soprano questions

[Tully]

I am thinking about buying an Antigua soprano, but I'm not sure which one. Based one what I've read so far, it seems that a one-piece horn doesn't sound any different than a two-piece; I'm sure this topic is debatable, but is that at least a valid assumption? If so, I'm thinking I might as well save $135 over the 586 and go for a 582. Also, isn't a 590 a 586 with a G-key, and a 582 a one-piece 586 (i.e. they all sound about the same)?

I won't be performing on soprano except for an occasional big band solo, so I think I would prefer a straight neck to make it easier to play into a mic (not sure about the technical term, but I'm talking about the kind of mic you walk up to for a solo). On the other hand, maybe I should go ahead and get a 586 so that I could also have a more comfortable (and strap-compatible) curved neck for practicing...

[cbcohick]

I'd advise trusting your instincts. You'll never use the curved neck, and those high end notes are boderline silly as well as being alt fingering accessible.

[Merlin]

I take the opposite tack - I use the curved neck almost exclusively on my sop, and the high G key has definitely come in handy on more than one occasion.

[Dave Dolson]

Tully: I ended up with the 590LQ because 1) that's what Dave Kessler had in stock at the time, and 2) because the one fixed-neck model I played had a really thick neck cork and I couldn't get the thing to play well and in tune because of it.

But, price wasn't an issue for me, only playability. I have never played the hi-G in public and think it is unnecessary, but others diagree and may want that feature if you were ever to sell it. AND, I played the curved neck only once (I much prefer straight necks, even when practicing by myself).

My opinion is that any Antigua is such a bargain, why NOT buy the highest model? As far as finishes, I chose the lacquered brass because it was the best of the three that day (against black and silver), but I recently played a black 586 owned by a friend of mine and it was equal to my 590LQ. Take your pick. DAVE

[Tully]

This being my first soprano, maybe I would be better off getting a model with both necks, since I really don't know for sure which neck I would prefer.

Obviously it takes practice, just like all saxes, but is soprano altissimo especially difficult? In other words, does a G-key facilitate certain altissimo fingerings (other than G, of course), or is it just a convenience? Merlin, do you use the G-key primarily in classical playing? I ask that because, since flute is my main instrument, I don't find myself doing much classical sax playing, so that wouldn't be a real concern. Plus, the money I save by not getting the G-key would enable me to buy a really nice mouthpiece.

[Merlin]

Yes, I do use the high G a lot for classical work. Many of the oboe works I transcribe go up there.

[Tully]

Yes, I do use the high G a lot for classical work. Many of the oboe works I transcribe go up there.

I take it you don't use it that much for jazz, then? Is it very important for soprano altissimo, or just helpful?

[Merlin]

Most of my work on soprano in a jazz setting is playing soprano lead in a big band. Simply don't need the note that much. I DO have to play high G's on alto reasonably often in the same situation.