Xaphoon Pocket Sax Demo Lesson 1: "Making a Noise"
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- Опубликовано: 13 июл 2010
- This goes out to all the thousands of beginner Xaphoon players in the world. Even sax and clarinet players might find some of these tips useful, as the Xaphoon is similar to sax, but a bit different. Remember to relax and have enjoy, even if you're just practicing. Music is supposed to be FUN! Hope this helps. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Happy Xaphooning!!! Mucho aloha, Xaphman1
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As a teacher myself, I can recognize a great teacher when I see one. You are awesome. I love your manner of speaking and the information you give on why to do things not just how. I look forward to learning Xaphoon with you. Thank you so much for the videos.
Essentially, crawl before you walk. This guy is a good teacher.
New subscriber here, and proud owner of an old golden Xaphoon Maui. It was at an estate sale, and it's in pristine condition, never played, original reed. The only thing is, I don't know how to play it. I've never played a reed instrument. I play strings...4, 6, 8 and 12 stringed instrumen. And, I'm also a cornet player. I play a vintage restored 1966 Conn 15A Director in gold, exactly the same as the one I learned to play on in 1966. I'll play anything as long as it has three valves, including a valve trumbone...because it has three valves. So, this Maui is a departure from all the brass I've been blowing into since I was ten years old. Thank you for putting up this channel, it is so appreciated. Great set by the way, and the colour coordination of your outfit with the set. And, no microphone to obscure you behind it. I write screenplays and direct, so I know this doesn't happen by accident. Top marks across the board. P.S. You look like John McAfee.
I put a lot of thought into selected the colors for the Color Xaphoons (no longer in production.) I did NOT, however, put any thought at all into the video's background (my living room) or clothing (my favorite aloha shirt.) And the image is reversed, because back in those days, the Macbook's web cam had a mirror image. Anyway, thanks for your comments, and good luck with your "new" Xaphoon.
I just bought my first xaphoon because I can't afford a saxophone because money. This lesson is amazing. I can make enough noise to make the girl in the painting behind you cover her ears. Thanks dude.
Thank you very much. This is a very good piece of explanation on how to make a sound on little sax. Nice tips
Hey-Thanks! Your demonstrations of the details makes this video very, very valuable to me. I’m squirming around wondering whether or not to buy a xaphoon, and now, after watching your video, I’ve taken a step closer to the moment of commitment.
I really like your demonstration. You speak so peacefully and with clarity, really appreciated :)
Thank you. I was thinking of people who are not native English speakers.
Awesome tutorial sir! Now i know exactly what to expect about my new instrument. You Shine! A hug from Brazil!
Very cool. Thank you for the walk through. you had me up and making sound within minutes of getting my xaphoone and I don't know thing 1 about wind instruments.
Starting today
You are my new teatcher😀🎶🎵🎵
Thank you for the lessons🎷😀👏
this and your other video has helped a lot. thanks! looking forward to your next video lesson.
I play flute in our city's symphonic band and recently bought a bass clarinet - my first reed instrument (although I play several other instruments, I've never played a reed one). You've already helped me understand the embrochere. I pulled this up because I just bought a xaphoon and am waiting for it to be delivered (thought maybe the bass clarinet was a little ambitious of me). Anyway, thanks, and am looking forward to more lessons!
Gonna give this a good try and your a easy and very excellent tutor...just listening to you makes it sound so much fun and interesting...Hope we stay in touch...I'm totally a novice at this..Thank you
Great lesson. By the way, love the painting behind you.
Extremely helpful. thank you!
Thanks a lot for the nice and clear tutorial!!
VERY nice video, thank you so much. Please post MORE!
Thanks a lot. Im 40 and first time Gona play this instrument.
hello :) very nice tutorial! i hope you continue the lessons because you seem to be a very good teacher :) i'm looking forward for the next lessons ;) thanks!
Sir, you are a great teacher.... Thank you
You're a very good teacher
Hi peter, I also play the bari sax, and play the tenor sax and a clarinet. The xaphoon uses a reed of a tenor sax, so you wont spoil the embouchoure. Me personally, after playing the clarinet I can have much better control in the bari. Hope this helps :)
my partner owns a wooden C xaphoon. I walk around it watchin it in its nice box sitting in our glass bookshelf for days. Today I took it out and fiddled around. I am total musical noob, I had 0 idea how the heck to play this thing so I found this video. I was surprised on how to actually play it :D I did what you said, blow, xaphoon made TOOT sound and I almost choked how surprised I was it worked :D:D yaaay fun!
Your explaining is very nice for me as a total beginner you just wants to fiddle around with an instrument!
EDIT: ok enough, my head is spinning from trying :D
Your comment made me smile! ;-)
Thank you for your help!
thanks man!!!! love this thing
I found out about the Xaphoon earlier this week, bought it right then, and just now got it in the mail. Since I have never learned a musical instrument, this will be a challenge for me, but a fun challenge. I have allot of catching up to do
How is it going?
Sweet! I'm trying the Xaphoon!
Thanks a lot. It has been very lighting :)
I’ve ordered one, I play clarinet so thanks for the tips! I hope I can transition back and forth to both instruments after a little while lol! I would have liked to hear you play a song.
Hey Glenda May...I just read your message here...and like you I'd like to learn play this flute too
Maybe we can exchange notes and update on our we are learning and progressing on this program
Thanks for the tips
i am glad i saw this - i just ordered one ...and as i play lots of instruments ..i was expecting to blitz this quickly ....think , i might be a bit wrong ! lol
Thank you sir..I learned a lot from you..
Well, finally got mine today. So far, I sound like a wounded moose, but tomorrow I'll bring it in front of the computer and watch you! Thanks, Xaphman! By the way, at least I got a sound out of it, which is more than I can say for the bass clarinet......
I've been playing an Alton for 2 years. I want to try this.
excellent teacher
I look forward to making noise & bring back memories of playing a tin whistle & recorder 😍😁🎷🎷🎷🎶🎵🎼😁😊
I also played recorder in high school, and tinwhistle in my 20's and 30's! Great preparation for Xaphoon. But of course, Xaphoon is more expressive.
Thanks a lot for the tutorial! Ive got mine yesterday, I still sound like vuvuzela :S I hope someday I can play it decently! Hope you can post more tutorials they are really helpfull! :)
I got a Xaphoon for Christmas, but have no idea how to pay it. Didn’t even know it is called a xaphoon, thought it was legitimately called a pocket sax (saxophones are big and expensive but xaphoons aren’t so...). This is a good jumping on point for someone who’s lost and couldn’t tell how to make a single note.
Wow... Nice
What a cool teacher..
I got one a few minutes ago and i did a lot of things wrong before i watched your video.
Thanks!
I'm 60 but I'm quite childish, does that help?
It can't hurt!
@@UkuleleMania1 But mostly it's fantastic
Mine doesnt sound like yours
It may be in a different key, also i put fingers on all the holes and it does the same noise it did before... Am i doing something wrong?
hi, you think this instrument can be something for me as a complement to my barisax. Can playin it affect the bari sound?
Thanks for the great video.
How does the Xaphoon compare to the metal Mini-Sax?
I have never seen or played a metal Mini-Sax. There are many copies, but this is the original.
Holy shit THANK YOU
I've been playing alto and tenor sax for years and can play up and down the instrument no problem. I've been trying to learn to play the xaphoon for over a year, and still cannot play the upper register. I also have an issue where air leaks out around my mouth, no matter how I position it. Is my mouth just anatomically unable to play it or am I doing something wrong?
Getting the higher register (octave) on the Xaphoon is a lot like getting the octave on the sax WITHOUT using the octave key. You have to tighten your lip quite a bit. The best way to practice this is to play the lowest note (the easiest to crack the octave on is the low "C") and jumping from the low to high octave repeatedly. The high notes are kind of shrill, so I only use them occasionally. Since the Xaphoon actually has an octave and a half range, I usually try playing the song in a lower key if possible. As for the air leak issue, it sounds like you're using too tight an embouchure all the time. The Xaphoon normally doesn't require as much lip pressure as a sax, so try relaxing your lip a bit. Hope this helps.
Lesson one annoy the house for it I'll be back.
Hi Xaphman a question I see you have your right hand on top what is the rule because I see alot of people playing with lefthand on top. I have a hard time with my short pinkies to reach. Do you have advise?
This video was made on an old Mac that had a mirror image video camera. I'm actually playing with my left hand on top. It's virtually impossible to play with the right hand on top, and I don't advise trying.
do you have to tighten or loosen the metal screws on the Reed? I'm finding it difficult to get even a note out of this, even though I've watched your video, I'm doing something wrong!
The screws should be finger-tight when you're playing. The reed position is important; it should be 1 millimeter back from the edge of the mouthpiece. (See photos in the instruction booklet.)
do you know where i can get xaphoon tabs?
Thank you for posting this. I just discovered about xaphoon this morning. The sound and music are beautiful from this instrument. I'm a grandma of two, but I'm thinking of learning to play the xaphoon. Any advice on the kind and brand to buy?
Xaphoon® brand is the original, and the best. You can find them HERE: www.xaphoon.com
@@UkuleleMania1 thank you for the information.
How much is the price?
Fellow Grandma here and I've just bought one to learn and enjoy 😉
im really considering getting one .But what key? ive seen them in C and in Eb. what key do you use and why? most of my freinds play in C and in G would i be able (evetually) to jam along with them. thanks for the vid
+Chris Lewis you can essentially jam along in any key but Personally I would go with a c or a g.
The key of "C" is the one I use most. Anyway, the ABS Pocket Sax is only available in "C".
Hello, and excellent video.
Here is a question, do you have to press really hard your bottom lip?
Because it hurts a little.
Does it means i have to create a calluse or something like the guitar?
If you play many hours, your lip might get sore, like your fingers do when you play guitar for a long time. But if your lip is getting sore after only plying a short time, maybe your teeth are not firmly placed on the top of the mouthpiece. If you are not biting the top of the mouthpiece with your teeth, then your lower lip would have to press much harder, which could make your lips sore. Hope this helps.
@@UkuleleMania1 hmm so if I press harder with my teeth on the top, I will have to do less force on the botton?
@@MrLuigge EXACTLY!
Very useful introductory lesson. But beware, I think this is a mirror image (check his shirt buttons), so your Left hand should go at the top, and your right at the bottom. Same as sax and recorder.
Yes.
2:32 If I wasn't awake, I am now! XD
When i got my xaphoon for the first time i cant make any sound then i found your channel now i can, your video is really helpful but im having a hard time controlling lip pressure any tips? Thankyou
Put your TOP TEETH FIRMLY on the top of the mouthpiece, and then your lips will have something solid to press up against. This will require less effort, and allow more control, than trying to clamp the mouthpiece with only your upper and lower lips. Some people can play with only their lips, but it is very difficult, and not recommended for beginners. Hope this helps.
@@UkuleleMania1 do i need to put my bottom teeth also or im just gonna use my lip if bottom?
@@mcm05_ You need to curl your lower lip over your lower teeth. Your lower teeth should NOT touv=ch the reed, only you lip. If you need help, ask a sax or clarinet player. It's almost the same embrochure, but with less lip pressure on Xaphoon.
When making noise I'm unsure about the lower lib that's against the reed. Right now I have my teeth against the top of the mouthpiece and my lower lip between my lower teeth and reed. It kind of feels like I'm biting the inside of my lower lip and because of the biting pressure it kind of hurts.
Also: Right or left hand nearest the mouth?
Left hand is nearest the mouth. The camera on my old MacBook had a reversed mirror image, which is confusing. As for your mouth position, it sounds correct. It sometimes hurts at first (like your fingertips when you start playing guitar) but don't worry... your lips will get stronger with practice.
:0 I made a sound!!
Now just not to get dizzy after holding the note for 3 seconds lol
HINT: More lip pressure means less air flow, because the reed is closed more. It also makes the note clearer and more in tune. If you can't get enough lip pressure, it probably means that you are not placing your teeth directly on the top of the mouthpiece, as you should. Check the photos on the instruction booklet for proper mouth position.
I've played blues harmonica for decades and just purchased a really cheap one of these, I just want to make sure I will keep it up and then invest more $$$
If you got a cheap one, it is probably a fake. I hope the poor quality of the Chinese copy does not discourage you from practicing. Real ones are easier to play.
I'm pretty sure that will be the case but I will get a proper one after I have had a go on this cheapo one!
Hi, thanks for the video. I have a question: is this instrument loud and can you play it softly and quietly. I don't want a divorce!
It's possible to play the Xaphoon much more quietly than a saxophone, but beginners sometimes find it challenging to keep their lip pressure strong when they reduce their breath pressure. With practice, you can play at a mere whisper, which is why many sax players use the Xaphoon to practice at home, instead of sax.
its not that sound strong don't worry
😂
My plastic xaphoon sounds awesome for the first few minutes, but then it starts to squeak and becomes almost impossible to play. I think this is because the inside becomes covered with saliva. Any tips or advice?
swab it ?
I just tried the first time and was able to play a children's song after a few minutes. But now I'm dizzy...
You need to use slightly more lip pressure so the reed is not so wide open. Using more lip pressure will allow you to play with less air. It also will play with a clearer tone, and more in tune. Your lips will get stronger as you practice.
is a xaphoon easier to play than a sax? I can play the flute, but I just can't seem to blow this properly, even though I've tried all the things people have advised to do.
and like the other msg said, I get really dizzy lol.
and how do I know if my instrument is a fake xaphoon? thanks.
how do you place your bottom lip ? curled in ?
Yes.
Hi, thanks for your video, conceptually summarizes a lot, but in my case (I'm a piano player and never played wind instruments but a recorder) I found that you're not explaining the mouth position. The fact of putting your lower lips between your teeths and the instrument it's what makes a lot easier to get clear notes. I found this looking for saxophone lessons on RUclips and until that moment, i became really frustrated with the xaphoon. Thanks
it's difficult
This comment changed it all for me, thank you.
THX
simple question: is your video reverse? because I see you are using your right hand on top, but on every other video I see the lef hand on top..thank for your time
Yes, unfortunately, the video is a mirror image, because it was made on an old Macbook webcam. So the image is reversed. Sorry for the confusion.
@@UkuleleMania1 ok ok thank for the answer, so I do it right!
:)
Hey man!
Ok, so your teeth make contact with the top part of the mouthpiece. Should they make contact with the reed though??
Your teeth should never touch the reed. You have to curl your lower lip over your lower teeth so that only your lips touch the reed. However, if you don't put you upper teeth firmly on the top of the mouthpiece, it's almost impossible to hgetthe correct lip pressure on the reed with your lower lip.
Could you continue the lessons please? I couldn't find anything after lesson 2.
Sorry, I'm not really a teacher. I just did two beginner lessons in three languages several years ago. I sell ukuleles as well as Xaphoons now. And I'm not even sure if I remember the password to this old RUclips account!
@@UkuleleMania1 oh, ok no problem. Thanks for the reply.
alla so cool bro really like your shit man ;))))
i literally get no sound at all out of this stupid instrument. is this normal? ive been doing it for 30minutes and nothing. is it broken or what? it stupidly frustrating
Yes it's defective I'll fix it just send it to me
Nah its not, it took me one day to actually produce sound try making sure your lips are in the proper position
i think i just might know what the problem is cos i got it myself. when i bought it and i kept on blowing and blowing no sound. but i just realise that it had its cap on 😂 how stupid am i. cos i didnt know it was a cap, i just thought its part of the mouthpiece, cos it was like solid stuck together, hard to pull it out. i had to use a plier to force it out. and now it sound thanks to my plier. love u plier
@@fasy16 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂😆😆😆😆😆 thanks man! I needed that laugh you’re awesome!
@BluesTimmie From Wikipedia " The originator, Brian Whitman, who invented the instrument in the 1970s, ..." That's 40 years, Blues. And even if it was in 1979, that would be 32 years.
I cant make sound and Im dizzy; what am I doing wrong?
Probably you are not putting your teeth firmly on the top of the mouthpiece. If you don't bite the top of the mouth piece, it's hard to apply the constant lip pressure to the reed on the bottom. By the way, does your instrument say "Maui Xaphoon" on the back? And do you still have the green instruction booklet that came with it? Pages 3 and 4 explain about mouth position. Hope this helps.
You got the wrong side of Chinese word picture in the background.
The older MacBook cameras made a mirror-image video. It also looks like I'm playing left-handed. I have a newer MacBook now, and the image is not reversed.
I can get a quick high pitched squeak but that’s it.
right and left sides reversed. but actually this is the right hands right. other instrument lecturers should follow this manner.
I blew and blew but didn't get any sound at all, let alone a bad one!
where do i put my tong?
Your tongue should be below the mouthpiece, and not touch the reed except when playing stacatto.
@@UkuleleMania1 thank you
🎵💚🎵💜🎵💙🎵❤
I bought in a music store something similar they called it: saxonet.
1) Is it the same?
2) And also, i got a clarinet reed. is this a mistake?
3) Should i replace it with a sax' reed ?
Thanks❗✔
1. No, it is a fake copy.
2. Buying the instrument was a mistake. I have no idea what reed it takes.
UkuleleMania 👍👍👍
A "saxonet" is not a real Xaphoon. I don't know if it is as easy to play, or if it sounds as good, because I never tried one. The Xaphoon uses a tenor sax reed. I don't know what reed a "saxonet" uses.
UkuleleMania 👍👍👍
Do I have to worry about my neighbors reaction?
mine is shrieking and my dog whimpers so I quit
OK that is not working with me what is the thing that I do rong
Looks as though this guy takes breaks from wrestling crocodiles and going on safaris to play the Xaphoon
is a xaphoon easier to play than a sax? how do I know if my xaphoon is a fake? thanks.
The Xaphoon® is much easier than a sax to play. But if you play sax, it may take a while to get used to the larger mouthpiece and softer embouchure. You can tell a Xaphoon® is real by the logo seal molded into the middle of the back of the instrument. There are more tips here: facebook.com/groups/223551068023600/ And if you buy a Xaphoon® from the official homepage, you know it's real. www.xaphoon.com
it turned out that mine is a fake, so I've ordered a genuine one, a lot more expensive but hopefully worth it, thanks for the advice.
Glad to hear you invested in a real Xaphoon. I'm sure you will find it easier to play than a copy, and probably better sound, too. Happy Xaphooning!
First 25 seconds: "Yes, i AM a child!"
yeah... I'm 43yo too, but whatever.
it hurts :'( feels like overstretching my mouth
YES Play music.
My teeth keeps ringing.. even with a pad lol
U disappeared....
All I get is screeching from mine
You are probably using the wrong lip pressure, or putting your teeth on the reed. Or, it could be a cheap Xaphoon® copy. They are often harder to play than a real one. facebook.com/groups/223551068023600/
You forgot to teach how to bite on the lower teeth. Lower teeth? Lower lip?
you tell me to bite the mouthpiece with my upper teeth but later talk about lip pressure? Sorry. I'm just a beginner and easily confused.
PLEASE SHOW THE HOLE TO FINGER RELATIONS. EMPHASIZE THAT THE THUMB COVERS THE HOLE(S) AT THE BACK. SHOW THEM THESE!
Hole to finger relations: There are nine holes, with one finger per hole. There is only ONE hole at the back, for the LEFT thumb. That is all. (Lesson TWO covers fingering... this lesson (LESSON ONE) is only on making a sound.)
lol, it's funny that you teach people how to play the xaphoon for 25 years but the instrument was only invented 20 years ago
Co bzdety
Polski ogorki
In french please 👌
could a person who has no teeth play this instrument?
Yes, it's possible to play a Xaphoon (or sax, or clarinet) withot teeth, but it requires VERY strong lips. If you are serious, I suggest you ask a clariner or sax teacher.