Newbie Sop Equipment Questions

[doublepunk]

Hellow fellow saxophonists,

First let me say I think this forum is terrific. I wish the Internet had been around when I first started to play sax (but Jerry Ford was president then and disco was not yet dead, so it was a looooong time ago). You folks have a great community resource here. Well done.

Some background on me. I played sax from 4th grade through college. I had good chops and a great time, played in all-county orchestra and college jazz bands. I was a tenor player but soon after college I had no time and needed the bread so I sold my Selmer MkVII and started a saxless existence. Recently, a new Jupiter 547BL soprano fell into my lap. The horn is a freebie and I'm not the type to kick a gift horse in the mouth, so I'm going to start playing again (I'd prefer a tenor, but hey, let's not get greedy).

Obviously, after a 16 year lay-off my embouchure has gone the way of the coelacanth and my breathing ain't what it used to be, but I'm determined to get them back. Is it worth keeping this Jupiter or trading up? I know a lot of folks are down on this brand (I had never heard of it), but after 3 days I find I am actually getting a passable tone. I'm trying out a STM Link 5* with Vandoren medium reeds. Also auditioning a Dukoff D6 which seems like it might be too much for me right now. Would appreciate any comments on the Jupiter and the mouthpiece. This tip opening seems narrow compared to what a lot of folks on this board use but for a semi-beginner is is appropriate? I have a lot more questions but I'll keep it simple... for now. Thanks for your help.

Peace

[Dave Dolson]

doublepunk: Welcome aboard. I see no one replied. After several days, I'll take a crack at it.

For a beginner (well, a re-beginner), I think you are doing the right thing. True, Jupiters don't have a super reputation but who knows, you may have one that plays - at least good enough to get back in the game. I'd advise against any horn-upgrades until you become proficient enough to know what works and what doesn't work for you.

Mouthpieces are always a guess - it doesn't matter that the whole world may use a Selmer C* (or name your poison). What matters is what plays for you. So, if what you have is not working very well, you may want to take your horn to a reputable retailer and try some different pieces. Make sure you have good reeds with different strengths available to play the various tip-openings you will test.

I've never liked Dukoff pieces - they always seemed to be TOO open for my tastes, but that's just me. I have a metal Link 6* for soprano, but it doesn't play as good for me as other pieces. Yet, others rave about those pieces you mentioned. Bottom line is that none of us can tell you what will work for you - all we can say is what works for us. Those decisions are yours. DAVE

[doublepunk]

Dave,

Thanks for the reply. Your advice is good. It's going to be a process to to find out what sounds good to me. I listen to a lot of tenor players (Getz and Dexter are my favorites), but to be honest I don't have a great sound conception for soprano (Coltrane primarily). I just bought a Sidney Bechet CD and plan to listen to some Jane Ira Bloom, Dave Liebman, Steve Lacy. Maybe hearing will help me hear how I think the horn should sound.

Peace.

[goodsax]

doublepunk - I too am a retread sax amateur with an almost complete one each collection of saxes, a clarinet and a flute. I'm chiming in because I think you should know there is a new following developing for newer Jupiters, especially the 889SG tenor silver-plated body with solid silver neck. It's a beautiful horn and plays as good as it looks. A new one lists for about $1300, but you may find an excellent condition used one for under $1000. Similarly, the Antigua Winds A582LQ soprano is getting excellent reviews - I have one - and is very inexpensive compared to the big four brands. You can get one brand new for $595 from BISCO on the Web.

Good luck and good playing,

Rob
8)

[Dave Dolson]

Doublepunk: As most everyone here knows, I am what's called a "mouldy fygge" . . . I LOVE the original jazz of the '20's. And, BECHET is THE player on soprano. Most of the newer jazzers recognized as good soprano players (and those you mentioned) leave me cold. Oh, I admire their technique and their command of their instruments, but what they play, how they play it, and their tone does not speak to my heart.

If you like Bechet, try some Bob Wilber - he is still with us and plays up a storm on reeds. He studied with and recorded with Bechet early in Wilber's career. His recordings called "Soprano Summit" (with Kenny davern and a great rhythm section) are well done - and good examples of the more traditionally oriented jazz soprano saxophone styles. Good luck. DAVE

[tomsch]

doublepunk - even if you're not ready to move up to better instrument you should have your soprano checked out by a good tech. Just a simple adjustment will make your transition back into the playing world much easier.

[doublepunk]

Gents,

Thanks for the further advice about venturing out into the rarified air of soprano playing.

Goodsax -- I'll keep in mind your news about Jupiter tenors. I'm not a slave to labels, but right now I'm going to take some time with the soprano and work my way back to the bigger horns. Of course, I might win the lottery and that could change my mind in a New York Minute.

Dave -- I'll listen to some Wilber. Bechet is a monster and that tone is inimitable (as it should be), but he gives me a great sense of the horn's range and expressive depth.

Tomsch -- Just got the horn back from a tech and he filled a few leaks. He's got a good rep and says the horn is not half bad, so the rest, the woodshedding, is up to me.

Peace.

[rrex54]

BTW for sheer soprano tone, check out Branford Marsalis on Romances for Saxophone!