Yet another gimmick by manufacturers?

[Anonymous]

lol – last time i looked, they didn’t stock the reed geek gimmick to fit my sax and anyway – i personaly don’t want a crutch to prop up my poor sax playing, i’d prefer to improve my sax playing like the generation of sax players before me that didn’t have one.

I’ve got nothing against anyone arguing there case whether they are right or wrong. Just like arguing over whether or not a glass is half full or instead a glass is half empty – i don’t want to waste my time arguing on and on about something.

Ever heared the saying – let sleeping dogs lie?

[Pete]

Hi Michael
Your right the sound you get is “YOUR SOUND” the
little things you add (Klangbogen) just give the sound
that bit extra “dressing” if you no what I mean.

[Anonymous]

Sxpoet – most Engineers agree that the glass was 50% over-designed.

One thing that I’ve found that really improves my playing is to keep on practicing a really difficult piece of music.
The results aren’t obvious at first, but when one goes back to the less complex music, it feels much easier to play.

[Anonymous]

i respect what michael chooses to believe in regardless if he’s right or wrong, even if i don’t agree with everything he claims.

let sleeping dogs lie i say!
And more fool to them that take sides and stoke up trouble.

Whats the difference between a fish, a fool and a wise man?

If you can’t work that out – i’ll tell ye – the wise man is the only one that doesn’t rise to the bait.

[Anonymous]

Sxpoet – these things probably do work otherwise they just wouldn’t sell.

It’s funny you mentioned sleeping dogs. Whenever I practice for a few hours I usually finish playing, to find my dogs in their baskets fast asleep.
The sax sound must be very comforting to them.

[Anonymous]

@Jeff – when i play the sax, it attracts all the pidgeons (wish i had a rifle to shoot them as they crap everywhere), and when i improvise on the guitar all the birds start singing in the garden.

I’m considering selling my sax and moving back to the guitar (probably to relief of everyone on this website)

[Anonymous]

Sxpoet – don’t sell your sax. I was in the same frame of mind with my Tenor a couple of weeks ago. Then I decided to spend extra time on just the Tenor. I discovered the sweet-spot position for the MP and now with each practice session it is becoming easier to play properly. I played my Alto yesterday all afternoon and I’m using much less effort in blowing now. I think it has to do with developing the muscles around the lips which takes time. Keep at it because the rewards are great when one achieves a breakthrough. You can always play your guitar when you want to take a break from the sax. Perhaps your approach has been too technical and it feels a little intimidating. That’s why I play through Bob Mintzer’s book to just relax and have fun with the music, and not worry about all the technical stuff. Beverly enjoys my little blues/jazz sessions too.

[Anonymous]

@Jeff – in terms of classical playing if i went back to using my selmar mouthpiece, i would sound no different to any other sax player in the orchestra. The only problem with that is i would have to stick to playing classical concerts.

In terms of jazz playing, theowanne’s mouthpiece has given me the opportunity to develop my own unique jazz sound. If i wanted to play in modern day jazz bands, i’d get a beechler mouthpiece (that beats all the other brands) the only problem with that – you end up sounding just like every other jazz player in the jazz band.

The articulation playing jazz is a lot different to playing classical music. I’m in the transition stage of moving from classical to jazz/blues – so i’m not quite sure which camp i want to end up in – classical or jazz/blues.

In terms of playing the sax, the way i play is the same on any mouth piece – same problems with timing, same problems with intonation, same problems with breathing, same problems with rhythm, same problems with tuning.
By changing my mouthpiece or sax i can a different sound out of the sax. If i played in an orchestra with my theowanne mouthpiece i would get thrown out for sounding different to the reat of the classical sax players, i would have to switch back to the selmar mouthpiece to be allowed in.

No – seriously, i think its time to call it a day, see what my sax teacher says

[jake]

Hey spxoet and anyone else pondering giving up the sax. You need to look within your self and ask a serious question?? Why I am I learning this instrument and dealing with the struggles. I think that most of us players in this forum are older players. When I ask myself that question the answer is simple. I am playing for enjoyment and for the satisfaction I get from it. That is the driving force behind my motivation and playing. I have a full time job with family and other responsibilities like most other people here as well. Do I have 3-12 hours a day to put in like the greats did?? NO WAY!!
If you don’t enjoy it sxpoet, maybe its time to give it up. Unless you are working to achieve a sound in which you can become a pro and make a living at playing the sax, you shouldn’t beat yourself up over it. Most of us sure don’t have youth on our sides, well except Aminn. LOL. Gotta say I am a little jealous there!!!
The sax is not an easy instrument to play. As long as a guitar or piano is in tune, a C is a C. Not so much on the sax as we all know!! Remember why you picked up this instrument the first time you did. If your reasoning has changed, or you are injured, or bla bla bla, it may be time to call it! Just my 2 cents!!
Everyone else, keep plugging away and rockin’!!!!

[Anonymous]

@Jeff – i had a lesson today, and in terms of what i’m being taught,
i really enjoy playing what i’m learning from teacher. We had a great
basic blues jam session & a “II V I” chord jazz progression jam session.
Which is developing great soloing skills.

What i need to do is drop out of this site completely and concentrate
having my own fun rather than put up with distracting negative vibes.

cheers Jeff
all the best

[Author]

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