Thanks for watching! You can check out Sax School and grab a 14 day trial here: saxschoolonline.com/join-today

Branford Marsalis is my benchmark. He has many different sounds from "Treat it Gentle" (like Sidney Bechet), "La Valse Kendall" (ethereal near-classical), to his solos with Sting such as on "An Englishman in New York." Wow!

My first horn that I ever learned was a Boston soprano saxophone. I was very determined to play it because a sales person from a Sam Ash store in Paramus New Jersey told me that it was almost Impossible to learn as your first saxophone. My answer is, that’s not true 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿 Rico Blue

Kenny G plays on a Dukoff D8. The Jody Jazz custom dark simply won't output that kind of sound if you're going for the 'Kenny G' sound. Also, mic placement needs to be right in front of the bell to get that high pitched tinny "oboe" sound, not to the side where it will come out more warmly. I'm sure you already are well versed in all of this :) Your sound is beautiful regardless. Great video!

This is a great review! I started with soprano and did experience lots of factors you mentioned. My ultimate favourite is Jan Garbarek especially when playing Parce Mihi Domine with The Hilliard Ensemble. This is what made me give up clarinet and change to Soprano. No one told me how difficult it could be! I went on about it so long, that for my 70th Birthday my wife Trish bought me a Soprano!

Great video, thanks. I’m a past clarinet player from my youth, and just bought a soprano sax as love the sound, especially Kenny G. Working hard to improve and loving it!

Hi there good tone lovers and altissimo squeezers, my first instrument was and is the Bb Clarinet. After years of practicing long tones throughout the chromatic scale, I have a reasonable sound on the clarinet. My rhythmic abilities when it comes to sheetmusic are still poorly. But my good tone always gets me some admirers. So practice long tones every DAY if you blow in any kind of horn and never forget that others may want to play with you - so feel the rhythem and get it right too !!! Later on I added a Tenor and Altosax and whilst I was at it I got soprano sax too. I love it because it´s the closest instrument to an oboe, considering single reed instruments. And not unlike the oboe you have only very little to put between your lips. So Mr. McGill is right - the only thing that helps is the practice time you put into a wonderful sound. What that may be, is up to you, but it definately helps to listen - lets say just as much as you practice. I wonder why noone so far mentioned GROVER WASHINGTON JR.. Just Listen to what he does on an Soprano Sax - he is exelent! I now even play a Bassclarinet down to low C. And although some of you may think ok hés got a few woodwind horns - I´d like to say: „Every of these instruments is a diffrent planet!” And unless yoúve got tons of time - it´s better to get familiar with one planet and try and make that one planet beautyful. For those, like me, who have an unreasonable urge to experiment with more than one - keep in mind yoúll most likely be the master of NONE - unless your first name is Nigel ;-) BUT each instrument can teach you somthing. The clarinet teaches you to love Mozart and how sweet an altissimo can sound, whilst the Chalumeau Register makes you lose your bearings. It can teach you the sound of crying and laughing and everything in between. The Bass Clarinet teaches you what VOICING is and how little air yoúve really got under your ripps. So take a deep breath and think HOME and than try to be efficient with your airstream. The Tenor Sax can teach you how a big instrument can sound lovely when played Pianissimo. The Alto Sax has tought me that instruments made in China for very little money can sound great and that it´s better to practice and improve your playing than to buy the new Selmer Supreme. So realy its not so much about gear as some Music-Schools like to tell us ;-) Uuupps, no I didńt mean almost every online school - I suppose the teachers just cańt make enough money out of playing and teaching their instruments - which is sad to say, cause in that case we should rather play football. 😉 The Soprano Sax teaches you to be humble. No we cańt be good with every woodwind - unless we are willing to put the time and afford in it takes. So pay respect to all the people that are in the progress of making music. Even someone playing recorder today might end up blowing us all away one day, by performing that one peace of music which is closest to the heart, with an Armenian DUDUK - as happend in the opening scene of The Gladiator. The Soprano Sax is a wonderful instrument you can cry and laugh with, if you willing to give it not a try but your respectful attention and time. Loads of Gemütlichkeit from Germany - Excuse my bad english Ím still in progress All the best. wishes - Elmar

I have played Alto & Tenor for 40 + years. Started Soprano last year to do more old New Orleans style music. Sidney Bechet is my inspiration.

Good information. As mentioned below, Branford is a fantastic soprano player. When I was in school I was captivated by Jan Garbarek's soprano sound, especially with Keith Jarrett. I have owned YSS-62, Selmer SA80 serie I, and now a Yanagisawa 991. Love the 991. I have a metal BARI mouthpiece for a bright (and loud) sound and use my Selmer S80 E opening for 90% of my soprano work.

Nigel, you are absolutely correct regarding the Soprano being difficult. I am new to Soprano Sax, never played a sax before. However, I just love the sound it keeps me movitated. I practice about 1 1/2 hours each day with a TE Tuner. Since I never played before I don't know what's easy or what's hard. I just know learning an instrument takes time and practice. It can be frustrating. For me playing the Soprano is like a hobby, I am retired and a member of McGill Music School. Thanks for your words about Soprano Sax. PS: I want to sound like Art Porter.

My favourite soprano sax player/sound is Lucky Thompson playing ‘In a sentimental mood’ from the 1965 album ‘Lucky Strikes’. A sublime and ethereal sound. Worth checking out.

Hi there, thank you for your highly informative and excellent video! I'm going to start learning the soprano this coming year, as my husband has just bought me one two days ago, feeling super excited!! I've been playing the alto sax since 1982, and recently decided to take up the soprano. I play piano, flute, alto saxophone, church organ and a little clarinet, and I help to lead worship at our local parish church. I'm really looking forward to starting to play the soprano there too, and I hope that I will be able to double it with the alto. Anyway, gently gently, I'm just really looking forward to getting started learning, and it's certainly good to know that the fingerings for all saxophones are the same. Here's to a very exciting 2023 learning to play the soprano saxophone!! Very best wishes from Carolyn King (from the UK).

I was lucky enough to watch/ hear Jess Gilliam at Petworth music festival. Wow, she was amazing it made me want to play soprano.

You absolutely killed it mennnn you put your own spin on it great stuff 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Grover Washington has an amazing sound on his soprano

Excellent thank you I enjoyed that I've been thinking about switching to soprano,but I think I'll stay with alto. Only been playing for six months.

My set ups on my Selmer Serie III soprano are a Selmer Super Session 7* + Legere 2.25, a Phil Tone Sapphire .067 + Legere 2.0 and a Syos Tyvon Pennicott 7* + Legere 2.25. The Phil Tone is by far my preferred set up. Working the Ravel’s Bolero, the Schindler’s List and Gabriel’s Oboe at the moment. Good video, thanks Nigel

I love the sound of Simon Willescroft. I know you had him on your channel a couple of years ago. Amazing sound, so expressive.

My two favourite soprano sax players are Amy Dickson and Jess Gillam.

You sounded GREAT !! Good Job !!!

Wonderful video...and yes it is so difficult to get a good sound on the soprano because the instrument is not supporting you, you have to do it all yourself with a very clear sound idea in your mind i must say i hear a lot to trumpet players like Chet Baker or Clark Terry and Roy Hargrove on flugelhorn as a guide to my soprano sound, they are in the same register but the flugelhorn is more focused and i try to get this very precise intonation and focus and separation between the notes

I prefer your tone to Kenny G's. My first soprano arrives tomorrow and I'm very excited to get started. I'm already a decent clarinet, alto and tenor sax player, so it's a development instrument for me.

I have one basic advice for beginners; do situps daily to tone up your abs. You'll find a firm toned abs will make playing any horn, easier.

I think, there are 2 caveats with playing the soprano sax: 1. Because it's short, the instrument must be made to far better specs + precision than people's usual alto or tenor. That increases the cost. 2. The embouchure. Usual embouchure makes it much harder to play, because it can't sufficiently control the tiny reed.

I know to most jazz players think Kenny G is a joke. But I got into to soprano saxophone because of him. I've listened to his music since 1985!! Getting then on cassette tape and then later on DVD! I would love to play like him!!

I’ve noticed for me deciding to double on tenor after a few years of soprano only is that the embouchures are different. I noticed for me soprano rewards a tight embouchure but tenor rewards a relaxed but steady embouchure , especially in terms of intonation and control. I’ve heard Sam Newsome talk about soprano embouchure and he said he started off with a tight grip but is learning to relax.

I grew up listening to Sydney Bechet on soprano and clarinet. His wide vebrato was powerful as was his improvising. I now have a Yamaha YSS 475 but play tenor most of the time. As others have said, picking up the soprano now and again is not ideal.

Thanks for your sharing. Kenny G is using Dukoff D8 with his Mark VI. That is the horn he start to use since high school. Your sound is very close to his by using HR Dark. Glad to hear your sound. That makes my motion to get a jodyjazz.

My favorite soprano saxophone player is Bradford Marsalis

favourite players - Steven Norman Lackritz, Branford Marsalis, John Lurie....Love your sound by the way!!

I really like the sound of Dave Koz on soprano. He has a nice, even tone throughout the range.

I dont care how "hard" this is. Im going to practice and conquer it. I've gotten to intermediate level with piano and guitar... I started on clarinet in middle school so woodwind instruments arent foreign to me. I tried a soprano sax a few times that was a cheaper one with mechanical flaws so it didnt really motivate me to want to play it all that much. This time around I think ill invest a little more money into it and have a luthier on speedial. Soprano here I come

My daughter is learning the soprano,she enjoys it,it was tough going in the beginning,but now it's alright.

I transitioned from Clarinet to soprano after 20 years. Kenny G inspired me, love the sound of the instrument. These days I admire Ian Jacinto.

My favorite saxophone payer is the famous jazzman Stefano du Batista. He succeded to have a homogeneous sound all over the Instrument range. And of course, he technically masters his instrument even in the lowest and the highest notes.

I love Kenny G!! Since I started learning the soprano, I have been really closely following him. What a true maestro he is!! Xxx

I’ve spent just over 2 years playing nothing but my soprano and I’m finally happy with my soprano tone and my tuning is virtually spot on throughout the range although the altissimo does take some practice. It’s not an instrument you can just jump on now and then and hope to do it justice. I’ve also been doing some Kenny G stuff recently and the thing you’re lacking Nigel is the hair, I’ll send my Kenny G wig over it makes all the difference..😉

Great information Thank you so much 💖

My favourite soprano players: Dave Liebman, Branford Marsalis, Jane Ira Bloom and Steve Lacy.

I’ve always be inspired by Grover Washington Jr’s nice warm tone on Soprano. You are so right the Selmer C* is very easy to control, like you I’ve used it for years on my curved Soprano .

My favorite Soprano Player is definitely Dick Oatts on the Flim & the BBs recordings, especially like on "New Pants"

I’m a 50 yr. pro and feel that tenor is toughest for me, though it was my primary horn. I find alto a breeze and soprano between it and tenor. Not sure I’d recommend a student start with soprano, but I think that the level of difficulty is overrated by several video makers on KZfaq. If you’re a competent saxophonist with a good ear hesitating about starting soprano, don’t! Nigel is so right about mouthpiece choice. I’d like to put in a plug for Soprano Planet where Joe G really works with a player to get their sound. Thanks

i think the difference is with kenny g is that he has a sharp sound when it comes to high notes. your sounds is smooth as you transition from low notes to high.

Yes indeed you sound just like Kenny G!! Such a beautiful and pure sound. Thank you so much Nigel for sharing. Xxx

Wayne Shorter. Derek Nash (curved Soprano) . Learn to play Sop in tune, and you will be able to play any size Sax in tune.

I assumed that the tuning issues were mainly due to the small size, after all, even with tenor small changes in embouchure/air speed in the high notes have more affect on pitch than at the low end.

I played clarinet for ten years before playing soprano saxophone about 5 years after buying my first alto. I had already learned not to bite the mouthpiece when playing high notes. I think playing clarinet first helped. I like Sidney Bechet, Woody Herman when on soprano

I've got a Trevor James soprano sax, and haven't tried changing the mouthpiece yet. I use Vandoren 3 and Hemker 3 reeds. I do find that when I go up really high the tuning goes really off!!!! I may well change the mouthpiece to a Selmer C Star. I've only been playing my soprano since last Christmas, so it's early days! You're absolutely right in what you say that soprano sax is very challenging, but I'm practising as hard as I can to improve. I've had lots of squeaks and split notes, and problems with intonation up the top register. Still very much work in progress! I haven't got a tuner yet, need to buy one, and I would love to play with a backing track. Playing with a backing track is something I've yet to try, but definitely in my plans! Thank you so much for your excellent videos, really superb!! Bless you hun. Xxx

There's a young KZfaqr who primarily plays soprano sax on his channel. His name is Jared Drake. He has kind of an eclectic style but he's a superb player. I like his sound and would like to kind of gravitate in that direction.

I love Paul Winter’s sound on soprano sax

(Orla's mom jumping on here...) Jane Ira Bloom does some interesting stuff that brings out the lower register. I like your sound as your sound, Nigel, and the Jody Jazz sounds full and smooth. Knowing her mom watched this video, Orla will be pleased that I can stop bugging her to learn the soprano alongside her tenor ; )

I think Emma McPhilemy sounds fantastic. She has been music director with the touring company of Riverdance and plays the whole show memorized. Her sound is so dark but it punches. I think that she is fun to listen to, which is hard for many soprano sax players.

As a tenor player, I had always assumed that soprano would be easier because of the similar key that both are in(B-flat). But adjusting the embachure and breath control along with the mouthpiece would be quite a challenge , especially, if you want to do doubling. Some bands like doublers or multiples because if there are requests for music by Kenny G or other songs that feature a soprano solo or the song is played on soprano. My favorite soprano player? Hard to say. The first four that come to my mind is John Coltrane, Kenny G, Dave Koz (though, he alto more than soprano, but I may be wrong). Paul Taylor (the first time I ever saw him was in the public television concert presentation of Keiko Matsui’s Light Above The Trees. The saxophonist in her band was also very good). It was on VHS back in the days. It hasn’t had a DVD or Blu-ray release. I had bought two of Kenny G’s music books and Songbird and Silhouette were quite difficult for me to play. I think I needed to really have a feel for the those songs. Listening is one thing. Playing is another. I tried to play John Coltrane’s rendition of “My Favorite Things.” I had to play the song in a different key than I and everyone else in the world who still listens to this iconic piece. Nigel, you are very close to sounding like Kenny G on Coming Home. Bravo. Bravo.🎷😎👏👍

I'd love to be able to play like Ronnie Laws as my favorite soprano player, then Kenny G. They both have that silky smooth sound that I like. Laws, especially, because of the way he melds the jazz and R&B sounds.

Thanks for share Mr !

I love Branford Marsalis

I have a Durga 3 size 7 and use Java 2.5 reeds which helps tone down the brightness and it is an absolutely beautiful mouthpiece. I also have a Dukoff D8 same as Kenny G and that is also an amazing mouthpiece. The D8 requires daily practice regime to maintain the embouchure and if you leave a gap for too long you'll notice it drastically next time so requires absolute dedication. The soprano is for me the number 1 of the saxes and then alto which I also play and have a Durga 4 size 7, JJ Superjet 7, Beechler HR diamond inlay, and a few Syos mouthpieces for Alto and Soprano. I also have the Yani HR 6 that came with my Yani SW01. My alto is a YAS 62. As you can probably tell I love the saxophone. I started aged 12. Was inspired by Kenny G of course but since then I love Najee, Paul Taylor, NELSON RANGELL is absolutely amazing, Gerald Albright, Dave Koz, Kamasi Washington, and many others. You are technically very high Nigel but in my humble opinion, you can't replicate Kenny's sound without using the D8 and Hemke 2.5 or similar reeds. There's just something about that mouthpiece that adds the brightness and allows the huge vibrato also the big 8 tip opening...

I like the following soprano sax tones better than Kenny G (best to last): 1) Grover Washington Jr. 2) Jay Beckenstein 3) Ronnie Laws 4) Kenny Garrett (The Other Kenny G) 5) Branford Marsalis 6) John Klemmer

I just bought a yanagisawa white curved soprano. I’m trying to get those nice warm fuzzy tones and not so bright and edgy. Sweet and sensual type sounds. But I’ve only been playing on it for a few days and I can almost reach the full range of the horn. It is a major difference from my Yamaha custom EXB alto. It’s a big learning curve

Kenny G. Not my taste in music but he found a niche. You come pretty close. I guess he keeps his bank manager very happy so kudos to him. Don't know what effects he uses and his vibrato is unusual.

Great Video from Down Under look forward to checking out more! I like Paul McCandless of the group Oregon, to my ears his tone sounds woody like an Oboe.

Branford and Andy Sheppard are my favourite soprano players. Great video Nigel.

Definitely my favorite soprano player (contemporary jazz) is George Howard, my favorite song is “Hopscotch” from his 1991 album “Love and Understanding” 👌🏽🎵🎷

Erm..a, I find soprano easier and tenor tougher. But I'm most comfortable with an Alto ; it's half a soprano in pitch and it's really easy to run scales up to three octaves in one breath.

The guy I like is James Carter. The mistake I made was trying the Sapranino . Really tough to play in tune.

Terry Hickman My inspiration is Julian Smith. I think he is so smooth!!!

I was a new saxophone player 1 year ago, got a soprano never played any of the other saxophones, been playing on a Rico B5 and vandoren reeds, still have a few issues but im getting closer to the sound im looking for. Been listening to a Bryan Thompson on KZfaq alot

It's difficult if you haven't got ears ! 🙂 I have the same mouthpiece, awesome. Some notes on that sop have dodgy intonation.

My fav Soprano players: Grover Washington, Jr Kenny G Gerald Albright Cannonball A. Also, Nigel you are a pro sax player and your soprano playing is really great! When I play the soprano I sound like a clarinetist and not a saxophonist... Is that "normal" when doubling from Alto or Tenor saxes to soprano sax?

Back in 2018 when I was wanting to get started plyaing saxophone, I had listened to a lot of sporano sax videos and really wanted to get a soprano sax then, but what stopped me was reading that it could be more diffucult to start on and that you have to have a good soprano or it is not going to play well and I didn't have the budget yet for a a decent soprano sax. I instead started on alto sax and I knew at some point, I'd get a soprano sax. Last year my playing was progressing since I wasn't able to go anywhere and I practised every day. I then got my first soprano sax, a Conn-Selmer Advant DSS-200 one peice straight soprano. I played it with a Vandoren SL3 and Legere Signature reeds. My sound was OK but after a while I started to not like the weight of holding it on my right thumb as my right hand and arm would get sore after a while. I also found the neck strap would get in the way of the octave key so I ended up selling it. After upgrading my alto at the end of last year, I decided to get another soprano sax, this time I got a curved Windcraft WSS-200 to deal with the weight issues. I then got a Selmer Concept to play with it. On alto I didn't liked how the Concept responded for me as I stuggled to get a good sound on it, but its become my favourite mouthpiece for classical playing on soprano. I use Legere European Cut clarinet reeds and a BG Duo silver ligature with it for a centered tone and I like the mix of combination of brightness from the reed and smooth round dark tone of the mouthpiece. When I started playing it, I noticed a bit of resistance and I had the tuning issues due to the curved body and had to get used to the left hand pinky keys being angled further left than I am used to but I had no more issues with the weight of holding it. I still need to work on varying my tone to no be so straight (I need to vary my dynamics more, add vibrato, scoops etc..) and while I know alto sax will always be my main instrument, I do enjoy playing soprano sax, especially being in Bb I find it easier playing some music than I do having to transpose for alto sax. I haven't yet found a soprano sax player that I really like. I like Sidney Bechet a lot and his style of playing but don't want to sound like him. The closest I have found I like a lot is when I saw on KZfaq the video "A Thousand Years - Diego Campos Sax- Christina Perri Sax Version" /watch?v=0himUEFf01c I really liked DIego's soprano playing in it and listening to it made me want to play soprano sax. Also "Desperado - Soprano Sax (Greg Hawkins)" watch?v=Puy_3VV3AB4 so I am thinking I would like a tone somewhat like those but a bit darker sounding. Another player is Alistair Gillies as he made 2 albums of himself playing folk tunes on soprano and tenor sax and I liked his playing as it was a little different as you don't normally hear folk tunes like that played on saxophones. I am glad I started on alto first as I had the embochure strength to play the soprano smoothly without a lot of difficulties when I started playing soprano regularly since getting the curved soprano.

Awesome! 👏🏼♥️

I'm not really a soprano guy nor do I have one but there's one player that I really like. His names John Scarpulla, he's been in multiple groups, he's a great player and has a great sound.

The person whose sound that I would most like to emulate is Theresa Killgo Morgan. She has a sweet mellow sound like I have never heard before. It will never happen but, never hurts to dream!

Agree on all of the issues learning soprano. I used a Selmer C*. What i found difficult was getting even tone across the scale. I was not sure if it was me or the instrument. I have an Allora Paris Pro.

I picked up soprano this year. I was shocked that I could barely get a note out in the first week. After about 6 weeks, 2 dozen different reeds and 3 mouthpieces, everything started to click. The Selmer concept worked for me in the beginning, but after I figured out how the embouchure really worked I moved over to the yanagisawa mouthpiece with the 2 3/4 legere Reed. One thing that still puzzles me is the very very precise location on the cork for the mouthpiece. If it isn't exactly right within 1mm, it isn't just out of tune, but I also get some kind of vibrating double tone on some of the lower notes. Maybe I already need a tune up?

For me the best sounding soprano players ever were Bechet’s first pupil Bob Wilber and his colleague in their duetting group called “ Soprano Summit “ Kenny Davern !

I'm using all the Jody Jazz gold plated DV7 on the Tenor and Soprano, and the New York on the alto.

Hi, I really love this video! What is the sax trade and model? Thnks

Great video but I’m wondering if I should get a soprano, I’ve played alto and tenor, clarinet and I now play oboe I want to play Oboe and Soprano Sax so am wondering if I should get one or not

Man, I've dreamt of getting a new mouthpiece but a lack of funds and the incredible choices out there make it impossible. I started playing Alto way back in about 1979. Played a lot of bari in high school. Always wanted a sop and finally bought one a few years back. Picked up a Yani SS991. Still playing on the OEM mouthpiece. I play mostly with a praise team and orchestra at our church. Many times I cover oboe parts. Man, like the sound of the Dark Custom.... some day I'll get a better mouthpiece. Thanks for the videos and keep it up!

I love my soprano sax.but I some exercise music Sheet to improve my whole range from top to bottom with all my keys.

You have a beautiful tone

Beautiful video! You explain the complicated world of Curved Soprano Saxes very clearly. I apologize for my question being outside this exact context. I currently face a big unknown. I already own a professional straight soprano (P. Mauriat System 76 Mk II), and I would like to face the adventure of a Curved Soprano. The problem is that there are few curved soprano sax models, but they have price levels at two ends. In fact, we go from a multitude of economic (Chinese) sax to professional ones, and there is little or almost nothing at an intermediate level (and even price). I would like to buy a curved soprano of at least honest and dignified quality, but without spending a fortune. I'm in serious trouble. I would be grateful for a suggestion. Cordial greetings.

Hey mate I think in some ways, your warm tone makes me love yours over Kenny G. Thanks loved the demo!

Branford Marsalis, Ravi Coltrane, and Bob Sheppard all have beautiful soprano tones, not to mention monster soprano chops. Hey Nigel, what is the horn you’re playing in this video?

Close to Kenny’s sound in the middle, but not up high. He’s a bit brighter there. My favs on soprano are Bill Evans, Jeff Kashiwa and Mark Johnson (early 1990 on JVC label)

Favorite soprano player -- Coltrane on My Favorite Things. None finer than how he makes such a hight and sweet horn sound so dark and sinister on an otherwise cheery song.

I'm getting my first soprano sax in few days, I can play alto but it's been awhile. What is your recommendation for mouth peace tip size on the Jody Jazz HR custom dark for a beginner? I'm thinking a 6.

I've been studying the sound of George Howard Najee and Grover Washington Jr on soprano sax

Branford Marsalis😎

To be honest I’m not a big fan of the Kenny G style and sound but I do very much appreciate the Wayne Shorter sound in the early Weather Report years as well as John Coltrane (ie My Favorite Things)

Great tips....What about a Yamaha 5C mouthpiece? Good for a starter or too mediocre?

Benny Maupin on Headhunters is killing.

I’m finding the stock mouthpiece has a lot of resistance. I’m about to buy a SYOS Steady in a 6 tip opening and the Legere signature reed. The American cut I use for my alto will me to bright for what I’m going for.

Where’d you get your soprano sax from?

I really appreciate these three points. Thanks. You were a little close to Kenny G😊

The fact that you dont sound exactly like Kenny G is a good thing in and of itself to be valued and mantained.

Definitely Kenny G he made me purchase my soprano sax due to his frequent use of it

My favorite soprano sax is booney James and Paul Taylor …!👍🏼

I've been playing soprano for over a span of many years. I play a straight YSS-62 Purple. I like it a lot. But, I'm not as young as I used to be. I'm thinking about going to a curved since I think might be some ergonomic differences which could be beneficial. The issues are mostly supporting weight without a strap. Using a strap with a SS can be a little distracting. Also, it seems a curved neck would help stabilize the instrument in your mouth. Any thoughts?