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CafeSaxophone Forum
I had some free time today, so I popped into a Borders Bookshop in Milton Keynes and found the Ashley Khan A love supreme book, and then found the Love supreme deluxe CD - wow - I am looking forward to some quiet time to do some reading - the book looks great. Has anyone else read it?
Helen
Helen
15 Replies
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97 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 !
1015 Replies
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56554 views
@Tuppertn Dug was named after Dug from that movie. 100% same character. He just showed up one day and decided to live here.
@turf3 18”, 16lbs wee broon indeed.
@turf3 18”, 16lbs wee broon indeed.
Big job ? Not out of the usual around here. More the norm than not. Lots of great horns around that need this kind of TLC (tender loving care).
The acrylic wings were quite something when first introduced. Both in materials and design.
Enough to used for the 100th anniversary edition.
100th Anniversary SX90R - Keilwerth
www.julius-keilwerth.com
The sheet metal coming off looks a bit odd. I agree they look more fitting as an heat shield on a motorbike.
The owner is a pro player and member here on the Café. I did inquire about his interest in changing them.
“Aesthetics” was the answer. He didn’t care for the original look. The existing are fugly and new vintage JK are not eye pleasing either. So ! Here we go.
Yep, that’s how Dug got his name officially on October 3rd last year. The first time he showed up was September 29th. Cold, wet, hungry and loaded with fleas. Dried off. Combed fleas off and dusted then fed a hot meal. Was happy to sleep in safe dry warm crate.
Returned to owner on 30th (he has chip). Was back here on 1st. Returned to owner on 2nd. Was here again on 3rd.
When the owner returned the third time we offered to adopt. Without hesitation she handed us his leash and walked back to car. The husband and two children were in the car. They didn’t care.
T
As for acrylic, the history of plastics has many cases where the great new material was introduced with much fanfare and then it was discovered from field experience that the stuff got brittle, or crumbly, or warped out of all shape, etc., after a few years. Straight "acrylic" = PMMA, "Plexiglas", "Perspex" - is brittle from the get-go and it only gets worse with decades of UV exposure, thermal cycling, and the gradual progression of further cross-linking (this is what polymers DO, generally - keep cross-linking at a very slow rate, leading to loss of toughness).
I always thought those "wings" looked goofy anyway, like "hey, we've got this bitchin' new material, let's show it off, to hell with whether one good shot will break the stuff, or it'll craze, or if you overtighten one mounting screw by 0.000001 Nm the mount'll break - I want some BIG PLASTIC GUARDS on these things!" Thus spake the Marketing Executive, and the Engineers went, grumbling, to the board to draw the dictated things.
If I understand the photos correctly, the horn came to you with newer Keilwerth (or Keilwerth-looking) guards, one piece over B and Bb? I think those look OK. The mounts are fugly, to be sure. The individual low B and Bb guards will look hipper, more like an original Selmer BA. Where did the new low B and Bb guards come from?...
The acrylic wings were quite something when first introduced. Both in materials and design.
Enough to used for the 100th anniversary edition.
100th Anniversary SX90R - Keilwerth
The sheet metal coming off looks a bit odd. I agree they look more fitting as an heat shield on a motorbike.
The owner is a pro player and member here on the Café. I did inquire about his interest in changing them.
“Aesthetics” was the answer. He didn’t care for the original look. The existing are fugly and new vintage JK are not eye pleasing either. So ! Here we go.
As for acrylic, the history of plastics has many cases where the great new material was introduced with much fanfare and then it was discovered from field experience that the stuff got brittle, or crumbly, or warped out of all shape, etc., after a few years. Straight "acrylic" = PMMA, "Plexiglas", "Perspex" - is brittle from the get-go and it only gets worse with decades of UV exposure, thermal cycling, and the gradual progression of further cross-linking (this is what polymers DO, generally - keep cross-linking at a very slow rate, leading to loss of toughness).
I always thought those "wings" looked goofy anyway, like "hey, we've got this bitchin' new material, let's show it off, to hell with whether one good shot will break the stuff, or it'll craze, or if you overtighten one mounting screw by 0.000001 Nm the mount'll break - I want some BIG PLASTIC GUARDS on these things!" Thus spake the Marketing Executive, and the Engineers went, grumbling, to the board to draw the dictated things.
The dates have been announced for the 2027 International Saxophone Symposium hosted by the Navy Band at George Mason University: January 8-9.
Plan your trip now if you're coming from afar.
Plan your trip now if you're coming from afar.
12 Replies
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569 views
Playing the saxophone Falling from Altisimo A? (and falls in general)
In an arrangement of Oye Como Va, by Johnny Ferreira we have
DFDFDFA on the second register, then at the top.
I'm just about stable on D to altisimo A - good exercise for me!
But G is quite far away, fungering wise..
My best alt A is L23+a side key.
How would you approach the fall?
Thanks.
DFDFDFA on the second register, then at the top.
I'm just about stable on D to altisimo A - good exercise for me!
But G is quite far away, fungering wise..
My best alt A is L23+a side key.
How would you approach the fall?
Thanks.
17 Replies
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135 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.
568 Replies
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70902 views
Anyone have a record or pictures of what mouthpiece was discovered with a Martin or Couturier C ?
I have zero information on Martins.
Most Couturier’s I have or have seen have a maroon Holton Perfected mouthpiece. Oddly Couturier was bankrupt by October 1923 and the Holton Perfected mouthpiece didn’t arrive until early 1924. So ??
I have zero information on Martins.
Most Couturier’s I have or have seen have a maroon Holton Perfected mouthpiece. Oddly Couturier was bankrupt by October 1923 and the Holton Perfected mouthpiece didn’t arrive until early 1924. So ??
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.
29 Replies
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342 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
2790 Replies
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80558 views
Out walking the Dug this afternoon he discovered these.
Several people in the neighborhood leave baskets of seasonal fruit curbside. That’s $50 worth of pomegranates.
Several people in the neighborhood leave baskets of seasonal fruit curbside. That’s $50 worth of pomegranates.
Miscellaneous watches
Before I subscribe a forum about watches, where I will realize that only expensive pieces made in 1962-63 are worth wearing,
is anyone knowledgeable about automatic watches and straps?
is anyone knowledgeable about automatic watches and straps?
829 Replies
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25850 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.
48 Replies
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9986 views
Hi NorCal neighbor.
I would try contacting the Samson support directly.
Support | Samson
For more than four decades, it has been our goal to deliver the highest-quality customer service and technical support. Whether online or on the phone, we are here to answer your questions and provide you with the tools necessary to use your Samson products to its fullest potential.
samsontech.com
Introduction Hi from Alaska! New on this site
Hi, everyone! While I am a new member here, I’ve been involved in sax forums since 2006. I’m a retired music teacher and have played tenor sax for 50+ years. I still have the old Buescher in the closet in favor of my MKVI. Like many others, I have a bit of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome), so I seem to be dangerous to my bank account. I look forward to the discussion and insights on the forum with all of you!
11 Replies
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140 views
Welcome aboard from South Florida.
I was once near Alaska, flying in the right seat of a B52, at about 40k.
I could see Russia looking forward, before making a U-turn.
Blue skies now just Blue water. 😍
I was once near Alaska, flying in the right seat of a B52, at about 40k.
I could see Russia looking forward, before making a U-turn.
Blue skies now just Blue water. 😍
Mouthpieces Jody jazz DV Chicago tenor.
Anyone using one on tenor? What are your impressions and thoughts? Cheers!
7 Replies
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117 views
Miscellaneous Woodwind Forum no more?
A general woodwind forum I often visited seems to have gone caput. Its been in accessible a few weeks now.
7 Replies
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261 views
Cafe Moderator
Commercial
Miscellaneous Do you have a “pet peeve”
And care to share it with us?
170 Replies
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9125 views
Miscellaneous New to the site!
Hi,
I’m Jay and I’ve just joined. Looking forward to interacting with members.
Have a great day!
I’m Jay and I’ve just joined. Looking forward to interacting with members.
Have a great day!
13 Replies
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585 views
Playing the saxophone "Bring Out"
One of our tunes for the Christmas season is A Charlie Brown Christmas (arr. Paul Murtha). Of course, one of the selections is "Christmastime is here" and I have a soli with another instrument for the phrase
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
I don't know what other instrument is playing as I've been concentrating on hearing the sound coming out of my horn.
It's easy and enjoyable to play except that I'm thrown off by the instructions by Murtha to "bring out". Does that mean the same as mf or f? Or is it referring more to the feeling of the melody at that moment? And if that is the case, how would I accomplish that? Our director has made no comments on it, but I haven't taken the time to ask her, either. Just curious as to your thoughts. Thanks!
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
I don't know what other instrument is playing as I've been concentrating on hearing the sound coming out of my horn.
It's easy and enjoyable to play except that I'm thrown off by the instructions by Murtha to "bring out". Does that mean the same as mf or f? Or is it referring more to the feeling of the melody at that moment? And if that is the case, how would I accomplish that? Our director has made no comments on it, but I haven't taken the time to ask her, either. Just curious as to your thoughts. Thanks!
9 Replies
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117 views
Humor Today's memory
I've got to share this with everyone. My wife and I exercise twice weekly at the Cleveland Clinic medical center near us. The building houses facilities for physical therapy, sports medicine, a fitness center and a stat care facility. One entrance is generally used by the stat care patients and vice-versa.
Today, we were about to open the interior door that leads to the fitness center when an elderly gentleman using a walker and moving slowly, was coming through on his way to the exit. I noticed the t-shirt that he was wearing, which stated:
"I may be old, but I got to see all of the cool bands!" The shirt also had a sax framing the words to one side. It made me laugh, and I told him how much I enjoyed reading it. As much as he had difficulty raising his head, he looked at me and replied "Rock On!"
God bless him! He made my day!
Today, we were about to open the interior door that leads to the fitness center when an elderly gentleman using a walker and moving slowly, was coming through on his way to the exit. I noticed the t-shirt that he was wearing, which stated:
"I may be old, but I got to see all of the cool bands!" The shirt also had a sax framing the words to one side. It made me laugh, and I told him how much I enjoyed reading it. As much as he had difficulty raising his head, he looked at me and replied "Rock On!"
God bless him! He made my day!
1 Replies
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46 views
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