Sound Mirror

[Slugger]

Has anybody used the sound mirror. Do you have any feedback....

[Lenny]

I like it though it feels embarrasing because it looks odd and nobody else uses it. I got the idea from someone else who always used it as his hearing was not so good.
Anyway it bounces the sound back to you from the bell and the result is that I can hear myself really well whether I'm whispering or shouting. Like playing against a wall.
Biggest difference to me is that I became much more comfortable playing softly. Also could hear my attack and intonation better. I used to push too hard to hear my sound.
I feel more cmfortable playing with it, and actually feel a little naked without it.
I always preface anything I say though by letting you know I'm not a pro, so take it with a grain of salt.
Also it tends to fall apart on stage - get some lock washers for the little screws and back-up screws if you lose them.

Maybe my hearing is slightly bad though i've never noticed too much of a problem.

[soulysax]

I'm with Lenny on the mirror. It helps but looks odd. I switched to a personal monitor. This small device allows me to mix my volume with the monitor. I take control of the volume not the sound guy :lol:

[MPL]

I used a Sound Mirror long ago when I played alto and tenor. Yeah, it looks odd...but boy did my playing improve when I could hear myself all the time! I used it when playing with everything from jazz ensembles and combos to R&B horn sections and concert band music.

When the clip broke, I never replaced it - which was right around the time I started teaching school and never had time to practice anyway. Recently I got another one to use with my baritone, but I could never find the right angle and the mirror was ineffective.

[Big Jim]

This might start a conversation, but, oh well,.When I was MUCH YOUNGER and taking Sax lessons in Houston from Cliff Drescher, (1954) he had me stand in the corner and practice. It seemed to bounce the sound back to you and you seem to hear yourself better. Every once in a while, I try that and also, practice in the Bathroom for the Reverb sound. (or maybe the Kitchen) I know these things sound weird but IMOP they work for me. Have a great practice, Big Jim :D

[wersax]

I use the sax mirror at rock gigs when I use my wireless; those of you who play loud music gigs know how the volume can change on stage (can you say loud, louder, loudest?) and the sax mirror helps to compensate for this. And yes it does look wierd, and it's flimsy, too, but it can help in a pinch! If you use a stand mic, you might want to consider a product that clips on the mic called the "Note Bandit". At least I think that's it's name; I've got one and use it for gigs without the wireless. It helps a lot! And I always try to be extra nice to the sound man; nothing beats a good monitor mix!........d