Anyone ever played a ContraBass before? Do you own one or know someone who does? What was it like? What was the good, the bad? Could you use it in "real life"?
I met one of these beasts eye to eye, but haven't played it. I think you'll never again complain about carrying a bari after considering to play a contrabass :roll: :wink:
I played one at the North American Saxophone Alliance conference once in Chicago a few years back. It was literally as tall as I, and it was set up on a stand. I remeber having to put my left hand above my head to play. I remember that the mouthpiece was very large, and I couldn't really keep from playing overtones, becuase I wasn't used to the thing. but, it was interesting and fun!
The George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band recorded a chart featuring Scott Robinson on his contrabass a while back--I'll have to check what CD that's on. It was a pretty light-hearted tune, but he blazed away on that big machine. Worth listening to if you can find the CD.
By the way, I think L.A. Sax still distributes Orsi contrabasses... anyone in the L.A. area want to be part owner of one? :twisted:
-Leanne
P.S. Just looked at the LA Sax site. Check this out (complete with mortgage calculator!):
I guess that we would have to take a mortgage out to own one of these beasts. I guess the price proves that these monsters are intended for orchestral use. Where pray tell would a jazz musician get that kind of money? No, really, as a jazz musician, I want to know where to get that kind of money.
I played one once. A friend of mine was overhauling it for a friend of his. I don't remember much about it--I only tooted for a few minutes. The only thing I could see it being useful for would be as a demonsration piece.
Of course, I naturally went for the low Bb right away. I liken it to playing an oil furnace.
One of the members on the Bass sax coop just went to South America (Sao Paulo) to view and play a Contra Bass sax. His review was positive. Priced at $15,000 it should prove interesting.
I am not sure if the company is ready for international sales as the member from Bass Sax Coop, went to the factory, met the owner, had a tour, Jammed for hours with him and it seems ordered one.
I think the low saxes are hinting at a revival, I can't wait.
Anyone ever played a ContraBass before? Do you own one or know someone who does? What was it like? What was the good, the bad? Could you use it in "real life"?
Its "medium" notes sounds like baritone low notes, so you'll have a bari sound with a bigger range.
Good intonation and it's easy to balance the octave changes.
Bad:
Low notes is not playable, you play but it's not usefull. (Not in My Jazz )
Too big to carry.
Hands position is not the best and does not help in fast improvisation.
Resume:
You can use in a Jazz Gig for example, it is useful!
I have a project for a Jazz Band using this Contra Bass and Bass sax, and I think it will bring a new color to the context.
Sorry any errors but I'm not good in English, but I'll keep trying.
I have a good opinion about this saxophone and I think it has a good quality with the best price in the market.
When I wrote its low notes are not playable I did mean I can't find a place for those notes in my improvisation line, but you play and it's in tuning...
Sorry this misunderstood and I didn't intend to denigrate the image of J’elle instruments.
I was reading this months "Saxophone Journal" and there is a very interesting article about contrabass saxes in there. (pg. 49)
They also mention a sax called the "Tubax" which is a smaller bore contrabass (therefore you get quicker response and a tighter sound. Not ideal for all situations, but for jazz and such, it looks very useful... guess what, the same company that makes this also makes a B-FLAT model... that an octive lower than a BASS sax!!! (oh yes, and the e-flat one is used with a run-of-the-mill bari sax mouthpiece)
I wasn't interested in Bass and Contrabass saxes 'till I saw their site.
Then I started looking for these beasts here. So I realized that there are a lot of guys making these saxes in Brazil...
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