(bottom of page)
CafeSaxophone Forum
This is hopefully cooling music for those of you suffering from the heat.
It's another one of those Play by ear types. There are no changes and the underlying chord structure is "vast" so it allows for a very wide range of interpretation. The tempo is ultra slow, so no need to work up a sweat.
A suggestion for all of the tunes played by ear is to first hum/sing something that you think fits. Then try to play something similar on your horn. The purpose of this exercise is to help you play what you hear... first hear what to play!
I'll just post the template for now and in a few days I'll post my interpretation of it.
Enjoy!
wikiloops_jam_305111.mp3 | Powered by Box
It's another one of those Play by ear types. There are no changes and the underlying chord structure is "vast" so it allows for a very wide range of interpretation. The tempo is ultra slow, so no need to work up a sweat.
A suggestion for all of the tunes played by ear is to first hum/sing something that you think fits. Then try to play something similar on your horn. The purpose of this exercise is to help you play what you hear... first hear what to play!
I'll just post the template for now and in a few days I'll post my interpretation of it.
Enjoy!
wikiloops_jam_305111.mp3 | Powered by Box
21 Replies
·
2635 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
·
9969 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
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.
16 Replies
·
99 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.
565 Replies
·
70853 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 !
1013 Replies
·
56506 views
Keep in mind this is just the solder cleanup stage. A full polish is on order too.
Still work in progress.
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
·
131 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. 😍
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.
23 Replies
·
294 views
Mouthpieces Jody jazz DV Chicago tenor.
Anyone using one on tenor? What are your impressions and thoughts? Cheers!
7 Replies
·
107 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
·
251 views
Cafe Moderator
Commercial
Miscellaneous Do you have a “pet peeve”
And care to share it with us?
170 Replies
·
9108 views
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.
7 Replies
·
555 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
·
579 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
2789 Replies
·
80533 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.
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
·
110 views
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?
828 Replies
·
25829 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
·
44 views
Try our new Social Feeds
Look out for the navigation icon: . You can now set default social feed view (nested & infinte scroll) in your account preferences.You can easily switch to regular forum view any time.
Member Blogs (currently active)
-
Saxophones Pork Tales: Saxophone Repair DIY Adventures.
- Started by PigSquealer
- Replies: 1K
-
-
-
Saxophone beginners Come on now, join the band....(Beginners blog)- Started by cappers
- Replies: 380
Trending
Popular Discussions on the Café
-
Saxophones C Melody Saxophones- Started by Andy Hornblower
- Replies: 565
-
Playing the saxophone The Cafe Trio grown to Octet down to Sextet- Started by trimmy
- Replies: 844
-
Saxophones How will Tariffs affect Sax Prices?- Started by Ivan
- Replies: 462
-
Great Players Who sparked your love of Sax music- Started by jools
- Replies: 619
-
-
Saxophones Carrying a tenor on a (motor)bike?- Started by Jay
- Replies: 757
-
Playing the saxophone Learn to play by ear or by reading music- Started by Taz
- Replies: 1K
-
Tech/maintenance My new "DIY" pads...- Started by DavidUK
- Replies: 393
-
Theory & Impro Do we really need theory?- Started by jbtsax
- Replies: 497
-
Misc Reviews Yamaha YDS-150 Wind Synth
- Started by Acc6441
- Replies: 301
-
Playing the saxophone Learning to Read v Playing by ear- Started by BigMartin
- Replies: 505
Featured Classifieds
Latest Song of the Month
-
SOTM SotM September 2026 - Autumn Leaves- Started by mrblackbat
- Replies: 20
-
-
-
SOTM SOTM June 2026 "And You Just Smile" (from ear to ear- training)- Started by LostCircuits
- Replies: 11
-
SOTM SOTM May 2026 - Always Remember Us This Way
- Started by MikeMorrell
- Replies: 39
-
SOTM SOTM April 2026 - Freedom Jazz Dance- Started by rhysonsax
- Replies: 14
-
SOTM SOTM and PETE (Play by Ear Training Exercise)
- Started by Wade Cornell
- Replies: 16
-
SOTM SOTM Feb 2026 - On Green Dolphin Street
- Started by mrblackbat
- Replies: 44
-
SOTM SOTM January 2026: Our Love Is Here to Stay- Started by GCinCT
- Replies: 46
-
SOTM SOTM December 2025: Wexford Carol
- Started by MikeMorrell
- Replies: 37
-
SOTM SOTM November 2025 - Red Baron- Started by sax panther
- Replies: 36
-
SOTM October 2025 - SOTM - Autumn In New York
- Started by mrblackbat
- Replies: 63