CafeSaxophone Forum

T
Last reply · posted in Great music and favourite Videos
Came across this piece and want to transcribe it so I can practice it. I find it relaxing to sit and transcribe a piece on the piano. This one is a challenge! I am crazy busy, sold my piano and am waiting for the Roland I want to upgrade to to go on sale. Any one have a subscription to one of those AI transcription sites?
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ChUqv5mrB40


14 Replies · 660 views
Andy Hornblower
Last reply · posted in Saxophones: gear, playing, repair, impro

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.

DSC_0015.webp


Ermm... there seems to be a 2 file upload limit. Hopefully, that's per post

DSC_0016.webp


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.
607 Replies · 71763 views
C
Last reply · posted in Saxophones: gear, playing, repair, impro
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.
54 Replies · 10235 views
Gandalfe
Last reply · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)
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

1790005564330.webp
3 Replies · 39 views
ghostler
Last reply · posted in Saxophones: gear, playing, repair, impro
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.

2026-08-31-nuevo-apoyapulgar-de-saxof%C3%B3n-webp.36905


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.

2026-09-04 alto llave falta pearl4.webp


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.
23 Replies · 1159 views
P
Last reply · posted in Saxophones: gear, playing, repair, impro
I have an older Yamaha YTS-23 and I’ve never been completely satisfied with how it responds.


About a year ago, I had the pads, felts and corks replaced, and it was adjusted at the same time. However, I still feel that it isn’t as easy to play as it should be.


Recently I tried a YTS-280 and was really surprised by the difference. The low notes felt very easy and secure, even when playing intervals, and the octave key operated very smoothly. With my YTS-23, on the other hand, I’m never completely sure whether switching octaves is going to produce a squeak. Also, the low notes from D downwards are, well, quite difficult to play.


So I’m wondering: if a YTS-23 is properly adjusted, should it feel more or less as easy to play and respond similarly to a YTS-280? Or is it normal for a YTS-23 to feel noticeably different because of its age and design?


I’m going to have mine checked by another technician, but I’d be interested to hear from people who have experience with both models.
23 Replies · 657 views
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R
Last reply · posted in Other Instruments plus electronics, PA & recording
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.
13 Replies · 263 views
LostCircuits
Last reply · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)
I'll be traveling to Curitiba / Campo Largo in October and I was just wondering if there are any familiar faces in the area.

😉
10 Replies · 151 views
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Max18
Last reply · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)
Hi everyone! Excited to join this forum!

I'm a 30-something in California (originally from the east coast) who played saxophone back in school and am just getting back into playing and performing.

I started on Alto Sax in fifth grade, as many do, and played all through school and in college. I had a vintage Conn Shooting Star model Alto that I absolutely adored. I had also acquired a cheapo Soprano Sax. I played in the pit for various musicals, marching band, concert band, district and regional ensembles while in school.

I also learned & acquired a clarinet, flute, and piccolo along the way.

10+ years and few moves back and forth across the country later and I found myself wanting to get back into playing. I sadly no longer have access to my old horns, so I recently purchased a vintage Selmer Signet Alto and have spent the last few days getting back into the groove (my chops are getting a workout!)

I'll be joining a local Concert Band in my area this coming week. I'm thrilled to get back into the swing of things and discuss all things saxophone with you all!
4 Replies · 74 views
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Grumps
Last reply · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)

Miscellaneous  Grumps is Gramps

My son now has his own son, making me Grandpa.
All gravy from here.
64 Replies · 3495 views
Jeanette
Cafe Moderator Café Supporter
Last reply · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)

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
2818 Replies · 81522 views
ESJohn
Last reply · posted in Saxophones: gear, playing, repair, impro

Saxophones  Oldest Saxophone Here?

Just for fun, I was wondering who has the oldest saxophone in the cafe. I promise that it is not me (1960, 1970). If you have it (or even one older than, say 1930), what are your thoughts about it? I think one still in working condition and not is use as a table lamp would be a good standard.
53 Replies · 4791 views
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J
Last reply · posted in Saxophones: gear, playing, repair, impro
Hello, i suscribe for 170$ for 3 years at larigot and i love this,

But i would like if you know or not

The new number 77 is my horn on picture star with little describe
My press review on soprano coming soon in the next number 78 if you interested

IMG_20260920_201347.webp
IMG_20260920_201421.webp

My c soprano adolphe sax 1853-1854, my loving C saxophone
@PigSquealer love really c melody, me i love soprano (all soprano, my favorite (included f mezzo soprano and G mezzo-soprano (i don't have G mezzo soprano))

Do you interested around c soprano too or just c melody, i asking you just by curiosity @PigSquealer
6 Replies · 90 views
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Pete Thomas
Cafe Moderator Commercial
Last reply · posted in Test forum
test
2 Replies · 77 views
mikaheik
Last reply · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)

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
624 Replies · 23384 views
Folks... I've drafted a compiled history of Pan American saxophones. This is needed because Conn's (the parent company's) factory records were destroyed around 1969/70 -- Pan American was actively making saxophones from 1920 to 1956 +/- a year, so its manufacturer history went up in smoke. What's left now is in bits and pieces scattered across the internet -- much of it worth preserving. I've compiled much of it into a single reference PDF. This is my first review draft, so I'm sure there are issues to be ironed out. I'd appreciate feedback if you have time for a lookover. It should be accessible to you and downloadable from this link, in US letter size format. (Sorry, it's lengthy. It's a reference tome not a thriller. But give it a skim when you can and let me know of anything that pops out.) I'm a business writer, brand manager, and indifferent sax player with a penchant for things Conn related.

14 Replies · 275 views
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