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It needs to be free. I need to be able to play every note flawlessly. It also can't be too easy, it can't come too bright. My Selmer Series II does that for me. Every note comes out with minimal effort, just enough feedback in the neck to make it feel like I'm really working. To me, my horn is perfect, and I've yet to find one that fits me better. We all have a sound in our head that is what a saxophone is "supposed to sound like." Finding the horn that gets us there is a small part of that battle. I just...I like to know that if I have a problem, it's probably my fault and not the horn.
Also...the keywork needs to fit my hands, if possible. Although not often with vintage horns.
I don't like Yamahas. Yes, many of them are fine horns. Every one I've played has just been too free blowing for me. I like to have to put a lot of air through a horn to make her sound, whereas most Yamaha's I've played have been "too easy." Don't get me wrong, I think yamaha makes the finest student horns on the market.
Yanagisawa- I really like these horns, although not quite as much as a Selmer Paris horn. They're less free blowing than most Yamahas, and almost give me a dark enough sound.
Vintage Horns: I love most of these. They have a history, and I could care less how they sound, although many have that deep sound that I love.
I like to imagine a story behind a horn. Be it an overly romanticized view of master craftsmen slaving over each individual horn, or a 1920's Conn, jamming in a speakeasy somewhere. To me, that's what makes a horn fit me.
I know I haven't offered a huge amount of praise to the brands I posted above. I'll put an added caveat that my comments are only due to my experience and my personal preference. Just like someone's religion, I respect their choice of sax. It's an intensely personal thing.
Also...the keywork needs to fit my hands, if possible. Although not often with vintage horns.
I don't like Yamahas. Yes, many of them are fine horns. Every one I've played has just been too free blowing for me. I like to have to put a lot of air through a horn to make her sound, whereas most Yamaha's I've played have been "too easy." Don't get me wrong, I think yamaha makes the finest student horns on the market.
Yanagisawa- I really like these horns, although not quite as much as a Selmer Paris horn. They're less free blowing than most Yamahas, and almost give me a dark enough sound.
Vintage Horns: I love most of these. They have a history, and I could care less how they sound, although many have that deep sound that I love.
I like to imagine a story behind a horn. Be it an overly romanticized view of master craftsmen slaving over each individual horn, or a 1920's Conn, jamming in a speakeasy somewhere. To me, that's what makes a horn fit me.
I know I haven't offered a huge amount of praise to the brands I posted above. I'll put an added caveat that my comments are only due to my experience and my personal preference. Just like someone's religion, I respect their choice of sax. It's an intensely personal thing.
