxophonists, because some AI systems seem to think one needs 7 or 8 fingers per hand to play one!)
In the current discussion of AI, which is important IMO, there are obvious cultural and societal implications around the uses of AI. And these very easily stray into discussions of current political topics because various governments and government agencies are actively involved. Some guidelines on where to draw the boundaries of the discussion would be helpful.
When does a discussion become political? If something is an important societal topic (e.g., the state of music education, or the emergence of AI), there are certain to be politicians and government employees involved somehow. (Well, maybe not in music education, more’s the pity.) I’d like some clarity and perhaps a discussion on where the line is.
Case in point - government involvement in and support of health care. In most of the developed world, this is a non-issue. In the USA it’s a political hot potato. But this topic is important culturally and socially. Studies on strategies for extending lifespan. What tests to get, and where and how to get them. Seeking advice on a particular health condition. Etc. Here in the US, this can stray very easily into political waters - because of the various money, power and philosophical opinions around the subject.
So if I say “I think taxpayer funds should be used to provide a sensible baseline of health care support for everyone”, is that political? Or do I have to add something about a particular politician, or perhaps discuss specific legislation, to make it cross the line? “Joe Blow is an idiot because he thinks Medicare should be cancelled.”
I ask because topics like AI and healthcare affect us all, both as musicians and as humans in society. (Also as saxophonists, because some AI systems seem to think one needs 7 or 8 fingers per hand to play one!)
In the current discussion of AI, which is important IMO, there are obvious cultural and societal implications around the uses of AI. And these very easily stray into discussions of current political topics because various governments and government agencies are actively involved. Some guidelines on where to draw the boundaries of the discussion would be helpful.
43 Replies
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802 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)
877 Replies
·
41533 views
Tech/maintenance LeBlanc 7133 Vito (Jupiter) Alto Sax Service
December 2025, I purchased the subject alto sax, S/N 541xxx on eBay for $118.50 + $35.00 shipping + $12.18 tax, total $165.68, seller from Indianna, US. It appears to be a later model as it has felt adjustments on the bell key pad guards. My earlier Jupiter Vito tenor does not have these adjusters, ditto with photos I've seen of other altos with lower serial numbers.
It was missing the left hand B key pearl and the right thumb rest. However, it had no major dents (a plus at this cost!), keys appeared straight and aligned (another plus), back side has large blotches of tarnish where the lacquer had been worn away.
There are small dents around the bell back area from metal chair bangs, some backside bell lacquer abrasions like it was laid against Portland cement concrete bleachers in a sports stadium. However the bell rim itself was left unscathed, amazing. Case was dusty but serviceable, no major rips in the plastic sheet covering the plywood. Most of the plastic sewn edge guards are intact, not thread rotted.
Considering what it must have been through, it is the basis for a good player with a little work. For $15 I installed the missing thumb rest with an all brass aftermarket one, which replaced the missing plastic one perfectly.
I installed a 14.6 mm plastic pearl from a parts set I bought some time back for one missing on my Vito tenor, over the B key. Photo is before and after.
Someone already replaced the A Key Pearl, its pattern is slightly different than the original. Mine has more of a swirl to it, the OEM ones have a linear streak to them. If I sent it out to a tech, they'd put one from their stock, which may or may not completely match but it will be close. Its a student sax, perfection not required, now feels good.
It needs a going over for cleaning. Pads are intact, no leather cuts or cracks. Some look old. Few bumper corks are missing. As I get more involved, will decide whether I can return it to service or have it sent out for tech servicing.
It was missing the left hand B key pearl and the right thumb rest. However, it had no major dents (a plus at this cost!), keys appeared straight and aligned (another plus), back side has large blotches of tarnish where the lacquer had been worn away.
There are small dents around the bell back area from metal chair bangs, some backside bell lacquer abrasions like it was laid against Portland cement concrete bleachers in a sports stadium. However the bell rim itself was left unscathed, amazing. Case was dusty but serviceable, no major rips in the plastic sheet covering the plywood. Most of the plastic sewn edge guards are intact, not thread rotted.
Considering what it must have been through, it is the basis for a good player with a little work. For $15 I installed the missing thumb rest with an all brass aftermarket one, which replaced the missing plastic one perfectly.
Amazon.com: ERINGOGO Saxophone Thumb Rest with Hook 1 Set Gold Metal Saxophone Thumb Hook Rest Support with Washer and Screw Saxophone Thumb Hook Rest Sax Metal Thumb Rest Holder : Musical Instruments
Buy ERINGOGO Saxophone Thumb Rest with Hook 1 Set Gold Metal Saxophone Thumb Hook Rest Support with Washer and Screw Saxophone Thumb Hook Rest Sax Metal Thumb Rest Holder: Saxophone - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
I installed a 14.6 mm plastic pearl from a parts set I bought some time back for one missing on my Vito tenor, over the B key. Photo is before and after.
Someone already replaced the A Key Pearl, its pattern is slightly different than the original. Mine has more of a swirl to it, the OEM ones have a linear streak to them. If I sent it out to a tech, they'd put one from their stock, which may or may not completely match but it will be close. Its a student sax, perfection not required, now feels good.
It needs a going over for cleaning. Pads are intact, no leather cuts or cracks. Some look old. Few bumper corks are missing. As I get more involved, will decide whether I can return it to service or have it sent out for tech servicing.
16 Replies
·
1081 views
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