Can a straight Soprano sax be played faster than a curved

[BeBopSop]

Can a straight Soprano sax be played (fingered) faster than a curved?
I have a curved only, (I dont know the answer though) What do you think?

 

[Nick Wyver]

I can't imagine there would be any difference. Why would you think there might be?

 

[TomMapfumo]

I would imagine that the curved would be slightly quicker as I find it a more comfortable instrument to hold and more stable to play. I have played both over periods of time and can use the speed I've built up on playing Alto and Tenor more efficiently on a curvy.

But maybe Nick has a special technique..............................

 

[Juju]

I think it's more a question whether the overall ergonomics and the entire setup suit you, playing fast is not only related to the keywork but also the type of mouthpiece and how it affects your articulation.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I would imagine that the curved would be slightly quicker as I find it a more comfortable instrument to hold and more stable to play.

I find a straight soprano is more comfortable to play. I'm not sure it means I can play faster, but I do get the feeling my fingering is more accurate and in time on a straight. I may be imagining it, but with curved sopranos I feel my hands/fingers are slightly bunched up a bit more.

I originally used a curved soprano, and it wasn't until I tried a straight one I realised it was more comfortable. But I think this is a definitely a subjective issue.

I think therefore it must be down to whichever shape soprano is more comfortable for you.

 

[BeBopSop]

Hi Nick, watching Dave Liebman

 

[ArtyLady]

This made me think, I wonder if you can put a curved sop neck on a straight sop?

I have trouble playing my sop because I can't push it away from myself due to a bad right arm, and I find holding my head down too uncomfortable consequently I avoid playing it when I would quite like to. 🙁

 

[BigMartin]

This made me think, I wonder if you can put a curved sop neck on a straight sop?

I have trouble playing my sop because I can't push it away from myself due to a bad right arm, and I find holding my head down too uncomfortable consequently I avoid playing it when I would quite like to. 🙁

No doubt one of the techie experts will reply to this, but I'd be surprised if you'd find one off the shelf that would have the right lenth/bore dimensions. If the arm problem is permanent maybe you could have a neck made/adapted to suit you?

 

[kevgermany]

Quite a few of the straight sops have a curved neck as well. Doesn't bend a lot, but it may be what you need..

Like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.de/New-Melodic-Stra...t=UK_Woodwind_Instruments&hash=item4a935ec985

 

[ArtyLady]

No doubt one of the techie experts will reply to this, but I'd be surprised if you'd find one off the shelf that would have the right lenth/bore dimensions. If the arm problem is permanent maybe you could have a neck made/adapted to suit you?

Yep it is permanent, but I'm not that bothered about playing as it my Tenor is my main sax....maybe when I get too old

Quite a few of the straight sops have a curved neck as well. Doesn't bend a lot, but it may be what you need..

Like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.de/New-Melodic-Stra...t=UK_Woodwind_Instruments&hash=item4a935ec985

I've already got one like that - it came with both a straight and (slightly) curved neck - obviously I used the curved one, but it's not as curved as the ones on the curved Soprano which would be really useful for me 🙂