El Saxco Silent Bag-Opinions?

[ChasS]

On the old forum there was some discussion about the pros and cons of these type of gig bags that allow you to play your sax while it's still inside to reduce overall sound volume while practicing.

Negative aspects aside, like moisture build-up and maybe being awkward, I'm still thinking about getting one because I need to minimize my volume at certain times. Has anyone tried these lately and can comment on how well the sound is muted? FWIW, I'd like to find a second-hand tenor bag if someone wants to sell theirs. Thanks!

[Sax_on_legs]

I have one of these - I bought one because I get urges to play late at night. The reduction in sound volume is not as much as it is advertised, it's more like 50% rather than 70%. You may wish to supplement the bag by stuffing a towel in the top of the bell. Unfortunately, my neighbours can still hear me whether I use this bag or not, although it does ease the problem somewhat (I think the best option is to move out of a cramped city - I live in London).

In terms of the practicality of using it, well, the results are mixed. You'll realise that you really can't hear yourself very well when using this - I've found this to be the biggest problem so far, and I consider it quite a serious problem, as a player needs to hear himself in order to respond and adjust. You should give this bag a thorough testing before you buy it. I can only half-heartedly recommend this item - only for those who really need to reduce their volume badly.

[Perfect Pitch]

supplement the bag by stuffing a towel in the top of the bell.

This doesn't do a lot for your intonation(esp bell notes) but is better than no practice!!!

[milandro]

Got the damn thing today after waiting for more than a week. I thought it could offer the definitive solution with the problems with my neighbors ( the problem is that I think that I have difficult neigbors and they think that they have one difficult neighbor...), however, the thing is a joke, you might as well wrap a bag made of cloth around your saxophone or build a boxwhere you keep your saxophone in. As it is , it doesn't work for me, just as well you can use it as a gig bag. I got in touch with the company and sent them an e-mail to ask questions, it has been a week, no answer. Don't buy it, learn to play softer and buy a telephone booth and make it sound proof.

[MrMiyagi]

it's too bad they don't have a tenor version of the Whisper Mute, it would be perfect... I use my Alto Whisper Mute everyday and judging how well sound is reduced in that, I'd imagine a tenor one would be that much better...