"an intro to playing saxophone for grown-ups"

[Simon]

Hi all

Found this on the web. I like the 'decorate the wall' bit at the end. Still, a good summary for those new to playing saxophone, especially for those unsure of where to push, blow and listen when playing.

Steven William Rimmer's take on Playing the Saxophone

Simon

 

[saxismyaxe]

His crack about modern horns offering a wider range of sounds displays a distinct ignorance of the best horns of the past. Modern horns, in fact, sound more generic in their overall sound and playing characteristics and are more locked into that overall sound than most vintage counterparts, and I've owned and played more than a few.

The only thing about modern horns that I can honestly say is hands down superior overall is the keywork, when it is assembled, adjusted, and manufactured properly of top of the line materials, which it often isn't.

Intonation is often more consistant and the tone more centered on the best of the modern horns, but this can be a double edged sword. Often the result is a horn with a less than stellar "voice", and less flexibility. Great for Legit, not so much for Blues, Jazz, Rock, R&B etc.