Jamie and Jim, this is one of your best projects, and was such a treat. I'm going to enjoy replaying this several times during my long work commute. THANK YOU!
Great video recently I stayed with a friend whose son had two altos in the house so I could test them one was a beginner Yamaha 270 and the other his new Yani AW01 unfortunately he still had beginners mouthpieces and 2 reeds so couldn't get enough air in them but the Yamaha actually compared well with the yani for its sound but keys aren't so comfortable but couldn't get the yani to sing because of mouthpiece issues. I have a friend with a Yani 901 which has a bronze neck and she produces a nice sound which I attribute to the neck. I play a selmer alto.
I'm so glad you gents don't underestimate how important that it feels to the player is. It changes your playing so THAT sounds different for sure. Obviously with time you sound more and more like yourself on anything but how hard you work to achieve your sound concept is important.
This was an absolute royal treat to have both Jamie and Jim talking shop. I am soo thrilled right now! thanks so much guys for this awesome video. You guys work well together and give great insight! Love ya!
Always look forward to your videos Jamie, but this one was up there with your best. You and Jim did a brilliant job with you as an skilled and talented player and Jim in his "experienced listener mode" reviewing what you each thought of the upgrades that we are often told we need to buy on our saxophone journey to sound better.
Absolutely fascinating video, thanks to everyone involved in creating it. Thinking of being able to play in a more comfortable a d relaxed state,I would add the neck strap into the mix of changes I consider as a player. Not saying a listener will notice a change - but they might notice you are more relaxed - but as a player the neck strap change I made made a significant difference to me, maybe 20% better following the theme of quantitative differences noted in the video conclusion.
Intermediate skill player here. Don't change gear until you are an intermediate player and obsessed with playing. Then picking a better saxophone and mouthpiece etc will make sense. Note, the obsession of playing is a big part of the deal. See bass fishers or golfers for reference. 😅
Interesting comparisons! About sax brands: I have been playing a 45 year old Amati alto for almost 20 years. During that time I have played a number of different "student horns," none of which (sound-wise) compared favorably to mine. Last year I played a Selmer Signature --- that was a different story. Wow.
Great stuff. Good point made about synthetic reeds and wider tip openings. Synthetics became a lot more playable for me when dropping tip opening. It’s not a comment I’ve heard much so I’m glad it’s not just me then! 😂
I started playing about 4 years ago and watching your you tube channel is how I actually learnt to play. I have tried various mouth pieces and at I am now at a stage I’m playing ok and happy with my sound. I’ve had my set up for 2 years and still consider myself a beginner/ moderate . I am in a band and perform so guess now when do you think about Changing your mouthpiece reed etc if you are actually playing ok.
I have tried to do comparisons before and after my lessons. That allows me to compare what I got to what is new at the store. While I used the two mouthpieces I own, I always add to the mix some different mouthpieces the store is offering. Two things stuck out to me. First, the best mouthpiece for one sax model can perform poorly on another. Second, the more expensive sax models may have some better key action, and ergonomics, but they don't necessarily sound better. Only one horn and mouthpiece combo, out of dozens, allowed me to improve my altissimo range, but it didn't do much to improve my lower and middle register sound. For now, I am sticking with my dirt cheap 1959 Conn 16M tenor in bad need of an overhaul (the quote to do the work is 5 x what I paid for the sax), and a Theo Wanne Slant Sig 2 #6 that I got at a deep discount. I have tried many reeds, and for me, it seems that paying a little more for Ishimori Woodstone reeds is worth it. I have tried the Foreststone Black Bamboo synthetic reed, and it is not as good but certainly acceptable. These combinations work for me at this stage, but I can imagine that my improved skills, changes in my body (in your 70s the changes come almost daily), and changes in music tastes, can lead me to a different setup. If you want to change, start with your reed strength, reed brand, and/or reed material. Next change your mouthpiece (you might need different reed). I only considered a new saxophone due to the overhaul cost being the price of a new beginner or intermediate instrument. Now, I am thinking the overhaul maybe the way to go.
I think given you have a comfortable saxophone to play, the most important thing for me is the mouthpiece, reed and ligature set up. It needs to be comfortable in all registers and allow you to play without fighting the mouthpiece. On tenor, I prefer a hard rubber mouthpiece. It just feels better and more versatile.
I agree 100% with your first paragraph, but in terms of tenor mpc materials, because I can play alto and tenor, I prefer a metal mpc and something reasonably well-rounded for post bop jazz; no paint peelers for me. I've used an Otto Link STM 7* for a long time. For alto, I have different preferences for classical vs jazz with non-metal mpc's, but I haven't played classical in so long lol, that I never use those smaller tip openings with harder reeds anymore.
Fascinating discussion - was at Sax uk just the other month demo JODDY jazz Tenor DV and DV HR . Amazing mouth piece and such contrasting sounds . Never even considered a different neck ! Anyway thanks guys - settled on a DV HR by the way best of both for me and the context in where I play . Just another point I have since experimented with reeds and once again such an influence on sound . Have a great weekend all .
Yeah. Gear makes about a 3.7 % differerce. The operative word is "difference" here. It causes you to sound different, but not necessarily better (or worse). It may very well be that the difference is mostly felt by the player, rather than heard by the audience. Also, it would be interesting to hear you play a gear set-up in the style that would suit it. such as: this is a set-up for an smooth 4-piece jazz band, now I swap out the gear to fit the alto pop-rock big stadium, or a set-up to blend into a horn section, and play in that style to emphasis the difference.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Good to hang out with you Jamie - lots of nice comments below; we had a lot of fun making this! Jim
Same here! Lots of fun. Thanks for hosting me! If I don’t see you before, see you in January!
Jamie and Jim, this is one of your best projects, and was such a treat. I'm going to enjoy replaying this several times during my long work commute. THANK YOU!
Glad you enjoyed it so much! Thank you
Great video recently I stayed with a friend whose son had two altos in the house so I could test them one was a beginner Yamaha 270 and the other his new Yani AW01 unfortunately he still had beginners mouthpieces and 2 reeds so couldn't get enough air in them but the Yamaha actually compared well with the yani for its sound but keys aren't so comfortable but couldn't get the yani to sing because of mouthpiece issues. I have a friend with a Yani 901 which has a bronze neck and she produces a nice sound which I attribute to the neck. I play a selmer alto.
All interesting stuff.
I'm so glad you gents don't underestimate how important that it feels to the player is. It changes your playing so THAT sounds different for sure. Obviously with time you sound more and more like yourself on anything but how hard you work to achieve your sound concept is important.
So true.
This was an absolute royal treat to have both Jamie and Jim talking shop. I am soo thrilled right now! thanks so much guys for this awesome video. You guys work well together and give great insight! Love ya!
Thanks so much. 👍
Always look forward to your videos Jamie, but this one was up there with your best. You and Jim did a brilliant job with you as an skilled and talented player and Jim in his "experienced listener mode" reviewing what you each thought of the upgrades that we are often told we need to buy on our saxophone journey to sound better.
Glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏻
Caught that little piece of SAY IT (over and over again) One of my fav Coltrane ballads to play. In your first play
You did it again .
Thanks- was trying to recall where it was from.
Well spotted!
Absolutely fascinating video, thanks to everyone involved in creating it. Thinking of being able to play in a more comfortable a d relaxed state,I would add the neck strap into the mix of changes I consider as a player. Not saying a listener will notice a change - but they might notice you are more relaxed - but as a player the neck strap change I made made a significant difference to me, maybe 20% better following the theme of quantitative differences noted in the video conclusion.
Wow. Interesting! Thanks. 🙏🏻
The first iterations with ligature I felt it was more responsive so the subtlety of the articulations were even better.
Thanks.
This was an amazing video. Very informative and the dual observations are interesting. Bravo!!
Thanks so much
Intermediate skill player here. Don't change gear until you are an intermediate player and obsessed with playing. Then picking a better saxophone and mouthpiece etc will make sense. Note, the obsession of playing is a big part of the deal.
See bass fishers or golfers for reference. 😅
Ha! I hear you.
When you play mellow Jamie you sound so lovely. Excellent experiment. You can't buy your way to excellence!
Thanks so much!
Interesting comparisons! About sax brands: I have been playing a 45 year old Amati alto for almost 20 years. During that time I have played a number of different "student horns," none of which (sound-wise) compared favorably to mine. Last year I played a Selmer Signature --- that was a different story. Wow.
Yeah, nice. 👌🏻
Great stuff. Good point made about synthetic reeds and wider tip openings. Synthetics became a lot more playable for me when dropping tip opening. It’s not a comment I’ve heard much so I’m glad it’s not just me then! 😂
Great point!
I started playing about 4 years ago and watching your you tube channel is how I actually learnt to play. I have tried various mouth pieces and at I am now at a stage I’m playing ok and happy with my sound. I’ve had my set up for 2 years and still consider myself a beginner/ moderate . I am in a band and perform so guess now when do you think about Changing your mouthpiece reed etc if you are actually playing ok.
Don’t change a winning formula I’d say. Or don’t change it too much in one go maybe.
I have tried to do comparisons before and after my lessons. That allows me to compare what I got to what is new at the store. While I used the two mouthpieces I own, I always add to the mix some different mouthpieces the store is offering. Two things stuck out to me. First, the best mouthpiece for one sax model can perform poorly on another. Second, the more expensive sax models may have some better key action, and ergonomics, but they don't necessarily sound better. Only one horn and mouthpiece combo, out of dozens, allowed me to improve my altissimo range, but it didn't do much to improve my lower and middle register sound. For now, I am sticking with my dirt cheap 1959 Conn 16M tenor in bad need of an overhaul (the quote to do the work is 5 x what I paid for the sax), and a Theo Wanne Slant Sig 2 #6 that I got at a deep discount. I have tried many reeds, and for me, it seems that paying a little more for Ishimori Woodstone reeds is worth it. I have tried the Foreststone Black Bamboo synthetic reed, and it is not as good but certainly acceptable. These combinations work for me at this stage, but I can imagine that my improved skills, changes in my body (in your 70s the changes come almost daily), and changes in music tastes, can lead me to a different setup. If you want to change, start with your reed strength, reed brand, and/or reed material. Next change your mouthpiece (you might need different reed). I only considered a new saxophone due to the overhaul cost being the price of a new beginner or intermediate instrument. Now, I am thinking the overhaul maybe the way to go.
Great post, thanks.
Jamey, this is a very good video presentation. Right on time before i start looking for my first pro tenor saxophone 🎷 👌🏾 👍🏾
Great! Awesome
I think given you have a comfortable saxophone to play, the most important thing for me is the mouthpiece, reed and ligature set up. It needs to be comfortable in all registers and allow you to play without fighting the mouthpiece.
On tenor, I prefer a hard rubber mouthpiece. It just feels better and more versatile.
I agree 100% with your first paragraph, but in terms of tenor mpc materials, because I can play alto and tenor, I prefer a metal mpc and something reasonably well-rounded for post bop jazz; no paint peelers for me.
I've used an Otto Link STM 7* for a long time. For alto, I have different preferences for classical vs jazz with non-metal mpc's, but I haven't played classical in so long lol, that I never use those smaller tip openings with harder reeds anymore.
Agreed.
Fascinating discussion - was at Sax uk just the other month demo JODDY jazz Tenor DV and DV HR . Amazing mouth piece and such contrasting sounds . Never even considered a different neck ! Anyway thanks guys - settled on a DV HR by the way best of both for me and the context in where I play . Just another point I have since experimented with reeds and once again such an influence on sound . Have a great weekend all .
Cool. Thanks 🙏
You get the Idea to the sax “summit “from Rick Beato I reckon. Great moves!
🙏🏻
Fantastic comparison, thanks to the both of you! And, please make more J&J (Jamie and Jim) videos in the future :)
Thanks! Ha yeh
the reed seems a little stiff in the low notes. all the rest is great! 😊
Oh thanks!
I bought a better mouthpiece after watching you on here and it’s so much better…I’m still crap but better crap 😂😂😂😂🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷
Better crap. I’ll take it! 🤩
where you getting a little red in the FMaj7 when you started playing...? around 2.17 2.19 min
I always get red in the face!
Yeah. Gear makes about a 3.7 % differerce. The operative word is "difference" here. It causes you to sound different, but not necessarily better (or worse).
It may very well be that the difference is mostly felt by the player, rather than heard by the audience.
Also, it would be interesting to hear you play a gear set-up in the style that would suit it. such as: this is a set-up for an smooth 4-piece jazz band, now I swap out the gear to fit the alto pop-rock big stadium, or a set-up to blend into a horn section, and play in that style to emphasis the difference.
Thanks for the comment and suggestion 🙏
China made sax was horrible during the 1980s which isn't the same story now
True.
nice coltrane bellend bit
Em, not sure if that was a typo, but thanks!