Introduction Hello from sunny Wales

[hairycamel]

Hi there everyone. I have been playing tenor for 25 years in various bands, allbeit at an amateur level. I have always wanted to learn to improvise properly, but never had the time/dedication to do anything about it. So my style is purely by ear with no intentional reference to any scales/theory based practice! Until recently, I had the same sax that was bought for me as a teenager, with a Lawton mouthpiece that was recommended by a very inspiring teacher. Recently I have purchased my first ever sax from my own pocket (Selmer SA80 series 2), and have found a new lease of life and am actually practising again! Pete - fantastic resource; thanks a bundle for re-kindling the enthusiasm of a middle aged wannabe couch potato.

 

[rs2sensen]

Welcome! I really love my Series II alto, they are great horns in my opinion. I am familiar with some theory, but most of my improvising is also ear based. I've found that as long as I stay within the key signature, I can make something sound darn good. I too would like to become more proficient with theory.

I'm just curious, what was your previous sax that you had for 35 years?

 

[Pete Thomas]

Hi and welcome, hope you have a good time here.

 

[hairycamel]

Hello again. Sorry it's taken me a while to reply, but I work away frequently. My previous sax was a Boosey and Hawkes "Lafleur" that my parents bought for me in the 1970's. The poor thing is now lying dormant and neglected, as my love has been bequeathed to another i.e. my series 2! I have the inclination to refurbish this sax as a project, as it would be a good learning exercise to strip it down to it's bare essentials and rejuvenate it. Dont know where to start 'though! Anyone have any ideas? Keep blowing.

 

[elmer]

Hello 🙂

Sorry I won't be any help there .... I'm amazed as to how the sax was ever invented :cry:

 

[Bobby G]

If you want to strip your sax down, might I suggest a look at Steve Howard's site www.shwoodwind.co.uk. There's a lot of good stuff there, also some great stories, philosophising etc. Cheers, Bob

 

[hairycamel]

Thanks for the tip Bob, I will have a look and when the courage presents itself, I will strip the old girl down (tenor that is, not the wife!)

 

[rs2sensen]

Theres a basic repair manual for download on this site, as well as several fakebooks in C: http://www.cmelodysax.co.uk/downloads/downloads.htm

 

[hairycamel]

Hi Pete,
If you would be so kind, please will you give me access to the member's extra pages.
Kind regards,
Adrian.

 

[Pete Thomas]

At 7:24:59 PM 16/04/06, hairycamel wrote:
Hi Pete,
If you would be so kind, please will you give me access to the member's extra pages.
Kind regards,
Adrian.

Done!