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Cafe Announcements 📣 FYI auto deletion of attachments in Direct Messages (supporters)
Please note that as part of housekeeping to help keep our database and file system taking up as little space as is practical, I am considering auto deletion of attachments in old DMs. This is on the assumption that once a DM is old (e.g. > 2 years?) then it is either been read or it is unlikely to get read. We wont be deleting any DMs as that is quite a complex process although we always urge members to keep their inboxes tidy (you can export/archive DMs before deletion) . So we would just do an auto sweep of attachments older than 2 years.
Does that seem a resonable time?
Does that seem a resonable time?
0 Replies
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32 views
@nigeld asked me to host the Ballad of the Month thread for November and I have chosen a lovely and melancholy song from a 1940 musical - "It Never Entered my Mind". The lyrics by Lorenz Hart are moving and go perfectly with the tune by Richard Rodgers.
There have been some excellent jazz recordings, for example this one by Miles Davis with tasty piano by Red Garland:
There are many fine vocal recordings of it, for instance this by my favourite current singer, Ian Shaw, with a fine tenor solo by Iain Ballamy:
The lead sheets and backing tracks I have made so far can be downloaded from here. There are two versions of the jazz ballad backing in Concert F, one at 70bpm with three choruses and the other at 60bpm with two choruses, both backings can be used with the same lead sheets (Bb and Eb versions provided). The final bar has a diamond shown, which basically means just go wild improvising over the last chord.
Another recording is by George Shearing who combines It Never Entered My Mind as a waltz with Erik Satie's "Gymnopedie No. 1". I took that as inspiration for another backing track as a jazz waltz in Concert C, with the Gymnopedie tune appearing at various points (shown on the lead sheets) and played by the vibraphone.
Of course you can use other backing tracks and there are good ones from Jamey Aebersold (Vol. 131) and Hal Leonard (Vol. 46).
I'm looking forward to hearing the recordings people make during the month (and beyond). Will anyone try a vocal ?
Rhys
There have been some excellent jazz recordings, for example this one by Miles Davis with tasty piano by Red Garland:
There are many fine vocal recordings of it, for instance this by my favourite current singer, Ian Shaw, with a fine tenor solo by Iain Ballamy:
The lead sheets and backing tracks I have made so far can be downloaded from here. There are two versions of the jazz ballad backing in Concert F, one at 70bpm with three choruses and the other at 60bpm with two choruses, both backings can be used with the same lead sheets (Bb and Eb versions provided). The final bar has a diamond shown, which basically means just go wild improvising over the last chord.
Another recording is by George Shearing who combines It Never Entered My Mind as a waltz with Erik Satie's "Gymnopedie No. 1". I took that as inspiration for another backing track as a jazz waltz in Concert C, with the Gymnopedie tune appearing at various points (shown on the lead sheets) and played by the vibraphone.
Of course you can use other backing tracks and there are good ones from Jamey Aebersold (Vol. 131) and Hal Leonard (Vol. 46).
I'm looking forward to hearing the recordings people make during the month (and beyond). Will anyone try a vocal ?
Rhys
106 Replies
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16954 views
All things in the battery powered microphone, mixer and speaker sphere.
The market is moving incredibly fast. Units do not become obsolete but quickly become superseded. Battery powered mixers, UHF microphones and broadcasting are becoming affordable and the norm.
In keeping with the site feel free to ramble off topic and if you want to post your tips and equipment bought, cherished or discarded feel free. What do you pack in your kit, hacks for transcription and striping tracks.
Hopefully it will help those considering buying electronic equipment or solo performing.
I started my journey into battery powered speakers in June 2023. I was wanting to break into the sax tracks scene. Playing in wine bars and restaurants to increase gigs and profits. I hoped this would be a gateway to more venues and contacts. I had an older PA system that was bulky that I was able to sell for a profit and bought my 1st EV8 after comparing features to Bose and Mackie. The EV8 was cutting edge at the time with more power and better features. I had zero knowledge of what I was doing but it was full speed ahead.
My first gig was at a Downtown Wine bar at 1:00pm for two hours on a saturday. I set up near the entrance and the intent was to draw foot traffic from the street. It was a success and I still do that gig once a month. I had a foot print assigned to me of about one square meter so I needed to be compact in my setup. No nearby power outlet. I would have had to string an extension cord across the bar. So a battery powered system was needed.
I struggled to learn how to strip, set up and build two one hour sets of tracks. I have mastered the art and now have 150 Pop Bolly tunes, 200 Jazz tunes, hours of Trad, Big Band, Rock, Disco, Pop Swift, Bieber, Club, Greek, Polish ...... I have upgraded to an Ipad Mini with 500 gigs of storage. All can be accessed on the fly.
This one monthly booking led to private party and Corporate gigs in the bar's private tasting / dining room. It also led to contacts and bookings from bar patrons and the private Corp gigs. Parties, weddings, graduations. It expanded my world of play and improved my chops. I had a reason to practice and learn new tunes and genres. I entered the world of DJ sax and Dance Club Parties.
I upgraded equipment as needed. The equipment was paying for itself. I bought a 2nd EV8 which was overkill at the time but they have turned into a good investment. The price of EV8's are much higher now than when I bought mine.. Learned and experimented with wireless microphones, moved to UHF broadcasting for my microphones and connecting my speakers.
This is a picture of my kit when I 1st started, I kept it as light and as compact as possible as I took the subway and buses to most downtown gigs or had to walk a distance from parking to the venue. I have different / more equipment now but still use all of these.
The market is moving incredibly fast. Units do not become obsolete but quickly become superseded. Battery powered mixers, UHF microphones and broadcasting are becoming affordable and the norm.
In keeping with the site feel free to ramble off topic and if you want to post your tips and equipment bought, cherished or discarded feel free. What do you pack in your kit, hacks for transcription and striping tracks.
Hopefully it will help those considering buying electronic equipment or solo performing.
I started my journey into battery powered speakers in June 2023. I was wanting to break into the sax tracks scene. Playing in wine bars and restaurants to increase gigs and profits. I hoped this would be a gateway to more venues and contacts. I had an older PA system that was bulky that I was able to sell for a profit and bought my 1st EV8 after comparing features to Bose and Mackie. The EV8 was cutting edge at the time with more power and better features. I had zero knowledge of what I was doing but it was full speed ahead.
My first gig was at a Downtown Wine bar at 1:00pm for two hours on a saturday. I set up near the entrance and the intent was to draw foot traffic from the street. It was a success and I still do that gig once a month. I had a foot print assigned to me of about one square meter so I needed to be compact in my setup. No nearby power outlet. I would have had to string an extension cord across the bar. So a battery powered system was needed.
I struggled to learn how to strip, set up and build two one hour sets of tracks. I have mastered the art and now have 150 Pop Bolly tunes, 200 Jazz tunes, hours of Trad, Big Band, Rock, Disco, Pop Swift, Bieber, Club, Greek, Polish ...... I have upgraded to an Ipad Mini with 500 gigs of storage. All can be accessed on the fly.
This one monthly booking led to private party and Corporate gigs in the bar's private tasting / dining room. It also led to contacts and bookings from bar patrons and the private Corp gigs. Parties, weddings, graduations. It expanded my world of play and improved my chops. I had a reason to practice and learn new tunes and genres. I entered the world of DJ sax and Dance Club Parties.
I upgraded equipment as needed. The equipment was paying for itself. I bought a 2nd EV8 which was overkill at the time but they have turned into a good investment. The price of EV8's are much higher now than when I bought mine.. Learned and experimented with wireless microphones, moved to UHF broadcasting for my microphones and connecting my speakers.
This is a picture of my kit when I 1st started, I kept it as light and as compact as possible as I took the subway and buses to most downtown gigs or had to walk a distance from parking to the venue. I have different / more equipment now but still use all of these.
45 Replies
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3094 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 !
1082 Replies
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62187 views
Tech/maintenance Lacquer polish
I have been using Meguiars Cleaner/Wax for what seems like decades. I first learned of it from guitar builders that used it for final touches on boutique guitars with nitro finishes. I have not yet tried the next-gen ceramic-based automotive products. What do you use on your concours cars and fine guitars? @PigSquealer @Phil
3 Replies
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75 views
Cafe Moderator
Commercial
Playing the saxophone What does professional mean?
I think this is the basis for an interesting discussion/debate.
My take is that a professional is someone who makes a living from playing. No other work. So in that case a couple of bucks or free meal is not it.
And of course there is semi-pro
53 Replies
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549 views
Saxophones Saxophones, rarely discussed
Everybody knows the nice horns that get talked about all the time (Selmer, Martin, Yamaha, etc). Then there are the good instruments less talked about but I would say still fairly well known (a Yamaha Vito stencil for example).
How about a topic for those worthy saxophones (I'll leave the definition of worthy alone for now) that are rarely discussed?
Yesterday I 'discovered' the F.E. Olds Super:
Obviously beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I have to say that is a very cool looking alto! With an interesting story as well, that you can find if you dig a bit here or at the other forum.
So, what other models might fit the topic?
How about a topic for those worthy saxophones (I'll leave the definition of worthy alone for now) that are rarely discussed?
Yesterday I 'discovered' the F.E. Olds Super:
Obviously beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I have to say that is a very cool looking alto! With an interesting story as well, that you can find if you dig a bit here or at the other forum.
So, what other models might fit the topic?
142 Replies
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2835 views
Misc instruments What other instrument could you just not...
... get along with?
Lots of folks double or dabble; but have you ever fancied adding an instrument but just could not come to terms with it (or them)?
Myself, I fancy a blues harp/mouth organ. I just don't get it. Luckily, trying costs little in that case.
«this thread brought to you by the Department of Idle curiosity »
Lots of folks double or dabble; but have you ever fancied adding an instrument but just could not come to terms with it (or them)?
Myself, I fancy a blues harp/mouth organ. I just don't get it. Luckily, trying costs little in that case.
«this thread brought to you by the Department of Idle curiosity »
58 Replies
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1319 views
Cafe Moderator
Commercial
Cafe Announcements 📣 Changes to text editor and icons
You may have noticed the icons in the text editor have been re-jigged. This is for two reasons:
- We will at some stage be upgrading to a totally different format of text editor (Tip-Tap) which by all accounts is much better than the current Froala, so I'm just rationalising the order and categorisation of icons which got a bit messy once a few new ones were added. (e.g. we just added a new one for quoting AI)
- The text formatting dropdown was problematical on mobiles, at least they were for me as the quote text floating buttons were getting in the way of the dropdown, so that has been changed to a horizontal (drop-along rather than drop-down). I hope these changes meet with your approval, as always we value your feedback as long as it isn't stop changing things for the sake of it. These changes have a very valid reason. IMO.
0 Replies
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40 views
Beginner Saxes Draft for comment: Pan American Saxophone History
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.
drive.google.com
Pan_American_Saxophone_Story.pdf
drive.google.com
22 Replies
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696 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'.
286 Replies
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19748 views
Miscellaneous Grumps is Gramps
My son now has his own son, making me Grandpa.
All gravy from here.
All gravy from here.
67 Replies
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3970 views
This is the only mouthpiece currently in production that can hold its own against my Otto Link Slant. I’ve been playing this Morgan Classical for a while now, and to me it's just wonderful. Finally, someone made a "no-baffle" baritone mouthpiece with a one-inch neck extension—essential for those who play a Conn.
I want to make clear that I have no sponsorship or any endorsement deal; I bought the mouthpiece just like anyone else. What do you think?
P.S. Turn on English subtitles in the youtube menu.
P.P.S I have played the Morgan Florida, which I returned for the classical. so you can compare both.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZFd2_aftKM
I want to make clear that I have no sponsorship or any endorsement deal; I bought the mouthpiece just like anyone else. What do you think?
P.S. Turn on English subtitles in the youtube menu.
P.P.S I have played the Morgan Florida, which I returned for the classical. so you can compare both.
5 Replies
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102 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.
689 Replies
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75016 views
TV/film/books Do you read books?
Do you read books in any form, hardcover, paperback, on an e-book reader, online, on a tablet or phone?
I just ordered a hardcover book to try to get back into reading, because I read one novel in the past year. I also have saxophone and music books, but I didn't read any of them all the way through in any given time. An author friend gives me books, none of which I have gotten far into. It's a little like giving a musician music. It doesn't always work out.
- Fiction, non-fiction, saxophone or music only, cheap detective novels, sci-fi, romance, western, mystery, self-help, cooking?
- Novels, anthologies, essay collections, tech manuals (like books about Photoshop and such)?
I just ordered a hardcover book to try to get back into reading, because I read one novel in the past year. I also have saxophone and music books, but I didn't read any of them all the way through in any given time. An author friend gives me books, none of which I have gotten far into. It's a little like giving a musician music. It doesn't always work out.
Do you read books?
31 votes total
106 Replies
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6293 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?
105 Replies
·
5970 views
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