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CafeSaxophone Forum
Beginner Saxes Beginner Looking for Quality Alto - What would you buy?
Hi All,
Now I fully expect this to cause some controversy but here goes anyway, please bear with me here and be a bit gentle.
I've picked up the Alto about 6 months ago and feel I am making some good progress, I used to play Tenor when I was much younger about 20 or so years ago. I feel comfortable in the knowledge that I'll not likely be putting it down again, and with that have decided to upgrade from my entry level alto to something nicer. Now this in and of itself should distress people, but I'm looking at some models that would be considered professional level. I am I likely to ever go pro?? Unlikely, nice as it would be, I'm not fooling myself, it might be nice to play with a band live at some point in the future for sure, but not pro level by any stretch. But I do get distressed when I try to spend this sort of money in a store, regardless of my ability and it's met with smirks and patronization (this happened earlier this week), so all I'm asking is while you read this please don't judge me like the shop staff did (I'd be pleased for the sale if I were a shop owner and try and help the customer make the right choice, rather than making him feel unwanted)
I've narrowed my choices down to Yamaha EX or Z Series, Yani 9933 (Silver / Bronze) or one of the Selmer Ref 54 (Limited might be nice but only if I can get a bargain on it, otherwise, Standard Ref 54 is fine)
Everyone has their opinions, most say things like the Yamaha is a great horn and will be the easiest to play than the Selmer, but with the Selmer "ohhhhhh the tone" is often the response, Selmer is less easy to play, but the tone rocks. The Yani never seems to invoke the same passion from people as the Yamaha or the Selmer.......
Cheers in advance for your feedback 🙂
T.
P.S. I read a bunch of posts before I joined and you seem like a very friendly bunch 🙂
Now I fully expect this to cause some controversy but here goes anyway, please bear with me here and be a bit gentle.
I've picked up the Alto about 6 months ago and feel I am making some good progress, I used to play Tenor when I was much younger about 20 or so years ago. I feel comfortable in the knowledge that I'll not likely be putting it down again, and with that have decided to upgrade from my entry level alto to something nicer. Now this in and of itself should distress people, but I'm looking at some models that would be considered professional level. I am I likely to ever go pro?? Unlikely, nice as it would be, I'm not fooling myself, it might be nice to play with a band live at some point in the future for sure, but not pro level by any stretch. But I do get distressed when I try to spend this sort of money in a store, regardless of my ability and it's met with smirks and patronization (this happened earlier this week), so all I'm asking is while you read this please don't judge me like the shop staff did (I'd be pleased for the sale if I were a shop owner and try and help the customer make the right choice, rather than making him feel unwanted)
I've narrowed my choices down to Yamaha EX or Z Series, Yani 9933 (Silver / Bronze) or one of the Selmer Ref 54 (Limited might be nice but only if I can get a bargain on it, otherwise, Standard Ref 54 is fine)
Everyone has their opinions, most say things like the Yamaha is a great horn and will be the easiest to play than the Selmer, but with the Selmer "ohhhhhh the tone" is often the response, Selmer is less easy to play, but the tone rocks. The Yani never seems to invoke the same passion from people as the Yamaha or the Selmer.......
Cheers in advance for your feedback 🙂
T.
P.S. I read a bunch of posts before I joined and you seem like a very friendly bunch 🙂
14 Replies
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308 views
0 Replies
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7 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#.
13 Replies
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133 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
2933 Replies
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92063 views
Ligatures ligature screw. Top or bottom.
Hi there, newby question. I am using BG single screw , leatherette ligature
on Selmer S80 C*. I have been busy practicing, then all of a sudden i noticed
the position of some ligatures on utube. I always assumed with the BG that
the correct position of screw was on top of the mouthpiece. I rotated the lig
so screw was on the bottom against the reed. It seemed to accomodate the
reed ok and the sound was ok. Any hints much appreciated.
Regards Johnny B.
p.s. I have just ordered a PPT mouthpiece with accompanying lig. Which way
are they positioned ?
on Selmer S80 C*. I have been busy practicing, then all of a sudden i noticed
the position of some ligatures on utube. I always assumed with the BG that
the correct position of screw was on top of the mouthpiece. I rotated the lig
so screw was on the bottom against the reed. It seemed to accomodate the
reed ok and the sound was ok. Any hints much appreciated.
Regards Johnny B.
p.s. I have just ordered a PPT mouthpiece with accompanying lig. Which way
are they positioned ?
19 Replies
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8913 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 😳😂
30 Replies
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428 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 •...
3 Replies
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92 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 🤔☺️
113 Replies
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2012 views
Saxophone FS Inderbinen Tenor for Sale
Here's a rarity that is seldom seen for sale. This Swiss handmade instrument is an anomaly in the world of sax manufacturing. It's tone and flexibility of sound is praised and most owners hold on to them knowing that it's also very collectable. My reality is that I just turned 80 and must think about this horn's future on my demise. It shouldn't be left to my wife or an executor here in New Zealand to try and sell. Pictures tell one story and I wish I had the video skills to stitch together a track where I'm playing in two different styles with this horn. I've got the 2 videos with crap sound and you can't hear the template I'm improvising with. I've also got the 2 sound recordings with the template and edited so you can hear this horn's potential. However I couldn't put them together. My apologies. You can just listen to the audio track with the template and then verify it is indeed the Inderbinen that's playing by looking at the video. Lame... I know! The styles are assisted by the first track using an "OK"mellow mouthpiece. The second is a Theo Wanne Shiva 2.
The horn has the original neck and a custom wooden Paraschos neck that looks and sounds great on this horn. The recordings were made with the Paraschos neck.
Price $8,000 USD + shipping. Current price new is over $14,000 USD and around a two year wait time. The Paraschos neck currently sells for $900 USD. This wonderful horn deserves a good home and future!
Pictures:
20260612_145651(1).jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145729.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145825.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145847.jpg | Powered by Box
https://app.box.com/s/x5n75fukfi4uaqv7gqafx074mn0krjpm
20260612_145850.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145816.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145842.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145811.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145904.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145914.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_150316.jpg | Powered by Box
Inderbinen sound recording 1: Inderbinen demo 1.wav | Powered by Box
Inderbinen sound recording 2: Inderbinen demo 2.wav | Powered by Box
Video 1:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjbNkv0RrdQ
Video 2:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7z8MSFvrxw
The horn has the original neck and a custom wooden Paraschos neck that looks and sounds great on this horn. The recordings were made with the Paraschos neck.
Price $8,000 USD + shipping. Current price new is over $14,000 USD and around a two year wait time. The Paraschos neck currently sells for $900 USD. This wonderful horn deserves a good home and future!
Pictures:
20260612_145651(1).jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145729.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145825.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145847.jpg | Powered by Box
https://app.box.com/s/x5n75fukfi4uaqv7gqafx074mn0krjpm
20260612_145850.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145816.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145842.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145811.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145904.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_145914.jpg | Powered by Box
20260612_150316.jpg | Powered by Box
Inderbinen sound recording 1: Inderbinen demo 1.wav | Powered by Box
Inderbinen sound recording 2: Inderbinen demo 2.wav | Powered by Box
Video 1:
Video 2:
2 Replies
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685 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 !
1203 Replies
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68080 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
12 Replies
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1013 views
Blog Mike's musings
Inspired by @Tenor Viols musings, I decided to create my own thread. Focused on my new 'journey' from Big Band music into the world of rock/pop music.. Not only the very different style of music but (for me) also the very different world of amplification, different mpc's, etc,
I
For the 1st 3 weeks, things started off really well! I was enthusiastic and so were the band. I was less enthusiastic on the 4th week when the nominal 'band leader' returned from a vacation, brought a ton of equipment along with him and basically drowned other members out.
During the 4th rehearsal (always on a Saturday), I noticed that my right hand felt a bit 'odd' but OK. That night, the pain in my right hand kept me awake. The day after (following internet advice) , I applied a bandage and ice. My guess is that I injured my hand during a "Fitness Session' the previous Friday. Since then , I haven't been able to play sax🙁. But I have been able to listen to some tracks that I've been asked to play🙂. Not exactly (no-one in the band does) but 'sufficiently recognisable'.
I
For the 1st 3 weeks, things started off really well! I was enthusiastic and so were the band. I was less enthusiastic on the 4th week when the nominal 'band leader' returned from a vacation, brought a ton of equipment along with him and basically drowned other members out.
During the 4th rehearsal (always on a Saturday), I noticed that my right hand felt a bit 'odd' but OK. That night, the pain in my right hand kept me awake. The day after (following internet advice) , I applied a bandage and ice. My guess is that I injured my hand during a "Fitness Session' the previous Friday. Since then , I haven't been able to play sax🙁. But I have been able to listen to some tracks that I've been asked to play🙂. Not exactly (no-one in the band does) but 'sufficiently recognisable'.
296 Replies
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21081 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
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1078 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
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3437 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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61 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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138 views
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