What do i do?

[YoungTenorSaxPlayer]

I'm in marching band and this year in our show we have a jazz tenor saxophone solo that im playing (it takes an 2/3 of an entire movement (out of four) in the show) and i want to look for a sax as apposed to using the school's Bundy II i'm playing now. It's ok but i've really got to strain to get out those lower notes and making it sound the way i want [and its not easy after marching a movement playing Baritone] I don't march with the sax so im not too worried about it being beaten up [which comes with the territory in M. band] Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[gary]

Help us out. What price range are you looking for? Do you care if its new or used. Are you going to use it in concert and jazz band? Have yo taken your Bundy to a repairman to have it checked for leaks or other problems?

[YoungTenorSaxPlayer]

The solo's is featured in our show for marching band this year (there are 4 movements, the 2nd is the solo{Cadenza, Jazzy} the bundy was serviced by my band directors technician/repairman at the beginning of the year, but i don't have direct contact with one. I can't afford a new saxophone [$800 is probly my max... if even that] I'm am also in Ad. Wind Ensemble and Jazz band too

[YoungTenorSaxPlayer]

am i just out of luck, since i can't afford a $900-2000 sax, i know i have to depend on my own talent and practice but a better sax could only help right?

or am i being naive?

[jazzbluescat]

I'd just fix all the leaks(if any..tsk tsk)and get a different mpc. I mean, you're just talkin' one number, right(?).

[YoungTenorSaxPlayer]

Like what, you have to tell me more than that. I obviously have no idea what im doing (from the tone of these responses)

[YoungTenorSaxPlayer]

I'd just fix all the leaks(if any..tsk tsk)and get a different mpc. I mean, you're just talkin' one number, right(?).

No i would like to upgrade, and of course im not going to purchase a sax just to do one show, and just out of curiosity what are you tsk tsk'ing for

[Dave Collins]

I think you'd be hard pressed to find a worthy upgrade for $800. You could get perhaps a step up form your current horn, but if you end up playing much longer, you'll end up just upgrading as soon as your senior year or college if you want to take your music that far. Also, since they are quite popular student horns, Bundys shoud have OK resale value. That's a good factor to consider, too. You might look into vintage horns though if you're still dead set on a "new" horn. I'm not too knowlegable about them, but if you ask around the vintage sections and maybe tnor boards, you should get some ideas. But I still say save your money for a while and get a horn that will last you forever. High school is cool, if you're looking farther, just stick to long range plans IMO.

Also, look into getting a new mouthpiece for your horn. A new mpc/reed/ligature setup is a relatively inexpensive way to improve your sound and get more out your horn. I recommend, too, getting your horn checked for leaks etc by a tech. If you're not getting notes out, it's likely a bad setup or a horn in poor repair. DOn't give up on that Bundy yet. Let us know what you decide.

Regards,
Dave
sigmasax@hotmail.com

[Dave Collins]

I'll add that a JodyJazz with spoiler (www.jodyjazz.com) would be a good way to go for your mouthpiece choice. THey are easy to play and with the spoiler you get get some added edge and volume, especially since it's a marching band thing.

What setup are you using now?

[Bill Gaulke]

Young tenor sax player,,,
e-mail me ,, I might have something that might interest you...I'm at:
bgaulke@techline.com

[Subtone Sam]

YoungTenorSaxPlayer,

check the horn for leaks,especially the lower notes,low D,low C,low B and Bb.You can do this in a dark room with a leak light,a small flashlight will do.Place the light inside the horn,close the pad and check the leaks.

If you don't have a proper mouthpiece,get a Runyon SR or similar model (check their website,Runyons are cheap but good) in .90-.100 opening or a Otto Link rubber or metal 6,6*,7 mouthpiece.Combine with 2 or 2 1/2 reed and you are better off.No use getting a new horn if its just one number.

[jazzbluescat]

I'd just fix all the leaks(if any..tsk tsk)and get a different mpc. I mean, you're just talkin' one number, right(?).
No i would like to upgrade, and of course im not going to purchase a sax just to do one show, and just out of curiosity what are you tsk tsk'ing for

Generally speaking, saxes leak; either outright or by imprecision. Good air support and being as precise as possible usually overcomes the consequences of leaks/"leaks."

If you want to upgrade get as good a horn as you can afford. All the top brands are good; just pick one that suits you.