Introduction Hello!

[flyer5]

hello!

I don't own a sax, in fact I've never played one. I play guitar and read music slowly(!)


Should it be an Alto or a Tenor? Bearing in mind its just an instrument I want to try and learn to play and I have a very varied musical taste - from classical to indie with everything in between

I know its a big question but any advice is welcome!
Thanks
F5

 

[saxismyaxe]

Hi F5, welcome to the forums!
Since you are undecided whether you will stick with the Sax, let alone what member of the family you want to play (i.e. Alto, Tenor etc.), might I suggest that you consider renting a quality instrument and take a few lessons before making a commitment?

I think that this would be the most effective and sagacious approach for you.

 

[Bobby G]

Hi Gav and welcome to the forum. You'll find all abilities and levels of experience here. Have a look around, you'll find all sorts of recommendations for what to get e.g. new vs used, modern vs vintage, shiny vs battered, buying vs renting etc. Hanson seems to be a popular make, several beginners here love them.

One advantage of renting is that the shop will very often take off the money you've spent renting if you decide to buy later.

I've been playing a couple of years and have a used Yamaha alto which I love, also a used Yanagisawa tenor, both of which were slightly over the top end of your budget. My first alto was a Trevor James which did the job and got me going and was within your price bracket; I think most people seem to start on alto, some go for a tenor, and a few go for soprano.

I moved onto sax after many years playing guitar & bass, and I love it! Good luck finding a horn, and enjoy it when you get it.

Cheers, Bob

 

[ken]

Hi Flyer5,

I was in exactly the same position a year or so ago.

I think Saxismyaxe's rental suggestion is a good un. Also (if you can), try to find an experienced sax player who you can "talk" to. Forums are good, but you can't beat sitting down and having a chat with someone who is knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Even consider vetting a few local sax tutors and when you find a good one, pay for 30mins-hour of his/her advice... you might learn more about the instrument this way and also have someone to help you check out a prospective purchase.

Hanson's are IMHO good instruments and it isn't only the learners on here that like em. Google for Hanson saxophones, they are not a million miles away from you and they have a try/return (refund) policy for learners.

Good luck with whatever you choose. The sax is a fun, frustrating instrument and will probably give you some big smiles and improve your cat kicking technique.

Ken

PS Hanson's... www.saxophonesdirect.com (I think)

 

[Bobby G]

A fun, frustrating instrument. Ain't that the truth!?

Fortunately, the fun far outweighs the frustration, and the sense of elation when you overcome something frustrating is fantastic.


Cheers, Bob

 

[ken]

Yes, I think Pete, amongst others, has mentioned improvements in the far east brands... way of the world with many things I guess.

Taiwan's Chang family has built a saxophone dynasty
Saxophones were invented in France and have become a staple of American jazz music -- but it is Taiwan that keeps horn players noodling. One-third of all the saxophones in the world are now manufactured in Taiwan, many of them, under a variety of brands by the Chang family in Houli, a town in central Taichung County. At peak production, the family exports more than 5,000 instruments a month.

source: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastlife/story.html?id=2ebfaaf5-4a95-4356-b724-cfd74d4b890d

5000 a month!!!

 

[Pete Thomas]

Hi F5 and welcome to the forums.

Sounds like you're getting some good advice. As you're up North it would be well worth a trip to Hanson's, but do get a good teacher.

 

[flyer5]

Thanks for all the advice, I have been able to borrow an Alto for a few weeks - hopefully I'll have it tommorow.
It's like christmas... 🙂

I have also found a teacher through a friend who owns a music store so it's all looking rosy, can't wait to make a fool of myself trying too play.!

F5

 

[Bobby G]

Just remember, before you even blow it, have a good look at it from many angles, just to marvel at it. A saxophone is a wonderful piece of design and engineering, and looks so mysterious and complicated you might ask yourself how you'll ever get a note out of it. But that's one of the great things about a sax, everything is where it needs to be, so you should be honkin' in no time. Enjoy it!

Cheers, Bob

 

[flyer5]

Well, I got it, the loan one. Its a quest2 loaned to me from a very kind music teacher.

Aren't they fun. I can play 6 notes that sound dreadful but at least I learn't where the fingerings are! oh, and I added a second octave..so I got 12 notes!

All I need to do now is learn to make them sound nice... i see years of frustration ahead! (and some fun 🙂)

 

[Bobby G]

A lot of it is in the breath control F5. Once you get a nice even flow it'll sound gorgeous!

Also try taking a slightly different amount of mouthpiece in your mouth, this can make a lot of difference. I read once that a good way of getting the right amount of mouthpiece in is to imagine you are sucking your thumb! Also, this will mean your lips are forming a good seal around the mouthpiece, which is important too.

The journey has begun, have fun!

Cheers, Bob