Speaking as a trumpet player (Remember those guys) there is no greater pleasure than playing with a saxophone player who truly understands his fundamentals. The musicians you love are the musicians who have done the work. My son William(a third generation Trumpet player) will be entering his third year at The Julliard School. Fundamentals are stressed as key to accessing the highest degree of expression. When exploring equipment we should all ask why and what’s the goal. Your intelligent commentary deserves a broader audience. I have subscribed and many thanks sir🙏 With greatest respect Howard
Hey Lowell, in all my years as a pro, you're the first wind player I've encountered that plays the same double as me, horn and saxophone. They each have a unique sound and a unique set of challenges, don't they?
@@multimartinmusic10 I love the French horn so much it is my favorite instrument but it's the hardest instrument for me to play in my personal experience the saxophone is also beautiful instrument but it is so easy to play the keys do all the work while with the horn your mouth does all the work that's a big difference. That's why I stuck with the saxophone it is possible to master the saxophone but it is impossible to master the French horn.
@@multimartinmusic10 I play the soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, and the trumpet. I LOVE the saxophone. I'll keep playing trumpet too, but it is an unforgiving instrument. Being a singer, also. I feel more expressive with the saxophone. Check it Out! Ciao!!!
Small world. I started on French Horn in school. I took up the alto sax after retirement. I’m still learning the sax and now I’m practicing on the clarinet-this is the hardest.
When you still have 10 fingers, you have decent hearing and you can breath, you can learn to play the saxophone and have fun with it. It is not dependent on age. As long as you practize regularly, you will become better.
Thanks for taking the mystic out of music. For too long, some educators and players have done a disservice in starving the student, feeding them garbage which in turn causing the student to lose interest. Again, thanks for not wasting our time and giving us the correct information. You are greatly appreciated!
I knew someone who played a Keilworth tenor and he always had problems with tuning and overtones. Switched to a YTS-875 and the problems vanished. I'm sure there is some way to play them correctly but it escapes me.
Thank you for your videos. I just found your channel this morning and it is great. A couple of years ago I switched from a Selmer C* to a Rousseau #4 with great success. I can't wait to see your book.
Your first point about not being taught properly rings so true. I learned in school band, the instructor was not a sax player. In the 7 years of band classes I never learned anything about overtones, or the quirks of intonation of the instrument. After putting it down for many years I started playing again, and discovered overtones through youtube.... I was already gigging in a band playing guitar and started doubling on alto. We recorded our practice and I was horrified by the tuning of my sax. I sat down with a tuner and realized that you can't just tune one note and blow in tune. I can play in tune now, but it took a LOT of work! This stuff should be taught to all sax students. It's a shame that I had 7 years of band and had to discover it all myself.
Love this. Thanks to my sax brother Fred for sharing this video. I've been saying this stuff for years & some look at me like I'm crazy LOL. But I did learn something about alternate use of the F# key though.
I have just subbed, because I liked number 8, the: too old to play malarkey! I am approaching 52 years old and I have been learning the sax for a month now. I have been uploading videos as a video diary kind of thing. Not only does it help me to track my progress, it might also help another beginner sax player, see that other people struggle as well. I uploaded a video a few days ago ( an improv over a Bb minor backing track ) and another sax player commented underneath my video. The advice that he gave me, has altered and improved my overall sound; it was simple advice, but it has had a huge impact on my sound. Watching this video on the myths, has also helped me; so thanks for that Sirvalorsax. I am now going to have a lil' binge-watch on some more of your videos my friend. I like the no-nonsense way in which you present your ideas.
the mouthpiece tip is very true, i've been playing a hard rubber otto link 8* with d'addario reserve 3 reeds on my soprano for 2 years now, and it allows me to do just about everything from jazz to classical. also very point about Rascher's book- its a hell of an obstacle course. keep up the great content !
The videos in this series must surely be the most informative of all such. I would very much like to know all that could be put into one video about the production of the subtone. And thanks be.
Thanks for always bringing issues to the point. ps - the overtone book works for me fantastic, in fact I became tired of nodding to each point. 😅ps: I am 60 plus - learning - may I add - learn again the disciplin - there are much more distractions than you can think of. I wish I could play in a band but circumstances eg. work abroad are against that.
You're hitting the nail on the head. Without long examples, I don't know how anyone can play through a couple of mpcs and decide wich one is correct. After several weeks on intense playing maybe. It took me two years to figure out how to play my King Siliver Sonic. After six years I got over the horn and it sits on the shelf. I then went to a Chateau S90 Copper bodied horn and started the process all over. Only to learn to play on a refaced Amati Classic mpc that was refaced. Killer setup, and works suberp on a Legere reed. It takes time and effort to have a good to great sound. Hit me up we can chew on this via Skype some time. Keep up the good woork.
one more mouthpiece thought...sometimes a mouthpiece doesn't seem good until you find a reed that really works in it. I have played an Otto Link 6* on tenor for a long time...but I still remember after I bought it, I fought with it for a couple of months until one day I put a reed on it that really just played great! That was enough to make me believe in the mouthpiece...and from there it seemed a bunch easier to find good reeds that worked well...I'm still playing that otto link...
Wow, this is great, I really appreciate this as a beginner. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience, you've found a new subscriber in me.
Great video as always, your wisdom regarding music is fascinating! I think every instrument is equally hard to play because the ones that are easier to start on are harder to master. For instance, anybody can play a tune on a piano but because the instrument has such a long tradition and so many possibilities (e.g. two hands at once - harmony) that no one's ever done everything that's possible with it . Also, like with the saxophone, most people are thaught the basics wrong.
It depends on what you want. If you just want to be able to play some melodies it is not really hard. With some practize you can play decent melodies in a couple of months. But playing the saxophone for real is a whole other balkgame. During the years I realized, this is realky hard. Not specific because of altissimo (I can play some but hardly use them) or overtones (I can play them) but because of the versatility of the instrument. So much to discover. I do remember someone asked me how long I played. I answered: more then 10 years. I got right away the question: Why do you still have lessons? Don't you know it by now? Kind of funny because it is now about 5 years later and many times I still feel like a beginner. But I am loving it.
"An alto sax just isn't a little tenor" lol. Made me smile. Love your vids!!! Thank you for the encouragement. Oh yeah, I have that book. Thank you for the assessment that the fingerings are quite insane.
Regarding the high F# key. I am a multi instrumentalist I learned to play sax in 1990 . Double bass is my main instrument. but when I backpacked traveled I bought a cheap Taiwanese soprano and a flute and travelled with those. When I settle to have a family I got mea B&S East German soprano and student level tenor. Both had no F#key, no modern features. I just got an older Yana soprano with an F#key but no front F and a YTS-62. Because of your review I di get a Vandoren Jumbo Java. It is high baffle but it is also big chamber and not really that open. I almost got a soloist as well from your review for my soprano -- but all I needed was a mouthpiece patch and worked my reeds a bit.. Raising a family plus some dental issues prevented me from playing the sax more but I am back in the saddle. I did learn the lose lip embouchure from you and that changed my playing . I am natural at altissimo even on soprano where it is not really needed (maybe a G or A at the most ). A leaky horn (in the bottom) may not subtone but it sure will get altissimo :) I really like your style of teaching, reviewing and playing. Thanks a lot.
In regards to 13:00, what you are referencing is deceptive advertising which is illegal and regulated by the FTC. A reviewer should disclose their relationship with the company, even if they get free product and actually requires the reviewer to be objective. Legally, can't say things they don't believe. I haven't seen evidence of people overdubbing gear, but I do believe there is a lot of education to be done to help people understand proper practices. good video!
I found your channel a while ago and I'm a big fan. There are some problems with enforcing deceptive advertising though. I hope that things dont get so out of hand that no one can make money off of RUclips or they'll get hit with a COPPA type of fine and content creators wind up suffering
Such a good video man! Thanks so much and from my point of view as a sax student for myself I’m totally agree with you. It’s so sad and disgusting these videos talking about new stuff etc and doesn’t work if you don’t have the acknowledgement. Regards master!
The mouthpiece thing, my alto came with a "jazz" mouthpiece but the guy in the shop advised me to start on a Yamaha 4C, thank goodness, that mouthpiece can handle anything! Oh can I add another one... sax is way easier than clarinet, er, NO IT ISN'T, not if you come from clarinet first!🤭
Rovner deep 'V' tenor mouthpiece!!! yes!!! finally someone knows what it is. sir, if you would, could you talk a bit about it on your channel? i just purchased one last week and am waiting to get home to open it up (i travel for work) and play it. ive done plenty of research on forums and on RUclips but have had little success. i know the history of the mouthpiece, stats and dates... but as i do respect you and your content, i would really appreciate a "review" or discussion about it.
Does anyone know if the Rosemary Lang book of Altissimo fingerings is still available. Have used the Rascher book, along with it, but lost it when I moved. Your point on the 8va key is well put. As a technician of 45 yrs., and studying a lot, I learned the concept of what was termed "the slow leak". The 8va key function is to change the air streams' velocity, to enable better overtone production. By incorporating an ahh, or eee syllable in the mouth, causing the tongue to arch, helps regulate air speed, essential to altiss. production.
Good video...I enjoyed the content! (not so much the commercials :) ) I wonder...for the book(s) you're thinking about...there are two paths... 1. publish it yourself...lots of work, but you keep the most money 2. I wonder if Greg Fishman or Jamey Aebersold would be interested in publishing them?
What you said about high baffles and altissimo, my experience is that it's a bit easier to get the first notes out on a high baffle piece, but to get a good altissimo with notes actually in tune you need good voicing. My Otto Link STM used to frustrate me there, but after experimenting and working with altissimo and voicing, it has a very strong and clear altissimo (much less thin than the metalite I use) BUT requires good voicing to get the notes out. This actually extends downward to all the palm key notes in my experience. Good sound requires good voicing. I'm still working on that good sound...
Maybe you could do a video on your top 5 or 10 books for saxophone? Or perhaps single videos looking at particularly useful books. Alternatively, single videos focusing on specific exercises within books, and how to incorporate these into a practice session. Squeezing the juice out of them, so to speak. For example, the "158 exercises" Rascher book looks good, but the amount of content is just overwhelming, where do you even start with it.
You are the man!! Hey! Does a Conn 10M (1932) have a high F# key? I think not. High F...YES. I love my horn. I hope to get a Ottolink metal mouthpiece some day. I use an Ottolink 7 black rubber mouthpiece now. I've been faithful to practising overtones, but I can't easily get notes higher than the 4th overtone above the low, original note. Is that normal? My band mates are saying my tone is veey nice. I attribute it to the practice of overtones.. Thank you for your great videos.
Hey dude, this was a really helpful video! I do struggle with my tenor (I'm an alto player, tenor's my double), because I play on the Selmer C* mpc that came with it. I really think this is (at least in part) due to the mouthpiece. I remember when I switched to a Meyer 6 for my alto, and I instantly fell in love with the thing. The tenor I still struggle with, because too often I find that the tipopening is too small, and I just don't seem to be able to get the sound out of it that's in my head. In this case I really think that the new mouthpiece will help solve these problems. Would you agree?
@@Sirvalorsax I wasn't very sure. It's for playing in a big band, I play 1st tenor there, and I was kinda looking for that mellow sound, but also be able to really power through some stuff (we sometimes play some rock tunes with that band too). I was thinking of getting a Berg Larsen steel, but what do you think?
I agree with you 100% woodwinds are particularly easy because there's so many keys and they do all the work but brass instruments are very difficult because there's usually three or five valves and the mouth has to do the rest of the work woodwinds are easy brass instruments are very very difficult. But I still prefer the Sax family. Brass instruments are great way to become very very frustrated.
I'm working on a video that more fully explores the difficulty of playing saxophone. I do agree that the physical effort of playing brass instruments is more difficult that woodwinds
I played Saxophone for a year in school band a couple years ago, I play other instruments and know a lot of theory and I want to restart saxophone but how do I start learning it again correctly to avoid unlearning everything?
Mostly you should focus on learning the standard embouchure along with the lip out embouchure for long tones and overtones. Even if you aren't that good with it in the beginning, you won't struggle down the road when it comes to more advanced technique
Thank you for your knowledge. I feel the same although I have a selmer 54 alto. I would like to know if you give classes on line. I am from Sri lanka and there is no sax teacher to be found here. Even half hour class. Thanks. Pls let me know.
For me, starting out. I chose to spend a little bit more on a yamaha YAS280 then ending up with a cheap sax that might be giving me problems that i wont recognise being a learner. I want everything in my favour. A skilled saxophonist can get a tune out of a cheap sax. A beginner may well fight the whole way with a poorly made instrument and be put off.
Might it have been Earl Bostic's "Up there in Orbit", played entirely in the altissimo range, recorded Oct. 10, 1958. ruclips.net/video/gmNcw2rt1J4/видео.html. Earl's dates are April 25, 1913 - October 28, 1965. Legendary alto player in the 30's, '40's and beyond. Read about him in Wikipedia and this college honors theses, wesscholar.wesleyan.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1786&context=etd_hon_theses.
CORECTION: He starts getting into altissimo about 1:35, meas. 135. After that -> is he human? A transcription: charlesmcneal.com/uploads/UpThereInOrbit_EarlBostic.pdf. Correct? I'll never know.
So if I just want to fool around and play basic sax can I get away with using an inexpensive , under $300, Chinese/India Sax? Currently having fun with an Aerophone Go. Thank you
I would recommend against it if you are from the USA or any place where the cost of repairing it exceeds the value of the sax.. I would suggest a good used sax for a little more money.
Sirvalorsax thanks man, but too late. My crazy ass stumbled on a deal that seems WAY too good to be true on eBay. $100 Tenor Sax Brand New free shipping included. I’m QUITE Dubious. But with eBay being the way they are I think it’s worth the gamble. Also I’m an ex machinist/tool and die maker so adjusting pads and Getting rid of play in spots should be well within my wheelhouse. Of course if it’s a total pile of rubble it will go right back. Why do I even want a real Sax when I have the Aerophone..... the Aerophone lets me CHEAT and not use tongue . I’m thinking I can’t cheat a real Sax .started playing Organ in 73, then guitar in 83 and in 92 added Mandolin to list of instruments I play, tried and FAILED with Violin and Aerophone/Sax latest MAD idea to add to my abilities. Thanks again for your help and info. Only about 2 weeks in on Aerophone but already got a grasp on things and learning Harlem Nocturne in between practicing scales
hi! i bought a rico metalite m5 alto mouthpiece and using a rico reeds 2.5. im making a sound from it but its kinda restrictive for me. i need to blow hard to make a sound. should i change to a softer reeds and what reed should i buy? thanks
![[4K] Watch SpaceX Catch A Starship Rocket From Space!!! #IFT5](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pIKI7y3DTXk/mqdefault.jpg)
Probably the most underrated saxophone channel in existence....
This guy is really good!!
SirValor - he's a pro - AND he plays in tune. Plus he's not trying to sell you a Reedgeek!
LOL!! Thanks
Started playing alto sax at 76 I love it at it now for 3 years still a lot to learn
Cool
Cool
That helps a lot. Thank You
I started at 50yrs of age. Love my sax, love your channel a fantastic source of knowledge
Great to hear!
Speaking as a trumpet player
(Remember those guys) there is no greater pleasure than playing with a saxophone player who truly understands his fundamentals. The musicians you love are the musicians who have done the work. My son William(a third generation Trumpet player) will be entering his third year at The Julliard School. Fundamentals are stressed as key to accessing the highest degree of expression. When exploring equipment we should all ask why and what’s the goal.
Your intelligent commentary deserves a broader audience.
I have subscribed and many thanks sir🙏 With greatest respect
Howard
As a fellow sax player I agree, easiest to learn hardest to master. It's really quite a process.
The saxophone is an easy instrument to play badly. I prove that everyday. Unlike the French horn, which took me a long time to play badly.
Hey Lowell, in all my years as a pro, you're the first wind player I've encountered that plays the same double as me, horn and saxophone. They each have a unique sound and a unique set of challenges, don't they?
@@multimartinmusic10 I love the French horn so much it is my favorite instrument but it's the hardest instrument for me to play in my personal experience the saxophone is also beautiful instrument but it is so easy to play the keys do all the work while with the horn your mouth does all the work that's a big difference. That's why I stuck with the saxophone it is possible to master the saxophone but it is impossible to master the French horn.
@@multimartinmusic10 I play the soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, and the trumpet. I LOVE the saxophone. I'll keep playing trumpet too, but it is an unforgiving instrument. Being a singer, also. I feel more expressive with the saxophone. Check it Out! Ciao!!!
Wtf I played French horn for a long time and then started on saxophone too
Small world. I started on French Horn in school. I took up the alto sax after retirement. I’m still learning the sax and now I’m practicing on the clarinet-this is the hardest.
When you still have 10 fingers, you have decent hearing and you can breath, you can learn to play the saxophone and have fun with it. It is not dependent on age.
As long as you practize regularly, you will become better.
Thanks for taking the mystic out of music. For too long, some educators and players have done a disservice in starving the student, feeding them garbage which in turn causing the student to lose interest. Again, thanks for not wasting our time and giving us the correct information.
You are greatly appreciated!
Thanks for watching 😀
I started on the alto a few months ago at 32 years old. I do find the content on this channel really good and helpful. Thanks!
What a great concept "Playing Da Mouthpiece" ☄🎷
Hey Sirvalorsax! Great advice. I love your honest, down to earth advice! Yeah I'm looking forward to getting my hand on your books!!! 😁
I had an SX90R tenor- no end of problems. Now when I play tenor it's an old YTS23 with a Lawton - sounds great!
I knew someone who played a Keilworth tenor and he always had problems with tuning and overtones. Switched to a YTS-875 and the problems vanished. I'm sure there is some way to play them correctly but it escapes me.
Top teacher - love his vids. AHHH that funny piano in the background !!!!
"Saxophone Snobbery?!?!?" That's a new one 😳😂😂😂
Start a Patreon and we'll fund your mouthpiece buying endeavors.
Im.looking into it. Thanks
Excellant advice and info. Thanks
Excellent. I look forward to your Altissimo book
Brilliant. Once again. Thank You!!
Thank you too!
Thank you for your videos. I just found your channel this morning and it is great. A couple of years ago I switched from a Selmer C* to a Rousseau #4 with great success. I can't wait to see your book.
Can't wait for your books!
As always, calm and sincere. You are a valued source of information.
Thanks
"That book is not easy" - you said it brother!
Your first point about not being taught properly rings so true. I learned in school band, the instructor was not a sax player. In the 7 years of band classes I never learned anything about overtones, or the quirks of intonation of the instrument. After putting it down for many years I started playing again, and discovered overtones through youtube....
I was already gigging in a band playing guitar and started doubling on alto. We recorded our practice and I was horrified by the tuning of my sax. I sat down with a tuner and realized that you can't just tune one note and blow in tune. I can play in tune now, but it took a LOT of work!
This stuff should be taught to all sax students. It's a shame that I had 7 years of band and had to discover it all myself.
Well done man! Very down to earth and real!
Thanks
Thank you for your honesty and humanity . It goes a long way in this world today. 🎷🎧🌺
Thanks
Well said man. Love this video.
Thank you for this video. You’ve really touched on some great points throughout this video.
GoodSir, very nice thanks. Nothin is easy to play well.
Love this. Thanks to my sax brother Fred for sharing this video. I've been saying this stuff for years & some look at me like I'm crazy LOL. But I did learn something about alternate use of the F# key though.
😎
Morgan Freeman - of the sax world / luv your no nonsense pearls of wisdom - you no your stuff Thks for posting musical regards Paul
I have just subbed, because I liked number 8, the: too old to play malarkey! I am approaching 52 years old and I have been learning the sax for a month now. I have been uploading videos as a video diary kind of thing. Not only does it help me to track my progress, it might also help another beginner sax player, see that other people struggle as well.
I uploaded a video a few days ago ( an improv over a Bb minor backing track ) and another sax player commented underneath my video. The advice that he gave me, has altered and improved my overall sound; it was simple advice, but it has had a huge impact on my sound.
Watching this video on the myths, has also helped me; so thanks for that Sirvalorsax. I am now going to have a lil' binge-watch on some more of your videos my friend. I like the no-nonsense way in which you present your ideas.
the mouthpiece tip is very true, i've been playing a hard rubber otto link 8* with d'addario reserve 3 reeds on my soprano for 2 years now, and it allows me to do just about everything from jazz to classical. also very point about Rascher's book- its a hell of an obstacle course. keep up the great content !
As an adult dabbler in alto and tenor sax for several years, I must say .. good stuff man; good luck to you!. 👍
Thank you bro. Waiting on that book . Thank you in advance
This is why you’re my favorite saxophone RUclipsr by a long shot. Thanks for another great video
Thanks
Superb content, he's very interesting and knowledgeable👍
Glad you liked it, thanks
Thanks for this.
😀
Thanks man, great!!👍
The videos in this series must surely be the most informative of all such. I would very much like to know all that could be put into one video about the production of the subtone. And thanks be.
A subtone video is in my lineup. Thanks for the suggestion
Great advice!
Thanks for watching!
Looking forward to your mouthpiece book!
Thanks for always bringing issues to the point.
ps - the overtone book works for me fantastic, in fact I became tired of nodding to each point.
😅ps: I am 60 plus - learning - may I add - learn again the disciplin - there are much more distractions than you can think of. I wish I could play in a band but circumstances eg. work abroad are against that.
You're hitting the nail on the head. Without long examples, I don't know how anyone can play through a couple of mpcs and decide wich one is correct. After several weeks on intense playing maybe. It took me two years to figure out how to play my King Siliver Sonic. After six years I got over the horn and it sits on the shelf. I then went to a Chateau S90 Copper bodied horn and started the process all over. Only to learn to play on a refaced Amati Classic mpc that was refaced. Killer setup, and works suberp on a Legere reed. It takes time and effort to have a good to great sound. Hit me up we can chew on this via Skype some time. Keep up the good woork.
Thank you for sharing your video. Very interesting video
one more mouthpiece thought...sometimes a mouthpiece doesn't seem good until you find a reed that really works in it. I have played an Otto Link 6* on tenor for a long time...but I still remember after I bought it, I fought with it for a couple of months until one day I put a reed on it that really just played great! That was enough to make me believe in the mouthpiece...and from there it seemed a bunch easier to find good reeds that worked well...I'm still playing that otto link...
I should have mentioned that in the video
Wow, this is great, I really appreciate this as a beginner. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience, you've found a new subscriber in me.
Extremely insightful, especially about product sponsors. Thank you for opening my eyes a little more 🙏🙏
You are awesome Sirvalorsax! So much great advice
I appreciate that!
Always interesting and relevant content. Thank you for passing on your experience and knowledge.
I appreciate that!
Great video as always, your wisdom regarding music is fascinating!
I think every instrument is equally hard to play because the ones that are easier to start on are harder to master. For instance, anybody can play a tune on a piano but because the instrument has such a long tradition and so many possibilities (e.g. two hands at once - harmony) that no one's ever done everything that's possible with it . Also, like with the saxophone, most people are thaught the basics wrong.
Well said!
I like your videos and I am just happy for you to make great videos
Thank you so much 😀
Excellent information, thank you SIR !
Great video. You give Hope and inspiration to the average sax player.
Wow, thank you!
a lot of people pushing the SYOS mpc. now.Been playing my Guardala old studio MPC. since 1989 . Still love it!
I have yet to try one. I'd rather have a Guardala though
Just earned yourself a subscriber!!
I was always taught, the sax is easy to play badly.
It is!
It depends on what you want. If you just want to be able to play some melodies it is not really hard. With some practize you can play decent melodies in a couple of months.
But playing the saxophone for real is a whole other balkgame. During the years I realized, this is realky hard. Not specific because of altissimo (I can play some but hardly use them) or overtones (I can play them) but because of the versatility of the instrument. So much to discover. I do remember someone asked me how long I played. I answered: more then 10 years. I got right away the question: Why do you still have lessons? Don't you know it by now?
Kind of funny because it is now about 5 years later and many times I still feel like a beginner. But I am loving it.
I can only talk about the last one about reviews.
My approach is basically filter out whatever they say and just listen to the sound they produce
"An alto sax just isn't a little tenor" lol. Made me smile. Love your vids!!! Thank you for the encouragement. Oh yeah, I have that book. Thank you for the assessment that the fingerings are quite insane.
I find the alto much more difficult then the tenor even though I started on the alto!
Regarding the high F# key. I am a multi instrumentalist I learned to play sax in 1990 . Double bass is my main instrument. but when I backpacked traveled I bought a cheap Taiwanese soprano and a flute and travelled with those. When I settle to have a family I got mea B&S East German soprano and student level tenor. Both had no F#key, no modern features. I just got an older Yana soprano with an F#key but no front F and a YTS-62. Because of your review I di get a Vandoren Jumbo Java. It is high baffle but it is also big chamber and not really that open. I almost got a soloist as well from your review for my soprano -- but all I needed was a mouthpiece patch and worked my reeds a bit.. Raising a family plus some dental issues prevented me from playing the sax more but I am back in the saddle. I did learn the lose lip embouchure from you and that changed my playing .
I am natural at altissimo even on soprano where it is not really needed (maybe a G or A at the most ). A leaky horn (in the bottom) may not subtone but it sure will get altissimo :)
I really like your style of teaching, reviewing and playing. Thanks a lot.
I've been noticing that commercial inside of a commercial for a while. Thanks for mentioning that!
Yeah number 8 is a myth. Thanks for that one. Really good information. 🎤🎷
"It has too many damn buttons!!" - I hold this one dear. My trumpet's only got 3!
LOL
I can’t wait to check out your book/s.
Looking forward to your books. Keep up the good work!
I play an Selmer LT alto mouthpiece and the altissimo pops right out. Not so on the D'Addario mouthpiece. So there!
In regards to 13:00, what you are referencing is deceptive advertising which is illegal and regulated by the FTC. A reviewer should disclose their relationship with the company, even if they get free product and actually requires the reviewer to be objective. Legally, can't say things they don't believe. I haven't seen evidence of people overdubbing gear, but I do believe there is a lot of education to be done to help people understand proper practices. good video!
I found your channel a while ago and I'm a big fan. There are some problems with enforcing deceptive advertising though. I hope that things dont get so out of hand that no one can make money off of RUclips or they'll get hit with a COPPA type of fine and content creators wind up suffering
8:34 Paul Perez of TOP has some great insights about those fingerings. There is some merit to look at a different fingering set for modern situations
I recently bought his altissimo book
Good information...thanks...
Such a good video man! Thanks so much and from my point of view as a sax student for myself I’m totally agree with you. It’s so sad and disgusting these videos talking about new stuff etc and doesn’t work if you don’t have the acknowledgement. Regards master!
The mouthpiece thing, my alto came with a "jazz" mouthpiece but the guy in the shop advised me to start on a Yamaha 4C, thank goodness, that mouthpiece can handle anything! Oh can I add another one... sax is way easier than clarinet, er, NO IT ISN'T, not if you come from clarinet first!🤭
Rovner deep 'V' tenor mouthpiece!!! yes!!! finally someone knows what it is. sir, if you would, could you talk a bit about it on your channel? i just purchased one last week and am waiting to get home to open it up (i travel for work) and play it. ive done plenty of research on forums and on RUclips but have had little success. i know the history of the mouthpiece, stats and dates... but as i do respect you and your content, i would really appreciate a "review" or discussion about it.
I haven't been able to find a new one in years, where did you get yours?
@@Sirvalorsax i won it at auction. have high hopes for it but i'm interested to know what your over all experience was with it
Wanna hear the word" piece of Cake again"". ✌️✌️✌️👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Another informative video. BTW, no high F# on my King Super20 SilverSonic Tenor that I purchased new in 1968. :)
Does anyone know if the Rosemary Lang book of Altissimo fingerings is still available. Have used the Rascher book, along with it, but lost it when I moved. Your point on the 8va key is well put. As a technician of 45 yrs., and studying a lot, I learned the concept of what was termed "the slow leak". The 8va key function is to change the air streams' velocity, to enable better overtone production. By incorporating an ahh, or eee syllable in the mouth, causing the tongue to arch, helps regulate air speed, essential to altiss. production.
Real talk.
Love your videos! Do you every play alto? If so would like to see some videos on alto.
Sometimes, I'm still looking at getting a new one
Wish I could take a lessons from you!
you so cool I don't care if lots of commercials are starting to come up. peace
Thanks
Good video...I enjoyed the content! (not so much the commercials :) )
I wonder...for the book(s) you're thinking about...there are two paths...
1. publish it yourself...lots of work, but you keep the most money
2. I wonder if Greg Fishman or Jamey Aebersold would be interested in publishing them?
Ill look into that, thanks for the suggestion
Keep it up! Sounds so good!
What you said about high baffles and altissimo, my experience is that it's a bit easier to get the first notes out on a high baffle piece, but to get a good altissimo with notes actually in tune you need good voicing. My Otto Link STM used to frustrate me there, but after experimenting and working with altissimo and voicing, it has a very strong and clear altissimo (much less thin than the metalite I use) BUT requires good voicing to get the notes out. This actually extends downward to all the palm key notes in my experience. Good sound requires good voicing. I'm still working on that good sound...
Looking forward to your book on rocking the mouthpiece! But please - no background music, thanks!
i heard the idea bell and then LOOKED EVERY WHERE on my computer and phone for a notification....
Top Tones is hard as hell!
LOL!! Yes it is
Maybe you could do a video on your top 5 or 10 books for saxophone? Or perhaps single videos looking at particularly useful books.
Alternatively, single videos focusing on specific exercises within books, and how to incorporate these into a practice session. Squeezing the juice out of them, so to speak. For example, the "158 exercises" Rascher book looks good, but the amount of content is just overwhelming, where do you even start with it.
WE WANT THE BOOK NOW
Aww man, believe me I want it on the market now also
You are the man!!
Hey! Does a Conn 10M (1932) have a high F# key? I think not. High F...YES.
I love my horn. I hope to get a Ottolink metal mouthpiece some day. I use an Ottolink 7 black
rubber mouthpiece now. I've been faithful to practising overtones, but I can't easily get notes higher than the 4th overtone above the low, original note. Is that normal?
My band mates are saying my tone is veey nice. I attribute it to the practice of overtones..
Thank you for your great videos.
Hey dude, this was a really helpful video! I do struggle with my tenor (I'm an alto player, tenor's my double), because I play on the Selmer C* mpc that came with it. I really think this is (at least in part) due to the mouthpiece. I remember when I switched to a Meyer 6 for my alto, and I instantly fell in love with the thing. The tenor I still struggle with, because too often I find that the tipopening is too small, and I just don't seem to be able to get the sound out of it that's in my head. In this case I really think that the new mouthpiece will help solve these problems. Would you agree?
Yes. The Selmer C* is very specific to classical saxophone. Which tenor mouthpiece are you looking to get?
@@Sirvalorsax I wasn't very sure. It's for playing in a big band, I play 1st tenor there, and I was kinda looking for that mellow sound, but also be able to really power through some stuff (we sometimes play some rock tunes with that band too). I was thinking of getting a Berg Larsen steel, but what do you think?
Great vid! My only possible disagreement is #1. As a trumpet player/sax player, I find the trumpet wayyyyy harder to play well than my sax.
I agree with you 100% woodwinds are particularly easy because there's so many keys and they do all the work but brass instruments are very difficult because there's usually three or five valves and the mouth has to do the rest of the work woodwinds are easy brass instruments are very very difficult. But I still prefer the Sax family. Brass instruments are great way to become very very frustrated.
I'm working on a video that more fully explores the difficulty of playing saxophone. I do agree that the physical effort of playing brass instruments is more difficult that woodwinds
I played Saxophone for a year in school band a couple years ago, I play other instruments and know a lot of theory and I want to restart saxophone but how do I start learning it again correctly to avoid unlearning everything?
Mostly you should focus on learning the standard embouchure along with the lip out embouchure for long tones and overtones. Even if you aren't that good with it in the beginning, you won't struggle down the road when it comes to more advanced technique
Whose photo is on the wall? and I liked the mess I had before ahahahahahaha eternal health
Have you played the Jody jazz jet tenor mouthpiece and have an opionion on it?
Thank you for your knowledge. I feel the same although I have a selmer 54 alto. I would like to know if you give classes on line. I am from Sri lanka and there is no sax teacher to be found here. Even half hour class. Thanks. Pls let me know.
No, sorry. I'm working on it for the future though
@@Sirvalorsax ok. Thanks for considering. 👍🎷🎶♥️ stay safe
Can someone give me some advice? I play the alto sax since 5 years and i want to move to Tenor, do you know any good but cheap horns?
The Jean Paul ts-400 is a great start for tenor. It well exceeds any other tenor in the similar price range. $600-$800.
@@Samcatiscool okay thanks man
A nice used Grassi Pro 2000
For me, starting out. I chose to spend a little bit more on a yamaha YAS280 then ending up with a cheap sax that might be giving me problems that i wont recognise being a learner. I want everything in my favour.
A skilled saxophonist can get a tune out of a cheap sax. A beginner may well fight the whole way with a poorly made instrument and be put off.
teacher you know or remember in the 30s or 40s there was a saxophonist who played loudly who played a song entirely on high notes
Might it have been Earl Bostic's "Up there in Orbit", played entirely in the altissimo range, recorded Oct. 10, 1958. ruclips.net/video/gmNcw2rt1J4/видео.html. Earl's dates are April 25, 1913 - October 28, 1965. Legendary alto player in the 30's, '40's and beyond. Read about him in Wikipedia and this college honors theses, wesscholar.wesleyan.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1786&context=etd_hon_theses.
CORECTION: He starts getting into altissimo about 1:35, meas. 135. After that -> is he human? A transcription: charlesmcneal.com/uploads/UpThereInOrbit_EarlBostic.pdf. Correct? I'll never know.
Ill check out the recording
Umm Yeh!!!!! WOW, it sounds like he's having a lot of fun on that gig!!
Why don't you self publish with Amazon?
So if I just want to fool around and play basic sax can I get away with using an inexpensive , under $300, Chinese/India Sax?
Currently having fun with an Aerophone Go. Thank you
Good question
I would recommend against it if you are from the USA or any place where the cost of repairing it exceeds the value of the sax.. I would suggest a good used sax for a little more money.
Sirvalorsax thanks man, but too late. My crazy ass stumbled on a deal that seems WAY too good to be true on eBay. $100 Tenor Sax Brand New free shipping included. I’m QUITE Dubious. But with eBay being the way they are I think it’s worth the gamble. Also I’m an ex machinist/tool and die maker so adjusting pads and Getting rid of play in spots should be well within my wheelhouse. Of course if it’s a total pile of rubble it will go right back. Why do I even want a real Sax when I have the Aerophone..... the Aerophone lets me CHEAT and not use tongue . I’m thinking I can’t cheat a real Sax .started playing Organ in 73, then guitar in 83 and in 92 added Mandolin to list of instruments I play, tried and FAILED with Violin and Aerophone/Sax latest MAD idea to add to my abilities. Thanks again for your help and info. Only about 2 weeks in on Aerophone but already got a grasp on things and learning Harlem Nocturne in between practicing scales
hi! i bought a rico metalite m5 alto mouthpiece and using a rico reeds 2.5. im making a sound from it but its kinda restrictive for me. i need to blow hard to make a sound. should i change to a softer reeds and what reed should i buy? thanks
I would try softer reeds
I think people say they are "too old" because the impression is that the saxophone is easy to play and people think they should better than they are.