Anyone know about Saxophones?

[ComradeJunichi]

I wanted to start playing sax after watching Stage Bottles live, the sax was so great. I also have athing for jazz.

I read this whole essay on saxophones because I want to play. I'm thinking of renting one for a week or two first to see if I can do anything on it. Then if I want to I want to get a cheap saxophone. I'm not sure what kind, what type is usually played in jazz and ska? I was thinking an alto simply because it's small and more convenient. Or even a soprano with a curve bell (if that's correct).

Any suggestions?

[Umoja]

From my experience with playing jazz (I played Trumpet), the best form of saxaphone for playing straight improv jazz would be Alto Sax. It's a good size, and has a good solid sound. I've always thought a clarinet is better for classical jazz, although it's generallly viewed as a "girls instrument" like the flute nowadays.

[Rastafari]

yeah. clarinet is girly. just like the banjo

Flute isn't thoug, its manly

[Rob]

All I know about saxophone is that Cannonball and Trane rock(ed). The Stage Bottles aren't too shabby either, but that's a different thing entirely.

[sugarcandy113]

Mcleodstickle knows about saxaphones maybe you should pm her or soemthing!

[ComradeJunichi]

Maybe she should post in here to help me out. But...yeah.

[mentalbunny]

I'll email her and let her know. PM her anyway. Maybe she has her email available. as well.

[BuyOurEverything]

If your wanting to get started playing the sax, alto's a good choice. That's what I play, I think they have the best sound and their a good size. If you happen to be rich and looking for the best sax money can buy, go for a Selmer but otherwise I'd reccomend a Yamaha. They're definately the best you're going to get for that price.

[Umoja]

Clarinet jazz is far sexier. Imagine putting a huge black rod in your mouth, and using your other to hands to hold it, and you've got the essentials of playing a clarinet. Oh, and you have to lick the end to keep it moist. So wholesome.

[mcleodstickle]

tenor tenor!

you dont want no piddly alto sax.

i play tenor its great, to be truthful altos are quite good if you can play them well and get the right music.

Tenors have a nice wholesome, rounded tone, and the bottoms notes are great, its also really good for playing the slinky/sleazy (whatever you want to call it) kinda stuff, Altos are so good for that, ebcause you can't honk at them without sqeuaking and you can't get so much of a bend.

If you want a soprano with a curved bell you are going to have to be made of money. Selmers of any saxophone variety are also very expensive.

Yamaha professional models, will cost a bit too but they give a great tone.

Buffet models are reasonably priced and give out a reasonable tone.

I would say either tenor or soprano is the best one to go for. you can get a good tone no bother, good bends on notes and the tenor can give out a good honky tone as well has the smooth tone.

The fingering on all the saxophones is the same, so you can always sell and buy another type, it just sounds at a different pitch.

I know everyone else said alto, but i would say tenor all the way.

hope i helped.
Lauren

[ComradeJunichi]

Thank you, I just changed my mind. I posted this in two places and I'm thinking of playing Tenor. I heard it wasn't THAT big, I thought it was a lot bigger than alto. I think I'll like the low sound, thanks for the help.

[mcleodstickle]

tenor aint that much bigger, i mean i play it rather than an alto and im only like 5'

you can't beat the low notes on a tenor, maybe a bari sax beats it but that is just far too big.

[Umoja]

Trumpet is by far the most supreme, because of the insanely high notes crushing your lips into a perfect circle.

[mcleodstickle]

trumpet players always reckon they are the best dont they?

But can any of you trumpeters do the horse noise thing? That is the true supreme

[BuyOurEverything]

If you like the low notes then definately go for the tenor but I still prefer the sound from an alto. Personally I think sopranos are too high and unless you're an amazing player they kinda sound like shit. But anyway, good luck with the learning.

[mcleodstickle]

you must tell me when you get your sax. i want to know how much it costs you. I'm in need of a new one.

[Nobody]

Play the flute instead, i do ad I'm the pinacle of manlyness. 15 girls 1 guy, some guys think its gay, but I like the statistics!