One more old 49er just starting sax lessons never played any

[redkmd]

Hi just found this site the other day and am glad I did. I am in Saint Louis and 49 and got the bug finally after wanting to learn sax for 30 years to go for it. Im going out this week and buying me a horn and looking for a teacher that can handle an old newbie that never took a music lesson in his life. My wife loves this she loves sax music and says someday you can play sweet thing for her. I hope to learn from you all and hope I can find a teacher that is good and not just a good sax player and bad teacher. Any suggestions are always welcome.

[Gandalfe]

Welcome aboard Red. Before you buy, read, read, read. Learn how to spend more on a sax to save money, how to learn in a manner that will almost guarantee you success, and what to expect in those first critical months that will help you decide whether this move is something you really want to do.

Enjoy,

[redkmd]

thanks for the welcome and where do i fing how to learn in a method that will almost guarantee sucess as you say and what do you mean about spending more to save, I am looking at a LASax new from a local jazz pro that he bought from someone needing money and wants 800 it is mint it is black and gold what do you think.

[Gandalfe]

If you buy a sax that doesn't work because it is so cheaply/poorly made, then you will just have to buy another one. If you buy an alto and decide you really wanted a tenor, then you will have to buy another sax. Most beginners rent for a while before they buy. Trust me, there will always be good deals to take advantage of.

If you don't get a professional instructor you may learn to do something on the sax that will slow you down for the rest of your life. For example, there are more than three fingerings for Bb. When should you use the palm keys vice the bis key? Developing an embouchure is key to your success and without the correct instruction you could get used to a weak embouchure that will do nothing but hold you back.

There are thousands of examples like this. With a good instructor that you like, you have a chance to succeed. There are also practicing tricks that will allow you to progress faster than you might expect. To take advantage of these ideas, you will need the help of a good instructor, the patience to read as much as you can, and a decent horn.

Play and read on.

[fballatore]

Hey Red!

I'm about 2 years (in human age), and 3 weeks (in sax age) ahead of you, but your story is very similar to mine! I jumped in with both feet; unfortunately, I didn't check to see how deep the water was before I jumped. I was planning on learning via self study books and lessons i found on the 'net, but have since signed up for lessons locally. I start on Wednesday and can't wait!

I foolishly bought a cheaply made new sax, and have since returned it, and found a good deal on eBay on a great used Yamaha YAS-23, which from what I've learned, is one of the best saxes for a beginning student. As a matter of fact, I bid on two YAS-23's and won both! I was planning on relisting one on eBAy, but let me know if you're interested, and we may be able to work out a deal.

Best of luck to you - maybe we can keep each other up to date on progress.

Frank

[Kimo]

thanks for the welcome and where do i fing how to learn in a method that will almost guarantee sucess as you say and what do you mean about spending more to save, I am looking at a LASax new from a local jazz pro that he bought from someone needing money and wants 800 it is mint it is black and gold what do you think.

I guess I'm a little late for your welcome party but I just read your thread about the LA Sax. I wouldn't reccommend it for you if your just starting. Not the easiest horn to learn on. By the way did you buy it? Is the 700 or 800 series. The 800 series is the pro horn. A great "step up" horn. Goes for about $1500 on Music 123