Saxophones Soprano - curiosity.....

[LisaP2026]

Currently learning alto but thinking about hiring a sop just to see what it's like but have a couple of questions.....

1) is sop more difficult to play than an alto?

2) have heard that they are more prone to going out of tune - is this the case?

3) would you recommend a straight or a curvie to try?

Or would you suggest sticking with the alto until more competent......?

 

[Stephen Howard]

if one finds the movement of a musician annoying, you can just close your eyes.

You mean like "the centripetal force of the pseudo-porridge agitation"?....

 

[Ivan]

FWIW, the Jazzlab saxholder is easy to shorten. Drop the slider all the way to the hook and push the string back through the bracket until you see the knots. Re-tie the knots an inch or so further up the strings or tie them together where you want it.

View attachment 34031

Thanks

But I play baritone with the Jazzlab strings all the way out

Sop is only an occasional torture

 

[turf3]

Well, I will say that I think the classical-musician bob and weave thing is really silly. I know, pop and jazz players do that too, but then you can see something like the two videos below, and it's clear all that swaying around doesn't actually add anything.,

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wINfnnUlrwY&list=RDwINfnnUlrwY&start_radio=1

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJyOuLxJiy0&list=RDdJyOuLxJiy0&start_radio=1


Note Clark Terry's perfect hand position.

To be quite honest, most of the time the "emoting through excessive motion" seems related to music that - well, to be quite honest - has minimal emotional content to it anyway. But I'll be honest, very little "Classical saxophone" appeals to me.

 

[Pete Thomas]

but then you can see something like the two videos below, and it's clear all that swaying around doesn't actually add anything.,

I don’t think there are any rules about how animated or not a performer should be. I think it’s up to the individual soloist to do what they want to get the best performance. Ie just because it suits one player to just stand there doesn’t mean they are better or worse than someone who feels some movement.

 

[PigSquealer]

@LisaP2026 the Jazzlabs Sax holder @Tuppertn pictured is a second generation. I hope you don’t have a generation one and size small. A not so user friendly model. Gen 2 was much improved. Available in two sizes, M & XL. Age 12+ and adult.
Dunno if Gen three is out yet.
For shortening the rope. Lookup how to tie a slip knot. This makes for easier changeover to Bari & back to sop.
For a straight Sop. I would contact Jazzlabs and ask if a clarinet holder would work. Or advise on how to make the Saxholder (recommended for sop) to fit your needs.

CLARINETHOLDER

 

[Ivan]

Just no. This is just mean-spirited mockery - not cool

That's perfectly alright @Dr G

We all make mistakes

I forgive you

I regret to say that the intransigent oatmeal is not yet ready to accept your apology, and will take time to cool off

 

[dexdex]

The Sirs Hodges and Terry are among the classiest soloists in jazz history. Both musically and visually. Thanks for sharing. A true inspiration. Mr. Ellington deserved his title.

 

[LisaP2026]

@LisaP2026 the Jazzlabs Sax holder @Tuppertn pictured is a second generation. I hope you don’t have a generation one and size small. A not so user friendly model. Gen 2 was much improved. Available in two sizes, M & XL. Age 12+ and adult.
Dunno if Gen three is out yet.
For shortening the rope. Lookup how to tie a slip knot. This makes for easier changeover to Bari & back to sop.
For a straight Sop. I would contact Jazzlabs and ask if a clarinet holder would work. Or advise on how to make the Saxholder (recommended for sop) to fit your needs.

CLARINETHOLDER

@PigSquealer - yes, it's second gen saxholder, size M, that I have. On the shortest setting (without alteration), it holds the alto in just about the right position. I would definitely need to shorten the strings if I'm going to try it with a sop (or buy a child's size one!!)

 

[turf3]

@PigSquealer - yes, it's second gen saxholder, size M, that I have. On the shortest setting (without alteration), it holds the alto in just about the right position. I would definitely need to shorten the strings if I'm going to try it with a sop (or buy a child's size one!!)

Well, for the very light weight of a curved soprano, why not just use a neck strap?

 

[LisaP2026]

Well, for the very light weight of a curved soprano, why not just use a neck strap?

Or I could just use a neck strap......as suggested by @turf3 !

 

[Pete Thomas]

Or I could just use a neck strap......as suggested by @turf3 !

No, I think just use a neck strap.

 

[LisaP2026]

No, I think just use a neck strap.

Good idea, @Pete Thomas !!

Just found an Elkhart Deluxe curved on eBay for under £200 with case etc. Looks immaculate from the photos and description states mint condition and very little use. Searches on the café have shown some good opinions so very tempted......?

 

[Targa]

Good idea, @Pete Thomas !!

Just found an Elkhart Deluxe curved on eBay for under £200 with case etc. Looks immaculate from the photos and description states mint condition and very little use. Searches on the café have shown some good opinions so very tempted......?

I can’t see an Elkhart soprano on eBay only an alto for under £200 ‘mint and little use’.

 

[LisaP2026]

I can’t see an Elkhart soprano on eBay only an alto for under £200 ‘mint and little use’.

Oh bu**er, you're right! Better keep looking.....

 

[Colin the Bear]

Elkhart deluxe have a reasonable reputation.

Top tip: Don't tell everybody on a forum about discovering a bargain or it'll get snapped up. 😉

 

[Colin the Bear]

Not fantastic but brand new, guaranteed and usable.

Thomann - Welcome Home!

Browse our huge range of musical instruments, studio, lighting, and PA equipment at Europe's largest music retailer. We have the hottest brands, affordable alternatives and many free resources for musicians.

www.thomann.co.uk

I can't seem to link direct. Search the site for Startone scs75 curved soprano.

£299 Inc vat and delivery.

 

[LisaP2026]

Elkhart deluxe have a reasonable reputation.

Top tip: Don't tell everybody on a forum about discovering a bargain or it'll get snapped up. 😉

Thanks @Colin the Bear

Not fantastic but brand new, guaranteed and usable.

Thomann - Welcome Home!

Browse our huge range of musical instruments, studio, lighting, and PA equipment at Europe's largest music retailer. We have the hottest brands, affordable alternatives and many free resources for musicians.

www.thomann.co.uk

Clicked on your link but showing empty shopping basket...?

 

[LisaP2026]

Thanks @Colin the Bear

Clicked on your link but showing empty shopping basket...?

Now the link takes me to main Thomann site - which item were you referring to?

 

[Colin the Bear]

I've edited my post.

 

[LisaP2026]

I've edited my post.

I'll take a look....