Playing the saxophone Clarinet v sax

[Targa]

I do run this forum but I'm not from Darlington. I don't think I've ever been there even.

Then you really ought to visit if only for the railway museum.

 

[LarryS]

Need to ask @ghostler where he got that idea.

I have

 

[Pete Thomas]

I don't think I've ever been there even.

Weird!

Not really, there’s lots of places I haven’t been.

 

[lydian]

I have

No response? Are you saying @ghostler "ghosted" you? Typical for a ghost I guess.

 

[LarryS]

No response? Are you saying @ghostler "ghosted" you? Typical for a ghost I guess.

Its quiet on that forum

 

[lydian]

Its quiet on that forum

He's also on this forum. Just click his name from all the posts where I linked it. Or message him on the other forum where he usually hangs out.

 

[LarryS]

He's also on this forum. Just click his name from all the posts where I linked it. Or message him on the other forum where he usually hangs out.

Can't be arsed. The goose chase is over

 

[skeller047]

Saxophone is generally freer blowing than clarinet. But to be successful at it you often need to act as if it isn’t.

 

[Hoosierken]

I started with the clarinet but had trouble sealing the holes with my fingers, that's why I decided to try a saxophone. I am guessing that I am just not accurate enough to seal the holes, this isn't an issue with the sax.

 

[LarryS]

The thing I liked about clarinet is the ability to bend the notes, the glisses. I loved that and in the beginning I took to it like a duck to water. That was back in 2017 when I had normal lung capacity. The note bending is something not possible with bass clarinet or sax because the keys are all plateau keys. Of course I learned a sax player can note bend, using embouchure changes. But that was beyond me then.

 

[JayeNM]

I disagree. People can sometimes be wrong 😑

I have no hard opinion either way...but relatively common comment I have come across over the years...i barely ever do repair on clarinets so my minimal ability just to playtest them to check if
they speak well is hardly enough experience to go by for a comparison.

 

[JayeNM]

The thing I liked about clarinet is the ability to bend the notes, the glisses. I loved that and in the beginning I took to it like a duck to water. That was back in 2017 when I had normal lung capacity. The note bending is something not possible with bass clarinet or sax because the keys are all plateau keys. Of course I learned a sax player can note bend, using embouchure changes. But that was beyond me then.

Lotsa sax players bend notes, it is a pretty common embellishment. Maybe not quite same methodology as clarinet, but it's really common....

 

[nethanpaul86]

Having played both, I'd say clarinet generally requires a more focused embouchure, while sax tends to be a bit more forgiving for beginners. In terms of volume, a sax—especially an alto or tenor—can usually project much more than a clarinet. As for muting, saxes can be played quietly with good control, but they aren't easily muted like some brass instruments. If your health improves, an alto sax could be a great balance of comfort, versatility, and that unmistakably cool look.

 

[LarryS]

Having played both, I'd say clarinet generally requires a more focused embouchure, while sax tends to be a bit more forgiving for beginners. In terms of volume, a sax—especially an alto or tenor—can usually project much more than a clarinet. As for muting, saxes can be played quietly with good control, but they aren't easily muted like some brass instruments. If your health improves, an alto sax could be a great balance of comfort, versatility, and that unmistakably cool look.

Sounds good, but I have no money for a sax! Even with pip

 

[Grumps]

Have you thought about selling your clarinet?

 

[LarryS]

Have you thought about selling your clarinet?

That's what I'm trying to do, but the bottom note doesn't speak well. Its a 1940s Pedler in blackwood. My other clarinet, the player, a plastic horn by Windsor, I am donating to my grand nephew who is learning clarinet st school but lacks his own horn.

 

[mizmar]

the bottom note doesn't speak well.

Did you do the leak test?
Try the fixes suggested if it was the crows foot?

 

[LarryS]

Did you do the leak test?
Try the fixes suggested if it was the crows foot?

I will when I've got more energy. This disease is sapping my strength

 

[JayeNM]

That's what I'm trying to do, but the bottom note doesn't speak well. Its a 1940s Pedler in blackwood. My other clarinet, the player, a plastic horn by Windsor, I am donating to my grand nephew who is learning clarinet st school but lacks his own horn.

He may lack his own horn....but does he lack his own Clarinet ?

 

[JayeNM]

(sorry couldn't help myself) 😉