Saxophone beginners Developing a Personal Saxophone Tone...

Nick Wyver · Oct 20, 2010

I am surprised that there are not cheaper ways of acquiring such wisdom as may be contained therein.......

There probably are. I read it about 20 years ago (or was it 30?). It made so much impression on me that I can remember precisely nothing about it.

dooce · Oct 20, 2010

I think it is very true that the sound you hear is quite different from the sound that the instrument is producing. You only have to hear a decent recording of yourself to realise that. When I started playing sax, I used to think I had a "good-enough" sound till someone remarked, in all innocence, about the interesting use of a kazoo on recording I had done with the band.....

So long as I have moved on from that ego-deflator, I'm happy.

TomMapfumo · Oct 20, 2010

It will certainly appeal to people who spend £897.00 on a Guardala/Theo Wanne mouthpiece, and £2.37 on a cheap as chips ligature..............you know who you are......;}

mikro · Oct 20, 2010

I think a seen the book seling for about 20$ + shiping, but probably only in the US.
Well, I got it from my teacher for free as he no longer needs it 😛

But try to look for an ebook. They are cheaper and no waiting time for delivery. Try to search google for "buy ebook developing a personal saxophone sound" . I think there where some options to purchase it.

kevgermany · Oct 20, 2010

You can download the first 10 pages as a pdf here, appears to be a legitimate sampler: www.dornpub.com/BooksPDF/liebsnd.pdf

Should give you some insight into whethe it'll help or not

814jazzer · Oct 20, 2010

The Liebman book is solid. He's very analytical in his approach and meticulous with detail. No nonsense. Takes a lot of what he learned from Joe Allard and put it in a book.

That said, I've always been partial to the old standby "Top Tones for Saxophone" by Sigurd Rascher. And I think it may come in at under US$10.

And, actually, IMO, the BEST way to develop a personal saxophone sound, ironically enough, is through transcribing. Learn BALLADS (melody only) by ear from recordings. Really pay attention to the nuances of tone and try to emulate it on your own. You'll NEVER sound just like the record. This process actually helps you uncover YOUR sound. And the more sax players you "copy" in this way, the more dimensions of YOUR sound you'll reveal.

I have one more approach to developing personal tone/sound, but I'll have to save it for another post, if you're interested in hearing about it.

best regards from Pennsylvania!
~ Rick

Flipper2008 · Oct 22, 2010

This for me is perfect philosophy on getting a good sound, pure and simple and very effective.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u_q97XVzGQ&feature=related

Willy the Pimp · Jun 4, 2013

Hi Chris
I am currently a student at The University of Huddersfield, I have purchased this book and although the book is really interesting I do not think the price tag relates to the content.
In a nut shell, you do not get a lot for your money

dubrosa22 · Jun 4, 2013

I think it's an excellent read with many useful concepts and tips regarding embouchure and air support (all based on the Allard method) but overall I can't say it really did much for me (so far) except really get through to my knucklehead the importance of and techniques to practise the Overtones series.
So maybe they'll eventually pay off and I'll owe Liebman one.

I do believe one could possibly locate a .pdf copy online if they were so inclined… don't ask me whereabouts though I couldn't tell you.

dubrosa22 · Jun 4, 2013

814jazzer said:
Learn BALLADS (melody only) by ear from recordings. Really pay attention to the nuances of tone and try to emulate it on your own. You'll NEVER sound just like the record. This process actually helps you uncover YOUR sound.

Wonderful observation, thank you Rick.

Sue · Jun 4, 2013

dubrosa22 said:
I do believe one could possibly locate a .pdf copy online if they were so inclined… don't ask me whereabouts though I couldn't tell you.

I got mine here http://www.rsensen.com/46110832-Liebman-David-Developing-a-Personal-Saxophone-Sound.pdf