Saxophones do not play out of tune. People play out of tune.
I've played saxes that are extremely out-of-tune, beyond my ability to correct.
Example, my 1952 (estimated year) Model 37 Beaugnier Vito Low-Bb bari, when I received it was very out-of-tune.
(It was a repairer's fixer-upper / parts horn, paid $315 shipping included.) Over time, I removed the various dents, straightened the misaligned key racks, adjusted pad heights. A good number of pads were set way too high.
After going through this TLC, now it is extremely easy to play in tune. Playing altissimo is a joy now on this horn.
When I was a member of the 264th Army Band, Honolulu, Hawaii, we had about 7 or 8 old Buescher saxes, appeared to be at least 10 years old, maybe older. Near the end of their life cycle, they were due for removal from our inventory once new replacement saxes arrived.
(Army had supply regulations on age of musical equipment eligible to be withdrawn, don't remember details - 14 years?)
Meanwhile, they were available for checkout. I tried several. They were so badly in need of COA, that I had great difficulty playing them in tune.
I finally checked out a good one, different make/model in newer better condition, a tenor sax
(for stage band, played 2nd tenor). That was over 40 years ago, can't remember the brand or model.
I'm always in tune, even when I'm not. The rest of the band, who can say. They do their own thing. Drummer never tunes up and the piano is flat.
I love your expressions of humour!
I found this interesting quote on SOTW (without an account I have read-only access):
Gary (SOTW Post #14) wrote:
I have a friend who played many tears with the Philadelphia Orch. I asked him,
"How do you guys play so well in tune?" He replied,
"We don't play in tune. We play out of tune together."
It goes along with what
@Colin the Bear stated.
😉
Almost every Clarinetist who switches to Sax comes with "embouchureitis" a focus on what the mouth, teeth, jaw are doing.. If you really want to play Sax well play Low Bb with a full mf - f sound and FILL the horn up. 10 minutes each practice session and you WILL develop an completely different appreciation of the role of AIR!
I am not sure how you came up with such a generalisation.
cafesaxophone.com
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