SOTW new member introductions Q1 2009

[sax4fun]

Hi, just joined the forum after looking up for info on Grassi saxes!
I teach and perform on alto tenor and occasionally soprano, and work as a vocalist too. Cheers and happy new year!

[JoelLancaster]

Happy New Year All,
I recently started playing my Alto again and stumbled across the wonderful site. My daughter recently started playing the Oboe, which got me itching to play again. (30 year between my last attempt!)

Thanks for all the wonderful information.

Joel Lancaster, PA

[KaitlinOnBari]

Hello=]
My Name is Kaitlin. I'm a first year saxophone player. I play the wonderfull Bari =D
I can also play tenor, but I'm not as good wiht that. Lol.
Before The Saxophone I was playing the guuitar in my school band. But I was asked to switch.

I find the saxophone to be alot more fun. I plan on Studying The saxophone and cello as my instruments when i go to university in about 4 years Haha.

I'm looking forward to meeting more advanced players and maybe getting tome good tips.=D

Take care everyone =D

[saxmanglen]

The name says it all!


Welcome aboard!

[CraigH]

Hi everyone. My name is Craig Hietpas and I am a saxophonist and band director in Kimberly, Wisconsin. I've read many of the posts in this forum for the past year or so and I finally signed up. I'm happy and proud to be a member of the saxophone community.

Happy New Year!

Craig

[HamboneMalone]

Hi All, Tim Hampton here, After landing one of the coolest jobs I've ever had, I work for Music Medic (ya know, the place for Roo Pads!) I've gotten back into playing the Sax again after 20+ yrs. I've been practicing on an Alto that Curt has loaned me and just bought a Bundy ll alto of my own off Craigslist I'm waiting for my sister to bring it out to the coast where I'm currently at. Hopefully it's in decent shape but, then again, not to worry too much, as I work for the country's best repair shop! Greetings to all and looking foward to enjoying the Forums here.

[ertaylor]

Hi, name is Rob Taylor. I started a second career as a High School Music teacher, but didn't play any woodwinds. I picked up a sax to familiarize myself with the instrument and fell in love. I'm a new player but not a new musician, but still have a lot to learn. I look forward to talking to some of you and hopefully learn a great deal along the way.

[esoteric]

Hello all. I've lurked this site for a long time and finally decided to join. happy new year!

[Jason London]

Greetings,

Been a lurker for quite sometime, but decided I had better join. There are to many good threads to not take part in.

-Jason

[fuzzy4870]

Happy New Year to All
After spending the last 35 to 40 years with no music in my life sent away and got an Alto. Thought it might be a good diversion. Last 4 years have been living and working in Iraq so thought it may be relaxing. First note and I am hooked.

[warp x]

Happy 2009 to you all and welcome to the forum!

[gary3911]

Hi.
Happy new year.

[jacobshulman]

Hi, I'm Jacob Shulman, I have been playing for 2 years and I'm a freshman at the LA county high school for the arts (for jazz sax of course)
Check out some of the other players at my school
lachsamusic.org

[dwshell]

Hey, my name is Derek Shell. I've been playing saxophone for 8 years, and I'm looking forward to starting college to be a Music Education major soon. I recently got a very nice Selmer Reference 54 alto saxophone, and I play it with a Selmer S80 mouthpiece. I'm looking forward to being a member and learning even more about the saxophone!

[alexcoconuts]

Yeah, I've been lurking around for awhile and finally decided to join. I'm Alex, and I play the alto in my high school band. Although I might be made to switch to french horn next semester...eww brass :D

[Shaneygrog]

Hi, Shane here and looking to buy my first sax. Was interested in the Morphine thread and joined so I could add to it as I saw them play many years ago. I'm looking for a good 2nd hand tenor here in Melbourne then I should be on my way. Can't wait. Cheers all.... ;)

[Danishsaxguy]

Hi All!

My name is David, i am 16 years old, and i come from Denmark, Scandinavia. I've been playing for about three and a half years, starting on alto saxophone. After getting to know the sax better, my band leader incouraged me to try the tenor saxophone, so now i am playing both alto and tenor! I've been told not to play both in many occasions, but thats what i feel i should do, and thats what im going for! In my opinion, i am becoming a more versatile saxophonist by playing both.

Since early summer 2008, i've been practicing multiple hours every day, in order to get as good as possible and hopefully make a living out of music. Teaching, playing or whatever :).

At the moment i play in three big bands, a saxophone quartet, a band with some of my friends, and i attend lessons at the local music school. Also, i love jazz and love listening to it. Biggest idols are John Coltrane and Charlie Parker (of course?), but i listen to a lot of other great saxophonists too.

A quite long introduction... :/

Happy New Year!

Greetings from Denmark

[dgsVI]

Recently pick up the horn again after letting 'life' get in the way for too long. ;)

This past weekend, I recieved my Grandfather's old Buescher and began researching a bit to help identify it. That's how I came upon this place. I remember peeking in at some point a couple of years ago, but got busy with 'life', but now I'm back with a renewed interest plus a family heirloom that badly needs some TLC. More about it in an appropriate forum, yet to be located by me. :grin:

[UnTalMau]

Hi,

I'm new and want to join and participate on this forum. I play tenor and try to learn doing some jazz.

Good day and happy new year ! ! !

Mau.

[andre251]

Hello, I am a new member!

[nedgoold]

goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooold

[nedgoold]

I want to speak french. Those sax quartet guys are something else.

[milomo]

goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooold

Oh my god.

[andre251]

I guess i should say a little about myself.
I am a graduate saxophone jazz student. I have an assistantship thing.
This is my 12th year playing saxophone and 17th on clarinet.
*though i am not good on clarinet*

I am primarily a Jazz Saxophone player on tenor saxophone. There are a few recordings of me playing on my myspace page under my signature.
*the recording are done in a studio, but not exactly professionally*

I am hoping to make some good connections on this forum while learning a little bit more about saxophone and about the most modern accessories.

So please, i hope everyone warms me welcomely and, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
:D8-)

[Bowiers]

Hi All, I'm new here. From Buenos Aires. I play alto and soprano. Cheers!

[nedgoold]

Oh my god.

that's right! lots of laughs comin.

[MikeSmith]

Hello all,
I am fifty something and have a grand total of three months experience playing (I use the term very loosely)the sax.
Never played an instrument or learned to read music. Should be fun!!!!
I am having lessons, and find the whole experience totally addictive. Practice every day sometimes to the detriment of other things, you know, Wife, Work, Food, etc.
Mind you my wife doesn't mind. She likes the idea of me being in the spare bedroom (To practice ok?) rather than down the pub.
I've already posted under "What was your first sax".

This is a far superior forum to the other one I found that didn't work properly and all they did was moan and argue about the places things should be posted under instead of talk Sax.
In a few years time I might have enough playing ability to post something of use.
Till then, Keep on playing Good Luck

[MikeSmith]

Happy New Year to All
After spending the last 35 to 40 years with no music in my life sent away and got an Alto. Thought it might be a good diversion. Last 4 years have been living and working in Iraq so thought it may be relaxing. First note and I am hooked.

Ditto, without the Iraq bit

[milomo]

that's right! lots of laughs comin.

Well sure, because you're really good.

[SamuelFB]

Hello, everyone. I started playing the (alto) sax just under a year ago. I decided to join these forums to seek extra guidance with music reading (I'm also learning from a book and my teacher). I tend to listen more to jazz and experimental stuff (Charlie Parker's playing was the main reason I picked up the sax, but Clinton Bär McKinnon's tone also influenced my decision). I'm not that great at playing, but it's just for the fun.

[Unstepped]

Noob here. Just got my Horn this week, managed to get some sound and clear notes on first attempt which was funky. Currently learning to read sheet music ( late bloomer of 21 !!). Hopefully attending University this year to study Psychology and will be playing the sax constantly regardless of how the Animals in the house feel...

[barrett tsuji]

hello everyone glad to be here! expect highly partisan controversial posts from me in the future(but I will not be controversial for controversy's sake and sometimes I might even be thoughtful)

[modalconfusion]

Hi all, I got here after following a link to gather information on the TC Helicon personal monitors.
So will stick around and see how things pan out, as my instrument of choice is the guitar.

[MarcT]

Hi All

Just say hello i'm new to the sax i've been a lover of it since i was a kid and now have the chance to play and as such found my self here...

I'm sure i'll be staying here a little longer ;)


Regards

[BBlow]

Hi, just re-joined after a long absence. I am a 35 year plus experienced sax player, tenor alto and soprano, R&B player from the MN area.

Also, I like toast.

[rjpro99]

I just join to, but for the life of me, I can't figure how to post a new tread. I activated my account but still can't perform this simple task. Can anyone help me?

[Harri Rautiainen]

I just join to, but for the life of me, I can't figure how to post a new tread. I activated my account but still can't perform this simple task. Can anyone help me?
to post a new thread go to a sub-forum, e.g. to "General Mouthpiece Discussion": http://forum.saxontheweb.net/forumdisplay.php?f=46

Look for a blue "New Thread" button on top-left or bottom-left.

[rjpro99]

Thank you so much. It worked!

[gourlema]

He there,
Just figured this would be the best place to start on this website.
Im an alto saxophone student going through grade 13.
I recently transferred schools and had a huge eye opening with music and really have been in love with it since.
Im currently not a very strong student for lack of interest in my early years of saxophone, but I am desperatly trying to fix that!
Anyways I hope this site provides me with alot of help in getting to where I want to be...(best saxophone player EVER...who doesnt have this goal...) and here's for the future, Thanks for any help anyone here may provide me!

[nedgoold]

Well sure, because you're really good.

no, the really good guy is over at the blasting lughead forum.

[soprano lover]

Hi!
im new to this site and i dont know if i sound stupid but i dont know how to post a new thread so if anyone could help that would be great!!
thanks

[MarchingAnt]

Hey, I joined about a week ago and never got around to introducing myself. I've been teaching myself sax for 6 months after being a trumpet player for 5 years. I live just outside NYC and play mostly rock and funk (with a little jazz).

[LHSsaxophone]

Hi, I'm new to the site. I have played the alto saxophone for six years, and have found it my calling.

:D Happy New Year

[KYKid84]

Hi! I've browsed this site on and off for a short while now and decided to officially join. I've played sax since I was twelve. I teach a couple of lessons, practice a lot (much more w/ contemporary literature in the past couple of years), and am currently looking at graduate schools.

[teneb]

Hello,
I'm trying to introduce myself--have registered and activated but keep getting blocked from the new member intros--how does it work?
BTW I play alto and tenor in a jazz quartet (with bass, guitar, and drums),a sax quartet that plays some classical and jazz, a rock/funk/soul band with a 4peice horn section, and some other groups--wish I had time to play more.
Ideas on how to work the introduction would be appreciated.
Teneb

[Rray79]

Hello folks!
So, brief intro, I have always wanted to play sax..But never did. I heard and believed that there was no point picking up an instrument as an "adult." : )

29 isn't adult in my world!! So I decided to give it a shot anyway about 2 months ago.. lets just say, I had no idea it would take over! For a while i would get home from work and play up to 6 hours!! I love it, needless to say. I have had many wake-ups when I could barely hold my toothbrush with my achy thumbs!
I kinda dove in w both feet, and when I can't play, I study theory and reading, etc. But I just feel like I'm kind of rudderless and dont know where to focus.. theres so much to learn and I want to know everything. I haven"t located a teacher yet, but I am waiting to hear back from 2 people. In the meantime, I am so excited to have found this site!
I'm in love with this instrument and think ab it all the time.
Has anyone else started up freshly as an adult with zero musical training?

[FluterGoingSax]

I don't think you're the only one, Ray. I wish there were more venues for adult learners - say, beginner bands? But it seems that it's assumed 'we all start in fifth grade and keep going'. Fortunately, many city bands are 'come along, play with us, and play the notes you can'.
I have graduated, and realize I have next to nothing as far as jazz experience. I have a friend who wants to start a jazz group, and he can play some... we'll see what happens. First, though, I think I need a sax or trombone or something more likely than flute?!

[Blue Train]

Hello
I play tenor sax and I live in Genova-Italy, I' m also in the staff of an Italian Sax Forum, if you want take a look .... see here (http://www.saxforum.it/forum/)

[LeonWho]

Hello.
I'm Leon and I play the alto sax in a jazz band.

Short and sweet. :D

[Kubalivre]

Hello everybody. I'm Kubalivre, a clarinetist from Portugal. I've just started playing Alto this week. I also play guitar, all kinds of recorders and some harmonica.

[CanberraSoul]

Hello,

Very new sax player from Canberra Australia - sax arrived two days ago - purple and gold Largo (hangs head in shame - I figure if I can't learn to play it I can at least make a very fetching desk lamp out of it.)

I play keys, (currently in a 70's Disco covers band) and love to take solos using a saxophone patch. This, obviously, upsets real sax players, so in an effort to fake some sort of musical integrity I've decided to learn how to play an alto.

(Alert readers, those not used to watching US commercial television, will be processing the terms "Musical Integrity", "Disco Band" and "Purple" and noticing a rather large peak reading for their ironometers)

When not playing a plastic synth, or coaxing newborn squeals from the "gold keyed, one horned, reeded purple alto squeaker" I have a passion for large organs, specifically my 1965 Hammond C3, which one day I may actually get working.

Muscially I'm a bit all over the place, played a lot of Blues, Reggae for about 10 years and like listening to Jazz (currently enjoying Dexter Gordon - I find that Coltrane is a bit esoteric). Often play in covers bands because I'd rather play to large number of drunk dancers than a small number of drunk ignorers. I also love Motown and classic american soul music, including some Gospel ( another irony meter peak - the other web forum I post to is the Richard Dawkins one).

Not yet got a teacher (next job). I did buy a beginners saxophone book, took it home and realised it was written by someone I had once played in a band with. (True story - I had no idea he even played saxophone!).

First impressions on playing. Quite heavy (I was used to a clarinet), low tones hard, middle tones pretty easy. The fun bit is going to be learning to play in some very unfamiliar keys.

David Frost - masquerading as CanberraSoul (more irony)

[SaxOwner]

Hi guys,

I'm a flautist but play a bit of sax as well. I joined only so I could find info about some vintage saxes but now that I've seen the forum, I'm hooked!

Cheers

[ElYardo]

I'm new too. Hello!

[teneb]

Hi RRay. Just wanted to say that I didn't pick up the sax until age 32 or so--have been playing now for about 20 years, and am now in 9 different groups. Just started playing classical music with a quartet, and before that its been jazz, rock, funk, and blues. In some ways I think its easier to learn an instrument as an adult--more patience and you can approach things more logically. Anyway, its great to play music--good luck!
teneb

[teneb]

Soprano lover--I had the same question--It seems that replying to any of these will get your message posted (?)
Good luck,
Teneb

[rlwake88]

Hi I'm new here but not to the saxophone. I took lessons for awhile in high school and took lessons from denis di blasio in college and now I finishing up my ed degree in PA

[Frizsax]

I'm Jared, freshman in college and saxophone music minor (pre-med major). I've been playing since the 4th grade. Wasn't a serious player until college. I play a Cannonball alto and a Evette Buffet tenor sax.

[Saxman5]

Hello All!

I teach saxophone and clarinet in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I have found this forum to be a great source of information and hope to share some of what I have learned.

Thomas Holmes

[altoCarl]

hello everyone ive been playin for about 3 months lovin it ive got a atlo sax am already thinkin about geting a tenor sax next week anyways bye for now:D

[altoCarl]

Hello folks!
So, brief intro, I have always wanted to play sax..But never did. I heard and believed that there was no point picking up an instrument as an "adult." : )

29 isn't adult in my world!! So I decided to give it a shot anyway about 2 months ago.. lets just say, I had no idea it would take over! For a while i would get home from work and play up to 6 hours!! I love it, needless to say. I have had many wake-ups when I could barely hold my toothbrush with my achy thumbs!
I kinda dove in w both feet, and when I can't play, I study theory and reading, etc. But I just feel like I'm kind of rudderless and dont know where to focus.. theres so much to learn and I want to know everything. I haven"t located a teacher yet, but I am waiting to hear back from 2 people. In the meantime, I am so excited to have found this site!
I'm in love with this instrument and think ab it all the time.
Has anyone else started up freshly as an adult with zero musical training?

hello ray79 am 29 also only picked up a sax three months ago for the first time all i can say is i dont think your ever too old to learn summit new ive played drums b4 and still do for fun but as for learning to read music its a whole new experiance 4 me i wud recomend getting a teacher as soon as u can so you dont pick up any bad habbits also its gud to have someone to point you in the right direction as books can only teach you so much ;)

regards carl

[azkitch]

Hi, all. I'm azkitch, and I'm not a player. My daughter plays the flute, and I found this forum by doing a search on "I Agree With Pat Metheny", a song about Kenny G's wonderful :rolleyes: talents. Then I found there is a section on flutes, so I joined. Hopefully we will be able to move beyond the cheapie rental we have. Hopefully Tiara will continue with the flute. She's pretty good!
Dave

[Moses]

Hello everyone.My name is Moses.I play clarinet,saxophone,flute,piano,and bass guitar.I'm 12 years old and I spend a lot of my time on my instruments.Saxontheweb rocks!!! :)

[RootyTootoot]

Hello Moses. I have one very serious piece of advice for you that may seem a bit strange:

Try not to spend too much time on the internet. There is other stuff in life that is a lot more fun.

All the best.

There is a special thread for new members to introduce themselves.

Here http://www.saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=1034883#post1034883

[Moses]

Hello everyone.My name is Moses.I play clarinet,saxophone,flute,piano,and bass guitar.I'm 12 years old and I spend a lot of my time on my instruments.Saxontheweb rocks!!!

[SaxPlayer1004]

He said on his instruments Rooty. Welcome Moses. Hopefully you'll find a lot of valuable info on here that will help you out.

[SuperAction80]

Try not to spend too much time on the internet.

Yeah, look what happened to us! :borg::bounce::bom::drunken::flower::geek: :king: :rabbit::shaking2::brave::color::help: :smilebox: :tongue8::triplets::yikes!::fftheai::occasion: :compress: :cya:

[dgsVI]

For those looking for how to post a New Post (start a new thread of their own)...

Look up toward the top of a list of threads (can't be inside a thread already), above the thread list and find the "New Thread" Button. ;)


EDIT: corrected the image to circle the button.

[starletofthesea]

hey people (: i'm sarah, and i used to play violin up until a year ago. then i switched to alto :D i also play recorder (but nothing really beyond simple stuff), and am learning trumpet and flute. i also improvise on the keyboard, but that doesn't mean i'm so stellar at it...yet! :P i'm 14 and can join marching band next year, which i can't wait for!!!

[TheNewSaxStar]

Hello All,
In case you were wondering- no, I am not a pro sax egomaniac. The username is kind of a joke. My name is Hank. I had a tenor sax and played for around a year when I was 11 or 12 yrs old. I am now a recently divorced 39 yrs, and have finally committed to picking up the sax again.
I have always totally loved the sound of sax in jazz, but have been mesmerized by the power of the alto (and tenor) in rock music.
I just bought a YAS-23 alto, played with an instructional DVD/book for a few weeks, and have sent it off for a repair job so I can be sure that it's me screwing up and not the horn. Going to start lessons soon if I can find someone I like. I live in Newnan, GA- if anyone knows of someone local I can call. I have learned alot already from this forum, and look forward to learning much more.
Happy New Year,
Hank

[zaqwithaq]

I'm Zaq Kenefick....
apparently I've missed this thread so....i'm a semi new member....I'll mostly be exploiting the knowledge of all the people on this thread...so I thank you in advance.
I've got everything from sop to bari under my belt...not well admittedly...my tone needs work...yeah i tend to go on forever and ever.....so.... yes...

[benrodenburg]

Hi guys,

my name is ben rodenburg, from the netherlands, 20 years old. Playing professional saxophone for over 2 years now. Made some trips to the states and done some recordings with famous dutch people on cd and tv.

Tenor: Selmer mark 6 (180***) with otto link 7*
alto: selmer serieIII with meyer 7s
ewi 4000S (mac, logic)
SD Systems lcm 85 with akg wireless

check out my myspace: www.myspace.com/benrodenburg

[Mullsoulmusic]

Greeting fellow sax players.
My name is Dave Mullen and I'm a professional tenor and soprano saxophonist(sometimes simultaneously) living in the NYC area.
You can check out some of my playing at www.youtube.com/mullsoul or www.davemullen.com
I have a group called Dave Mullen and Butta and we released a CD featuring Mark Egan (bass), Victor Jones (drums), Marc Ribot (guitar) and many others (20 more!). We've had some decent airplay on Sirius Satellite Radio as well as many others.
I've had good fortune to work with many notable jazz, funk, latin musicians/bands over the years. Check it out.

Enough about me.
Have a blessed year to all.
Dave Mullen
917-833-2418

[saxjon]

Hi, I haven'y played any instrument since school, 20 years ago, but my wife just persuaded me to purchase a tenor sax for us to learn together, she's practicing in the garage now the kids are asleep!

[FZ1988bar]

ahh, feels good to finally be on here. hope all yall best wishes and hope to getalong. My baritone and me would not be the same if it wont for this site!

[Daniel]

Hi everyone. I am Daniel and I want to introduce myself and start to introduce the more than 20 saxophones I have, some of them vintage saxophones. Aside from my Mark VI tenor from 1954 and a Conn Lady Face which I keep to play , the rest of the horns are available for sale or for possibly a trade for a good soprano. They include Bueschers, and Martins , an old Conn bari, Kolhart, Pan Americans, Olds Parisian, Olds , Buffet Superdynaction tenor and others.
I don't know half as much as some of you who so generously share your knowledge about saxophones. So as people show interest, I will show pictures and get down to specifics , and ask advice about the horns. Thanks

[Rennie]

Hello everyone,

After intensive lurking for a while i thought it right to register, and maybe put in my 2 cents.
I am from Amsterdam. In 1980 i taught myself to play the tenor sax - and am still learning... Played oboe before that, and still play piano.
After seven years of not playing i took up the tenor sax again last year. I am not a professional player, but do show up at jam-sessions in town - and enjoy playing enormously!

Reine

[kevgermany]

Hi from Germany. Have just signed up as I've decided to learn the tenor sax - just love the sound, and the rest of the family all play at least one instrument. Looking for advice and assistance.

[lmatexas]

Hi! My name is Lauren and like many people on this forum, I've finally decided to join after lurking around for a while. This is my third year playing the alto sax snd I love it! Good luck to everyone! :D

[Wagner0809]

Hi SOTW!

I'm Vincent Wagner, and I played Alto and Tenor up until a couple years ago (I still think of myself as a sax player, but I'm definitely out of practice; I blame trying to graduate with 2 majors and a minor in four years and none of them being music!). I came across SOTW because I'm getting married soon and need to sell my Alto. It's a sad reason to discover the forum, but I need the money to repay my parents for a trip to visit my fiancee in Thailand, so it's worth it.

But, I don't plan on staying away from sax forever. It's given me too many great things for that... This seems like a great community and I'm glad to be a new part of it!

Vincent

[Soul Patch Paul]

Still trying to figure out how all of this works. I've just joined the site recently but have already found it a wealth of useful information. Shopping for a new soprano sax is really what got me here and I am grateful for all the input on what's going on in sax manufacturing these days. I've been a musician all of my life but didn't pick up a sax until my late thirties (twenty years ago). I'm here to listen and learn and probably won't post much except to ask a question now and then. It's a great site with lots of accommodating folks who are willing to share their expertise. Thanks to everyone for a great site and an impressive information resource.

[barbaraloqw]

Hi
I'm not playing now but I love this sound, so I decided try

Right now I'm studying how to start :treble:

[littleroger]

Hi all,
I've been playing harmonica in a well-known working blues and r 'n b band for nearly twenty years and have recently added tenor sax to my/our repertoire. Up to now, we have always had guest sax players on the cds, but next time, it's me! Have only played one gig with the sax, which went surprisingly well, though I am sure I will have lots of questions as time moves on. Thanks for the help !
Roger

[SaxBea]

Hi,
I have yet to start playing the saxophone (still on the schools waiting list as it is popular). I am now the next on the list to get them and the teacher is looking into getting me lessons soon. So I was researching different saxophone models etc and I came across this forum. I have been lurking for a bit but decided to join today!
Oh and just a bit of info from my researches, I am leaning towards getting a Yamaha YAS 275 after a few months of using a school one (if they have any available) as they will require it back for other beginners. Anyway yeh, I am glad to be here.

SaxBea
UK

[hendrikxix]

Hi, I am a producer/educator interesting in recording sax players. I would love to do a how to track sax DIY with a willing participant in Boston.

Best,
Hendrik

[nhefner]

Hello
My name is Nathan and I am currently a college student at Gardner-Webb University in NC. I play tenor sax primarily but I also love the bari sax and dabble on the alto. I mainly play classical style music but I also love jazz.

[Saxpotential]

Hiya,

I am an adult learner (late bloomer as they say round these parts) on flute, and am thinking of taking up the sax.... all I need is you guys to convince me! :)

[saxsaxan]

hi! my name is ben and im a new member. I have a selmer MARK VII which i bought back in 6th grade (im 33),and i wish to have it restored. Although it still sounds great, sadly i have neglected it these past years and i just got it out from the case last week after 8 years or so! Im wondering where I can have it restored back to pristine condition here in the Philippines. Im also curious about the value of my sax today coz i know ill be spending a considerable amount to have it back in mint condition and i want to know if it would be more practical just to buy my son a new one.

thanks!

[Bluesax59]

Hi folks! I just re-joined under a new name. I have been away for a while. I was DHopson, but could not get admin to change my name.

Looking forward to getting back in discussion and learning again. I have a few horns for sale, most need work.

[paulio]

Hiya,

I am an adult learner (late bloomer as they say round these parts) on flute, and am thinking of taking up the sax.... all I need is you guys to convince me! :)

Take up sax, it's great!

[Soonersax]

Hi all Soonersax here - Live in Norman Okla hence the name. I started playing the saxophone in the 7th grade. That was a looong time ago. I played through college, taught instrumental music (band director) for many years and lost a lot of chops. I've decided, now that I'm retired, that I'm going to get back into my horn. I'm looking forward to some great reading/discussions here.

[modman]

Greetings to all. Great site! I have been using this site as a reference for almost 3 years now, and thought it was about time I chimed in. I am looking for advice on changing mouthpieces after utilizing to A.B. levelairs for tenor and alto. Thinking about Otto Links and Guardalas. I have been playing Selmers and Buffets for most of my musical life (32 years), and recently purchased outstanding SA80II Tenor and Soprano's. 8-) Warm regards. Brian M. Brody aka B.B. Reed

[juniorhigh]

Greetings. I played the school's bari in 7-9 grades. I have a Conn "naked lady" alto and my son uses a buffett student tenor. I play very little, actually. I want to try bari again.

[jonnyfrog]

Hey all,
I'm Jonny (jonnyfrog)

I've been playing clarinet for 9 years, and took up the sax 3 years ago and not look back since :)
I'm 16, and live in north london. My gear is:

Sax:
Yamaha 475 (my first, still)
Meyer 5M ebonite mouthpiece
BG L12RS ligature
Vandoren jaZZ Reeds

Clarinet:
Buffet R13 Vintage
5RV-Lyre Profile-88 Mouthpiece
Vandoren Reeds

I also play bari for/at school :)

Hit me up if you wanna jam, or talk :)

[tommytucker]

Hello all,

Played the sax 25 years ago and as part of my mid-life crisis I picked up again and started playing. Having a great time with it. It's great to be back.

[Dragon]

Hello All, Dragon here.

Been playing Sax most of my life, mostly as a semi-pro over 30+ years worth. Love all the wealth of information and opinions in all the forums. After lurking for a while I finally decided to join up with all the fun!

I was a Bari major in college [Berklee College of Music] but have since changed to a Soprano, Alto and mostly Tenor Player, a Flute player, and a so-so conga player.

I've played in a variety of local situations, horn bands, big bands, pit bands (theater/shows), christian bands, and 20+ years as a solo horn with a R&B/Motown band.

My next projects include, a modern jazz quintet (rhythm section and sax), a gospel group and possibly a trio (piano, vocal and sax).

So hello to all and keep up the great work!

[FranzKafka]

Hi, I've been visiting this site very frequently for some years now, I just now decided to join in. So, hi there!

[stevep1]

Hi all,
I am a little late in introducing myself having joined late last year, anyway better than never. I am one off the late bloomers who has always been interested in music and have learned many instruments over the years however have become very interested in the Saxophone and started midway through 2008 after listening to my youngest son play in jazz combo's at university.

So I must be a slow learner, at nearly 50 working out what a great instrument the saxophone is. I don't really care as I am loving it and have now purchased a second hand vintage tenor borgani, which after a bit of TLC is sounding great, and I find it difficult to put down.

[scargo]

I've been lurking for the last month or so, decided to join. Found the site when I started searching for a decent budget Sop. I used to play regularly in H.S. and Grad School (not a music major), then life got in the way until I landed my current job in which I work part time comping for our H.S. Theater/Arts dept, mostly for our pit band and competitive H.S. Show Choir. Just recently joined the nearest local Community College Jazz Ensemble. Play mostly Tenor (started more with the Alto) and am seeking to add a Sop for both the comp work and for fun. This is a great site!

[picasax]

Hello,
Newbie player, long time listener to Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins and other greats. Former Upright Bass player, now enjoy playing and learning alto sax. I wanna say thanks for the past year i've been looking and learning around this forum. Hoping to post more and keep practicing and learning. Till now i really haven't had to post because the questions i've had have already been asked. That has helped alot. figured it was about time to introduce myself.
thanks,
Martin/Picasax

[Junobean]

Greetings all!

I'm a seasoned player of nearly 15 years currently playing professionally in a nationally touring tribute band. I'm also a rhythm guitarist/violinist/singer in a rock group. Looking forward to reigniting my passion for sax and the community thereof.

I rock out on:
02 Yanigasawa 901 Curved Sorprano
Yamaha Alto Sax - Selmer Brilhart Mouthpiece
70s Selmer Mark VII Tenor Sax - Dukoff Mouthpiece
34 Conn 12M Transitional Bari Sax - Dukoff Mouthpiece/M Chamber

Peace all!

[Valantha]

I'm a fifteen year old girl who has somehow stumbled on this website thanks to my friend google searching for 'alt saxophone playing tips'. I've only played my primary instrument the clarinet since May 2008 and managed to get a Grade 2 Merit which is okay I guess. Because of my good clarinet tone (supposedly), I was offered saxophone lessons so I could play in the school swing band. Unluckily, some flautist robbed the last soprano, I'm stuck with the alto. But I'm not regretting it now (only playing for two days), the soprano is difficult to tune and as an inexperienced and late musician, I think alto could be easier to deal with. Plus, I don't feel like dragging a tenor around all day. My arm might drop off.

I'm actually here to ask the question, "Can someone dumb down a definition of jazz for me? My clarinet teacher tells me to focus on classical, her primary instrument being the oboe explains a lot!

Thanks for tolerating the pointless ramble. :P

[New10MFan]

Hey, just joined the forum after a few years of reading.

I've been playing saxophone for 6 years alto for the first 4 then both for the last 2 years.

I major on tenor mainly doing big band and small club gigs around the place and have a few side projects going also, but i also play lead alto in a couple of big bands also.

I absolutely love Jazz in all its forms and basically anything else with Sax in it. My biggest idols/influences are Micheal Brecker, David Sanborn, Alex Han, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and Eric Marienthal.

I've been reading the posts on the forums for a few years now and i finally decided to join.

[fuelie]

Hello,

I'm an old time Sax Player and still an amateur. Started young, Been playing off and on for almost 50 years, since 2nd Grade.

Nice to be here!

[Maroon]

Hello all, I'm still learning saxophone, but its taken over my life after about 10 years of playing.

[jennymae]

Hey, all! I'm a new member here, though I've been lurking on and off for quite awhile now. I've been playing sax since I was about 12, continued all through high school, and am now in university, majoring in graphic design. I have been deprived of a saxophone for the last 2 years or so (I used to borrow the high school's horns), but am now looking into purchasing one. I'm so excited to be getting back into it after all this time!

[grancentral]

hey,
im gc,and im a sax player in nyc.
am currently touring the country (home for a bit now though).
mainly tenor but i play all the other normal woodwind axes too,
clarinet, bass clarinet, flute.
glad to meet everybody

[zarniac]

Greetings saxophiliacs. I'm new to this forum, but not the subject matter. Glad to have advanced beyond lurker status.

[DitchDoc]

Played a buescher aristocrat in high school. Traded it for a guitar long ago. A friend gave me a Vito (YAS-23), playing along with my 12 year old trumpet band student.

[Jheld]

Hi, I'm a beginner saxophonist. I play trombone in the high school band, and I decided to learn sax as well.

[Car31]

Hey....after lurking around here for a while I finally decided join in. I hadn't picked up a horn in 26 years until last year. My son has been playing for a few years in school and after helping him a little the itch came back so bad I couldn't stand it anymore. I had NO IDEA how much I had missed it. Now I play in a Community Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble and Sax Quartet. I'm grateful to have access to all this information and expretise. See ya around....David

[Vampchick]

G'day All... :)

I used to play Alto Sax at school (16yrs ago) I recently bought an Ashton to see if i could still play. I have since started lessons (having forgotten what i learnt) and loving it all over again! I have stumbled across the wonderful site in my quest for finding sheet music.

Thanks for all the wonderful information.
Amanda (Syd Aust)

[saxmatt]

Hi there,
I've been reading things on here for a while now but I haven't got round to posting on here yet.
I'm from Leeds, England. I've been playing for about 20 years, although I'm only now getting around to doing my grades.
I play both Bb & C tenor, and C soprano. I'm a bit odd in that although I'm a sax player I do a lot of folk music, which is why the C instruments come in so handy. I also play guitar and mandolin.
Would be good to meet any other folk/ceilidh playing sax players out there.
Good to meet you all.
Cheers,
Matt

[southernsax]

Hi, joined after seeing all the info on new gear and mouthpiece work.

[aasouth]

Hey everyone

My name is Adam and I am close to Boston, Massachusetts. I'm glad to be a part of this awesome forum. I grew up playing alto sax and am getting ready to purchase my first tenor. I am extremely excited! :D

[cuz24]

hi ny name is jim im from Pa. I just starting playing sax and i love it. I have a tenor Martin Magna. Only beenplaying for 3 weeks and i'm 57 yrs old. Late bloomer. Great forum looking forward for some advice. thanks

[robertreg]

greetings everyone, my name is Robert Reginald from Jakarta, Indonesia (Anyone from Indonesia here?).
I play an alto now (YAS-23, yamaha 4C, & for the reeds: plasticover, rico royal, and vandoren classic).. also a keyboardist and quite interested in computer music (but still not moved yet to go for an EWI... LOL.. there's soprano in my mind these days).

[HairyCraig]

HairyCraig reporting in. Long time Columbus player, looking for info on mouthpieces and general sax discussion.

[DarkStarSax]

Hello all... a long time lurker who has finally decided to join in the fun!

I'm one of those late bloomers, I started playing almost a year ago and I'm absolutely enjoying myself. Due to my schedule I'm able to practice 3 hours or so a day and currently I own 2 Yamaha Altos, a purchased new 62IIS and a 34II I recently picked up in great condition to use as a 'practice' sax...

I'm looking forward to absorbing as much wisdom from the experienced players as I possibly can...

:D

[JebusOnSax]

Hello all, stumbled across the site lookin for info on plexi glass reflectors and love the site. Hope to get lots of good info from all the people here and helping others when I can. Have been playing for the last 20 years, mostly Tenor and Bari....

[Ajm115]

Hi all,
I'm in 8th grade, first chair tenor sax for my school symphonic orchestra and jazz band. I am also lead sax in my band, Cellar Dwellers (guitar, tenor, soprano, bass guitar, drum). Looking forward to talking to other sax enthusiasts.

Ajm115

[Reiver]

Hello,
I've just joined because I've decided to start playing the alto sax I bought 13 years ago for a samba band and never got round to playing!
My main instrument is the clarinet, but have just taken up the tin whistle, joined an acoustic band and thought I'd learn to play my 1950's "Cleveland" sax so need a few hints and tips!

[rvdave]

Hello all, I am new to sotw but have been lurking on & off. I'm just gettin started playing the saxophone, actually don't have one yet but have purchased a mouthpiece to get started on embouchure, scale on mouthpiece, endurance, etc. I am looking to start out with tenor. My experience so far has been acoustic guitar, bass guitar, piano, keyboard. I actually started playing alto sax a few years back but put it back down because I didn't have the time to devote to learning, now I do and want to get started again but have decided to start with tenor. Am looking for a horn right now and have been perusing ebay for a few months now but haven't scored on anything, a lot of yts23s I've seen come through but for the price they are bringing I may add a little more money and if sticking with Yamaha would like to jump to a 61 or 62. I don't have enough knowledge about any other brands so I'm leaning toward Yamaha though I'm open to others. Anyway I'm open to hearing comments, encouragement, direction from all of your experiences, thanks,

Dave

[gemma3112]

Hi all,

I've been learning Alto for 4 months now, I played trumpet at school 20 yrs ago for 5 years, I wanted to play alto but you had to buy them at school and my parents couldnt afford one, but you could rent a trumpet. Now nearly 20 years later Ive finally bought my own and i'm loving it, my parents now wish they had bought me one, but better late than never.
I'm so glad i came across this wonderfull site, although my music teacher might not be as I'm asking him questions all the time.

Gemma

[andrewirobinson]

Hi guys,
I've been playing for about 9-10 years now, knew this place existed, but didn't do anything. Now im on here! I play a Selmer Super Action 80 Series 2 Alto, im doing a Pop and Jazz course at uni, started a funk band, in a big band, got a sax mic recently, and im on the hunt for a Selmer Super Action 80 Series 2 Tenor with maybe half the money required. Playing sax for a good long time each day, and have a wicked teacher called Matt Smith. Goooooooooooood times.

[Joanna]

Hi all, my name is Jo, and I just found this great forum.
I've had an alto saxophone in my attic for 10 years, only taking it out of the case once in a while to "have a go" and put it back feeling like I'll never improve. [Impnt]

So, many years too late, I'm finally making an effort. Is it worth it at age 32?
Only time will tell I suppose!

[PlaysSaxophone]

Hi,

Been coming here for info for a while and figured it was time I finally joined.

[recgrrl]

Hi everyone!

I'm Beth - been playing a Yamaha YBS-52 intermediate bari sax since May, a Buescher bari sax from the 1930's for 5 years before that. I belong to a community concert band, and started on bari because of an abundance of flute players. I had experience playing a low reed (alto clarinet), so the conductor convinced me to try the sax. I've been playing it ever since and love it!

I'm looking forward to learning more...wish I had found this forum years ago!

[stevethemusicman]

Hi,

I just joined this today. I've been away from Reed instruments (except for a Yamaha WXt5) for 40 years. I'm going to start with a clarinet, my major instrument when I went to the High School of Performing Arts in NYC. The Clarinet forum suggested I look on this forum for people selling clarinets.

So here I am and this will be helpful when I start playing and get a Sax as well.

thanks,
Steve

[LeadfootGT3]

Hey, I'm a college jazz studies major. I own a Keilwerth SX90R tenor with the dark gold laquer and a 1955 Mark VI alto with about 80% of the laquer still on it.
I use the schools bari which is also a Mark VI but it sucks big time because it hasn't been routinely maintained. I've been experimenting with effects pedal a lot. I own a Digitech Synth Wah and a Boss DD7 Delay but I've been borrowing a couple other from a friend. Hopefully I'll be able to get a bell-attach mic sometime soon

[Sloth]

Hello, I'm Steve and have been playing air-sax for some time now, since I was a kid and Madness were in the charts - Lee Thompson from that group has always been a hero of mine and I thought it was time to give sax a try. Also I have been making music on computers for years, so I would relish something which gives me instant feedback (of a sort!)

Doing music on computers/synths, I found that I love low tones, particularly with a hint of clipping - so have a tenor coming on Wednesday, touch wood(wind).

Oh, and thanks for a great site!

[JohnnyL]

Nice site!

[zoelynn13]

Hi everyone - My name is Zoe, i'm currently in grade 10

I've been playing alto saxophone for just half a year now, I played clarinet for 4 and 1/2 years (grade 5-10). I'm currently playing in the jr.jazz band but I've also began playing alto sax in the senior band instead of clarinet because I've grown to enjoy it more. I'm currently playing a school-owned Selmer Bundy II, but I'm planning to buy a PMSA-202 in the near future.

Aside from my instruments, I also enjoy art, horseback riding, hanging out with my friends and playing video games.

Anyways, hope to talk to you all soon, bye for now!

[Lamby]

I'm Mike and i'm 16 from Hampshire. I've played for since I was about 9 or so...

I recently did a workshop with my band, RAYJO, and the workshop was with a load of members of ther BBC big band, such as Simon Bates and it totally changed me! He kept hitting notes in the altissimo range mid impro and i was desperate to learn how!

And great site :)

[WebForum]

Hi, my name is Dani, I just joined, best wishes from me!

[imitonios]

Hi.
I came here looking for some info, as I am going to double on a curved sop.
It's a nice place here and I feel good, so couldn't resist to register.
Hope not to spend all of my time here...
I have job, family and SAX!

[trice035]

Hi,

I am a clarinetist who has been thinking about saxophones for years. Just about ready to give it a shot. This is a great resource - thanks, you saxophonists!

Tom

[showercurtain2006]

Hey, I'm 18, been playing since I was 11 or 12. I joined because I hope to get alot of information on how to improve as a musician and as an improviser.

[tranton]

Hello everybody. My name is Eric I've been playing sax for 5+ years now currently playing in my high school band. I've lurker around these forums for a while but now I just decided to join the party and what not. But as for saxophones I pretty much can play all the saxophones except for the soprano but I mainly play alto and bari currently trying to find a decent bari sax with a price that doesn't make my knees wiggle.

[Zeeman]

Hi,

I live in France and I play a Buffet Crampon Super Dynaction alto sax.
I occasionally play baritone sax and I'm also interested in the bass sax.

[MadamBari]

Hullo!
I'm Kate and I'm a Music Occupations Major at a small technical college in the USA's Midwest area. (It's cheaper than any 4 year school I was accepted to AND has a few awesome 2+2 programs with a few of them)

I started playing the Bari sax in 8th grade (which was 11 years ago) when my band instructor started begging for a flute or clarinet player to play saxophone in the before-school jazz program. He took about two minutes to show me how to blow into the mouth piece and how to finger the F# and Bb (they're different than on a flute) and I continued to play all through high school.

I took a 7 year break from school after I graduated and continued playing flute as well as picked up guitar, however was never able to purchase a bari. (They're large, expensive instruments, and I wasn't sure exactly HOW to go about becoming a music major.)

Last semester I finally started school again as a Music Major. I have three primary instruments; piano, voice, and woodwinds (flute) but have just been ACHING to go back to saxophone.

My mum surprised me just last week by telling me that, for the past few months, she's been doing her research and talking to different saxophone 'experts' online and actually PURCHASED a bari for me. I don't know how she managed to afford it nor what exactly I did to deserve it, but I am practically NUMB with gratefulness. I'm pretty sure this is one of the forums she talked to people on.

So, if any of you spoke with my mum, THANK YOU! And if not, I'm STILL incredibly excited to be here!

[saxzootsims]

Hey there,
I am 14,My name is Anthony,but most just call me "sax"...
I have been playing my Alto for 4 years....And,I haven't improved much....
I own a Alto Saxophone with flames that just says "Wood-Wind-Brass-Wind" on the octave.... (I have 3 pics of,it...) I need help figuring out all about my sax!:D
So,if you can help me,feel free to PM me,or email me....
Thanks....
-Saxzootsims-
-Anthony-

[Jackofall]

Hello,

The leader of the 'Praise music' group I play with at church recently brought in a soprano sax that's been in his attic for 35 years. Surprisingly, it kinda plays! But there's some wierd intonation issues I'm not sure what to make of and will post a thread on separately. Musically, I started with clarinet in 7th grade band, picked up alto sax to play in jazz band, added a little flute to round out woodwinds, played some guitar in folk groups at church, then added stand up bass when the bass player dropped out, fiddled around on violin as the kids took Suzuki lessons, and goofed around on a trumpet lying around the house and a trombone I picked up for cheap in a junk shop. I also have a set of bagpipes and an accordian I haven't gotten around to getting too serious on yet. So basically, I haven't stuck with any one instrument enough to really master it but I can have fun on a lot of different instruments. These days, my biggest musical outlet is playing with the church group, which for the past year or so, is a Christian Rock group--something totally new for me which has been a lot of fun! Now let me see if I can get this soprano working!!!

[andoetz]

Hi,...
Just joining the forum, start learning Sax just 2 weeks ago


andrew

[blueberry]

Hi, my name is Aisha
I just started and it is all very new and unknown to me.
Looking for some beautiful pieces here.

Greets,
Aisha

[igorsat]

Hi everybody, I am a new member! Can't really play yet, but got this urge to play a tenor sax. Gonna start my lessons this week. Lurking at this forum helped me to select a decent sax, so thank you! The old Amati tenor made in Chechoslovakia that relatives lended me turned out to be a piece of crap. Just got a Taiwan-made Vito (about 10 years old) on Ebay for $365, no shipping charged (the seller is a local).

[PorkySax]

Hello all my name is Shane... I've been playing sax for about 20 years. I've been sneaking information and tips from this site for years and just never signed up, so, it's about time. (^_^)

I was in a band for six years and that ended a few years ago and I've been doing my own thing ever since and posting my songs on my myspace site (the address should be viewable in my profile information here I think).

Anyway... it's good to be a part of this... this site has been an incredibly valuable resource for me for a LONG time and I hope to finally give back a little.

[LONDONFLUTE]

Hi,
Also just joined and I have an Edward Almeida Flute for sale. It is in-line G with B-foot, Straubinger pads and original headjoint (serial #133) in beautiful condition. I have advertised on Ebay so you can view it there, looking for $10,000 ono. Kevin

[wrxplayer]

Hi,

Another newbie here. Am going to try to play tenor again after a 28 year layoff. Joined a classic rock band on guitar and the sax can add another dimension to me and the band. Live in Central Jersey. Formerly a jazz and funk player through college in FL.

[saxzootsims]

Welcome to all our new members here!
Hope you like me,have a great time here,and get answers to any questions you may have...

[FremontSax]

This almost sounds like an AA meeting. Hello, my name is .... and I have been letting my alto sax sit in its box as my hair gets gray. Well, a little music has entered my life and my sax took a trip to the tech. What have we here, a bit of history, a vito model 35 with a serial number in the 4XXA range. What are these extra fingerings for? What is a Leblanc system is it a rationale? The sax tech, took an interest and now my closet sax that used to pass gas through every orifice faster then a balloon with a pin hole now sings.

Thanks to my son for wanting to learn guitar and thus opening my closet thanks to Gabe Eaton for rebuilding a long set aside friend.

[JayeSF]

Hey Fremont...is that CA ?

I am in SF.

OK, so here we go:

Double bass is my primary instrument, I also play some drums (as well as have a side biz renovating vintage drumsets '40's-80's; AND collecting vintage cymbals). So, I have taken a big interest in instrument provenance, craft, repair and rehabbing, defunct vintage companies, instrument history in general, the whole stencil brand phenomenon (they occur heavily in percussion instruments as well)...and I find this site fascinating.

Only gig sporadically now... but back in the 90's I was very busy, heading my own blue-note-esque Jazz quintet here in SF as well as session-playing on local gigs. It was wonderful being part of the Bay Area Jazz scene..lotsa monster players here and good folk to boot. Due to a family tragedy I got out of music (sorta out of everything) for about 5-6 years then started playing again. I used to fool around on an old Buescher Aristocrat Alto I had here as well, bought it long ago for $95 and never had it overhauled. Sold it to a friend for $300 about a decade ago.

My girlfriend of several years has never played an instrument, although she is a very musical person and music has a wonderful effect on her. One of those people you look at and say "man, she should have learned to play SOMETHING."

She has always felt the same way. So, we talked about it now and again...got down to the shortlist of piano, sax, clarinet, and violin.

This past Valentine's day I got her a tenor ('Tam' Keilwerth New King stencil, '56)

And I got myself a tenor (Malerne 'Mercury' stencil, c. 1950's)

So...we will be taking lessons together.

Now, despite what one may think, it is I (rather than she) who is at the severe disadvantage. A I said, I have backed a lotta monster sax players up in my day...and grew up on Jazz and Jazz Fusion as a wee one, back in the day; started playing in Stage Bands/Big Bands in the 6th grade...so, I am well aware what great sax playing sounds like and scared sh#tless I won't even make it to "a cut below mediocre".

But, it'll be fun trying.....

[MsHook]

Hi everyone, I'm 37 years old and begain playing sax last October but I have a history with clarinet, flute, oboe, violin and percussion.

[ramnathK]

total newbie here... always like kenny g (his music), feel in love with 'lily was here' by candy dulfer, and jessy j's tequila moon... and now enjoying this harrowing experience of deciding which sax to buy!
i know it should be an alto, and i know it has to be less than $500. i think a yas 23, or a vito are good buys, but am also told the chinese ones are good these days (perl river).
oh btw, i live in india, where the stores have saxophones for sale at ridiculous rates, and find a miriad of chinese makes that i cant even google up!
anyway, i will be visiting the US (santa clara, CA) next month and hope to pick up a second hand vito if I find someone to help me out with the buy...
this forum has been singularly most helpful, including the sax picture with teh legs and hands annontated :D
keep up the spirit guys
karthik.

[FremontSax]

ramnathK,

From what I hear there are a lot of sow members here in the San Francisco bay area. But if you want to take advantage of getting a good used sax that is set up while you are here will probably take some planning. Unless you are going to be here for a while and then just take you time.

I would suggest you talk to some of the shops around here (via email) before you arrive. Tell them what you are looking for and your budget. Get them to set them up before you arrive. For example take a look at saxworx.com. I worry that given a limited amount of time you will rush to buy an instrument that you can't find local support for or that won't be what you need.

Have you looked in your neighborhood for a good sax technician. Some one who might be able to make the repairs and adjustments for you? They might also be able to help you select an instrument.

At any rate, I wish you the best of luck.

[JayeSF]

total newbie here... always like kenny g (his music), feel in love with 'lily was here' by candy dulfer, and jessy j's tequila moon... and now enjoying this harrowing experience of deciding which sax to buy!
i know it should be an alto, and i know it has to be less than $500. i think a yas 23, or a vito are good buys, but am also told the chinese ones are good these days (perl river).
oh btw, i live in india, where the stores have saxophones for sale at ridiculous rates, and find a miriad of chinese makes that i cant even google up!
anyway, i will be visiting the US (santa clara, CA) next month and hope to pick up a second hand vito if I find someone to help me out with the buy...
this forum has been singularly most helpful, including the sax picture with teh legs and hands annontated :D
keep up the spirit guys
karthik.

Karthik,

when you are here have your friends take you to Starving Musician in Santa Cruz. Like Fremont says, maybe call ahead and see if they have a sax technician who can make any final adjustments.

Just in my opinion...$500 can buy you a decent old sax, especially an alto...so don't necessarily limit yourself to more contemporary ones.

Aaaaah..I, too...am in love with Candy....and her playing is pretty darn good, also...:shock:

[arkansasRed]

Here is "Ma Red" relaxing while I'm checking out SOTW.

Red

[sopranowannbe]

Hey! I'm Hayley!
I mostly play the piano, but I'm about to learn the Alto Saxophone! I'm so happy about that! :)

[FranzKafka]

Hey, is it me or are there lots of new members this year? This thread already is around the average number of posts/pages for a members introduction thread, and still more than a month to go, am I right?

Welcome everybody.

[hallas]

Herro!

I'm Dennis, and I play saxophone because the girls dig it.

(That's only a slight exaggeration.)

Okay, I've been playing for... dang, it's been over 15 years now, though sporadically for the past 5 or so. I've also played piano for many years. I'm basically good enough at both to impress people that don't know any better, but not good enough to fool someone who's a living breathing musician. I'd like to change that. My goal is to go out on the boardwalk with an upside down hat, and play for a couple hours every weekend, busker style. However, I'm short a few songs for that.

And, despite having played for a while, I'm a total noob when it comes to gear. That's basically why I'm here.

[Busmike]

Hello all....
Guess this must be my midlife crisis... Just bought a Yas-23, and if I can tame it I have asperations to move to a good baritone. We'll see.

I joined here after lurking a bunch of other forums. I like what I've seen here so far!

[Lazarus]

Hello,
my name is Sean, I am a Jesus freak and total newbie. Late Bloomer. I Love Jesus and plan on praising the Lord with music. This forum has been an awesome resource so far and a great blessing.

[altocaster]

Hi, really glad to be here. Played a wee bit a dozen years ago but nothing for the past ten. Just picked up a used alto for pennies and I'm loving getting to know it - this forum is an absolute mine of useful info, and it's great to benefit from all the posters' experience.

[desperado]

Hi ,My name is Zilu Tan,come from China,I love saxphone!I have been playing the sax for just two years,so ,Iam just a starter!I am so happy to find here ,and I can study more!a hahahahaha....

[SaxPlayer1004]

Welcome everyone. Glad to see a lot of newbies looking to get off on the right foot from the get go. Please remember, avoid double posting, and use the search function. Both are common problems with newbies to the forum, and as most of us are guilty of doing it, it really makes everyone's life easier in the long run.

[Kevinji]

My name's Kevin. I'm 24 years old from Massachusetts. I recently had an epiphany and started practicing on my neglected horn from high school and have been having a blast. I have a Selmer Bundy II alto, in the market for an upgrade. I'm really loving the sounds of Rahsaan Roland Kirk and the bari from the dude from Morphine.

I've been doing audio production with my bros for a few years. We record hiphop mixtapes and make beats with the program Reason. My bros have a metal band together too. Some tracks we recorded are on the top two friend pages of my myspace page.

I'm interested in learning especially how to jam with rock musicians. I'd love to do a live hiphop band also.

Thanks to all the forum posters for the info and inspiration!

[wkusax87]

I'm a music ed major in sax at Western Kentucky University. I want to go into a jazz studies graduate program when I'm done here.

[SoutheastLASax]

Hey

I'm Jon. I play in New Orleans, and will be a music educator when I get done student teachin! WOOT!

Peace

[Robysax]

Hi everyone!
My name is Robert.
I've been playing for a long time, and looking for soprillo info, this forum cought my attention, So here I am.

[fluver]

Hi am new to this site my name is Lisa am 19 from India

Lisa

http://www.fluver.com

[vicky12]

Hi Im new here.

I dont actually play Saxophone but my brother does :D

I was advised to pop along here as I need some advice on a particular type of clarinet.

Can someone point me in the right direction of where to post my question.

Many Thanks

[Sasquatch]

Hi Im new here.

I dont actually play Saxophone but my brother does :D

I was advised to pop along here as I need some advice on a particular type of clarinet.

Can someone point me in the right direction of where to post my question.

Many Thanks

Use and abuse the Search function first. There are folks roaming these threads that get overly bent about seeing a thread similar to one they have seen before.

The clarinet section hangs out here http://forum.saxontheweb.net/forumdisplay.php?f=137.

Welcome to SOTW.

[Skolnic]

Chris here. I've been lurking and learning for a while. Needed to register so that I could use the search function. I have never played a horn so when I get my used YAS 23 this weekend the fun will begin. Been reading quit a bit so I do have somewhat of a clue.... I hope... 49 years young and need to be learning something new from time to time....... This should keep me busy for a while! I love sites like this with all the info one could ask for. It's great to have all the experienced folk in here to offer their input.

[Saxophrass1968]

Hello all, I have been luring for a long time and now I guess it is time to tell everyone about me. I have been playing sax (tenor) on and off 26 years, the last 3 years have been the real serious years re-learning the scales and hard practicing. At 40, I am taking colleges classes in music theory looking for my degree in music, eventually. This past year I started to play alto and really got into it, probably playing it more than tenor. But anyway nice to see everyone here.

[denversaxman]

Hey there! Been flying under the SOTW radar here for years looking up info and comments on a variety of saxes. I, to this point have had the most positive experience with Mark at CE Winds that, I thought I'd join the forum and give a big thumbs up. It's refreshing that in a corporate driven world, there are still humans out there that care about the person more than the purse. That's how I was made to feel. I am excited about getting my new Alpha alto in a couple of days. From what I know about them I plan on being pleasantly surprised. More to come as music unfolds.

[saxking117]

Hey everyone!!! My name is D (for short). I play the alto sax. How amazing!!!LOL. Right now i have an intermediate stephanhouser. im thinking of upgrading to a keilwerth shadow...:D ... ;)

[BlackRaven]

Hi everybody! My name's Josh and I'm from Manitoba, Canada. I'm not really a newbie. I've been playing alto and tenor for about six years. I stumbled upon this forum by accident and I'm glad I did because I've got lots of questions I need answered!

[Twinnesota]

Hello from Mike in MN
Joined to beat a dead horse whenever possible.
:-)

[Skoothondjie]

Hi everyone. Benjan here. I'm a born and bred South African. I started playing the alto sax during the last two years of my high school years (2004-2005) in a marching band. That was some of the best times of my life. Sadly, due to the fact that I was hiring the instrument I had to return it when I graduated from high school.

Finally(!), I bought a sax two weeks ago. Now there will be many more good times to follow.

[revolutionsax]

hello. the name is dan. i've been playing sax since third grade so for about 8 years now and have been hooked from the start. I play a Yamaha YAS 52 alto sax and a Vito Duke Special Tenor sax. I am in the transition to applying to music schools for college and sax is what I do.

[thiago]

hi!
I am thiago, from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
I think this sotw is great, I have been reading topics for a while and decided to register so I could participate in discussions :].
Im a sax newbie and I hope to learn a lot here.
bye! :D

[Bufger]

Hi everyone, Im Andy from the Midlands in the UK. Im a complete novice having never played a musical instrument before in my whole life! I've had a couple of sax lessons now and i absolutely love it. Im picking up my first Selmer this weekend and cant wait to get practising between lessons.

I hope to pick up lots of tips from you guys and be a part of this community, i cant wait!

[Stickman Sam]

Hullo all, got my alto sax about 2 months ago. Been playing drums for 6 years, guitar for 3. So far on sax I can play Watermelon Man and Mercy Mercy Mercy, and am starting to tackle Sir Duke and One Shining Soul. I need to learn to read, so far I've been doing it by ear. Good day!

[dbenkemo221172]

Hi there,
I am a beginner (2 month) alto player who after trying every possible irish flute and great highland bagpipes and training chanters finally decided it was time to blow into a somewhat more classy instrument.almost went and chose a silver plated transverse flute but has enough sense to try a saxophone and stay away from the oboe and bassoons :-)
I am glad I went for the sax.
I really like it so far, even though I am murky on how one is supposed to have a rictus, like a force smile, bit on a plastic mouthpiece magically vibrating on one's lower lip, control one's breathing, throat opening, and diaphragm as well as make funky quick moves with the fingers, all at the same time WHILE REMAINING relaxed,which , apparently is the key to proper playing.
Taking one lesson a week.had about 7 so far.
Got my hands on the real jazz book, having fun trying some old standards, like "misty","lullaby of birdland","my funny valentine","take the A-train" etc etc
I find this is a really easy instrument to play by hear and it is nice to just try to play anything,find it by ear, and write it down so as not to have to look for it again the next time I pick up the instrument ...
I am originally french, but I live and work in Jerusalem.
Cheers...

[madbee11]

Hey there! I'm Madison, and I play Tenor sax. It's a pleasure to virtually meet you all!

[Jovirosa]

Hey. My name is Jovi Rosa. I live in Bangalore, India. Started playing the sax about 2 years ago. Never really got into it till about 6 months ago. I play a Sakkusu make Alto sax. Mostly classical, but looking into jazz.

[kameya87]

Hello. I've been playing sax for about 8 years now. I mostly play jazz, preferring standards over smooth jazz, but I usually can sell smooth better. Live, I play smooth-ish mostly for churches and banquets and other slow things like that. Jazz clubs, obviously I change my style. I really like playing in big band settings too. When it comes to making tracks, I usually find my style fitting more of a smooth feel. It sells better nowadays anyway. I like how I sound smooth too. You can hear some of my music on my myspace.

[Silver10M]

Name: CLee from rich mountain arkansas, orginally south louisiana but moved up here from Hurricane Rita. I've been playing an old frank holton silver sax for some years now, only recently purchased a pro artist 10m silver lady conn tenor. im new to the tenors so im always up to receiving help n tips.. Glad to find this place.

[Sawdust]

Hi All,
My name is Jim. I was real serious about playing but ended up quiting while I was in collage. Now (29 years later) I found this site and and you inspired me! I dusted of the old alto, replaced the corks & felts and started again. What fun!

I'm looking forwaard to "hanging out" on the Late Bloomers forum.

Jim

[BlewMeSocksOff]

Just a quick hello to everybody on this forum i've used this forum for some time now for information and reveiws and just decided to join so a big hello.:treble:

[SpoonyBard]

Hi. I've been playing Alto since June 4, 2008. I've been using the same Cecilio (no, it hasn't broken yet despite the many reviews) since. I'm in my High School's marching and concert (and soon to be jazz) band. Nice to meet you all.

[dbosh]

I realized I never did this back when I joined.
I'm Drew. From Midwest Illinois. I've played the various saxomaphones since 5th grade (am a senior now so....uh...7 years). Currently I play Bari in concert band and tenor in pep and jazz bands.

I play tenor in a local rock/ska band. We were a cover band but now we have enough material to start playing our stuff and "altered versions" of songs for our shows.

I've been taking lessons from Les Fonza for a little less than a year now.

I plan to play as much as I can in college and possibly minor in music.

I love almost any form of music and am always looking for new stuff.

[prosax]

Hi- I'm Jeff and I've been playing for 50 years. I joined Local 802 in NYC in 1969. I played my first gig 45 years ago. I studied with Joe Allard back in the 1960's. I've got too much equipment to list. I looking forward to to participating in the forum.
muDplZJHJ2A
BinbutY7lUI

[KoalaMan]

Hi everyone,

I'm Nicolas, french guy, living in Sweden, and saxophonist since... a long time now!

I have some different experiences in music, in many styles.

I'm here to exchange and discuss about our instrument.

[GASTON]

bienvenu par Minou
[/SF]

[KoalaMan]

:shock: Here is the first forum where I have less messages than you! I feel like a newbie: respectful and impressed by your high-level posting!:D

[jojosax]

So after Koalaman it is my turn I joint SOTW years a go but never say a word about myself:

I am a french guy living in Scotland now.

i started sax in 1986 at the age of 7
I now play mostely baritone. I am looking for band in Aberdeen UK (brassband or bigband)

see you soon

[Stadler]

Hi everyone,

I'm Stéphane, belgian guy, living in Belgium, and saxophonist since 6 years. I play clarinet too.

I have some different experiences in music, in many styles.

I'm here to exchange and discuss about our instrument.

[Soul Patch Paul]

I'm VERY uncertain about the procedure here being somewhat "challenged" when it comes to online forums and technology. I hope I'm doing the correct thing. I've been using this forum as a resource for some time now and have really found it helpful. Typically I don't feel the need to post anything and frankly don't have much time to be online most days. But I'm grateful for the forum and for all the experienced players who share so much useful information. Thanks to all of you who take the time to share your experience. I started playing piano at age six and studied for twelve years. In the fifth grade I took up the trombone and played it for some years. I started playing the tenor sax a little over twenty years ago and now play in a couple of community bands and a small jazz combo. My principle horn is a Keilwerth SX90R and I still have my old Yamaha YTS61. It's good to be here and to have such a wealth of knowledge available. My best to you all!

[BARISSIMOSAX]

hi, ive been lurking and thot it time to join. i grew up playing flute in various school orchestras. :treble: i quit music and especially classical music until my cousin handed me a tenor sax. i loved it immediately, but never could break into a jazz band until i bot myself a new super action 80 bari, and i had gigs before the mailorder horn even arrived! :) not long after i was invited to join a semi professional big band, the rhythmaires, on bari sax. (they played the rhythm, i made the errors :D ) later i bot a yani tenor and a yani soprano. then the family moved to another area and i havent played in a jazz band for 12 years until last month. i noticed an ad in the local paper looking for bari and tenor players for a big band. i tried out and then joined. now im playing bari sax with bigbandissimo jazz band. my son is now playing my soprano and i have become his teacher. life is good
:)

[ray0818]

Hi, I'm a new member. I've played alto for 6 years or so now, and enjoying it a lot. I'm currently a sophomore in high school and hope to continue sax into college and beyond.

[Freeman93]

Hey I'm Freeman, been learning sax for about 1 and a half years now and just found this site, very interesting!

[Indyhuff]

Hi,

I'm Sue and trying to learn enough about intermediate soprano saxes so that when I buy one for my daughter, I don't make too much of a mistake. She's played tenor for years and would like to have a soprano. I take the issue to the correct forum.

Thanks

sue

[AlanJ]

Hello. My name is Alan and I barely begun playing this year. Got my alto sax as a Christmas present. I'm trying to dedicate myself very much to the saxophone because I want to be competent by summer but I find it hard to have time to practice :\

[Xw2904]

Hey, I just joined, I have been playing sax for four years. Alto for one, Tenor for the next three. I'm here to learn some more about the saxophone and meet some cool people.

[Harri Rautiainen]

Hey, I just joined, I have been playing sax for four years. Alto for one, Tenor for the next three. I'm here to learn some more about the saxophone and meet some cool people.
Welcome on board Xw2904, although I could not find your hometown on Alabama map.

Learning here is really up to you; sometimes you have to do Search.
Cool people you cannot avoid here.

My welcome greeting is extended to all new members. Enjoy,

[Jovirosa]

Prosax!! Joe Allard ? That's amazing. I'm brushing up my tone from a book by David Leibman. It's dedicated to Joe Allard.

[Nikosax72]

Hi!!

My name is Gianluca and I play as amateur Alto and Bari. I am posting from Italy and I am very happy to have joined this community!!!

Blow hard!

Gianluca

[BillyBerg]

Hi
Just started playing again after 10 year break.
New Sax - Yamaha
New mouthpiece - Otto Link
New teeth - Plastic!
New embouchure - obviously

Its just like starting from scratch - so I.m learning again hopefully without all the bad habits from my previous life!
First few gigs have gone fine!

[bblossom57]

Howdy. I'm Bob. Played in a past life. Am re-beginning again after over 20 yrs out of music. Have YSS-62R sop. This site has already helped me tremendously! Thanks!

[tzacher]

Hey, I'm Tom. Been playing for almost 5 years now. 5 on the alto, and I've also got 2 years experience on the bari. My baby is a Newporte Jazze Alto with a funky finish.

[CooolJazzz]

^ people are asked not to quote spam.

You beat me to reporting that one.
It's very similar to yesterday's attack.

Thanks for giving me the heads up about not quoting. I xxx'd out the spam link with an edit.

[saxnoob123]

Hi all, i just joined this site yesterday looking for a place to buy secondhand alto saxes in singapore...but its actually pretty interesting! :)

[luccia]

Bought a used and in good shape LA Sax Soprano. The curved neck cork is worn and the horn "flutter-warbled" in the lower part of its range. I switched to the straight neck and that problem disappeared; the cork condition is the only visible variable. The intonation isn't awful, it's actually pretty good. I was really surprised I've been able to actually make music with it. I sold my Conn tenor 20 years ago to pay for my move to California. It was the student model my parents bought me in 1965. Yes, I know what that horn's worth today.

I played tenor and baritone in high school and college bands, including jazz bands. I also played with various rock, R&B, and blues combos. I quit playing because ... I don't really know. I just set it aside and never went back to it.

This instrument is my reward to myself for completing my dissertation and becoming the first person in my family with a doctorate. I know I may very well want a higher-quality instrument someday, but I play for myself and my enjoyment. When my skills and lip come back, I'll look into a different instrument. But, for now, I'm loving playing saxophone once again.

[IainC]

Hello. I'm Iain, a English guy living in Hesinki. Finland. Now that I have some more spare time, I have decided to take up the tenor saxophone. My profession as a recording engineer has kept me close to music and instruments of all kinds, but the tenor has always interested me. My horn, a Yamaha 275 is due to arrive in about three or fours days. It's the first step in a very exciting adventure.

[jonsteel]

Hi all,

Believe it or not, I am not a sax player but have a great love for the instrument. I play drums for last 35 years and getting a jazz funk/soul band together. Some of the guys are a bit lazy so I am on here to sound you out on charts and any budding/experienced players that would like to give a new project a go. Based in Cardiff, South Wales.

Keep it live, guys

[mgcortex]

Howdy. I am joining SOTW after sifting through the great content several days a week over the last several months.

Regarding playing, I stopped playing the bari after HS as I never owned one... Then my eldest son picked up the alto sax. He began at the beginning of this school year and after playing his alto often for four months I decided to return to the first sax I played. I picked up a sweet Buescher tenor off of Craig's List earlier this year, an Otto link mp off of Ebay, and I am totally re-hooked... my wife says obsessed. Now a friend is encouraging me to come play with his cover band. While I may not be ready to do that, I am enjoying playing alone and with my son.

As a side note, I need to thank John Laughter on this site--he has been very helpful and responsive when I have had questions/requests.

[EmmaAlto]

Hello everyone!

I am Emma from Cambridge, UK. and have been playing the sax for approximately 10 weeks - very much a beginner!

Regards

[AntoineEX]

Hello, all! I am a music major, sax being my main instrument with some clarinet and flute. My current set-ups:

Classical:
Soprano: Yamaha 875EX with a Selmer S90, Vandoren "blue box" 3.5
Alto: Yamaha 82Z(wish I could buy a Selmer SBAII!)
Tenor: Cleveland with a Yamaha 4C and Vandoren 3.5
Bari: Yamaha 62 (although it is the school's) with a Vandoren 3.5

Jazz:
Same horns, mouthpieces and reeds:
Soprano: Selmer G and Java 3
Alto: Claude Lakey 6* with a V16 3.5, Yanigasawa Metal with a V16 3.5, and though rarely used, Meyer G series 6, with V16 3.5
Tenor: Jumbo Java T75 and Java 3.5

Nice to meet you guys! :-)

[blues4alice]

Hi... this is a great site! I'm just finding it a little hard to access things though~

[Henninge]

Hi there,
Henning from Stockholm, Sweden here. I have been playing the sax for 20 years approximately, most of the time just at home for myself on an old Pierret that was getting more and more in need of a total repair. A couple of weeks ago I had had enough and went to have it serviced, but ended somehow up with a Selmer SA80 II instead, and I'm enjoying every minute of playing this lovely instrument.

Will be browsing this forum for information on tecnique and the like. Being a totally self taught player, I guess I have quite a bit of basic things to catch up with.

Players in the Stocholm area; feel free to contact me!

/Henning

[tsbent]

Greetings,
Have been a viewer for a couple of years but just joined. Taking my Selmer VI alto in for repair and left to play a Yamaha tenor and soprano until it returns.
The info available on the site seems endless. There may be an end to the Internet but not Sax on the WEB.

[Anastasia]

Hello all! I am here to improve my saxophone and my English please. I am not very good but i try hard and will read a lot. I also like snakes and collect pythions.

With all best wishes.
Anastasia.

[Harri Rautiainen]

Hello all! I am here to improve my saxophone and my English please. I am not very good but i try hard and will read a lot. I also like snakes and collect pythions.

With all best wishes.
Anastasia.Welcome on board Anastasia and all other recently joined members. We all will like it here as long as you keep your reptiles on other forums. :)

Greetings,
Have been a viewer for a couple of years but just joined. Taking my Selmer VI alto in for repair and left to play a Yamaha tenor and soprano until it returns.
The info available on the site seems endless. There may be an end to the Internet but not Sax on the WEB.That's a forward looking statement, tsbent, thank you.

And you ain't seen nothing, yet. I will gradually bring old stuff (prior 2003) on-line.

[DixieSax]

Hello all! I am here to improve my saxophone and my English please. I am not very good but i try hard and will read a lot. I also like snakes and collect pythions.

With all best wishes.
Anastasia.

Hello Grumps :twisted:

[RootyTootoot]

Hello Grumps :twisted:

+1. There isn't anyone who looks like that living in the uk either. Unfortunately.

[imsaxy]

I am Jerome.
jk i'm dan, i'm a freshman, Alto, been playing for 4 years, learning to improvise.

[desertheated]

Hello! I've been using the forum for research for over a year now and finally decided to join. I currently play alto and soprano at our church, after a 20+ year hiatus of not much playing since high school.

[profe51]

I am the dad of a budding teen jazz player. I've been reading here for some time and really appreciate all the information available! No musical talent on my side of the family, I'm just the guy with the money :)

[Erik Brodin]

Hi everyone,

My name is Erik and I play alto in the jazz program at Cal State LA. Check out my ska/reggae band's myspace at www.myspace.com/rumboogie

Been playing for a while and I love it!

[jmoen3]

Hey guys,

This is a bit late, but my names Jared. Been playing sax since I started band and when i started to get into the sax market this was the first place I went to read about saxes. Haven't turned back since, but didn't make an account until this year when i finally decided to start spending money on mpc's/horns/anything :).

Love the community and support you guys offer, so thanks!

[OctaveKey]

Just started playing tenor sax yesterday. As soon as I saw this forum, I rushed to join it for help =).

:treble::space0::lowbd::line0::line0:

[ZeNerd]

Hi,

My name's Laurent Tantôt. I started clarinet 5 months ago, here in Montreal, QC. I played a bit of classical guitar and drums in the past. I chose clarinet because I find this object very beautiful, I love the almost human sound of it. And it's easily transportable! I especially like it in jazz and in klezmer (I looove Giora Feidman).

I have been renting the clarinet I'm using, but I am currently shopping for my own.

Cheers,
Laurent "ZeNerd" Tantôt.

[SaxyB]

I'm shopping for a new horn. Time to stop lurking the saxophone interwebs and dive in!
8-)

[jrgofast]

Hi Y'all, I'm new to the site. I've been playing sax for 33 years so far, and seven years ago picked up a Super 20. It got stolen right out of my car recently, and luckily insurance paid off. So I'm looking for a replacement Super 20 or a Mark VI. I'm kinda torn, but I'm thinking why not try to pick up what has been known to the be the best tenor sax ever made... the Mark VI. I've always wanted one, so now is as good a time as any. I just have to find one under 4k. Any references are welcome!! John Roche

[MarkVIstud]

Hello all, Im lawrence, you can call me Pi. B/c thats my last name. I've been using SOTW for a few weeks, but i didnt see this up until just now.

I've been playing sax since i was in 7th grade, and i'm in 10th grade now. I got a private teacher immediately when i started, so i have accommplished what most students in my district take 5 years to do. My knowledge of music is pretty good for a 10th grader. I started jazz when i was 3 months into playing.

My teachers so far have been Dan Kaneyuki, Ethan Helm, and Jay Mason. Unfortunatley, Ethan Helm went to Eastman for college. He was truly a jazz youth.

In my area, we are a musical school district. All 3 HS have good band programs(the big one is El Dorado). So, i have great teachers, so i know a lot about sax. Though sometimes i have my own questions that i want mutiple opinions on. :)

One question.........i feel stupid for asking this..........but i still don't know how to start a thread with my own questions. Where is the icon for it. Can someone PM me? Thx in advance.

If you have questions yourself, feel free to PM me.

[Ade00000]

Hi, I'm Ade, a novice to the saxophone,I was encouraged by a friend to take it up.He has a couple of altos and spent an afternoon getting me to blow a few notes on one.I play blues harmonica so maybe that helps a bit.I took a chance on buying an old horn off e-bay,it seems to be a Conn stencil from the twenties that has been repadded recently,so a bit of luck there.

[dgsVI]

New Thread creation...
Find "New Thread" button at top left of List of Threads:

OK, I was going to post a piece of a screen shot showing the button, but cant' figure out how to attach an image (it's already been uploaded). :dontknow:

[chrissieb]

Hi there, my name is chris, I've been playing tenor for 3 weeks now. Don't have my own horn yet. I'm an adult learner, just trying to teach an old dog some new tricks :). My aim is to be able to play some simple stuff with a jazz group in september, we'll see how it goes x

[spartacus]

Welcome newbies.

Check out the Beginners Forum threads and ask questions if you don't understand stuff.

Don't let the old geezers scare you off.

[RueRiposte]

Hi everyone!

I play the violin in our community orchestra. However I've been 'in love' with the soprano sax since I first saw one, some 5-6 years ago.

I bought one and have been playing since December. Plan to join an adult beginner band this fall.

I have lots of questions!:D

[Scherzando]

Hello all, my name is Dennis and I'm a saxaholic.;-)

Been lurking for a couple of months, decided to jump in.

Big thank you to Harri and all the others for making this place such a wonderful resource.

Cheers,

Dennis

[ronyjo]

Hi, my name is Ron and in my 67 years of life, I have been a part-time professional musician for 50 years.

I started on Clarinet in the 5th grade in New Orleans and was hooked after that. New Orleans was a great place for fostering musicians, especially during the 1950s. In high school I started with clarinet but moved to tenor sax. Before long I was playing evening gigs along with high school sports and, of course, neglecting school work.

At first like most young musicians in New Orleans, I played Rock n Roll. But the good thing about that era was that most of my fellow rock musicians idolized the great jazz, blues and R&B musicians of that time. Every Rock group I worked with incorporated in their repertoire tunes by Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, Stan Getz, Charley Parker, Clifford Brown, Ray Charles, Bobby Bland and others while offering popular rock. We, and most bands, could play anything from Dixieland, Standards from the 40s & 50s, Cajun, R&B, Blues or what was called then modern Jazz.

These tunes were so standardized (even the keys) in New Orleans, that it was not uncommon to get a "spot job" (GIG with guys you did not normally work with) and sound like you had worked together forever. It was most common at weddings (on Saturday afternoons in New Orleans) because most us had played our regular Friday night GIG from 10 pm to 2 am followed by a paid Jam Session (4 am to 7 am) and it was more difficult to assemble a wedding band for a noon wedding, especially when you had a Saturday night GIG to follow. I cannot tell you how many times we were asked by wedding guests how long we had been together because we sounded great and we would have to tell them an hour or so. It was a wonderful environment for musicians, nobody had to compete for GIGs, even our competitors were friends (almost like family), everybody knew everybody, we always encouraged new players and the racial stuff had no influence. The unwritten rule was that you had to let other musicians sit-in for at least one tune.

I played steadily in that environment with a minimum of two nights a week to 9 times a week (7 week nights, a paid jam session and a wedding) all the way through undergraduate and law school and until I went into the military service in 1974. I also did some arranging, studio work and some TV.

After I was in the Navy, I played when I could around the U.S. and overseas, sometimes steady and sometimes not.

Since my retirement in 1995 I have played GIGs in the Chicago and Milwaukee area, mostly jazz GIGs. I regret to say, that I still miss the musical environment New Orleans offered and I have found it no where else.

I play a Selmer Mark VI tenor with a Berg Larsen steel mouthpiece and also flute (student model). The Mark VI tenor has a big fat sound which fills a room. It has played thousands of GIGs, has been beat up and worn but is still a great horn.

[dtscds]

Okay, so my name is Coy and I am 45. I was a music major back in the early 80s on Tuba after playing trumpet for most of my school career. I always liked the sound of the sax though.

A few weeks ago my wife and I went to the symphony and Branford Marsalis was performing. It got me thinking that it might be time for me to try to learn this whole "reed sucking" thing. I went out that weekend and rented a YAS 23, bought a box of reeds and a book--it came with cd!!--and I am now on my way. I have taken it out of the case a couple of times and I can make noises on it. I don't particularly care for the "tone" coming out of it but I guess it will take another week or two before I am great! [Impnt]

Having a background in music I already read music and have a fair grasp on theory. In addition to the brass stuff, I also play some guitar and play bass in my church's worship band. Now it's time to learn a whole new instrument.

Anyway, I have already found lots of really good information on here so I figured I should join up and stop lurking.

BTW--if anyone teaches beginners in the Dallas area and want to take on an impoverished, middle-aged student give me a shout!

[Keith Murray]

That is so funny that I am following the last guy that was a tuba player, because that is the instrument that I started on.

I am 39 and grew up in the Augusta, GA area and have been longtime friends with and went to school with Wycliffe Gordon (trombone player, formerly with Wynton Marsalis for over a decade). I played sax and tuba all through high school and college. My senior in high school, I was First Tenor in the GA All-State Jazz Ensemble, and first-chair tuba in the All-State Concert Band. I played tuba with the Augusta Symphony past time for a couple of years, then I layed it down in 1992 to concentrate solely on sax. I own 4 horns - soprano, also, tenor, and bari.

I spent a year on the road with the popular contemporary Christian band, Truth, and now write and perform for a large church in Augusta. My real-life job is in the insurance business. I own a life and health insurance agency, but my heart is still in music. I have been married for 13 wonderful years and have two boys. The oldest is 8 and we learned 2 years ago that he has perfect pitch. He started playing guitar last year and can open tune the strings perfectly with no tuner or reference point. He does stuff I can't do!

Looking forward to learning and contributing here. I am glad I found this forum.

[Harri Rautiainen]

Welcome on board, Keith, and everyone else who joined recently.

Keith, your son has a rare gift which is going to help him a lot. But I am afraid he's going to suffer also in band playing? :twisted:

[ryanjanus]

Hello, my name is Ryan Janus. I'm a saxophonist with the US Air Force's Falconaires jazz band stationed in Colorado Springs, CO. We also do a fair amount of concert band and marching band shows as well. It's a great gig - I get paid by Uncle Sam to blow air through a metal tube all day!

[dtscds]

It's a great gig - I get paid by Uncle Sam to blow air through a metal tube all day!

What a coincidence... My Congressman gets paid by Uncle Sam to blow sunshine up... Well, never mind what he gets paid to do...

I saw the Air Force Jazz band once when I was in high school and remember it was one of the most impressive displays of great musicians ever. (At least in my lifetime.) I remember being blown away!

[Aldevis]

Hi everyone!

Just joined with the usual questions about mouthpieces, reeds, instruments, sticky pads...

[LauraRose]

Hello :)
I'm Laura, from the South Coast of England.
Have been playing sax about 2 months now and really enjoying it :D
Looking forward to speaking to you all :)

[Kifsax]

Hello!
My name is Kif, I am a French amateur sax player! I live in Kathmandu right now and plays the alto. I am involved with the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory: http://www.katjazz.com/
where I take occasional lessons.
Greetings from Nepal!

[joesaxjoe]

Hi I'm Joe. I am mainly a tenor and bari player, and I study performance at Elmhurst College, soon transferring to Berklee. I have played sax since I was 7, and I am currently 20. I teach lessons in the Chicagoland area, and I play in a band called Phat Cats, check us out at the Elbo Room on May 6th. So yes, if you want lessons and you are from Chicago send me an email, I am very cheap!

[roughsax]

Hi I'm Nana.

When I was a baby, I sucked my thumb a lot.

It really helps with the embouchure now.

And brings back many happy memories.

:D

[Amaranth]

Hello,
I'm Aly and I live in Oxford, UK
I started playing with friends in a Pub Band a couple of months ago when someone remembered that I had a Tenor Sax. Previously it had lain in it's case under the bed for at least 5 years possibly more. It was bought for me by my OH for my birthday as I had always gone on about learning to play. It is around 20 years old, an unknown cheap make, has a Vandoren Mouthpiece and it's mine and I love it - it's a hard taskmaster though, makes me work hard and doen't always reurn the effort!
Anyway, thank you for accepting me - I promise not to meddle with things I do not understand.

Aly

[originalmazdawg]

Hi, my name is Rafael. I played tenor all thru high school, bass clarinet thru middle school. graduated in '95 and haven't actively played since, only a few (maybe ten times in the past ten years???) sessions that lasted all of 5 minutes, usually on someone else's horn (my ex-fiance) or a run-down alto I bought for $100, definately not the same. Recently bought myself a newer and in good condition yamaha tenor and am workin' on "gettin' ma groove back". I came across this website while researching metal mouthpieces to replace the stock 4c on my horn. I loved all the information here and decided to join, so here I am...