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CafeSaxophone Forum
I would really welcome you advice....
I may be going to look - and play - some soprano saxes tomorrow (a few hours to play with near Crowborough...) and I would really welcome your views and preferences.
I enjoy playing jazz, some classical and just good music. Currently I have a Keilworth shadow tenor sax.
So what do you think is a great soprano - I will only buy a soprano once so I want a good one.
I look forward to your advice - and will let you know the outcome!
thanks
Helen
I may be going to look - and play - some soprano saxes tomorrow (a few hours to play with near Crowborough...) and I would really welcome your views and preferences.
I enjoy playing jazz, some classical and just good music. Currently I have a Keilworth shadow tenor sax.
So what do you think is a great soprano - I will only buy a soprano once so I want a good one.
I look forward to your advice - and will let you know the outcome!
thanks
Helen
16 Replies
·
259 views
Saxophones Selmer Supreme alto (quick look)
Had a client bring two Selmer altos in yesterday - a Ref.54 for a service and a brand new solid silver Supreme.
First time I've had my hands on one.
It only came in for a quick tweak - so no time to run up a proper review, but I did notice a couple of things.
First up - the client brought it in because there was a problem when moving from low B to low Bb; a break in the transition.
This turned out to be a badly adjusted link between the low B and the low C#. In fact it wasn't really adjusted at all - so that when his finger rolled down onto the Bb touchpiece and just caught the C# touchpiece on the way, the C# would open about 3mm. That's plenty enough to knock out the low B.
And there was this:
This is the Bis Bb/G# adjuster bar. Take a look at that gap between the Bis Bb arm and the adjuster above it. In horn terms it's miles away.
The adjuster is actually set right in terms of its ability to close the Bis Bb - so you can't screw the adjuster in to take up the play. What this means is that the lower stack is set substantially higher than the upper.
I had a quick peek at the toneholes. Selmer are traditionally pretty good at getting the toneholes level, but I was rather disappointed with the low C on this horn:
I compared it with the Ref.54 - which still wasn't perfect but was rather flatter.
So, not a great start for the Supreme. It comes in at an eye-watering price, and for that kind of money I want all the boxes ticked...and then some. So I'd expect the out-of-box setup to be spot on and rather more precision when it comes to the toneholes. Y'know, a bit like a top-end Yani.
And then I had a blow on the Supreme.
I was expecting a 'Woah!' moment - and I got one...but not the one I wanted.
It prompted me to go back and forth between the Supreme and the Ref.54. The Ref is exactly what you'd expect from a Selmer. Nicely balanced, a 'big' sound with that characteristic Selmer mid-range oomph, slightly resistant but nonetheless punchy - with a wide spread of sound.
The Supreme felt very closed in, like it was keeping the sound huddled around itself. And where was the punch and clarity?
It had a sort of Paul Desmond thing going on...that sort of laid back, soft kind of approach. That's fine...if you can turn it on and off at will but it kind of comes stamped into the horn.
That really surprised me because it's dramatically different from the Ref - so-much-so that I had to put a light down the Supreme to see if there was a problem with one of the pads (nothing major...slight leak on the A, which didn't change the tone when corrected).
I can't say it's a conclusive impression because it's just that horn - but even accounting for variations between seemingly identical horns it seems a bit extreme.
I'm hoping the client is going to book the Supreme in for a proper setup once I've serviced the Ref - at which point I can do a proper run-down on it and see what's what.
First time I've had my hands on one.
It only came in for a quick tweak - so no time to run up a proper review, but I did notice a couple of things.
First up - the client brought it in because there was a problem when moving from low B to low Bb; a break in the transition.
This turned out to be a badly adjusted link between the low B and the low C#. In fact it wasn't really adjusted at all - so that when his finger rolled down onto the Bb touchpiece and just caught the C# touchpiece on the way, the C# would open about 3mm. That's plenty enough to knock out the low B.
And there was this:
This is the Bis Bb/G# adjuster bar. Take a look at that gap between the Bis Bb arm and the adjuster above it. In horn terms it's miles away.
The adjuster is actually set right in terms of its ability to close the Bis Bb - so you can't screw the adjuster in to take up the play. What this means is that the lower stack is set substantially higher than the upper.
I had a quick peek at the toneholes. Selmer are traditionally pretty good at getting the toneholes level, but I was rather disappointed with the low C on this horn:
I compared it with the Ref.54 - which still wasn't perfect but was rather flatter.
So, not a great start for the Supreme. It comes in at an eye-watering price, and for that kind of money I want all the boxes ticked...and then some. So I'd expect the out-of-box setup to be spot on and rather more precision when it comes to the toneholes. Y'know, a bit like a top-end Yani.
And then I had a blow on the Supreme.
I was expecting a 'Woah!' moment - and I got one...but not the one I wanted.
It prompted me to go back and forth between the Supreme and the Ref.54. The Ref is exactly what you'd expect from a Selmer. Nicely balanced, a 'big' sound with that characteristic Selmer mid-range oomph, slightly resistant but nonetheless punchy - with a wide spread of sound.
The Supreme felt very closed in, like it was keeping the sound huddled around itself. And where was the punch and clarity?
It had a sort of Paul Desmond thing going on...that sort of laid back, soft kind of approach. That's fine...if you can turn it on and off at will but it kind of comes stamped into the horn.
That really surprised me because it's dramatically different from the Ref - so-much-so that I had to put a light down the Supreme to see if there was a problem with one of the pads (nothing major...slight leak on the A, which didn't change the tone when corrected).
I can't say it's a conclusive impression because it's just that horn - but even accounting for variations between seemingly identical horns it seems a bit extreme.
I'm hoping the client is going to book the Supreme in for a proper setup once I've serviced the Ref - at which point I can do a proper run-down on it and see what's what.
8 Replies
·
102 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 !
1024 Replies
·
57825 views
Saxophones Vito models and parts
There is not much known on the Vito model 7140 USA. This alto is from from1979 according to the serial number (40xxx).
Too late to be a Beaugnier.
It has no technical problems and is wel made. I use it for backup and holidays. The pads are not 100%, but you can blow a soft low Bb.
It has right hand bell keys and one guard for the lowest four keys. This guard is different from all other Vito guards. The pant guard and brace are also unknown.
The regulation screws on the main stack are a nice extra. It is now too dark to make extra pictures. Tommorow more.
Does anyone know who made this?
Too late to be a Beaugnier.
It has no technical problems and is wel made. I use it for backup and holidays. The pads are not 100%, but you can blow a soft low Bb.
It has right hand bell keys and one guard for the lowest four keys. This guard is different from all other Vito guards. The pant guard and brace are also unknown.
The regulation screws on the main stack are a nice extra. It is now too dark to make extra pictures. Tommorow more.
Does anyone know who made this?
88 Replies
·
4836 views
Playing the saxophone Left hand/arm tension while playing
Hi everyone, new to the forum, but not new to playing. Looking for some advice on proper ergonomics for playing the tenor while standing. After about 20 years of playing (and about 3 years of daily jazz practice), I've notice some tension in my left hand, wrist, base of thumb, and forearm. Right hand/arm is fine. I use a Jazzlab neck strap, but also have a Balam harness which I've had some difficulty adjusting, but willing to keep trying. What's happening is if I hold the sax to the side against my right leg/hip, it moves too much to the left and I have to push it with my left hand/thumb to keep it straight. I think that's what's causing the tension. It's better if I just balance it against the front of my right thigh but still having trouble. FWIW I'm short, around 5'4" and I have smaller lady hands. I've gone over videos, Reddit, YouTube, and a lot of discussion around making sure the strap is doing the work (which it is), but really haven't found much about solving this problem specifically. Wrists look straight, I've tried moving neck/mouthpiece to keep my head straight. I suspect it has to do with the Jazzlab (even though I love it and takes all the weight off) but the sax still seems to pivot a lot, even though though the center piece is fully extended. Possible solutions; swap out springs for lighter tension, try the Balam, ease up on the left hand (not squeeze too much), practicing every other day or long tones in between, strength training for hands/forearms. Switching to alto not really an option. Tenor is my thing, but I do have an alto. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!
3 Replies
·
20 views
Saxophones Conn alto age
Hi All. I just came into possession of this Conn alto sax. Serial is 6503. Per all the list I've been able to find, I have a hard time with it being well over 100 years old.
What am I missing? Getting ready to make it play well again. Just regular flat metal reso's but not original 😉. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
What am I missing? Getting ready to make it play well again. Just regular flat metal reso's but not original 😉. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
12 Replies
·
159 views
Brass Trombone question.
Looking through some big band charts I noticed an odd thing with the trombone chart. The song is in Eb. Trumpets have an F key signature. Saxophones have F and C key signatures.
However trombones in bass clef have a three flats key signature. I enquired but didn't understand the answer.
I know trombone is in bass clef but are these guys transposing a concert sheet or am I missing something?
However trombones in bass clef have a three flats key signature. I enquired but didn't understand the answer.
I know trombone is in bass clef but are these guys transposing a concert sheet or am I missing something?
14 Replies
·
129 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.
😉
😉
17 Replies
·
295 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.
22 Replies
·
494 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
50 Replies
·
2965 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
2842 Replies
·
82098 views
Hadda steal this from the *other* forum to share today. It hit the spot. Shared it with my Facebook friends. Don't mind me, carry on.
"You've spent a lot of time learning to play all the notes on that horn. You'll spend the rest of your life learning when not to."
Leon "The Demon" Wright
"You've spent a lot of time learning to play all the notes on that horn. You'll spend the rest of your life learning when not to."
Leon "The Demon" Wright
14 Replies
·
231 views
Introduction Good am from Greater Manchester. I am a sax technician repairer n restorer of 45 years and a sax teacher.
Good am from Greater Manchester. I am a sax technician repairer n restorer of 45 years and a sax teacher. I was also a pro sax player for many years playing for all the old British Rock n Rollers such as Jess Conrad Wee Willie Harris, Tommy Bruce & Heinz etc plus have played in many pit orchestras and still playing in a Big swing Band
70 Replies
·
1715 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'.
274 Replies
·
18607 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.
35 Replies
·
1380 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
634 Replies
·
23889 views
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