Introduction Hi From Southampton

[laura_nichols]

Hi well I tried to post a message yesterday but guess I did it wrong. My name is Laura Nichols and I joined the forum yesterday and Im 21. I have to admit that my main musical abilities are with the clairnet but I have been playing the sax on and off for a few years. Mainly on during college and off during uni. However I'm trying to get back into it as its such a great instrument. I have an Alto sax - YAS257. However am looking to start playing the soprano as I find transposition from Bb easier than Eb. So if anyone has any tips on starting the soprano sax and has any advice as to what makes are good to buy on a budgit that would be great. Anyway thats about it for now.

 

[ochaye_mckay]

Hi Laura,
and welcome. I've also got a YAS 275 - but I've only been playing for a month. You'll gets loads of good advice on this site.

Dave.

 

[fecklesseric]

Hi Laura and welcome. A few non-saxers hang out here and I'm sure a fair number of sax players double on clarinet anyway, so you'll fit in fine.

Lots of people round here play sop and they're not backward in coming forward. Should be some comments soon(ish).

I'm working near southampton at the mo' and it's a gorgeous day today - hope you're getting to enjoy it.

 

[Linky Lee]

Call up www.woodwindandbrass.co.uk and talk to them about Walstein instruments.

I don't know where you are based, but they are very good Chinese made instruments for very good prices.

I just bought a tenor and Pete has recently picked up a Walstein Soprano after I bought is old Borgani off of him.

Hope you enjoy whatever you end up getting.

I rate the Walstein saxophones very highly and think they are better than most saxophones.

EDIT: just realised you're in Southampton, very close to them, they're in Fareham!
Go down and play one I say! You're right where Pete is too!

 

[Pete Thomas]

Hi Laura and welcome to the Breakfast Room - from sunny Southampton too.

What a coincidence - the gentleman fixing the actual breakfast room floor has a daughter called Laura looking for a soprano. Same surname as yours.

🙂

 

[therudest]

Pete Thomas wrote:
What a coincidence - the gentleman fixing the actual breakfast room floor has a daughter called Laura looking for a soprano. Same surname as yours.

🙂

AHAHH! Funny coincidence))) IF IT IS a Coincidence))) =DDDD

 

[Linky Lee]

He's got to do a good job now 😛

I'm sure he would have anyway.

 

[Saxlicker]

Welcome Laura...don't you go neglecting that alto now!
I am also from Southampton (or close enough for the sake of this forum)

 

[Linky Lee]

Another point, why are you having top transpose?

I can only assume you aren't playing saxophone music, as saxophone music is already transposed for you.

What do you want to do with your playing? play in a group? Solo? Just for fun at home?

I don't know how much you know about soprano saxes, but I think they're radically different to the alto, more so than a tenor, which is in Bb too.
Sopranos can often sound rather eastern and 'snake-charmer-like'

Keep going with the alto whatever you do I say!

 

[old_git]

Hi Laura,
They are a good bunch, and Pete keeps everyone under control. Watch that Linky, he's a teenager, no respect for us wrinklies.
Lots of good advice just ask and it will be given. Sorry that was almost biblical.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I spoke to Laura on the phone and I understand completely about the transposing.

She plays clarinet so is used to transposing concert parts up a tone. This is much easier than transposing up a 6th for alto.

My advice would be to consider either soprano or tenor.

 

[Bobby G]

Hi Laura and welcome from lovely Welwyn. My advice for what it's worth would be to consider a soprano and a tenor.

Happy honking on whatever you choose to play 🙂

Cheers, Bob

 

[sharon]

Hi Laura - welcome to the forum.

Sharon

 

[Tenor Sax]

Hi Laura,

Whatever you do, whatever you play. Welcome to the room.

Chris

 

[laura_nichols]

Yeah as Pete said, I'm used to transposing with the clarinet and so wanted a sax that is also in Bb. I play in a band/group and so have to read normal concert music hence the need for transposition at sight. Thanks for all your welcomes. This is a great site and has been very helpful already.
Laura

 

[richard_mac]

Hello Laura, sorry for the late welcome but eerrrrmmm welcome !!!

 

[Linky Lee]

the transposing issue makes sense now, so I can your soprano desires, especially considering the similar pitch range with the clarinet.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it very much.