Smooth n Husky

[Dobson]

Ok so im new at this, been going a year now. I play a trevor James classic alto with a Yanagisawa 6 mouthpiece and internet reeds no2. It has been good to learn on but i feel i want to move on now. I upgraded to the yani mouth piece in the hope i could achieve smooth n husky but whilst better isnt what i want.

I can get a crisp clear sound with the current setup and that,s great. The trouble is its not what i want. Now i am thinking of upgrading (dont bother talking me off this point).
I might opt for a tenor but that still does not always cure the problem. So if i wanted to get a setup that sounds like:-
Ladtsmoothsax http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPHtW9dVK_s

or Candy Dulfer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhSx8uKdD5o

What to go for people? I can russle together about 2000 quid for this.
Things i like P. Mauriat unlaquered alto and tenor.

I throw the question to the floor. Your thoughts folk would be appreciated.

Dobson.

 

[Moz]

I might opt for a tenor but that still does not always cure the problem.

Dobson.

Getting a tenor always cures the problem. But then I changed to tenor after about a year and have done well with it for the following six, but then I have a bit of a bias.

Martin

 

[Sunray]

Smooth n Husky ...

Hey hey Dobson ...

I understand your wish to upgrade your current Sax to generate a different sound to the one you currently produce ...

But first before spending loads of dosh ...

Decide - What instrument it is that you want - either an Alto or Tenor [or maybe both]? ;}

I see you already have an Alto, maybe you just want to upgrade that?

The two clips you posted show an Alto and a Tenor. You ought to sort that bit out first if you haven't already. 🙂

You also say you are using "internet reeds no2" What make? Cane or Synthetic?

There are many different reed manufacturers you can try and if you buy in small quantities you won't need to spend a fortune ...

Reed manufacturer, the reed material and reed strength can all play a reasonable part in defining the sound coming out of your instrument ... I would certainly try some different options before looking elsewhere ...

The other area I am going to suggest is lots of practice, to improve your embouchure which in turn will help you develop your sound further ...

During the "one year" [almost] that I have been learning to play sax [Alto & Tenor] my embouchure has developed and the sound I generate has altered considerably ...

A teacher is also of great benefit to help develop your embouchure.

I know I am a n00b to playing Sax mate, but that's the best advice I can offer ... ;}

One thing is for sure - Chucking your money at it alone is not really the answer ...

If you are still keen to get a Tenor sax - go for it mate but all of the above are still relevant ...

hope that helps Dobson ...

Edit: I must add - I am still enjoying my original Yanagasawa Ebonite mouthpiece - although I have accumulated quite a few alternatives to choose from ...

 

[kevgermany]

Great advice from Sunray. Time makes a huge difference to your sound.

Reeds would be a starting point with your current setup try Rico Jazz Select 2M, or the Rico Royal 2.5s.

For tenor... Lots of options, but make sure you budget for a decent mouthpiece as well as sax.

 

[Dobson]

Thankyou Sunray

Thank you for your reply what you suggest is sound sense (scuse the pun). In answer to you comments.

The two clips are both altos. Not one of each. Or that's how they look to me.
The reeds are from internet reeds in the UK. Made from cane.I have already tried:-
Rico's 1,5 and 2, and 2,5
Rico Royals, 2 and 2,5 and 3
Van doren 2 and 2,5 and 3
Van Doren Jazz and 2 and 2,5
Internet reeds 2 and have found these to be the best for me and the cheapest by far
Have a gander yourself http://www.internetreeds.com/index.php

Unfortunately i am living in South Africa (i am a brit) and so the opportunity to fiddle and listen to different people and setups is very limited. And whilst understanding i need to make a decision over alto / tenor its not so easy cos i like both and ideally would have both however;- dosh precludes at this time.I DO want a higher grade sax that sounds smooth. Maybe it is the embouchure cant comment. Do have a teacher. She is very good at music done it all her life, but she has only played sax a year more than me. She does her best but cant answer all questions because of her experience on the sax. I do practice about 1 hour per day now, cant manage more time.

Hey hey Dobson ...

I understand your wish to upgrade your current Sax to generate a different sound to the one you currently produce ...

But first before spending loads of dosh ...

Decide - What instrument it is that you want - either an Alto or Tenor [or maybe both]? ;}

I see you already have an Alto, maybe you just want to upgrade that?

The two clips you posted show an Alto and a Tenor. You ought to sort that bit out first if you haven't already. 🙂

You also say you are using "internet reeds no2" What make? Cane or Synthetic?

There are many different reed manufacturers you can try and if you buy in small quantities you won't need to spend a fortune ...

Reed manufacturer, the reed material and reed strength can all play a reasonable part in defining the sound coming out of your instrument ... I would certainly try some different options before looking elsewhere ...

The other area I am going to suggest is lots of practice, to improve your embouchure which in turn will help you develop your sound further ...

During the "one year" [almost] that I have been learning to play sax [Alto & Tenor] my embouchure has developed and the sound I generate has altered considerably ...

A teacher is also of great benefit to help develop your embouchure.

I know I am a n00b to playing Sax mate, but that's the best advice I can offer ... ;}

One thing is for sure - Chucking your money at it alone is not really the answer ...

If you are still keen to get a Tenor sax - go for it mate but all of the above are still relevant ...

hope that helps Dobson ...

Edit: I must add - I am still enjoying my original Yanagasawa Ebonite mouthpiece - although I have accumulated quite a few alternatives to choose from ...

 

[johnboy]

Hey hey Dobson ...

The two clips you posted show an Alto and a Tenor. You ought to sort that bit out first if you haven't already. 🙂 ?

I think that Taio is just a very small lady 🙂))

John ;}

 

[Sunray]

Hey Dobson ...

Ooops !! Your right - They are both alto ...

Dunno what I was thinking, mind I did only have a quick browse ...

I take all of the points you make mate ...

I am not a good example to follow - I bought a Tenor within weeks of getting my first alto ... 🙂))

I like them both equally - but Spent a bit more on the Tenor ...
Keep thinking - and Honking ...

 

[Targa]

Don't know about an answer to your question but that's a cute picture.

 

[Chris]

Hi Dobson, first of all I would find a sax tutor that played the style that I wanted to learn, plus also had plenty of experience. Then I would think about reeds like the guys said, a no brand reed is not really the best for you!! and yes I did check out the website. If you want to upgrade to a tenor and a quality one then fine it's up to you and loads of people do this. Just be sure its for you before you spend loads of dosh. Go and try some tenors out and see if you can get near to the sound you are looking for. I don't know where in S Africa you are but I just googled sax lessons and came up with over 900,000 listings. Feel free to ask the guys on here questions and I feel sure they will try and help.

Cheers

Chris

 

[kevgermany]

I'm going to go a little sideways now.

Before you try an expensive, but uncertain upgrade, buy/borrow a reasonable digital recorder or a decent USB mic and record yourself. Tell us what's lacking. Maybe post it for feedback (we don't bite, or mock). One common problem is that until you do this, you don't really hear yourself the way you sound to others.

Eliminate as well the special effects added to these ladies recordings - or try adding them to yours with something like Audacity.

There must be a decent music shop in the main centres there. Some good sax players in SA.

Also explore the option of on-line sax lessons.

Get hold of a mouthpiece maker - Morgan Fry on this forum is good and should be able to make some good suggestions. Reed/mouthpiece/you have the biggest effect on sound. Sax is, surprisingly, secondary.

Have a Castle for me, or preferably a Windhoek lager!

 

[Dobson]

Now thats good stuff

Ta very much Kev. Where in Germany are you? Might be there in august.
What you say has merit i do agree. And will sniff out the kit / person to get started. Still have desire for upgrade though. Will email you when i have got sorted with this little lot.
Thank you

Dobson🙂

 

[Gallen]

Something to think about, Lebayle mouthpieces: googling indicates both Candy Dulfer and Kaori Kobayashi (oh my kaori chan!!!) both play 'em 🙂

I am planning to check out Beechler (Gerald Albright, Dave Koz, Eric Marienthal, muta1206 etc) and Lebayle mouthpieces when I'm ready to step up from my current piece 🙂

 

[kevgermany]

Ta very much Kev. Where in Germany are you? Might be there in august.
What you say has merit i do agree. And will sniff out the kit / person to get started. Still have desire for upgrade though. Will email you when i have got sorted with this little lot.
Thank you

Dobson🙂

Munich. You're welcome to drop in and visit a Biergarten with me. Not much in the way of sax shops, though.

Where are you?

 

[Dobson]

Kaori

Ahhh yes the delicious Kaori, being a lecherous old fart myself i also fell in love with her instantaneously as well. Will think about a lebayle. As im sure you are aware the problem with different MPs is they all cost so damn much. Yes there will be development costs i dont doubt. But once you have it sorted it cant cost that much on a cnc lathe or milling machine to churn out a few hundred per run and lower the cost after a while. I do feel in the MP dept we do get royally stitched up. Kev will be in touch soon i hope.
Regards
Chris
Where in Germany. Sister lives near Stuttgart

Something to think about, Lebayle mouthpieces: googling indicates both Candy Dulfer and Kaori Kobayashi (oh my kaori chan!!!) both play 'em 🙂

I am planning to check out Beechler (Gerald Albright, Dave Koz, Eric Marienthal, muta1206 etc) and Lebayle mouthpieces when I'm ready to step up from my current piece 🙂

 

[Dobson]

Germany

Well i live in Nelspruit South Africa. Might get to Munich on a day out. Its not to far away. Think i responded to someone else thinking it was you. Sorry for the confusion. You could do worse than have a look at Kaori Kobayashi link just here and on u you tube. Yes im a slobbering old fart;}. Thanks for the help. Will be in touch shortly.

Chris. AKA Dobson (best dog i ever knew)

Munich. You're welcome to drop in and visit a Biergarten with me. Not much in the way of sax shops, though.

Where are you?

 

[kevgermany]

Nelspruit... too close, my wife was born there. I was in Jhb for 15 years.

I don't like the playing of either lady. It's impressive, but not my style.

 

[Dobson]

Have you any experience of the lebayle MP? Again the problem is i am reluctant to cough up 150 quid for a mp when i cant even test it. Big risk. However i do concede Kaori and Candy do sound good. Is the mp the key? Could well be.
Thanks for your help.
Regards
Dobson

 

[kevgermany]

Given the difficulties of testing where you are, I'd wait until your trip over and try and find somewhere to try mouthpieces out. What works for them may not work for you.

I've bought most of mine over ebay, second hand. That way I can sell them on at little loss if they don't work for me.

Must be a music shop in Suttgart/Frankfurt. I'll see what I can find.

 

[BigMartin]

Have you any experience of the lebayle MP? Again the problem is i am reluctant to cough up 150 quid for a mp when i cant even test it. Big risk. However i do concede Kaori and Candy do sound good. Is the mp the key? Could well be.
Thanks for your help.
Regards
Dobson

Check out Rico and Runyon mouthpieces. Ridiculously cheap and will at least give you an idea of what different types of mp have to offer.

 

[TomMapfumo]

A better option might be to contact a mouthpiece maker and state specifically the sound that you are looking for. Phil Engleman of Phil-Tone Mouthpiece fame in the US does custom designs - they cost under $200 and are very high quality. Lebayle are also excellent mouthpieces, but discussing the sound you are looking for with a mouthpiece maker might be really helpful. I recently got a custom made soprano mouthpiece - exchanging several emails with someone in NY (Joe Giardullo), who produced one that is just fantastic - cost £150 and is just what I wanted. His message is - "if you are not happy just send it back for a full refund" - so no risk involved for me.

All sorts of recommendations could be made of standard mouthpieces, but this may be a more direct option, and save a lot of money in the long run. My soprano man even wanted to know which brand soprano sax I played/which reeds I preferred, and my responses to some of the other soprano mouthpieces I had previously tried. When making the mouthpiece he sent me mp3 files to hear what it was sounding like, so that I could comment on whether it was sounding how I wanted it.

These two folks saved me buying any more mouthpieces.
Worth a thought.
Tom

We all have different sound concepts out there.