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Saxophones are what are called transposing instruments, meaning the written note and sounding note are different. The tenor is in B flat which means the written pitches are a whole step above the sounding note. When you played that B, the tuner probably said you were playing an A. I don't know of any fingering videos but there is a tuner app that can show the transposed pitches called Bandmate. I know it's on Android, not sure about iOS. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bandmate.app
Also be aware that if your daughter is playing a different instrument you may not be able to read the same music and play the same sounding pitches. If she is playing clarinet, trumpet, or another tenor sax you'd be fine. Anything else and you're probably going to sound funny.
Yes. You can buy a mouthpiece patch to cushion it. I use these: https://www.amazon.com/BG-A10L-Large-Mouthpiece-Patches/dp/B000XNQD9G/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=bg+mouthpiece+cushion&qid=1556237305&s=gateway&sr=8-3
I personally have this case: D'Addario Multi-Instrument Reed Vitalizer Case
However, I’ve started to use a few of the synthetic reeds recently so the humidity isn’t as big of a deal
Musescore. The app is free and awesome. But pay the token cost to join, because the library of scores is worth it, and it's a non-profit, so much of the money goes to the artists.
Unfortunately I guess my metal Reed guard was somewhat vintage. My dad gave it to me. Looks like they only make them out of plastic now. Link below for the plastic version. You can find a metal LA Voz one like mine on ebay.
Maybe as a targeted exercise you can isolate the C to Eb "doo dot". Start off slow ("doo... dot... doo... dot...") and build up speed as fast as you can ("doo dot doo dot doo dot"), focusing on making a crisp transition from the C to Eb. Accuracy is more important than speed; always opt for playing it slower and correctly. Speed will come with repetition.
If you find yourself reaching a bit to get to the palm D and Eb keys, there are palm key risers you can get that will add some size to the keys. Your hand doesn't have to travel quite as far to open the keys and you'll gain a bit of speed. On a horn I played years ago, I had a technician build up the palm keys with additional metal soldered on. Today, I use the slip on key risers.
Also, not an alternate fingering per se, but the most important key to have open for that high Eb to sound is the left palm Eb key. If you are not opening both the D and Eb keys at the same time, you had better get the Eb key open first or it will sound like a three-note run vice a minor third. Opening the Eb key first without the D key gets you a slightly flat Eb; opening the D without the Eb key gives you a D.
It was this one: Rovner Tenor Sax Ligature 2R https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002F772C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0TXKS8Q4S1Q313QH9XDR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is Rovner’s classic ligature; they do have a few other types, but I’m not sure on the fit for those.
Sure! For rudiments, you're looking at:
- Scales (12 major at the very least-- this will help you with modes and minor scales)
- Arpeggios (triads, 7th chords, rootless 9ths)
- Inverted arpeggios
There are other jazz-specific exercises (licks, turnarounds, etc.), but I'm not a super jazz expert and I'd put this outside of the realm of rudiments.
For books, I've always taught beginners out of the Standard of Excellence band series (3 books total). Some of the songs may seem elementary if you've been playing saxophone a little bit, but it is graded and helps you learn to read bit by bit.
For theory, teoria.com is a good resource, but learning it step-by-step, I'm not sure I have the best recommendations.
Jamey Aebersold makes a lot of jazz-oriented books, and I've used the "Maiden Voyage" book in lessons before. It was a very good one (but the theory is kind of just laid out in those books rather than being explained clearly).
I taught college theory (geared toward classical, but largely the same) out of the Clendinning/Marvin text and the Roig-Francoli text. This looks like a version of the Clendinning/Marvin that is geared toward fundamentals, and you can get a 1st edition copy for like $5.
Are there any etchings on the bell of the sax, or a symbol on the neck? Curious what brand this is... Some thoughts:
- Get the horn tuned up by a trusted technician so you know that playing difficulties are most likely user error. Being in the time of Covid, you might ask the technician to give it a check without playing it.
- Like already suggested, snag a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece that comes with ligature and cap (or a Yamaha 5C; I'd go with 5C if you like jazz or have a big mouth, but the difference between the models is tiny enough that it barely matters either way). People recommend these mouthpieces because they're inexpensive, play reliably out of the box, and are easy blowing.
- Reeds. Generally beginners play on 2 or 2.5 strength basic Rico (D'Addario) reeds. These reeds aren't terribly consistent in how they play, but as a beginner they should be fine to get you going.
- You'll likely want a pack of mouthpiece cushions. These are pads that go on top of the mouthpiece that prevent your teeth from scratching it and dampen vibrations from the mouthpiece so your teeth don't feel weird.
- Did your sax come with a pull-through cloth or a pad saver? You want to swab out the sax after each play session, and there are a few ways to do this. I usually tip the sax upside down before doing the swab; this drains any condensation, which dribbles out at the bell. Then I insert a pad saver, which I leave inside the sax when I put it away. Some people use the pad saver as a swab and simply dip it into the sax and pull it out to clean out condensation (so they don't store it in the sax). Or you can use a pull-through cloth for the swab. There are neck swabs too, but I've had my sax for over 15 years and never had a neck problem. I just give it a good shake before I put it away.
I took up the sax after nearly 40 years away. This book got me back to where I could play.
Play Alto Sax Today! Beginner's Pack: Book/Online Audio/DVD Pack
by Hal Leonard Corp. | Feb 1, 2003
​
How serious are you? Universal Method is the bible of saxes as far as I am concerned. It starts at the very basics and works up to advanced etudes. It is available used on Amazon.
That looks moldy my guy. Replace it at a shop and then make sure you swab it every time after you play. I prefer using a silk swab, you can get them in amazon Here
Also try out a stopper for when you’re not playing, it’ll absorb the the moisture thats left over. But only leave in your sax if you’ve swabbed it or it will only make things worse.
Did you mean this one ?
You could try folded cigarette paper over your bottom teeth, and a mouthpiece patch.
I used a jet bari for almost a year until unfortunately it was very recently dropped in the worst way possible and chipped in a way that made it unplayable. :(
It was like one of those horrible moments like when you drop your phone from a foot off the ground onto a pillow and it somehow shatters the entire screen, the thing fell off the top of my case and somehow got a big chunk out of the tip.
I used this ligature I believe https://www.amazon.com/Rovner-Tenor-Sax-Ligature-2R/dp/B0002F772C/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CWFOKQ2VCE2Z&keywords=sling%2Bligature%2B2r&qid=1670998817&sprefix=sling%2Bligature%2B2r%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-1&th=1
It unscrewed enough to fit over it nicely, I liked having a lot of extra threads because it could get it really tight. It looks like that might be the one you have, it fit really well for me.
I just ordered a SYOS to replace it, so I'll see how that sounds when it decides to ship and hopefully I don't have to use the "30 day trial" and ship it back to France.
I think that the one's you got were crap. I got cheap ones on Amazon and they stick just fine. 80 Pieces Saxophone and Clarinet Mouthpiece Cushion Sax Mouthpiece Patches
You speak of exploring stuff I could not dream of and I certainly appreciate the data! Thank you!! I, myself, have been eye 'n some junk bass clarinets on eBay to Frankenstein into something nice.
What about this crazy thing??
https://www.amazon.com/Saxophone-Driver-Nipper-gloves-Cleaning/dp/B010F2QVEQ
that's $400 for a tenor!!?!?!?!???! (buy a diff mpc and then...)
I am stupid happy with the no-name purple alto I bought. It looks like a mini Selmer 6 in style. The knockoff is so blatant. The weight is my only complaint, its a little heavy but totally playable. It also came lacquered in purple. Tight! The rest is in the embrasure, right?
Around the circle of 5ths or moving up chromatically. It's super important to use a variety of articulations. Also keep in mind that scales rarely appear in music moving from tonic to tonic, so you need to practice starting on different degrees. Finally, don't forget about the chromatic scale!
I have always found this book by Joe Viola excellent for scale practice:
https://www.amazon.com/Technique-Saxophone-Studies-Joseph-Viola/dp/0793554098
there are also special cleaningbpapers like these
This $13 neck strap from Amazon works great and is very comfortable for an alto.
I love my Hite! $25 right now on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Hite-H117-Premiere-Saxophone-Mouthpiece/dp/B0002F4YUK
Caveat emptor: I do not like cloth ligatures, they're too slippy-slidey. So I pair my Hite with a metal ligature from the crappy mouthpiece that came with my horn (I got the Amazon special a couple yrs back). Very good combo for symphonic band!
I won't speak to jazz, I've been out of that game way too long. But if you're a beginner, you won't need to worry about that for awhile yet :)
https://www.amazon.com/Selmer-STS280-Saxophone-Outfit-Copper/dp/B001VNWT7M
This is the one I have. I tried a French Selmer, a Yamaha and a yanagizawa and the Conn was my favorite, coming from the alto. It projects a lot, is light but sturdy, and feels very responsive.
I'm guessing something like this [https://www.amazon.com/ERINGOGO-Saxophone-Silicone-Protecor-Accessory/dp/B09ZHQ18LR/ref=sr_1_109?keywords=sax+mute&qid=1663360692&sr=8-109] I remember seeing reviews for them long ago, they say they aren't very effective.
Start here: https://www.amazon.com/Patterns-Jazz-Theory-Composition-Improvisation/dp/0898987032
Play through those patterns in a few different keys that you want to start improvising in, then get some backing tracks and play around.
Record yourself and play back to improve.
It just takes practice like anything else.
When I took lessons in high school, I really liked this book. Anything similar will be great. Lost of them have play alongs for backing tracks, you might also find em online.
You can get rubber guards on amazon for those keys to prevent wear.
​
If you want to learn how to repair and maintain your sax, you need to get and read the Reg Thorp Complete Woodwind Repair Manual. Then, you will need to get the tools listed in the book. Then, you can start to regulate the upper stack. As you discovered, there is a lot more to changing pads than just removing one and sticking another one back in place. No one can tell you here how to do what you are asking.
my recommendation is eastar. they’re pretty basic but it’s $400. it’s got high f# key and is pretty comfortable for regular playing. i wouldn’t recommend it as a competitive horn but for basics it’s great value
Breath more before you start playing, keep firm corners, keep your lower lip rolled under firmly, and don't be afraid to play loud. Practice tounging on your mouthpiece before you start and even breathing exercises as well.
I don't care how old you are, use this book!
https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Successful-Middle-School-Musician/dp/B07R92KVBY
It helped me more than I could ever imagine with practice when I was in middle school.
~ Four-Year Alto Saxophone & Tenor Saxophonist
Buckle up. This might get long.
Everything that other people have said before is completely valid, but there's definitely a more methodical way to go about improving altissimo other than simply long tones or overtones.
First, I would start by playing on just the mouthpiece. How many diatonic pitches can you get out of it? Can you play an entire major scale? Experiment with as many extremes as you can without sacrificing your embouchure. It should almost exclusively be tongue/throat positioning.
Next, I would try that same exercise starting on a front F and slowly lowering the pitch. Start with a half step and see how large you can make that interval chromatically. The more flexibility you have, the better your voicing/altissimo will get.
Lastly, see if you can play a major scale using only the fundamental fingerings. For example, starting on D major in the second octave your fingering would be - low D, low E, low B, low C, low D, low B, low C#, and low Bb.
This whole exercise should take 15 minutes max. If you can do it consistently every day, even better.
All of these exercises and more are found in Voicing: An Approach to the Saxophone's Third Register (found here). I've used this for my students starting around 8th grade, and it works wonders for their tone, breath support, and extended range. Feel free to DM me if you have any other questions! Good luck OP, and happy practicing :)
There are several questions to ponder before I can give you good advice: 1. What is your ultimate aim? Is it to play the e-sax or are you using this as a stepping stone to playing an acoustic sax? There is no “right answer” here. Both are valid. The e-sax is a perfectly valid instrument to get years of enjoyment playing music you like. The Akai EWI, the Roland Aerophone, or the Yamaha YDS are all great instruments to learn and play as instruments in their own right. Now, if you are going on route #2, then it becomes a more dicey issue. Many would tell you it is more advisable to take up an acoustic sax first to start building up your chops. However, I don’t necessarily subscribe to that view. You can get years of enjoyment with the e-sax, and then transfer the fingering learning to an acoustic one. I know, because I am doing it!
Second question is - what is your musical taste? Do you want to play Jazz, or something else? For Jazz learning I would highly recommend something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Method-Alto-Saxophone-Book/dp/1902455002. Yes, it is written for an acoustic instrument, but I used it to learn on an EWI, and it is quite applicable. For other styles, you may want to research other “method books” pertinent to that style.
If you decide to start with the e-sax, there are several good teachers that will give you zoom lessons. I learned from a guy called Bernie Kenerson, but there are also others. I would highly recommend that you take at least a few beginner lessons to get you going.
Good luck on your musical journey!
I have to admit. This is a very good colour and the pricepoint is reasonable too.
Just to get an idea about the reputable brands, do you know any models which are of this colour? Just so i can Google the price for an estimate of what it would cost me. I haven't been able to find a Yamaha in grey.
https://www.tomleemusic.com.hk/en/collections/saxophones/products/cannonball-a5-eb-alto-saxophone
I'm asking them Abt the price online too. Is there a difference between the raven and big bell?
The keilwerth shadow seems to retail at like 7 to 8k usd but seems a little bit too silver for my gf taste. Or it could just be photos not a good representation.
Is this the black selmer? https://www.amazon.com/Selmer-Professional-Saxophone-Black-Nickel/dp/B016NUJWZ4
Reposting this because I didn't realize that I had copied an Amazon Smile link.
Here you go: https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Complete-Neck-Assembly-YAS23/dp/B004BA7BNY/
If the neck's missing, you still may end up having to have some service done on it - pads, key alignment, that kind of thing.
the reeds i use are these, a bit pricey but those are the lengths you have to go for reeds that will last you a long time
just make sure you get the right hardness of the reed though
Storing and transport are two different things. For storing, your hard case is fine, because it won't get bumped. You could vastly improve the case by buying some foam like this and building up layers to hold the horn. https://www.amazon.com/Artilife-Neoprene-Non-Adhesive-Multi-Function-Soundproof/dp/B0917629Y1/ref=sr\_1\_15?crid=3EUA1KOLJB0AX&keywords=foam+sheets&qid=1654586935&sprefix=foam+sheets%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-15
Try this style, it puts the weight on your shoulders, not your neck. https://www.amazon.com/ADORENCE-Lengthened-Saxophone-Shoulder-Strap/dp/B08F9QCG9S/ref=sr\_1\_57?crid=25S7RHU0QQH5J&keywords=sax+neck+strap&qid=1653980365&sprefix=sax+neck+st%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-57
This is what I use (also on the gig). Most pros I know use this style of harness now. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Sax-Harness-Shoulder-Strap/dp/B09PMWCLQD/ref=sr\_1\_9?crid=3AMPBT7GOO2Q&keywords=sax+harness&qid=1653135970&sprefix=sax+h%2Caps%2C286&sr=8-9
here’s a link for chops, this is straight from the publisher and seems to be cheaper than Amazon and here’s an Amazon link to voicing
and I should have clarified, by by “drone” I mean a long sustained pitch. The most popular way to do this is free, there are albums you can find on music streaming services and YouTube, I would recommend The Tuning CD by Richard A Schwartz. The tuning CD can sound a bit obnoxious and it uses a lot of high octaves, so if you type Cello Drone into YouTube or Spotify you’ll essentially get the same thing but the sound is IMO much nicer. A drone allows us to compare our pitch constantly and tune with our ears, as well as tune intervals.
I would probably go for the Saxholder Pro because it takes the pressure off your neck and is an all-in-one sort of sax holder, it will last you your entire life, it may not be leather and is a bit on the pricier side but it is worth every cent.
Thanks for the advice.
I use these but size 3 and 3.5
Upload locally or from g drive, spotify, soundcloud playlists and more
Make loops to .001 second precision, then name them
Change key and tuning to .01 of a semitone and as far as -12.00 and +12.00 semitones (an octave up or down)
Change mix to 100% L or R (good for old hard panned music)
Speed up 150% on streamed music 200% locally stored music
Slow down to 25%
I've used it for years and it will reset memory of loops on some songs but my learning and retention is wayyyy sharper because of it for transcriptions and learning songs. If it's too hard slow it down, if it's easy sometimes I only listen to the song at 125% lol.
Does the instructor have you playing out of a book? If not I would recommend the Universal Method. See if he can teach you from the materials in there. Here is a link to the book on amazon.universal method
>G# keys getting stuck is forever going to be an issue
I followed the advice I received from the tech at the store and it works for me. Your mileage may vary.
1) Always swab the instrument after playing.
2) When the instrument is completely dry, like before playing the next day, use Yamaha Power Paper to fix sticky keys. Yamaha advises NOT to pull on the paper to avoid damaging the pad. Just place the powdered side on the pad, close and and open a few times. I only did this once for the sticky keys about 9 months ago and since then only the F# pad gets sticky because I almost never use it. You can reuse the same paper a few times so a pack will last you a long time.
I've read posts from people who "gunked up" their pads with the powder, but my guess is they used it on wet pads or pulled on the paper, but I could be wrong.
If your silver horn is tarnishing, it's not lacquered. Get a silver polishing cloth like this: https://www.amazon.com/Herco-HE92-Silver-Cleaning-Cloth/dp/B002NLUGUS
Don't use a silver polish - many of them have abrasives in them that will gunk up your key work.
Pro Tec Protec 22" (Regular) Less-Stress Ballistic Neoprene Sax Neck Strap with Coated Metal Snap (Teal Blue), Model NLS310MTB https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0E3DEG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_BMDYAPJHYWP4NQWWA74F?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This probably wont work for your bassoon playing, but for saxophone you could try this.
I had problems with my teeth and this helped a lot. You put it in hot water and then you mold it to our bottom teeth.
Note that the Cakewalk SONAR software was acquired by BandLab back in 2018 after Gibson closed down the development/production for the software. They reworked it into a freeware version branded as "Cakewalk by BandLab." It's quite powerful and an excellent choice for Windows users who want more DAW features beyond recording a single line source: https://www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk
While I enjoyed using various software packages on Windows machines in the past, as I do live recording in a concert hall with orchestra musicians, I currently use a MacBook Air M1 with no fans or other noise-making parts that might interfere with the recording, so Logic Pro serves my needs quite well.
I suggest you start by taking off only the keys rods and screws first, then put it back together, then take it apart again if you want. I've done this before with a clarinet and taking the keys apart is pretty straight forward, but I've never done pads, corks, and springs. I think most people get their repair stuff on Music Medic. I recommend you working on a towel so that screws are less likely to get lost and I recommend buying something like this to keep screws and other pieces organized
Can really share a picture rn, but this was the link I got it from. It has the same engravings on it so it's really unlikely it's a fake. amazon.com/Yamaha-YTS-62III-Professional-Saxophone-Laquered/dp/B00H0VZIQS?th=1
Selmer sax - possibly a VI, but not certain. The upper register keys are definitely a near-match to the VI. https://www.google.com/search?q=ze+nogueira&tbm=isch&imgil=m6AZi7qfE10q6M%253A%253B2OjCzK2BRHny3M%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Ftempovago.folhadirigida.com.br%25252F2014%25252F04%25252Fcoluna-do-dia-17-de-abril-de-2014%25252F&source=iu&...
Others are saying Bari brand mouthpiece, but to me it appears that it may be a Rovner rubber ligature making the shank look odd. There is a weird ridge towards the bottom of the mouthpiece that could be an older or new replica of a Selmer Soloist: https://jet.com/product/detail/db3b65d3d2f94846b9fdc8183cdb5706?jcmp=pla:ggl:gen_arts_entertainment_a1:hobbies_creative_arts_a1_other:na:PLA_348810300_24231983220_pla-161718988140:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&ds_c=gen_arts_entertainment_a1&ds...
If you picked up a fingering chart for the altissimo register and haven't worked on overtones (like I did), you won't likely get there from here. The notes in the altissimo register are all based on harmonics of the lower notes of the horn (overtones), kind of like how brass instruments produce their tones.
I started doing overtone exercises from <em>Top Tones for the Saxophone</em> by Sigurd Rascher after being recommended by a tutor I had in high school. It walks you through all the background for producing overtones. As you progress, you'll get further along in the book.
A modern approach was developed by Donald Sinta. His book, <em>Voicing: An Approach to the Saxophone's Third Register</em>, also walks you through how to perform overtones. One thing that is covered in this text that Rascher did not address was the use of the "front" high E and high F fingerings as the horns of his time didn't have the front F key (the key that is above the B key on the left hand).
On YouTube, Jay Metcalf (Better Sax) has several videos that talk about the altissimo register. There are some other folks that also have videos about it.
Some overtones are harder to produce than others, and it follows that some altissimo notes are going to be harder to produce than others. For me, I quickly became able to hit most of the notes between G# and D after a few weeks, but the high G eluded me for a while. Once I could reliably hit that G, though, it seemed that all the other notes were not that bad.
Get one of these: GapCap I can't tell if this is a tenor or an alto so if it's an alto, obviously make sure to switch to that size. Use it to correctly fit your horn to your case.
That short end cap is shorter than your octave lever. Your instrument is probably banging into the end of the case as you move around. If you set the case on its end, with the instrument upside down, the entire weight of the instrument is sitting on that octave lever, and the soft brass isn't able to carry that much weight.
I bought this one on Amazon for my husband who does not play. I do. I played it to test it out. Sounds fine and I think would work for the abuse of marching band.
Glory Professional Alto Eb SAX... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OET2ICG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I cant find the link right now but if he likes tacky christmas sweaters, theres a couple on I think teespring for about $32.99
or saxophone tree ornements.
Edit: found it.
I have an account on flat.io, https://flat.io/musicbyyeti
My producing stuff hasn’t been released yet (I focused on learning a bunch before releasing), I’m working on one with my friend Xills from 34k_Entertainment right now. Once that is posted, there’ll be links posted on Instagram and Snapchat
I just made a private link to it.
The soprano and alto parts are kinda weird near the end, but I guess it's fine.
My biggest question is; do you have any prior music experience?
If so, great! I began piano in 3rd grade, and saxophone and 6th. My prior knowledge of sheet music and basic theory helped me gain an edge over my peers.
If not, that's totally cool! Most of, if not all of my peers started music on saxophone. My biggest recommendation would be to learn to read sheet music, (flash cards help!) Understanding how to read basic notes will be helpful. Also, begin to study rhythm. If you can read some simple rhythms and tap them on a table, that'll help you a lot.
I recommend you check out:
The 1st link is a free resource that I highly recommend. I would definitely use it to learn basic rhythm.
The second is my favorite theory book. It dumbs everything down to a point that anyone can understand it. I recommend you understand reading sheet music prior to reading the book though!
I hope I could be of help! If you have any other questions feel free to reply or dm me!
Back in high school, our jazz band recorded a track that the director had commissioned for an old friend who had passed. It's a back and fourth alto / trumpet melody but you could easily adapt it for a capella bari and it could work really well for a wedding. Here's a download of how it came out; I think I can find the score and scan it if you'd like it.
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/0ECLsZFM1eYGVMKaHYHSZuGo6qy9BZllTzKrHjZFnec
>I have the one by Trent Kynaston, it’s good
like u/alexkelsh said i also have the trent kynaston one. it this one (german link). I played it the first time on tenor back then when i was a teen but now i did on alto. It doesn't really matter what instrument because it is solo pieces anyways
yeah i mean it’s technically on Ubuy, Sears, and amazon (i recognized the image in the link preview) but they all say “not available”
if you want to look for yourself the company is Xinlinke and it should look like this
https://us.amazon.com/Professional-Saxophone-Shoulder-Adjustable-Instrument/dp/B01JEP8TBI
Adorence Saxophone Harness Strap, Padded Saxophone Shoulder Strap/Sax Chest Strap - Baritone, Tenor, Alto and Bari Sax Strap for Regular Beginner, Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092YNQYFF/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_J780S4ZC1V2DQWFNV0TN
What's your budget? Jody Jazz HR* in 5 or 6 tip opening is one of the best in the under $200 category.
Around 100-120 you can get a VanDoren V16 A5, which is a great mouthpiece that you can't go wrong with.
[Around 85 you can get an E. Rousseau Studio Jazz from "Quinn, the Eskimo]"(https://www.amazon.com/Rousseau-ER20066X-Saxophone-Rubber-Mouthpiece/dp/B0002EWORG/ref=pd_day0_1/135-8773629-8764863?pd_rd_w=3GKqa&pf_rd_p=8ca997d7-1ea0-4c8f-9e14-a6d756b83e30&pf_rd_r=V0ST5SMV8FB71QF47KHY&pd_rd_r=1442d8d0-e865-47f2-bf9...)
I use woven medical tape like this: https://www.amazon.com/Durapore-Medical-Tape-Silk-yards/dp/B000C4O7GC?th=1
I use it doubled over (sticky side in), then two layers of this. Cheap and lasts a long time. The first roll I used had a bad taste for the first bit that you use it but this goes away.
I've been doing this for ~10 years, and don't know of any side effects of the adhesive being in my mouth.
I used a stock Yamaha neckstrap from elementary school through college. It's a standard thin strap and I would regularly practice six or more hours with it without getting fatigued. I took a break from sax for several years and picked up recently in my mid 30s and I had to get a better strap because my regular one was killing me after thirty minutes. I got a Neotech and have been happy ever since.
All that being said, I know that at a certain age, a lot of players opt for a shoulder harness eventually. A harness is only $26 harness and you can find several thicker neck straps for way less than that one you linked. Switching to that thicker strap made all the difference in the world.
Most of restoration is pretty straightforward, so long as you are a little bit mechanically inclined. Replacing the pads, though, is black magic fuckery.
You need to do it yourself, though. A professional restoration will cost more than the horn will be worth after it has been restored. Even having paid only $50, you will lose money.
If you can find a copy of Haynes Saxophone Manual at a non-insane price, it will be hugely helpful. Also, there is a lot of good information at musicmedic.com, which should also be your prime source for parts and tools.
Restore the horn only if you want to own and play a vintage Conn C-Melody. Or restore it yourself and you might make a few hundred dollars on the deal ... if you can find a buyer.
I biked carrying this one weekly for about a year. No complaints.
your kid must have some beginner books, right? it honestly would be a lot of help if its anything like what i had, it basically has a bunch of songs that progressively get more advanced. the first song should only have like one note lol but its just for learning, not performance.
check out this video, you don't have to comprehend everything on the first watch but it should have all the basic information. youre gonna sound like shit for the first few weeks but dont let that discourage you because youll only get out what you put in! you can get a leather ligature here and if you dont wanna get a selmer c star mouthpiece then get something with good reviews on amazon or something
lastly don't be afraid to ask your son for some help! obviously hes not a master sax player but he still has a year of experience on you, and i bet he'd feel really cool helping you out.
Palm key height won’t be an alto vs tenor vs bari issue. What you want to do is find some palm key risers. They’re little rubber caps that lift those keys a bit to enable big hands to reach them with less effort. Very inexpensive accessory: Pro Tec Protec Saxophone Palm Key Risers (A351) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KT7DH0O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_N0V00WDGNYH60Z90KGS1
$7 on Amazon prime right there—not an affiliate link. I’m not that guy.
He's wrong. This is the jazzlab product, they just have a newer version that looks different. They may have sold their old versions to a warehouse to liquidate them. This is the official updated product, though I think you'd be happy with the one you showed.
Neotech makes a model called the Pad-It that I enjoy. It doesn't bounce/stretch like their other straps.
My only caveat is that the size labeled X-Long is really long. It probably fits great on a tenor. For alto I have to pull the slide all the way to the top.
I recently got the protec leather strap. Has a metal hook coated in rubber. Great value:
I'd like to piggy-back on this question to ask: is the Rover 1RL ligature a good basic choice for my Yamaha 4c mouthpiece? I have something similar on my clarinet and love it. Is it good in general even if I eventually buy a metal mouthpiece? The listings on Amazon offer different ligatures for metal and rubber mouthpieces.
You don't even need online. You need a tuner, a metronome, a copy of Essential Elements, and a metric fuck-ton of dedication. Also, you need a saxophone.
That’s a good quality, hard rubber mouthpiece. Retails at around $130 new, so if it’s in good condition then you’re in luck.
The Yamaha 4C is a student/beginner level mouthpiece, retails about $30.
The 4C is designed for younger, beginner level players to just “get a sound” out of the horn. The V16 is designed to be a touch more “free blowing” (requires more air) and will sound brighter, louder, and more vibrant than the 4C.
While you certainly don’t have to, considering the price of a 4C you could easily purchase one to try out how the two pieces feel and are the same/different, then go with the one that’s more comfortable or suits your needs better. It’s always good to have an emergency backup piece!
As for reeds, for a beginner I’d say start with Vandoren (“blue box”) size 2.5 reeds. Other brands are “orange box” Rico (size 3) or Rico Royal (size 3).
I’m suggesting a touch higher size than what the kiddos get because you’re an adult with stronger/bigger lungs to make a sound with. I don’t suggest going much lower than that.
Good on you for recognizing that you need to learn the chords.
I personally really like this book for teaching the basics of theory.
Once you can identify the notes of any chord, start by just playing the notes of the chords, also known as chord tones.
Make sure you can arppegiate through every chord in a progression. Then, while still only playing chord tones, change the order of the notes. Then, start changing your rhythms.
The next step would be to add notes in between these chord tones, start diatonically with this. Make sure to aim for a chord tone, especially on beat 1.
Then, start leaving the key. The flat 5 in a blues scale is a fun little note to use, as is the flat 7 in a blues or bebop scale.
Also, learn your scales. All 12 major, all natural/harmonic/melodic minor, diminished, modes, etc. This isn't a quick process, but it will really help you to understand why the notes you're playing work.
Hope I could help!
Buy The Jazz Method For Saxophone, a music stand, and a metronome/turner combination. Work your way through the book. When you have finished, you will have reached a level of skill such that won't need to ask how to get where you want to be.
You need the metronome for rhythm discipline. You need the tuner for intonation discipline — playing in tune.
the best thing to do is to just start playing, you'll have to learn how to read music as well. I would definitely recommend using this book, it's the book I used to learn when I started playing 8 years ago. Make sure you buy the respective book for whatever saxophone you decide to start playing, the one I linked was an alto book! :)
It's all doable, and except for the re-padding, it's pretty easy.
Information and supplies are available at musicmedic.com, and they are just great people to deal with. They have some tutorials on their site as well. (I have no connection with them other than being a happy customer.)
The Saxophone Manual is probably the best book on the subject.
By far the cheapest and easiest thing that I've looked into to reduce noise is to buy the cheapest egg crate memory foam mattress toppers you can find and attach them to your walls.
I'd recommend getting a new serrated bread knife to cut the topper into 1x1 foot squares and using 3m wall safe stickers to attach each piece. If your toppers are different colors, you can even make a cool checker board grid! Pay attention to the room corners (including ceiling corners) because they create the most echo and noise, if you cut the corner pieces with a 45 degree angle, they should go together nicely.
You can try without cutting the topper, but it's potentially going to be a pain to stick up and keep up using the 3M wall stickers.
Perfectly normal. I have a really tight embouchure and kept scratching up my mouthpieces. Buy mouthpiece patches. Don't get those "styrofoamy" ones, get the vandoren rubber ones. They last MUCH longer.
​
https://www.amazon.com/Vandoren-VMC6-Mouthpiece-Cushions-0-35mm/dp/B002FEGREW
You may want to consider John Harle's massive treatise on Sax mechanics - it goes into exhaustive and useful detail on sax specific physical technique without covering any of the basics you already know like reading music or fingering.
https://www.amazon.com/John-Harle-Saxophone-Performing/dp/0571539629
https://www.amazon.com/Jean-Paul-USA-AS-400-Saxophone/dp/B006WAVQKA
Still suboptimal to renting a YAS but these are ranked a bit higher than that brand.
Oof, that's a very nice gift, but $500 on Amazon is unlikely to get you a solid sax compared to what you can find used (there are a lot of excellent used Yamaha horns), and something from Amazon will probably need a tune up from a technician after it arrives. The best potential deal might be something like this, but the reviews I've seen have been mixed.
Ronald Caravan made some great transcriptions of Bach. Sometimes transposition is needed to fit the range of the saxophone etc...https://www.amazon.com/Bach-Solo-Saxophone-J-S/dp/B002D3LHOA/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=caravan+bach+saxophone&qid=1607303140&sr=8-1
That's some really nice playing after only 2 years of playing. Great tone, articulation, and overall smoothness of your playing. I would personally recommend you try out some technical/lyrical exercises/etudes. The W. Ferling exercises are really great for increasing your lyrical skills and technical skills. Here's a link to amazon for the book: https://www.amazon.com/Famous-Studies-Duos-Concertants-Saxophone/dp/B00HQ1CUE0/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=w.ferling&qid=1605663984&sr=8-1 (I have a pdf of the book as well if you don't want to buy it. Just dm me and ill send it to you)
If you want some help with some of these I would be more than willing to help.
H! Sorry for the late reply!
I’m not really well with brands, but I have heard good things about the Prelude by Conn Selmer.
As for mouthpieces, a simple Yamaha 4C mouthpiece amazing for you as a beginner.
Reeds are a personal thing. Someone make like A brand and hate B brand, while someone likes B and hates A. Also for later down the road, synthetic reeds vs cane reeds is something you might want to look into.
For beginners, I would recommend Rico (D’Addario) orange box size 2. Stay on size two for a while (8-12 months) then move up to a 2.5. Keep doing this after every 8-12 months and eventually you’ll get to a size which you don’t like, so then you’ll know your best reed size is the one you were using!
I have this same problem - I live in a small 2BR apartment with another person and right now tons of people in my building (including my roommate and I) are wfh and on calls all day so I can't really practice during the day either.
I was desperate enough that I pre-ordered the overpriced YDS-150 digital saxophone for silent practice, but it doesn't help much with embouchure/articulation so YMMV. It serves my purposes because I play with a band several times a week (which builds up my tone/chops) and mostly just need a way to work on things like scale exercises, but if you don't at least have time to do long tones regularly it probably isn't worth the price tag.
I feel like I have to say "long tones" just so that no one comes in and posts a comment that just says "long tones." Anyways, long tones.
But also, since you have that experience it will come back to you but you're gonna feel like a rank beginner for a while. Don't get frustrated, focus on the basics (if you have any old books pull them out, otherwise you could get a starter book like Jazz Method or Essential Elements) and it'll come back quickly.
If you're learning saxophone from scratch, you should probably get a method book, like the Tune a Day . Books like this will contain basic tunes that will gradually introduce new notes and rhythms until you have learned all the basic notation and the full range of the instrument (excluding altissimo). Although a book will not be able to tell you when you're making a mistake, so it would be wise to have at least a few online lessons with an experienced teacher.
If you're playing by yourself, you can play any sheet music, provided that it doesn't go out of range. The problem arises when you're playing with other instruments. The alto is an Eb instrument, meaning that a written C will sound as an Eb. The tenor is a Bb instrument, meaning that a written C will sound as a Bb. Since the two instruments are in different keys, this means that you will need to transpose the music when playing music written for the other instrument. In an ensemble, you would be provided with the correct part.
Thomann instruments are good for learning on. I started out on the TTS-150 myself. It served me well for 3 years and I now keep it as a marching horn.
The mouthpiece is a very personal choice and depends greatly on what style of music you want to play. A good all round mouthpiece for beginners is the Yamaha 4C. More advanced mouthpiece are usually specialised for either jazz or classical. Good jazz mouthpieces include the Vandoren V16, Otto Link and Meyer. Good classical mouthpieces include the Vandoren Optimum, Semer C* and Selmer Concept. You might want to advance a bit further before investing in a synthetic reed, so that you already know what reed strength you are most comfortable with before spending €30 on a Legere reed.
first i just want to second AchilesIsotope: go get the horn checked out.
reliable fingering charts can be found in saxophone method books. i strongly recommend the Rubank Elementary Method. it's the book I use for most of my students these days, and while you're at it you can use it to help you with other aspects of your playing like RHYTHM. I do my fair share of noodling during practice time, but it always comes from the strong foundation i have after years of focused, academic study.
after you get your horn fixed and you get the book, you'll probably still have trouble with some notes. most likely the notes at the very bottom and very top of the horn. i would recommend working your way down to the lowest note until you can play the low Bb at a moderate volume and then practicing overtones which will then help you manage your air and improve your tone on the rest of the instrument.
hope this helps!
EZO denture pads are the solution to your problem. I used these every time I played for 12 years. Just cut a small piece to cover and mold to your bottom teeth. I doubled the layer after a while. It may even give you a darker sound as the bottom lip will effectively be “thicker”. You’ll be able to play pain free for hours, and a box should last you a few years.
Ezo Denture Cushions: Upper Heavy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HM737Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Wd-DFbX68FZH5
I purchased a D'addario reed case a while back. I'm not sure how effective its humidification control is.
Edit: I read a little bit and it seems like its also lived its use and its supposed to be replaced :/
Ok, so, unfortunately, recording a group ensemble and a soloist are pretty different. There isn't really a microphone that's good for both. But the good news is, you can actually probably get 2 microphones for $200. Granted, they won't be the best, but you'll have specific mics for specific recording.
So, for a group, you want an omnidirectional or bidirectional mic. That pics up sound from all around, so you'll get the full ensemble.
For soloists, you'll want a cardiod mic, possibly even a lapel microphone, so you can afix it to various instruments/people.
So, for purchasing, since you're on a budget, make sure you compare reviews, type of output, cable hook up, and phantom power. Honestly, for budget, Neewer is pretty decent. They aren't the best, but they can get the job done. I would suggest these bad boys https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073CXBYLT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iLKuFbXJ2RN4Y and then this mixer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ8QAGS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oMKuFbN132HB6
It's not the top of the line stuff, but for less $200, this will get you started, and you can convert the microphones from omni to cardiod, so you can do both ensemble and solo. You will need to buy cables and speakers, so that will put you over $200. Sorry, but you can patch the mixer into a laptop.
here's the first comment with actual advice for self teaching:
step one: learn all of your major scales until you can play them accurately, smoothly and all slurred. One octave for A, Ab, and G; and two octaves for anything F# and lower.
also step one: get this book: Rubank. This series is what i used to teach myself flute as an adult. After you get through that book (ONE LESSON PER WEEK) and you want to continue with classical music get the next one. If you want to do literally any other kind of music get a book of jazz etudes and start learning your favorite songs by ear (jazz, pop, rock whatever).
Work on transcriptions, the process of transcribing is writing down the information you're learning by ear, the better you get a writing down what you're hearing, the better you'll be with understanding of rhythm and it will help with your sight reading. Also, if you can get this book, it's a life saver https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Reading-Studies-Saxophone-Workshop/dp/0634013343
The essentials book worked good for me -
https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Elements-2000-Alto-Saxophone/dp/0634003178/
It also includes access to audio that you can play along with to make sure you got your timing right. It's best to try without it first, record yourself then see if you actually got the timing right.
For music and rhythms I would recommend the Rubank method books: https://www.amazon.com/Rubank-Elementary-Method-Saxophone-Educational/dp/1423444817
The music and exercises are well organized, and it goes through scales and how to go about learning as well as have “real” music. It doesn’t go into detail about things a teacher would normally tell his or her student: not much on embouchure, keeping fingers close to keys, articulation, tongue position. At least not on my clarinet nor flute Rubank.
Edit: for some of the basic music concepts, go to musictheory.net. There you can practice the fundamentals of reading music on the “the basics” header and “Rhythm and Meter” headers. There are exercises available under “Exercises” on the tabs near the top of the page.
My guess is that you are storing the reeds in a manner where they are not drying flat or humidity changes are causing them to warp.
Ideally you would want to store them in something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001SN7VGO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CEBiFb2QGJ09D
It keeps them flat, sealed, and maintains humidity level. However, there are several cheaper DIY solutions available. Many people attach their reeds to a small pane of glass with rubber bands and store it in a plastic container with silica packets or a sponge soaked in mouthwash. You could probably get away with keeping them in the sleeves they came in, but still putting them in some kind of sealed container with measure to control humidity.