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saxaphone

  • 31-07-2006 1:44pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 141 ✭✭


    hi i want to learn the saxaphone but have a couple of questions
    1. how much do they cost?
    2. is there different types?
    3. is it hard to learn


Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,598 ✭✭✭ferdi


    1. minimum a grand i'd say
    2. yes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxaphone
    3. yes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,805 ✭✭✭Setun


    I'd recommend gettin a Trevor James alto sax for your first one. Alto's are generally the best model to begin with, they're the easiest to handle at the beginning. The Trevor James is a well made english horn, and while not up to the standards of japanese or european models, they're the best value for money for learners imo.

    As for learning it, it's not that difficult. If you really enjoy playing it you'll have no trouble learning and improving.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 603 ✭✭✭shatners basoon


    Daddio wrote:
    Especially if you love the jazz :D
    Good hint is to sleep with your instrument, worked for Coltrane! :p


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 148 ✭✭scorphonic


    I was in a friends house today and I played his sax and it was amazing. I have been interested in learning to play it since I heard a man in america when I was younger. I have looked at them on ebay and they are retailing around 200 to 300 dollers.

    For example of one that I have looked at follow the link below:

    http://cgi.ebay.com/90-OFF-2006-NEW-Cecilio-Blue-Gold-Alto-Saxophone-Sax_W0QQitemZ130020274996QQihZ003QQcategoryZ16232QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

    I have never learned to read music, and am just wondering if it is impossible to learn to play the saxophone without that experience.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,805 ✭✭✭Setun


    Saxophone was my first instrument, I learned to play sheet music with the sax, it's not too difficult. Tbh though I wouldn't recommend a sax that cheap, as you'll have to replace it fairly quickly. You cold get lucky and find a decent sax for cheap, but I'd say stick to at least the €500 mark.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12 asaxman


    If your serious about learning the saxophone you should be purchasing an instrument as good as you can afford,while it might to not be wise to go straight out and buy a professional level horn immediately you should be looking at one that plays well in tune and is built sound(a lot of the horns you see on ebay for that price tend to be chinese made and mass produced having no quality control)

    Finding a good teacher would be your first step as he/she can recommend or even play test any saxophone you may be interested in,aswell as starting you off with the proper basic tools needed to play.Like any instrument the sax takes practice and time to master and bad habits learned in the beginning can hold you back.

    Lastly it is possible to learn any intstrument without learning to read music the majority of musicians cant.I would recommend learning to read music in tandom with learning the sax, after all why not? Reading music enables you to play with various types of musical ensembles and also you gives you a great tool for learning new music.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 26 abaddon1666


    I have been playing the sax for quite a few years. I began with an Armstrong Alto and now also have a Superaction Series 2 Selmar. The alto gives me an excellent tone and the tuning is perfect. I like the action on this horn too. Armstrong are owned by the Conn company who make perfect pro modles and Armstrong are famous makers of Flutes. Armstrong are excellent student models, I am reluctant to change get a new horn because this one is so good. I got mine 2ndhand at a cost of about £700 but recently I have seen them go cheaper on eBay. My advice is to get something that is not too dear, but not too cheap either because of quality issues.

    There are four different standard types;
    Soprano: this is the highest pitch saxophone. It is usually straight because of its size but you an buy ones that are the familiar sax shape. It is in the key of B flat
    Alto: this is bigger and lower in pitch than the soprano. This would probably be the model that most people begin to play sax with. It is in the key of E flat
    Tenor: This is bigger again and has a slight curve on the crook (tob bit before the mouthpiece) It is lower in pitch again and is in the key of B flat.
    Baritone: This is the biggest saxophone, it is also the lowest ans is in the key of B flat.

    Like any instrument/skill it takes dedication and practice to develop but with a love of the music and the instrument it will be a joy to play. It is only difficult if you think it is difficult. (I was playing in my first Big Band after only two weeks of picking it up)

    Keep us posted on your descision.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,179 ✭✭✭FunkZ


    I was just about to start a thread like this.

    I'm interested in taking up the sax, probably soprano, and I have a few questions.

    1: Where in Ireland could I buy one?
    2: If any of you have numbers for teachers could you please post them, I live in Meath, near Drogheda, but going into the City Cebtre wouldn't be too bad. So if you have any numbers, they'd be greatly appreciated, cheer!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 26 abaddon1666


    I wouldnt try to start with a soprano as they are notoriously difficult to play. Theyre difficult to keep good tunning and tone. I would advise beginning on alto or tenor.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,179 ✭✭✭FunkZ


    Cheers! And anyone know where I could buy one?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,805 ✭✭✭Setun


    Paul Ryan music store in templebar, or McCullough Piggot near the Powerscourt centre around Grafton Street. Waltons also do saxophones. Google them, I think they all have online catalogues.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 586 ✭✭✭Desmo


    Daddio wrote:
    Paul Ryan music store in templebar, or McCullough Piggot near the Powerscourt centre around Grafton Street. Waltons also do saxophones. Google them, I think they all have online catalogues.

    Paul Ryan does a rental deal and is easy to talk to if you go to his shop in
    Eustace Street in Temple Bar.

    Anyone know of any teachers in Dun Laoghaire area (for my 11 year old son who is starting from scratch)?

    Desmondo


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,493 ✭✭✭mcaul


    I think the world is starting to learn the SAX.

    I got a basic one in Waltons for €599 - Made in China but isn't everything these days?.

    Nice sound from it and should do until I know if I'm any good and then go for brass and pay €3k+.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,217 ✭✭✭Rustar


    bubthatub wrote:
    hi i want to learn the saxaphone but have a couple of questions
    1. how much do they cost?
    2. is there different types?
    3. is it hard to learn

    It's 'saxophone'. :)

    1. For anything worth looking at, $350 on up to multiple thousands. Price depends on the type of sax, too.
    2. Yes, see aforementioned Wiki article.
    3. No. I'd say that the alto sax and clarinet are the easiest woodwinds to play. Flute is a little tougher, and oboe/bassoon are harder. Most of the woodwinds (including flute) have very similar fingerings, so if you learn one, it's a short hop to the next. Oboe/bassoon, on the other hand, are not logical and 'ergonomic'.

    Very much agree with not doing soprano sax as your first instrument....takes good breath control and a very muscular embrochure to keep the lower and upper registers in tune with each other.


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