(bottom of page)
CafeSaxophone Forum
Saxophones What to avoid?
New here, first question?
I'm a tuba player, looking to find a saxophone(s) for occasional doubling. I took a saxophone class when I was in school 20+ years ago. Went very well, really enjoyed it. I play in a group that is frequently short on saxophones and abundant with tubas so I can fill in where needed.
My question isn't what horns should I look for, but what i horns i should avoid. There's always those certain ones that are no good all around.
I'm looking for dirt cheap used instruments. I really like old instruments. I'm very good at repairing things and I work in a machine shop with access to all the toys. Thank you
I'm a tuba player, looking to find a saxophone(s) for occasional doubling. I took a saxophone class when I was in school 20+ years ago. Went very well, really enjoyed it. I play in a group that is frequently short on saxophones and abundant with tubas so I can fill in where needed.
My question isn't what horns should I look for, but what i horns i should avoid. There's always those certain ones that are no good all around.
I'm looking for dirt cheap used instruments. I really like old instruments. I'm very good at repairing things and I work in a machine shop with access to all the toys. Thank you
1 Replies
·
18 views
R & B, Blues, Soul Recommended Blues Listening
My teacher has suggested trying to improvise over a blues progression.
For various reasons I've barely touched my saxes since, I'm after some listening recommendations to give me a little bit of inspiration.
So what should I be listening to?
For various reasons I've barely touched my saxes since, I'm after some listening recommendations to give me a little bit of inspiration.
So what should I be listening to?
55 Replies
·
1105 views
Miscellaneous Photography - all aspects
Following various recent posts, I thought I would create a thread specifically for photography. Somewhere to talk about equipment, experiences, processing...
To start off, I was a Nikon user for over 40 years, but had to 'down size' as handling full-frame cameras and lenses was getting to be too much like hard work and giving me shoulder issues. My current digital camera is a mirrorless Fuji X-T5.
For film cameras, I have a Pentax MX, Mamiya RB67, and a Sinar F2.
To start off, I was a Nikon user for over 40 years, but had to 'down size' as handling full-frame cameras and lenses was getting to be too much like hard work and giving me shoulder issues. My current digital camera is a mirrorless Fuji X-T5.
For film cameras, I have a Pentax MX, Mamiya RB67, and a Sinar F2.
384 Replies
·
14278 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 !
1144 Replies
·
65092 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.
697 Replies
·
76549 views
Misc instruments "I can't sing" - course; very nervous
I feel so brave!
A eCircular came round advertising an "I can't sign", 10 week course, (state sponsored, non commercial); and I thought "that's me"...
People often say sing this or that, it'll improve playing and I'm sure that's true. And I try and it's horid. I don't have a desire to sing, but I do see it improving musicianship in many ways... So... Singed-up!
I'm nervous because 1. I hate class work. And 2. It's in Norwegian and I'm not sure my norsk is good enough. 3. My speaking voice is around C2 (base?) and sounds weird to me... I can't imagine it being a pleasant sing.
Maybe it'll improve my ability to growl?
A eCircular came round advertising an "I can't sign", 10 week course, (state sponsored, non commercial); and I thought "that's me"...
People often say sing this or that, it'll improve playing and I'm sure that's true. And I try and it's horid. I don't have a desire to sing, but I do see it improving musicianship in many ways... So... Singed-up!
I'm nervous because 1. I hate class work. And 2. It's in Norwegian and I'm not sure my norsk is good enough. 3. My speaking voice is around C2 (base?) and sounds weird to me... I can't imagine it being a pleasant sing.
Maybe it'll improve my ability to growl?
108 Replies
·
16496 views
Miscellaneous SF Bay Area, December 10-16th, anyone ?
Hi All,
Just booked my hello trip to my daughter in San Francisco, December 10th to 16th.
I've been there only once so far, 2 years ago.
Would be cool to meet with any of you living in that area.
Including a visit to some jazzy place, like the Keys or Yoshi's.
Or whatever you know, better than me anyway.
If you wan't me to bring some chocolate or who knows, a Swiss watch, ....
Just booked my hello trip to my daughter in San Francisco, December 10th to 16th.
I've been there only once so far, 2 years ago.
Would be cool to meet with any of you living in that area.
Including a visit to some jazzy place, like the Keys or Yoshi's.
Or whatever you know, better than me anyway.
If you wan't me to bring some chocolate or who knows, a Swiss watch, ....
1 Replies
·
37 views
Introduction New member. Doubler.
Howdy doo. I use the name Grumpikins online and try to keep my personal info mostly private. I am a Tuba player who often plays other instruments as needed by the groups I play with. I originally went to college to be a music teacher but life had other plans for me. There is an abundance of very good tuba players where I live so I often find myself filling other roles. Saxophone is one area we have frequently been short. When I was in school everyone said saxophone would be the most difficult instrument to learn. I didn't find it difficult at all and really enjoyed it. So here i am looking for advice from experienced players.
1 Replies
·
50 views
Saxophones Selmer no longer supreme!
Okay so I was saddened when I saw this video today and a little shocked but not all that surprised.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PYOU5SgysM
One of my favourite players Eric Alexander has moved to a Chinese brand saxophone. Can I blame him? No as I have done the same and most of my playing buddies have cashed out of the high end French and Japanese horns. They cannot justify the investment on return and these are gigging musicians who say it just doesn't matter!
I just booked a friend and a killer alto player for a gig this past weekend. He now sells insurance, he gave up gigging a few years ago but jumped at the offer of $400.00 for an hour wedding gig. Insurance sales are not paying the bills. He has sold off all his expensive Yamahas and now has Eastern music horns.
How many young players are on Chinese or Taiwan horns these days?
The times they are a changing - sell your VI's because the up and comers won' be lusting after them. 😎
Introducing our newest BetterSax artist, Eric Alexander!
One of my favourite players Eric Alexander has moved to a Chinese brand saxophone. Can I blame him? No as I have done the same and most of my playing buddies have cashed out of the high end French and Japanese horns. They cannot justify the investment on return and these are gigging musicians who say it just doesn't matter!
I just booked a friend and a killer alto player for a gig this past weekend. He now sells insurance, he gave up gigging a few years ago but jumped at the offer of $400.00 for an hour wedding gig. Insurance sales are not paying the bills. He has sold off all his expensive Yamahas and now has Eastern music horns.
How many young players are on Chinese or Taiwan horns these days?
The times they are a changing - sell your VI's because the up and comers won' be lusting after them. 😎
75 Replies
·
1891 views
I can't even suss out what the benefit might be.
It's outside the box - will give them that. 😀
Not a P. Mauriat hater - one of my backup altos is their Black Pearl and it's a really great looking horn but not really sure what they are going for here.
R&C beats them for efficiency. They are claiming Two Voices from only one bell lol...
It's outside the box - will give them that. 😀
Not a P. Mauriat hater - one of my backup altos is their Black Pearl and it's a really great looking horn but not really sure what they are going for here.
R&C beats them for efficiency. They are claiming Two Voices from only one bell lol...
19 Replies
·
487 views
Beginner recording body and soul
not the best recording, played the head a bit messily, the reason the video is black is because i had my phone lying on the desk with the camera pointing down into the desk
been trying to work on my sound to get it to be large and warm
any tips or constructive feedback would be appreciated
13 Replies
·
623 views
I bought this tenor saxophone a little over a year ago from my professor. I just recently picked it back up for a gig with friends. Out of curiosity, I wanted to do a little research into the sax to see if it was any good since I haven't played it much. I had never heard of this brand until my professor told me about it.
The brand is E.K. Blessing. However, I can not find a model number on it, at least not one that matches any of Blessing's model numbers. There are two numbers on the bottom back of the sax. I am attaching pictures.
I was hoping you all could work your magic on this one for me. Since I have so far found nothing. I have posted this on a few Sax subreddits, but they aren't doing me any good. I figured a saxophone-focused forum could help a bit more.
The brand is E.K. Blessing. However, I can not find a model number on it, at least not one that matches any of Blessing's model numbers. There are two numbers on the bottom back of the sax. I am attaching pictures.
I was hoping you all could work your magic on this one for me. Since I have so far found nothing. I have posted this on a few Sax subreddits, but they aren't doing me any good. I figured a saxophone-focused forum could help a bit more.
33 Replies
·
1056 views
Miscellaneous Motorbikes
Señor Pig,
Would like to know more about this bike/side car.
More pics?
Thanks.
Might make a side car for the kids and grandkids, for the '79 XT500, if they buy a ranch/farm in the Rockies.
Off road only.
Would like to know more about this bike/side car.
More pics?
Thanks.
Might make a side car for the kids and grandkids, for the '79 XT500, if they buy a ranch/farm in the Rockies.
Off road only.
57 Replies
·
1819 views
Cafe Moderator
Commercial
Animals Show us your pets.
I apologise in advance but rest assured the Café is not going to turn into Facebook.
As a competition maybe the photo with the most likes or funnies gets a prize. I can offer a Cebulla or B.Air neck strap, as a prize. Might think of a few more. Or else a book or DVD. Or something else.
As a competition maybe the photo with the most likes or funnies gets a prize. I can offer a Cebulla or B.Air neck strap, as a prize. Might think of a few more. Or else a book or DVD. Or something else.
349 Replies
·
23669 views
Miscellaneous The Official Off Topic Thread.
The Everything thread. Off topic and derailing posts welcome.
My roses don’t like the heat. Lots of food and water but they still don’t grow well. Water less time but more frequent? The pink are doing better than red ones.
My roses don’t like the heat. Lots of food and water but they still don’t grow well. Water less time but more frequent? The pink are doing better than red ones.
815 Replies
·
26462 views
New! Social Feeds
Look out for the navigation icon:Follow CafeSaxophone
Foroverse
Youtube
Bluesky
Facebook
Member Blogs (currently active)
-
Saxophones Pork Tales: Saxophone Repair DIY Adventures.- Started by PigSquealer
- Replies: 1K
-
-
Trending
Popular Discussions on the Café
-
Saxophones C Melody Saxophones- Started by Andy Hornblower
- Replies: 697
-
Saxophones Carrying a tenor on a (motor)bike?- Started by Jay
- Replies: 779
-
Saxophones How will Tariffs affect Sax Prices?- Started by Ivan
- Replies: 465
-
-
Playing the saxophone The Cafe Trio grown to Octet down to Sextet- Started by trimmy
- Replies: 844
-
Great Players Who sparked your love of Sax music- Started by jools
- Replies: 619
-
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: 27
-
-
-
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