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CafeSaxophone Forum
I dont know if anyone remembers, but the other half,the kids and I Joined a band of complete beginers to learn how to play.
I have a Alto and the other half has a tenor. We had 3 free workshops to learn breathing and blowing then 6 lessons guided by a book (Standards of excellence) We were doing ok ish and playing really easy stuff. then we broke up for the summer.
To encourage more starters our teacher held a presentation last week at a church in Northampton, he had 10 people from his top wind orchestra which played a few demo classical tracks by Hayden and Beethoven, They sound amazing. Then demonstrated a number of instruments a hose pipe and a bit of 1 3/4 drain pipe with a load of holes in 8| .
We had to play a piece of music called "A Chinese man in Paris" Quite quick but not too bad. I didnt realise how scarey it is playing in front of the public. there was probably about 50 people there all just looking at us and waiting :S For the first few bars nerves were bad and notes were wobbly. BUT after those first few it was great what a buzz, felt amazing.
This week we learned that about 15 new people signed up on account of that whole demonstration, which is kinda cool as it means that in December we will have some more members in our band, and another presentation and a whole new round of people starting.
We also joined an amalgamation of his 3 smaller bands all of different ability's with us almost beginners at the bottom end. there was about 30 of us playing and 9 were sax's (6 altos and 3 tenors) we played some gentle swing stuff, a Louis Armstrong medley of wonderfull world,St Louis Blues, When the Saints and Hello Dolly I think was the last. and a few Norwegian folk songs.
What a sound 9 sax's make, we have two saxes that played the 1st sax part in the LA medley and they stayed perfectly together and in time 100% of the time, their fingers were a blur. All in all it sounded amazing. The hum that 9 saxes make is worth hearing alone. Couldn't play alot of it, I and a few others are just not that good. We were handed music and we had to just play it. we had 4 or 5 attempts at each after some scales and stuff and that was the 2hr lesson over.
I cant wait till Thursday now, I know I sound like a big kid but WOW its great. If every one turns up we should have 50 players in all.
We have a 2 hour lesson every week for around a tenner a month, you just cant beat it.
See ya
Col.
I have a Alto and the other half has a tenor. We had 3 free workshops to learn breathing and blowing then 6 lessons guided by a book (Standards of excellence) We were doing ok ish and playing really easy stuff. then we broke up for the summer.
To encourage more starters our teacher held a presentation last week at a church in Northampton, he had 10 people from his top wind orchestra which played a few demo classical tracks by Hayden and Beethoven, They sound amazing. Then demonstrated a number of instruments a hose pipe and a bit of 1 3/4 drain pipe with a load of holes in 8| .
We had to play a piece of music called "A Chinese man in Paris" Quite quick but not too bad. I didnt realise how scarey it is playing in front of the public. there was probably about 50 people there all just looking at us and waiting :S For the first few bars nerves were bad and notes were wobbly. BUT after those first few it was great what a buzz, felt amazing.
This week we learned that about 15 new people signed up on account of that whole demonstration, which is kinda cool as it means that in December we will have some more members in our band, and another presentation and a whole new round of people starting.
We also joined an amalgamation of his 3 smaller bands all of different ability's with us almost beginners at the bottom end. there was about 30 of us playing and 9 were sax's (6 altos and 3 tenors) we played some gentle swing stuff, a Louis Armstrong medley of wonderfull world,St Louis Blues, When the Saints and Hello Dolly I think was the last. and a few Norwegian folk songs.
What a sound 9 sax's make, we have two saxes that played the 1st sax part in the LA medley and they stayed perfectly together and in time 100% of the time, their fingers were a blur. All in all it sounded amazing. The hum that 9 saxes make is worth hearing alone. Couldn't play alot of it, I and a few others are just not that good. We were handed music and we had to just play it. we had 4 or 5 attempts at each after some scales and stuff and that was the 2hr lesson over.
I cant wait till Thursday now, I know I sound like a big kid but WOW its great. If every one turns up we should have 50 players in all.
We have a 2 hour lesson every week for around a tenner a month, you just cant beat it.
See ya
Col.
1 Replies
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124 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
2936 Replies
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92149 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 😳😂
47 Replies
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571 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#.
17 Replies
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161 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 •...
4 Replies
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109 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:
3 Replies
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709 views
0 Replies
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30 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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8922 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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2040 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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68134 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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1017 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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21097 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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1088 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
·
3455 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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67 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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