Total Newbie Alert! I need some advice!

[mdutr0]

Hi all.

My name is Micah. I've never played a saxophone in my life with the exception of honking around a bit on friends' horns in band in high school and college. I have taught myself several instruments, however, and would like to begin to teach myself the soprano saxophone (I'm in law school and need a hobby, something to take my mind of torts...).

If this were a brass instrument, I'd know what to do but I don't have the first darn clue about saxophones. What are some good brands for beginners and which should I avoid? Keep in mind that I am a student and on a bit of a budget. I would appreciate any help you can give me.

Thanks,

Micah

[Morry]

Personally, I would suggest that you start on an alto, rather than a soprano. Everything you learn will be applicable to a soprano, but the alto is much more forgiving, and you'll be more pleased with your progress.

[mdutr0]

Thanks for your response!

Personally, I don't mind a difficult instrument. I'd actually like something that will make me work hard in order to achieve results. I do appreciate your advice, but I have one question.

Let us assume that I am stubborn (and foolish). Which would be the best soprano for the rank beginner?

Thanks,

Micah

[bruce bailey]

I say try the Alto first too. If you get a Soprano, just don't buy one of those ebay horns from China.

[Fred]

Find the Antigua Winds model that fits your budget at Kessler Music.
www.kesslermusic.com
They are great folks to do business with, and AW's are the best bargain in the music world - great quality and low price.

Have Fun!

[pknight]

While I would also recommend an alto for a true beginnner, I must say that if you are going for a soprano on a budget, the advice to get an Antigua is sound. I bought mine from Kessler, and have no complaints about their service.

[gary]

Micah - the Antigua Winds get some real good press here. Hunt around on some ot the threads and you'll see.

If you do not want to start on alto as has been suggested, I really recommend you at least start out with some lessons from a good teacher. The soprano likely requires more control and embouchure strength than the other saxes. If you get off to a bad start chances are you're going to be biting and/or playing out of tune and perhaps getting into other bad habits. Get a teacher or at least find some good players in clubs or concerts and spend some time talking to them.

In the meantime, you could spend some time reading The Art of Saxophone Playing by Larry Teal. If you've got extra loot, I recommend Dave Liebman's Developing a Personal Sound book and video.

[Dave Dolson]

Micah: I'm okay with starting on soprano - I did it that way 48 years ago.

I second the recommendation for the Antigua line. I bought my Antigua from Dave Kessler (a 590LQ model). He is a straight shooter and the horn will play. You will not need to explore torts with Kessler.

I also have five other sops - the Antigua is not my horn-of-choice, but it is a very nice horn.

Include the cost of a decent mouthpiece in your budget - the one that comes with the Antigua has not been well-received by many posters.

I also second the recommendation to obtain lessons as quickly as possible. That way, improper habits may be avoided. Let us know the results! DAVE

[Randall]

Hi Micah,
Welcome to the board. I teach saxoophone at a small music school and I have had exactly 1 person in all my years of teaching who started on soprano.

This is a ratio of something like 1 out of 80....

She bought a very expensive and wonderful playing Keilwerth SX90II soprano. She was also a very motivated player. She traveled nearly 70 miles, one way, to come and take a lesson with me once a week.

While the fine instrument made learning a little easier, she had all the problems mentioned in the previous posts. Controlling intonation was the biggest problem.
After about a year of her best efforts on the soprano, she finally took my advice and got an alto. She improved far faster.

If you are on a budget, I would suggest either the Antigua, Jupiter or Cannonball altos (and sopranos, should you care not to heed the warnings :wink: ).
If you are bound and determined to get a soprano, you can also land a Yanagisawa curved (sometimes new/ sometimes used) for 1200.00 to 1500.00.
The Antigua will cost you a LOT less and is my horn of choice for someone on a budget. These are fine little horns.

Let us know what you decide upon.

[mdutr0]

Thanks for the help, ladies and gents!

I may heed your advice about starting on alto; I'm thinking about it.


Thanks,

Micah

[DaveKessler]

Micah,

I overall agree with most to start on alto. However, you are the one playing, not us. So if you really want to do soprano, then dont let anyone change your mind.

And of course, I agree to shop through me but of course I would! :)

The best thing that you can do Micah is to make sure to get a good mouthpiece to start on. Whether its alto or soprano. On soprano, I recommend the Morgan Protone. On alto, the Protone is also very good. We make our own mouthpeices and have 2 student models that compare against the Morgan and is really a personal preferrence.

[nick_the_sax]

there you go, straight from the man himself!