WHEN to Upgrade your Mouthpiece and More Viewer Questions

WHEN to Upgrade your Mouthpiece and More Viewer Questions | Q + A Episode 3

Рет қаралды 69,774

Күн бұрын

#bettersax #saxophone #saxophonelessons
Jay Metcalf hosts a Q+A session on saxophone related questions such as when to upgrade your saxophone neck or mouthpiece, and how often to take your saxophone to a repair shop.
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Пікірлер: 202

@racenicolia29 5 жыл бұрын

You are the Bob Ross of music. I see so many people linking to these 20 dollar courses but I always see you giving out practice music, worksheets and backing tracks. Thank you for sharing your love of music to so many people

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Wow, that is a great compliment. Love Bob Ross.

@shuby8094 4 жыл бұрын

He just pulled an Ali-A

@Harako15 Жыл бұрын

10:59 best Jay Metcalf quote of all time

@gerhardeckley7281 5 жыл бұрын

I started playing on the alto sax and then after a year my parents bought me tenor. I didn't really start playing on it until this year(4 years later) I feel that if you're still at a beginner stage its better to play on a single saxopone and hone your sound. If you feel that your sound is good enough then by all means get another. I really enjoy being able to play on both saxes and both have a completely different sound.

@1jostaclo 5 жыл бұрын

In regard to whether to focus on one or more horns: I'm 65, and have been playing for 5 years. The first 3 years I played alto. Then I bought a tenor and clarinet. I had 5 yrs. on clarinet as a kid. I now play 90 min. or more every day. 3 days a week on tenor, 2 days, alto and 2 days, clarinet. I'm happy with my progress on all 3 and at 65, the clock's ticking and it's about having fun.

@brianbillings6815 4 жыл бұрын

I love how the common vernacular is "mouthpiece upgrade." There are many quality mouthpieces being made. Seems to me you have to define the intended use before searching and what changes you're trying to achieve. I appreciated your advice from the other video I commented on because I have a specific use that my current mouthpiece, though completely satisfying in general, is hindering me from achieving currently (Sectional big band). And there will be a period of adjustment required on my part. Hope this helps someone else. :)

@MarkPeotter 5 жыл бұрын

Another great video! Regarding, when to add another saxophone into your life - - the person who asked this question has not yet been playing a full year. One year is not very long. However, if he is really super frustrated and can't seem to make a decent sound yet, I would say "YES", try a Tenor, or try a Clarinet! Because, the skills you acquire on one reed will transfer and train you for other reeds. Personally, I had a "too tight" embouchure for my first 3 years. Then I tried Clarinet. I played the Clarinet better than the Alto Sax within weeks. That taught me how to play the Sax much faster than if I had not had that experience.

@herculesmwp7983 2 жыл бұрын

Answered a lot of questions I needed, thanks a lot!

@esfahan1961 5 жыл бұрын

Play the sax you like as much as you can. Starting on alto like most players, I went onto tenor a year and a half ago and on soprano 2 months ago. Most noticeable change? My tone and embouchure on tenor made quite some progress since I played soprano. Visits to a tech? If you care well after your instrument and swab it religiously after every session, you may wait up to years until a visit is required; true as an amateur player, I only play half to one hour/day. Another great video Jay, thanks a lot 👍🏼😉

@MonkeOnStick 4 жыл бұрын

Thierry Martin, how about starting on tenor

@theoverunderthinker 4 жыл бұрын

@@MonkeOnStick I started on the tenor in Jr High because I owned one. I find if you want to make progress specifically on one, focus on that one. But within a few minutes, you learn to adjust once you are familiar with both. I probably didn't even own an alto for a decade after I started, so my tenor chops were pretty set. I will say this: I don't practice more than one horn in a session, I take a break in between. I sometimes in rehearsal, used to have to switch between horns, but I tended to want to program performances to play the same horn for at least 3 songs in a row.

@trizkial7592 3 жыл бұрын

What about soprano vs the others

@jaymichael91 Жыл бұрын

I'm glad I watched this. Thank you.

@etowahjazz 5 жыл бұрын

I agree with your neck comments with one interesting piece of info. The new Yamaha necks DO make a difference in sound. The V1 neck is significantly brighter and "more powerful" and trying these may make a difference in sound for some of your folks. Love your stuff!!

@groupebcl 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jay! Good information, as always!!!

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the questions Ben

@finger1651 2 жыл бұрын

I play on a 1960s Selmer C* Soloist and I absolutely love that alto mouthpiece

@joeyvanderhouven2652 5 жыл бұрын

I play alto for around 6 years an began playing soprano around 1.5 years ago. After thst i got my baritone and later my tenor sax. They are all amazing horns (alto : Sliver Selmer Mark VII, Soprano : Yanagisawa S991 Elimona High G, Baritone : Selmer Mark VI low Bb, Tenor : Selmer series 2 (i believe so)) they all sound and blow amazing :)

@gsco82 5 жыл бұрын

Regarding mouthpieces, I feel that it depends on how long you have played and the make of sax and mouthpiece. With both tenor and alto, I played student models for several years before deciding that I needed better equipment to get a better sound. With my alto, I bought a 'professional' mouthpiece before buying a professional horn, as I also did with my clarinet. Stock mouthpieces, the ones you get with a student horn, are usually fine for beginners, but even a slightly experienced player can often notice an improvement in tone with a better quality mouthpiece.

@ronjaemusic7777 5 жыл бұрын

Jay, Thanks for the Q&A, you really give us a voice in the area getting questions heard that are tough to get a straight answer from some teachings. With that being said, I’ve played Alto sax for a lil over three years just playing around with mimicking songs by ear. I just purchased a Soprano sax and can’t catch the sound since it Eb vs Bb. As a C scale I can run up the Alto and it sounds great, but not so with the soprano. I’ve looking on KZfaq for a quick lesson. But hadn’t found any that go through quick tips and tricks for switching from the two to keep in mind.. I’m playing by memory or fingering, which doesn’t work to well once you switch.. if you can speak on that in one of your shows that would be great. Again, that so much for all your time and effort doing these needed shows.

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

One thing to get used to is the key change for sure. It's a good idea to practice the soprano on its own for a while. Treat it like a new instrument.

@georgemonroe9683 5 жыл бұрын

I have the same cleaning swabs that you are using. You ran your swab through the horn with ease. I need to pull hard to get the swab through the small part of the horn where you connect the neck. I have a YTS-26 tenor.

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

My swab passes through all my tenors easily like that. Haven't tried it in a Yamaha though.

@ianseddon3375 5 жыл бұрын

Your comment about how much you liked playing with a Legere reed corroborates my own experience! I was faced with a gig that required interruptions in playing and that would limit being able to keep a cane reed moistened and ready to play. So I bought a 3 1/4 Legere reed and did some practicing with it first: I really liked the sound and tone. (I play on a YTS23 Yamaha tenor sax with a Vandoren TL3 Optimum mouthpiece.) The Legere reed did what I hoped it would -- my sax was ready with good tone and easily playable despite the interruptions! For similar reasons, I will use a Legere reed with my Bb Clarinet - these reeds really do solve the problems associated with keeping reeds moist during gigs. The only thing that takes a little amount of getting used to is the different feel, in the mouth, of a Legere reed compared to cane reed. Also, I find with the clarinet, the Legere reed doesn't wick away moisture build up between the reed and the mouthpiece facing as well as cane reeds do. For some reason, this doesn't appear to be an issue with my tenor sax. Maybe the difference in reed sizes etc. is the reason.

@barisax96 4 жыл бұрын

interesting perspective on different horns. I don't know if I'm normal or a little abnormal on this. I never really felt the Alto, Tenor, or Bari where really all that different. the only thing to keep in mind when playing is the transposing is a little different just because of Eb Vs Bb.

@bbster73 5 жыл бұрын

HI JAY ,, Im no insta gram player at 83 yrs old but this is what i would like to share with you, I have been playing A VAN DOREN ZUMA tenor mouthpiece for about 10 yrs up from my old a Brillhart tenor mouthpiece on my Mark IV .. recently i Yanagisawa metal mouthpiece advertised on ali express for under $ 30 dollars ... In the US ts $ 360 dollars .. so i bought the Chinese knock off .. Im telling you that the damn piece is not just a great sound but Im hearing changes better and playing more difficult phrases easier ..SOUNDS NUTS ? I havent used it on a gig yet but intend to on May 2 nd also will record it & listen to the replay But as a tenor and alto and soprano player I believe in exploring ....bobby g...

4 жыл бұрын

HI Bob, im curious, how did the $30 Yanagisawa sound on the gig?

@pmwizard48 5 жыл бұрын

I use legere on my tenor sax. Love them. Very consistent tone. I have even switched a few people in the community band I play in over to legere.

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Did you enter the contest?

@coffinman5007 5 жыл бұрын

"Sax players are always messing with their reeds". -unless they use Legere.

@gsco82 5 жыл бұрын

Well said. That is my experience as well.

@78honda1 5 жыл бұрын

well i guess im odd i started on a woodwind straight saxophone ,but i practice on my buffet crampon dynaction alto ,and a super action 80 series 2 selmer ive only been playing 3 months and im already starting to write my practice music and improving my scales

@KittenSprinkledDonuts 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for clarifying the alto and tenor thing. I am a stronger alto player, and am trying to be a music major who needs proficiency on multiple saxophones. I struggle with the lower register of tenor.

@sixtin7947 5 жыл бұрын

I’ve got a question for your next q+a: I just recently acquired a Yamaha YTS-21, a Brilhart 5 Hard Rubber Mouthpiece, an Otto Link Tone Edge 7*, and an Otto Link Super Tone Master no USA model with a 10 facing (all for tenor). Do you think you could give me a quick description of the mouthpieces and how good/bad they are? I’m trying to see if I should play on them or sell them. Thanks!

@izaak1509 4 жыл бұрын

I'm in the situation where I have left my sax out for to long and not played it much as I should have and took it to a local shop and well $500 to do a major repair to it needs a good clean and dinged up.

@KathyCBacso 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much , wonderful, inf.

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@robstevens9590 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jay! I appreciate your posts. I tried a Legere reed, but it was too hard for my mouthpiece. They were happy to exchange it (good customer service!) for a softer cut, but it still wasn't right for me. I use it for practice, but not for gigs. I have tried a few other synthetic reeds, but didn't like the sound. So far the Rico-plasticover (3) give me the consistency and longevity, but not quite the dynamics of the ordinary cane. I never tried Fibracell reeds, but they are hard to find in my "neck of the woods."

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

It took me a while to get used to them. I still use cane most of the time, but the Legere reeds come in handy in lots of situations.

@preetdhillon2972 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Rob. If you found the Legere reeds too hard, you may wish to try the Forestone Black Bamboo synthetic reeds. I play those on my wide-body SIgurd Rascher alto mouthpiece and find them very easy to play. I use the MS (medium soft) strength.

@briankduncan2900 5 жыл бұрын

Absolute first class customer service with Jean Paul USA !!! I purchased both the alto and tenor Jean Paul model. Pleased with the horns and how they play. Found a small blemish on the bell of the alto. Sent email to Jean Paul. Received response at 10:30 on Saturday night. Yes, 10:30 Saturday night. They had already sent me a replacement. And a fedex label to return the one with the blemish.

@ronnarichard1750 5 жыл бұрын

Brian K Duncan wow ! I just purchase a tenor by them and the only issue I had was mouthpiece. What were your thoughts

@briankduncan2900 5 жыл бұрын

I found the mouthpiece to be OK. However, I received the upgraded mouthpiece with my orders (as-4 and ts-4). But prefer my selmer c* or D. Suggest you contact them and see what they are willing to do to help

@stephengent9974 5 жыл бұрын

Sound advice. As someone on the early steps in playing sax, I am trying to find something that suits me. To that I end I have bought several mouthpieces, mainly based on reviews on various websites and here on the tube. They have not all worked out, and actually I have re-tried some that just a little while ago did not work so well for me, and now they seem to be fine. So my point is that I think it is a good thing to try different mouthpieces other than a bog stock 4C say. I have just bought an Otto Link Tone Edge, and I like it. I have also just tried a fibracell reed, and they sound good, but seem a bit soft in a comparable grade to L'egere Signature. I do have an alto and a tenor ( long story) and I like to try playing the same songs on both. Mostly though I play alto. Thanks for all the great tips.

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Definitely good to try other mouthpieces and reeds if you can. Not always the best way to improve your sound though.

@ObeytheRussianBlue 5 жыл бұрын

Legere reeds are so good and so consistent, I don’t mind paying retail for them! I have a question for your next Q& A: I play mouthpieces with narrow tip Openings because they get sound response immediately! I asked Ralph Morgan to make me a 2 for tenor, and I just breathe on it and get deep throaty sound, I play a 3-4 tip opening on Alto and get response immediately from a medium Legere reed! All the pros play a minimum of 7-8 tip opening, and I find them difficult and unmotivating to practice. When do I need to force the transition to a wide tip opening? Benefits or snob appeal? Rocket 🚀

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Rocket good question. A larger tip opening will allow you to put more air through the mouthpiece. In live playing situations this is very important as you often need to project quite a bit when there's a band playing alongside. With a smaller tip opening, you will likely get a smaller sound as well.

@Pilsvergiftung 5 жыл бұрын

I am saxophonist from Germany and have your videos just recently discovered. They are good to understand, if it had existed on the tv like bob ross, I would have saved a lot of money. As a teenager, I would not have bought an expensive yanagisawa alto that is too tight for me as an adult from the distance of the grip buttons. I have big hands and now I feel at home on an old silver plated Weltklang tenor (was built in Markneukirchen former GDR). I neues an alto for big hands... ... any suggestions?

@kristiangreene8401 4 жыл бұрын

You're like my saxophone doctor- Whenever I dont know what or how to do something, I just hop over to better sax and get my perscription!😆

@machadofervargas 2 жыл бұрын

Hello! I love your videos! I started playing with a Yamaha 6C mouthpiece. I've been playing for around 3 years and my teacher just said maybe it's time to upgrade my mouthpiece. I liked the sound of the jodyjazz HR that you played in your other video, but I' m not sure which one to get ..would a 5M be good for me? Just in case you want to hear how my sound is right now, I recorded a video playing Lady Gaga's song "Always remember us this way". I am playing a Selmer AS42 saxophone. Thank you very much! I would love to hear your input about my sound!

@OZ_LVS_Fishing 5 жыл бұрын

I was playing an alto al3 optimum with a a standard vandoren reed and I need pointers on using a jazz alto sax mouthpiece (A45 Jumbo Java) and what reed strength and what jazz reed is best

@MildleySaxySaxGuy 2 жыл бұрын

Ive played alto sax starting 5th grade, all middle school and now this year i finished was my first year of high school, around the beginning I joined the schools jazz and my band director needed me on tenor sax so he gave me one, its a Yamaha 23 and it was really nice, I love tenor for jazz and adjusting to that type of embouchure. Recently about a month ago, its my 2nd year of playing for my cities city band and we had what we really needed, 2 alto saxes, 3 if you count me but i think theres even more who only show up for concerts, a tenor sax and no bari. I asked the director if he had a bari i could borrow for the city band since we didnt have one (him, my parents and I are all good friends) and he was fine with it so i currently am using a "cannonball salt lake city" which is a really nice horn but cant find any like it online. Still though, I am getting more and more used to it and i really love playing one. Do you have any tips for improving on it? Im sure theres more better techniques than what I know. Ive only ever played the casual city band music which are grade 3-4 music.

@Da_padilla 4 жыл бұрын

I played legré reeds for a year, consistentent yes, but I felt wood reeds had a tiny bit more snap to them.

@JelloowB 4 жыл бұрын

I have never heard the change from tenor to soprano. What do you think about that and is it a very big step?

@berleian6633 5 жыл бұрын

Legere reeds are consistent, but unlike cane reeds they don't absorb moisture which can be problematic. For that reason, I prefer cane reeds, although I keep a Legere as a back-up, just in case my current usable cane reeds fail on a gig or at a band practise.

@johnwhyte-venables2167 5 жыл бұрын

nice camera work! cool throw focii

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I have a guy helping me with that.

@JoeyBeamon 4 жыл бұрын

Jay, what case do you use for your tenor saxophone? I'm looking to purchase one for myself and I really like yours! Could you post a URL link please?

@jimmyb1133 5 жыл бұрын

The Legere Signature Tenor reed that I use sometimes sounds no different than a cane reed when I hear myself playing after I record myself. However, during the time I'm playing/practicing, I can feel and tell the difference from the cane reeds. They do have a different feel while playing. In my opinion anyway. Anyone else notice that when playing a Legere reed? Just curious .... Don't get me wrong. The Legere reeds are great. I like the fact how long they last without wearing out to quickly.

@kd5nrh 5 жыл бұрын

Have you tried the Saxmute? (Not the big alien egg thing that costs as much as sound damping a small room, the little inserts by Magilanck that go inside the sax.) Living in an apartment, even the Xaphoon can hit volume levels I know the neighbors are hearing, so I'd be hard pressed to practice a tenor at home without something to cut it back to a more conversational level. Just curious how much it impacts the playing and the sound quality.

@mopar21 4 жыл бұрын

What do you use to clean the outer body of your saxophones?

@davidwilliams7552 5 жыл бұрын

Had my tenor for over ten years, never been looked at by a technician and it still plays great no problems (Yamaha pro horn)

@joeblankenship377 5 жыл бұрын

I have an Otto Link HR 6 that I've had since college, about 17 years ago. I enjoy the sound, but I'm considering either a D'Addario Jazz Select or a Jody Jazz Jet mouthpiece. My main issue is the intonation on my low Eb and middle D. They're both way off and require big embouchure changes to correct. (The low Eb is so far off, I can't get it in tune at all.) I'm hoping one of these newer CNC milled mouthpieces might help. I'm also thinking of going with a wider tip opening.

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

The mouthpiece itself won't necessarily correct intonation problems, but a different mouthpiece/reed setup may give you more control so that you can make these corrections with your embouchure/voicing more easily. Practice long tones with an app that plays matching drone notes to work on your intonation.

@jasongiguere3673 5 жыл бұрын

If anyone can answer, I have a question regarding plastic reeds, is it better to play with a plastic or wooden Reed? I play the bari sax in marching band and concert band and I've noticed that although plastic reeds have a longer "life span" and are less fragile, they require way more air in order to get sound, but with wood reeds it is easier to get sound out but they are way too fragile and need to be replaced. So I was wondering which is more reliable for both forms of band.

@gsco82 4 жыл бұрын

For a beginner, I think that it's best to stick with one sax.I played alto for about 3 years before trying out a tenor. Regarding mouthpieces, it's worthwhile to purchase a pro mouthpiece once you are committed to playing sax, and you want to improve your tone. Play testing a new mouthpiece is obviously essential.

@Clauderoberts29 5 жыл бұрын

Love better sax, love legere reeds but I don't do instagram. 😩

@aaronrobinson9386 3 жыл бұрын

After a long while, the mouth piece that I had for 3 years since I started playing started squeaking a lot. My band teacher gave me a new mouthpiece that works better. I'm not sure if that means my embrouchure has gone downhill.

@ollie509 2 жыл бұрын

so i've been playing alto for almost 3 years and i've been thinking of switching to soprano next year for marching/concert band if my director will let me. i've been told that i should stay on alto to march so i can focus on marching and play soprano for concert season but i really wanna march on soprano. any thoughts?

@nycesz7972 2 жыл бұрын

are you able to change the color of your keys (Ex: Silver to Gold)

@alexanderb9458 5 жыл бұрын

Hey I pressed on my keys while I was adjusting my neck strap. And when I tried to play it sounded horrible. It has already happened to me and my band teacher fixed it. I would do fix it myself but I don’t want to break it. I was wondering if you could make a video on fixing that problem And I would like you to recommend me some tenor saxes to buy under $2000 Do you know if a Allora Paris series professional tenor sax aats-805 is good

@lukeseto9848 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome vid as usual! I have a kind of personal question though - I've always been taught and always have swabbed out my instruments/mouthpieces (I play clarinet/tenor) after playing, but now that I'm in high school, our rehearsals run up until less than a minute before the bell rings, meaning I don't have time to swab out my clarinet! What effects does this have on my playing? Thanks and keep up the great vids!

@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 5 жыл бұрын

That's gross, tho :) I'd bring it to class and do it there.

@gerhardeckley7281 5 жыл бұрын

Personally i havent really used my swab in ages either

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Luke, this is certainly a common problem for a lot of students in HS or college. You must have time to put the horn back in the case though right? When you are in the habit of swabbing out the horn, you will be able to do it very fast. If you don't do it, you will get a sludgy build up in the horn, neck, mouthpiece and on the pads. It's gross, smells bad, and will cause you to need more repairs more frequently. Try to get fast at swabbing it out...

@Strongbear2013 5 жыл бұрын

I just upgraded to a Vandoren Jumbo Java A45 from a D'Adaddario Jazz select mouth piece. I wanted to get an A35 instead, but was sent an A45 by mistake. The gap between the reed and the mouthpiece is a bit bigger than I'm used to. I can play it and get a decent sound, but occasionally on the higher notes there is a very slight tendency to squeal if I don't control it carefully. I almost have to play in a more contained way, so I can't blast out the sound as I thought I might be doing with a Jumbo Java to go even louder or else the squeals will be very apparent. Do you have any tips on how to avoid the potential squeals for a mouthpiece with a bigger gap so that I don't have to think about controlling it at all? Or is it a matter of just playing it for a while and gradually adapting to it? Thanks

@frankelepartners 2 жыл бұрын

Great advice! I am tempted to purchase a student alto. I have never played any instrument in my long life. However, I grew up in Philadelphia and have loved jazz for years. Is 80 to old to learn to play? BTW, I do oil painting and feel that music would add to my creative life.

@bettersax 2 жыл бұрын

Never too old

@vincentgaglio5106 5 жыл бұрын

I don’t have or can’t find a repairman in my area and shipping it which I do is not cost effective even though the repair was and still is excellent

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

That's a problem for a lot of people unfortunately.

@alexjones-anaya5097 5 жыл бұрын

I find Baritone chops very different from Tenor chops. My goal is to be able to adapt my embrochure to whatever mouthpiece or horn I’m playing. (As long as my reeds aren’t too hard - I’m good)

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Definitely a very different beast.

@philliphill3390 5 жыл бұрын

Here's a maintenance equipment question: What is your opinion on the long padguard that is placed into the body of the sax upon storage in the case?

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Don't like that. It leaves little hairs behind which stick to the pads and it keeps the moisture inside the horn which defeats the purpose.

@keithcampbell6806 Жыл бұрын

Good afternoon the pad saver is not intended to replace swabbing. It is supposed to be placed into the instrument after .The pad saver is supposed to function like an appendix. To absorb any remaining moisture after swabbing your sax.

@zactaylorschindler8208 5 жыл бұрын

Hi jay, I play the sax and one day hope to play it professionally. I have quite a regular practice routine which involves a lot of I real pro backing tracks and I'm starting to get a little sick of the repetitive loops and it is making me feel a bit unmotivated. What do you think I should do as I depend on these backing tracks for licks practice and practicing standards

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Play along with recordings that you love. There's a lot more to learn from actual recordings than from backing tracks.

@pmwizard48 5 жыл бұрын

With the legere, I never mess with the reeds. Just take them out and play.

@QuantumFerret 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah they make just picking the sax up and playing much easier. No worrying about a reed being good or bad, or keeping it from working, any of that. And they sound damn good.

@pmwizard48 4 жыл бұрын

@@QuantumFerret I agree, just slip it on and go. I play in a community band and have converted 2 other tenor sax players to the legerdemain.

@pmwizard48 3 жыл бұрын

Kiato correct! And you don’t have the wood taste on the Reed when getting the reed wet.

@ballpythonsarecool5437 2 жыл бұрын

@@pmwizard48 you really don't have to wet the reed if its synthetic

@jcpolancoesq 5 жыл бұрын

Jay, I am a student of your full course. Do you have a road map for us to follow on the site? I want to set goals but want to see if I can put my lessons in order.

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Juan, There is a course progression video on this page: bettersax.com/products

@jimcurrie 2 жыл бұрын

Jay I play jazz music and I was told to use a metal mouthpiece for alto saxophone. My instructor I see once in a while says that plastic mouthpiece for alto saxophone are great for classical music. What is your option for saxophone mouthpieces

@bettersax 2 жыл бұрын

Find what works for you. Plastic being good for classical music is a new one I haven’t yet heard. Normally hard rubber is the material classical players prefer. There is no rule as to what mouthpiece material should be used for any particular style though. Having said that more alto players use hard rubber for Jazz than metal. On tenor it is a balanced mix.

@Marluxism 5 жыл бұрын

@BetterSax, do you think I should upgrade my full saxophone because I have a old used student model Yamaha that I bought off offer up, and it is okay, but it has its minor problems like sticky keys and some keys getting loose etc. I want to know if I should upgrade to a Cannonball alto

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

You could just get the Yamaha repaired as a less expensive option. If you want a nice new horn though, the Cannonballs are nice.

@Coderedpirate 5 жыл бұрын

Played on a Forestone white MH for my first synthetic reed and it wasn’t a good experience. I’ve seen so many reviews claiming forestone reeds were the end all be all revolution if synthetic reeds, but I had to disagree (Maybe the black version is better, didn’t try it). I’ll try out legere signature to hopefully restore my faith in synthetics. I usually play on 3s for cane, what strength should I try on the legere signature series

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

I would go 1/2 - 3/4 strength lower on the Legere signature reeds. I play on 3H or 4S on cane but use 2.75 - 3 on Legere.

@alainhalimi3821 5 жыл бұрын

Would you do or recommend a resource to fix your sax yourself? Great channel!

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

DIY sax repair videos coming soon...

@alainhalimi3821 5 жыл бұрын

awesome ! thank you. I look forward to that. I live in a remote area and wouldn't send my sax somewhere :)@@bettersax

@jillytiffen6305 Жыл бұрын

I love my 2.0 Legere reeds Jay but lately in the middle of a long practise they’ve become unplayable! Just completely stuck! … Do you think I might need to move up to a 2.5? Also could you please tell me which alto mouthpiece might be less resistant than the Jean Paul AS4 (1.63mm)? My tenor has a 1.86 mm & I don’t have any issues at all with that so would love to upgrade my alto mouthpiece to be as free blowing, dark, and smokey as my tenor! Hope you can help! I’m on your pentatonics course.. Thank you..

@d.goncalves658 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Jay! Congrats from Portugal. I have a question,that no one here can figure out,or don't want to ;) I played a selmer alto 27 year's,and now i play a yanagisawa wo 10. Im happy with my sax and sound! But,i noticed one day,that when i put my finger inside the neck, i feel a deep line inside, perhaps because the welding? All the other yany necks in the store have the same thing! Perhaps is something new?lol The yanagisawa silver neck that im selling have no deep line/depression inside... Thanks for the help,your fan, David!

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

The male part of the neck tenon is a separate piece of metal that is attached to the neck. It needs to be a strong connection. You can feel this in most saxophone necks.

@d.goncalves658 5 жыл бұрын

Jay,the line depression is inside the neck all along i can fell with my finger,maybe finish in the neck octave hole...:s

@pfg-dash981 4 жыл бұрын

That intro tho

@zekepyle9198 5 жыл бұрын

What happened to the BG Duo ligature and the Filtone tenor mouthpiece!?

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

haha, well spotted. Those are in my practice studio which is not where I film the videos. I used what I had on hand...

@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 5 жыл бұрын

What do you think about cigarette paper for the top keys to dry them? I'm assuming as long as you avoid the adhesive edge, it would work fine. They are out of the Key leaves vine/end plug. It's backordered. And it's also 50.00 (?! yikes!)

@gerhardeckley7281 5 жыл бұрын

Hi i personally use cigarette paper to dry out my g# key as it is always getting stuck. I have never had a problem and have never even bought a packet of special papers.

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Cigarette paper will not absorb much moisture before it tears. I would go with the wedged shaped pad cleaner BG sells. It's cheap and can be washed out.

@gerhardeckley7281 5 жыл бұрын

@@bettersax i have never had the problem of the paper tearing as i just fold it in 2 but i will try the pad cleaners some time to see the difference.

@mrp99x 5 жыл бұрын

I used paper to dry out my top keys. Last time I took my sax for a service, it was pointed out that my pads were gummed up with bits of paper. Proper pad cleaner or chamois leather were recommended. Hope this helps.

@AndrewBeals 5 жыл бұрын

I use ungummed cigarette paper. I have less of a problem now that I've gotten religious about rinsing my mouth out with plain water before playing and hopefully waiting 30 minutes after eating to play, just in case.

@kingwilliamjazzcollective301 5 жыл бұрын

Are you playing a transcription of Vincent Herring?

@johnhaikin2940 5 жыл бұрын

I've been playing tenor (1936 Buescher Aristocrat) for two years now. I played clarinet and alto in high school and college but then put reeds away for 45 years. Now, in retirement, I have time to focus on sax again. I've been working on getting a pleasing sound. My wife says that most saxes sound 'squacky' to her but she likes Stan Getz's sound. My goal is to emulate a cello-like sound. In any case, I've read that the sound the player hears is not what an audience hears. Can you recommend a means to get an accurate hearing of my sound in real time that won't cost me an arm and leg for equipment?

@gerhardeckley7281 5 жыл бұрын

If im not mistaken he has made an excellent gift video that includes a reflector so you can hear youself better

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, the sax deflector by JazzLab is great for this. Click the gear link in my description to find it on Amazon.

@johnhaikin2940 5 жыл бұрын

@@bettersax thanks, I've added it to my wish list 😀

@mfdsuk 5 жыл бұрын

When practising with a metronome, what BPM should I be aiming for, what's best to practice at? I've been practising at 80 BPM is this too slow?

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

No such thing as too slow. Play things at a tempo where you can play with perfect rhythm and finger placement. Then slow it down a bit more.

@El_RorroV 4 жыл бұрын

Hi,i have an alto sax Yamaha Yas 52, with a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece!! I've been practicing for a year... But the sound i try to reach is not from that mouthpiece, thats why i need advices from professional sax players, what should i do? Should i change it?, Greetings from Chile

@drumford12 3 жыл бұрын

Definitely, if you have built up your embouchure for a year you should be using a mp with a larger tip opening. I went to a Meyer 5M due to the many recommendations and that worked really well for me. You may have to also adjust your reed strength with a larger tip.

@laynegandy5187 5 жыл бұрын

When I am tuning why is it that when my middle C is in tune most of my other left hand notes out of tune?

@okkietrooy7941 4 жыл бұрын

Due to the construction of the saxophone, it is not possible to have a saxophone in tune over the whole range. The physic laws don't allow it. Tune on 1 note (for example G on alto) and then adjust with your embouchure. You get a note lower by relaxing and higher by using more pressure. You can practise with the help of a tuner.

@fluteluc1 5 жыл бұрын

Do you live in Canne? I will be in that fair city for the MIDEM. Let me know if you are playing locally at that time, I would love to catch a set if you have a gig around the 4th to the 8Th of June. .

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

I don't have any local gigs at that time sorry.

@fluteluc1 5 жыл бұрын

How unfortunate...Bonne journée!

@ronru 5 жыл бұрын

Jay - What do you think about a brand new sax student getting a c-melody? (Off topic, sorry)

@trashpanda3902 4 жыл бұрын

I decided to get a selmer c star mouth pice and I compared it to my 2 dollar mouthpiece

@Publiceringsverktyg 5 жыл бұрын

Hi! Some felts are missing on my sax. What glue should I use to glue new felts on?

@Amanet13 5 жыл бұрын

Did you do a review of a Vandoren v16 Large ???

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Not yet

@Amanet13 5 жыл бұрын

I just ordered T6 large chamber

@saxectasy 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Jaye, what if my mouth piece does not pass the pop test. I tried this and changed reed 3 times and same each time, just very low dull pop, not really a pop like yours.? Thanks for the video.

@bettersax 2 жыл бұрын

Could mean there is an issue with the mouthpiece. Table or facing not even.

@saxectasy 2 жыл бұрын

@@bettersax thank you Jaye for responding. I will get this checked out.

@jakewebster9508 2 жыл бұрын

I am hard of hearing. How will I know what what tones I’m playing?

@MarceloMoratti 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Jay. Lêgère or Fiberreed ? What’s the best ? Tks

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

You have to try them both and decide for yourself. What I like won't necessarily be what you like.

@MarceloMoratti 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much

@Velobetty 5 жыл бұрын

I'm sure synthetic reeds would sound decent nowadays but isn't it just more plastic when natural reeds are biodegradable and (presumably) sustainable. Aren't natural reeds the best we can do already? Maybe I'm missing something though. :)

@Amanet13 5 жыл бұрын

I just posted the contest with photo on my instagram lol

@richierafiienza8907 4 жыл бұрын

whats the song that u play jay? i really want to know whats the title of that song.

@kevinchan1598 2 жыл бұрын

The one around the 1 minute mark is Sammy Fain’s “Secret Love.”

@guigascon7957 5 жыл бұрын

A while ago, I bought a very cheap Chinese sax and it plays OK, but the overall sound was not so great. I changed my original cheap neck for a Yamaha's Pro neck... Wow! The sound changed a lot for the best! So, I am not a sax expert as you are, but I found your answer to the question about changing the neck a little bit too short and without useful details... Sorry! By the way I love your courses and your videos...very, very helpful!

@davidwilliams7552 5 жыл бұрын

The real sound is made in the mouthpiece and the neck (and the players mouth) , all the body does is amplify it and set the note by the key position so that's not surprising. That's, great you made a cheap horn sound good!

@FVCKDOUBLET12. 5 жыл бұрын

Please which is better plastic or cane reids?

@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 5 жыл бұрын

he did a video on this. Normally cane, but plastic is easier and cheaper if you're just by yourself at home.

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

It depends on the individual. Some prefer synthetic, others cane. Good to try them both out for a while and make up your own mind.

@FVCKDOUBLET12. 5 жыл бұрын

@@bettersax thanks

@s.h.o.w3370 5 жыл бұрын

How do i swab a bari

@jasongiguere3673 5 жыл бұрын

I had the same problem, I looked up "how to clean a bari sax" on google and found some great tutorials and tips, if your still wondering how, I recommend doing that for now

@williamdaniels512 5 жыл бұрын

I dont like swabing my mouthpeice because it will scratch and polish the inside of the moutheice and change it over time.

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

Not with a cloth or silk swab it won't. If you don't swab it, you will get a build up of residue which will change it over time.

@vincentgaglio5106 5 жыл бұрын

So I will try to find a repairer in my area someone respected

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

It's a good person to know...

@ChrisDragotta 5 жыл бұрын

The thing adds mass. Adding mass can help, but not always.

@richardhamby205 4 жыл бұрын

Why has it become harder to make d,e and f without sounding low or squeaking, I've been playing alto for 4 months

@Zphaar 4 жыл бұрын

maybe you need to change your reed strength?

@fishdn1 5 жыл бұрын

Hey, I'm a saxophone player with 2 years of saxophone under my belt. I have also played clarinet for 6 years and I teach beginner students. For the past few years, I've been renting a Allora alto saxophone. I'm interested in buying a good quality alto saxophone that will last me a while. Do you have any recommendations? (My price range is up to $1500 US dollors) Thanks!

@thomasmadigan6009 5 жыл бұрын

A couple good options could be: Used Yamaha intermediate horns - YAS-52, 51 Used Cannonball horns - Big Bell, Vintage Reborn (avoid weird lacquers) Used Selmer Paris La Voix II horns (if you can find one) Assorted vintage horns can be in that range but they are very hit or miss (Conn, Buschler, Vito) In the end you have to play test everything before you buy it, what works for others may not work for you and vice versa.

@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 5 жыл бұрын

I got a YAS-23 for 500 in great shape off eBay. Fully returnable and already serviced. Let someone else take the depreciation hit. lol

@aboveaveragebayleaf9216 5 жыл бұрын

Probably find a preferably Japanese YAS-23 in good playing shape.

@bbster73 5 жыл бұрын

@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 i bought a YAS 23 FROM SAM ASH for $ 450 .... great sound ,, but didnt like either of two YAMAHA ALTO MOUTHPIECES AND PUT ON A USED RUNYON ALTO MOUTHPIECE AND I HIT NOTES CLEAR AS A BELL. The YAS- 23 IS ONE TERRIFIC HORN AND LIGHTER THAN A SELMER...

@bettersax 5 жыл бұрын

A used Yamaha is usually the best value. For $1500 you can probably find a 62 model or an older Yanagisawa. Can't go wrong with those.

@pmwizard48 5 жыл бұрын

No I haven't entered. I do not have the Instagram account. I am also trying different strength legere clarinet reeds, to convert from cane.

@coffinman5007 5 жыл бұрын

Make sure you get the Signature ones.

@pmwizard48 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the advice. I will do.

@coffinman5007 5 жыл бұрын

@@pmwizard48 I used to use La Voz the good ones are ace but you only find one or two in a box of 10 and when it dies it's a big thing. Since I got my Legere I never have to think about my reed and the sax plays straight every time. They let you exchange strength (1 time per reed I think) to help you find the right one.

@torturedGenius73 3 жыл бұрын

what if I just do the Hokie Pokie?

@torturedGenius73 3 жыл бұрын

because that is what it is all about.

@animay_g3163 5 жыл бұрын

How many mouthpieces do I need!? see this - facebook.com/illinoisbrassband/photos/a.10151398259398668/10156451443163668/?type=3&theater&ifg=1

@zangsax 4 жыл бұрын

My comment was for the smooth jazz video . Dont know how it got here.

@jpnm81 5 жыл бұрын

So are you a Frenchman? Or American?

@madmattymayhem 4 жыл бұрын

I am looking for a great sounding and playing pro level tenor sax that wont break the bank.... I would appreciate your opinion... hopefully under $1000 usd

@madmattymayhem 4 жыл бұрын

used

@madmattymayhem 4 жыл бұрын

and perhaps you can point me in the right direction to where I might find it???