Difficulty in Highest Register

[jazzman1313]

I recently had the opurtunity to play 3 CB Big Bells( Bl Nickle. Nickle, and Silver Plated) and a MarkVI side by side. Overall, I preferred the Black Nickle Big Bell, but had some trouble making jumps to the highest range of the horn. For example, in one solo I played( Phantasies by Richard Faith[I humbly recommend this solo]) there is a jump from the middle to high (just under altissimo) F. This feat proved to be much more difficult to acheive than normal, even more so that on my student Vito. Is this a characteristic of the sax, or(in all probability) is it me?

[Saxaholic]

Jazzman: Owning a Black Nickle plate Big Bell, I can say with confidence the problem is you adjusting to the horn. It also could have been the setup on that particular horn, or maybe the mouthpiece you were using wasn't a good match to the horn.

I usually use a Meyer 5M or JJ #6 on the CB, and they both worked fine. The JJ was much stronger in the upper register. I'm thinking any problems you're having with the horn could be resolved by setup choice.

They are excellent horns and finding one second-hand can usually be quite a bargain.

Shameless promotion,but I'm looking to sell a Black Nickle Big Bell CB alto that is in excellent shape. I'm accepting offers, but looking to get $1400 out of it. ;)

Saxaholic

[jazzman1313]

Thanks, I was using a Rousseau 4R mpc with a Vandoren 3. I hope you are correct. I love the low end of the Bl Nickle. I'll probably go in on a new one.

[Saxaholic]

If you decide to go in new, make sure you have it set up properly. They come pretty good from the factory, but some need more maintenance control than others. Also, try quite a few of them, but pay special attention to the necks. The necks receive special, individual attention and some may perform much better than otheres. See if your dealer will let you swap necks from different CB's and take note of the difference it could make.

Saxaholic

[Stacey]

Jazzman, I agree with Saxoholic. Mine has no such problems. That's not to say it might not be an adjustment issue on the horn(s) you played, but it's certainly not true in general of the BBGS.

Stacey

[jazzman1313]

Many Thanks! I have to say, the quality as well as quickness of responses really surprises me as a new SOTW member. The advice here is invaluable to a young musician such as myself.

[Stacey]

Stick around - after you've had a few cases where people very convincingly tell you things that are completely opposite each other, you may change your mind about the quality of the responses!

I frequently include the disclaimer that my advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

But in the interim - hey, glad to help!

[jazzman1313]

Delightful...

(Sarcasm? No? You decide)