Are sopranino's easily used?

[Saxaholic]

Does anyone here have experience with playing a sopranino sax? I am interested in learning but doubtful as to the actual uses they have in the real world...anyone here have opinions on how they play, characteristics etc? Any information/opinion is appreciated. Thanks.

[geo@loyola.edu]

I have a Buescher sopranino, beautifully restored by Gayle at vintagesax.com. Plays fine (haven't tried altissimo :-)!). I played it once as a novelty in a big band. The only other real-world playing opportunity I came across was the overture for Threepenny Opera, which has altissimo in a soprano sax part. I transposed it for 'nino.

Geo

[paulwl]

The old Conn sales literature used to advertise the nino (then called "Eb soprano") as ideal for "Special Oriental Effects."

I hereby dibs this title for a jazz sopranino piece.

Geo., what kind of mouthpiece do you use? I only have Selmer & Vandoren pieces for my Conn. Neither will behave. I usually poohoo recommendations to use only vintage mpcs, but this one has me beat.

[Dave Dolson]

I played my 'nino on a Dixieland gig a while back - as a novelty. It is loud, brash, and strident and the range of many tunes takes it above the octave break, making it kind of unpleasant.

I recently acquired a Selmer S-80 E-facing for it which improved MY ability to play the thing. DAVE

[singlereed]

I owned a Yani nino for a few months, it was easy enough to play. Altissimo was also very easy and despite only going up to E and having no front F I could go easily up into the stratosphere. So, I say it's easy enough to play (I am a regular soprano player, though) and a lot of fun but I had no practical use for it and sold it to fund my new tenor. I am now not sure if I should have sold it as I am looking into joining a sax choir.

[geo@loyola.edu]

Paul, you asked about a 'nino mouthpiece.... Gayle included a no-name with the horn. It had been extensively filled in with body putty. There's hardly any chamber at all.

I figured this had to be a kluge, so I got a brand new VanDoren from WW&BW (after several months' wait). The VanDoren was unusable. I'm back to tne filled-in no-name.

Geo

[Stacey]

Singlereed,

What did you think of the Yani nino? I will be getting about $4500 when the dust settles around my dear grandfather's estate in a few months, and I have been sternly told by my wife that I will spend this money on something fun, to honor my grandpa's memory, rather than using it to pay down the mortgage, etc. (You absolutely MUST love my wife's attitude!!!) Anyway, my current plans are to apply this money to purchasing two horns from www.ekle.de - a new Yani 'nino for about 1550 Euros, and a Keilwerth SX90R tenor for about 2600 Euros. Both of these prices seem absurdly low (even when the weakening dollar is factored in), but I'm not complaining.

I have great confidence in the Keilwerth tenor, but I'm scared to buy the Yani. I do play a Selmer Series III soprano, and before that, my strength was the high range of the alto, so I have at least a glimmer of optimism. What are your thoughts?

[singlereed]

The Yani nino was fine and is really the only choice for that sort of money. I paid about $1800 new from Matthews in Holland. The only things against it are the palm keys and LH pinky table (based on a Mark VI), it doesn't go beyond high E (unless you use altissimo) and the keywork is not as comfortable under the fingers as Yanagisawa's other horns. However, these are minor gripes, it was a lot of fun to play.

[Stacey]

singlereed,

I just exchanged email with the "Matthews" folks in Holland. The price they quoted me for the SN981, delivered to my door in Arizona, was $1535 ($1485 plus $50 shipping). They further offered a 3% discount if I paid by bank check or bank-to-bank transfer. Are these folks FOR REAL? This is the horn that looked like a bargain from Saxofoonwinkel in Holland, who had a price of about $2200 plus shipping! How can Matthews POSSIBLY have a deal with Yani that allows them such pricing? It can't be that they just have a surplus in stock that they need to dispose of, because they told me by email that they don't currently have it in stock, but can get it within 1-2 weeks!!!

[M Exner]

I felt the same as you did about Matthews. Where's the catch? There is none that I can tell. I had a pleasant experience with the purchase of my SC902. The price is right, the shipping was fast and packaged well and the sax was perfect. That's been two years ago. I assume they are praticing the same good service. I still don't know how they do it other than high volume sales of professional quality instruments.

[M Exner]

I'm sorry the Yani was the SC901 not the SC902. I'm watching for them to list the YAS 82Z and maybe I'll get one. Don't tell my wife!

[singlereed]

Perhaps that was what I paid - I was doing a rough calculation in my head to the ££ I remember, and also I am in the EEC for VAT purposes. Anyhow, Matthews is a great company. I have bought several horns from them, all well packed, great service and prices. I did once return a horn I didn't like and I had my money refunded promptly and politely. With a Yanagiswa, you won't go wrong because they are almost always perfectly set up from the factory. If you want a particular horn, ask them, they do haggle and it will be cheaper than waiting for eBay, when they would have to pay seller fees.

[saxhotshot527]

Hello,
I have a selmer mark VI sopranino and it is very usable. Not many people seem to take the sopranino seriously, but I think it can be a very respectable instrument. I have heard the sopranino used in a few saxophone orchestras, and they can be played beautifully. Visit the Mi-Bemol Saxophone Ensemble's web page: http://homepage.mac.com/mi_bemol/index_e.html
Download a few of the sample recordings on the virtual concert. Especially the Debussy Cortege. In this recording, the sopranino goes all the way to high F, and sounds absolutely beautiful. It really adds to the high end of the saxophone ensemble, and can help the ensemble achieve a beautiful sound that is very much like that of a string orchestra. This is not to say that playing sopranino is easy, by any means. Perhaps we are just spoiled by the ease with which we play the "normal" saxophones like the soprano, alto, and tenor. After all, does the sopranino really require that much more work than something like the oboe, or even the piccolo? They're all little beasts. At the same time, this isn't to say that the average high school saxophonist should pick up a sopranino and go for it, one must have mastered the saxophone embouchure and developed a very good sense of pitch before they will experience success with a soprano or sopranino. But the sopranino is very possible to play and very usable, and I think it should be considered as much a part of the saxophone family as any of the other saxophones. Anybody play a contrabass?

[saxtek]

saxhotshot527,

That was a nice sax ensemble on the link you posted. Have you purchased the CDs from the Mi-Bemol group? Where and how did you get them? Thanks.

[saxhotshot527]

I read about the Mi-Bemol Saxophone Ensemble in the Saxophone Journal and found that web page. I have downloaded all the samples, but I haven't bought any of their cd's yet. I plan to soon. They have a very nice sound. A few other ensembles you might want to check out:

David Bilger's Saxophone Sinfonia - I have the record that this group made in the 80's. The record is very rare now I imagine. This is one of the best ensembles I have heard. Most of them were playing on the old Rascher style mouthpieces and vintage saxophones and I find that this really helps the blend of a saxophone ensemble.

South German Saxophone Chamber Orchestra - This group was started by the original baritone player from Sigurd Rascher's quartet. This is a marvelous group, and probably the best I've ever heard. They also play on the Rascher setup and have achieved one of the most beautiful sounds, and not just in the saxophone world... you can find out more about them at http://www.mannheim-wind-academy.de/aka/wind_neu/konzerte/Ensembles/Saxorchester.htm


University of Southern Mississippi Sax-Chamber Orchestra - This group is conducted by Lawrence Gwozdz and consists of his saxophone students at USM. They are one of the best college groups I have heard. They too play on older horns and have a very nice sound.

The group that I really want to hear is the Rascher Saxophone Orchestra. I have seen one cd that they have recorded, and I hope to get it soon.

take care

[MusicMedic]

University of Southern Mississippi Sax-Chamber Orchestra - This group is conducted by Lawrence Gwozdz and consists of his saxophone students at USM. They are one of the best college groups I have heard. They too play on older horns and have a very nice sound.


In a recent visit to have his horn repaired, Dr. Gwozdz left a supply of the USM Sax-Chamber orchestra CD's for me to sell on the website. I have not added them to the site yet but, if anyone is interested, I have them.
-All of the profit from these CD sales go to the Sax-Chamber Orchestra.
-I'm on the CD playing an old Martin Bass!

Curt@MusicMedic.com

[Merlin]

Curt - how much for the CD?

What would you charge to mail them to Canada?

[MusicMedic]

Merlin,
Check out my post:
http://saxontheweb.myforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=3392

I bought them for $16.00 and will sell them for the same. -This way the profits go to the SCO.

Just pay actual shipping. If you go to www.USPS.com you can see the various shipping charges. It looks like I could ship it Air Mail for about $2.35 (based on 6oz).

It's a great CD.

Send me an Email send me an Email if your interested!

[kingperkoff]

I have a Selmer Mark 6 sopranino that I play instead of a soprano on almost every gig. I love the fact that I can cut through the guitars and in a club I don't need a mike. It can also be soft and lovely with a closed throat approach. The upper register is hard to tune but you get used to it.
I used to have a Yani but the Selmer has a much better sound. I can get up to D4 in the altissamo ok.

[mostly alto guy]

If you play that high on a 'nino, can the average human still hear it? Do dogs come running into the club looking for their masters?!

[Dave Dolson]

I was once told the mark of a true gentleman is one who owns a sopranino . . . but doesn't play it. DAVE

[Paul Coats]

I had the opportunity to play a sopranino a few years ago. Surprisingly it was not difficult at all, perhaps due to my experience with soprano. Producing a nice tone and intonation were not difficult. Getting my fat hands to work the closely spaced keys smoothly was somewhat a problem, mostly with the side keys.

As far as music with the sopranino, we would think mostly classical literature, woudn't we? But a few years ago my good friend Steve Goodson dragged me down to the 544 Club (544 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA, in the middle of the French Quarter) to hear Gary Brown perform.

When we got to the entrance of the 544 Club, the bouncer greated Steve by name, like old buddies, and said, "We have a table for you Steve, right up front for you and your guests." Man, was I ever impressed. Then, when we got to the table, right in front of the stage, Gary gave us a huge smile and waved at Steve. Sat with us and talked saxophones during the his break.

Man, this guys defines FUNK! The longest running, highest paid performer on Bourbon street. Are you familiar with Maceo Parker? Like that, but a mix of Blues, Jazz, Funk, and R&B. Gary sang and played alto, tenor, and no, not soprano... an ancient Selmer Sopranino! He was great! He got more music out of that tiny horn than you could possibly imagine.

[kingperkoff]

If you play that high on a 'nino, can the average human still hear it? Do dogs come running into the club looking for their masters?!
Actually, something similar to that happened to me once! A guy came into the club where I was playing and gave me a $10 bill and said " Anyone that can make my dog bark in the car across the street like you just did when you hit that high note deserves this!"

[Grumps]

About twenty years ago I was given two 1972 Selmer VI's; a soprano and a sopranino, both black lacquered (factory originals, actually) with the same gold leaf engraving. I used to pull out the sopranino with an alternative band I played in back in the mid-eighties, but other than that, it's mostly on the shelf. I did recently take it to 'jam' with my son's elementary school jazz band and the kids went wild over it; especially when I broke into the snake charmer's call during Louie, Louie. Of course every saxophone player there wanted to switch from alto to sopranino on the spot. I think the only folks that buy these things either have too much money, or they're collectors of an obsessive compulsive nature. I do feel bad leaving it on the shelf though, and for one dixieland job in the near future, I'm gonna bring the 'nino rather than the old curved TT soprano I pull out for kicks.

[Paul Coats]

Grumps, if your 'nino is that useless, I'll give you $50 for it and take it off your hands. :lol:

[Grumps]

Sorry Paul..... I couldn't split up the twins.

[Howlin]

This is not to say that playing sopranino is easy, by any means.
They are all easy to play.....badly. :roll:

[okami]

South German Saxophone Chamber Orchestra - This group was started by the original baritone player from Sigurd Rascher's quartet. This is a marvelous group, and probably the best I've ever heard. They also play on the Rascher setup and have achieved one of the most beautiful sounds, and not just in the saxophone world... you can find out more about them at http://www.mannheim-wind-academy.de/aka/wind_neu/konzerte/Ensembles/Saxorchester.htm



I am proud that my saxophone teacher is one of the Alto players in this orchestra. :)
They are very good, indeed.

[CMelodyMan]

It seems as if everyone here who has played on a 'nino has had some experience with a soprano. Has anyone here just picked up a sopranino and played it fairly easily without playing soprano? Also, which one is harder to play, curved or straight sopranino?

[amg]

I think the only curved sopraninos are those made by Kalison (many years ago) and Orsi (currently). It might be overstating the case to say that they are not regarded as serious pro instruments, but ... see http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Buying/Orsi_sopranino.htm for a reasonably thorough review.

[CMelodyMan]

Thanks for the site. I also think Yanagisawa and Yamaha make curved sopraninos???

[amg]

Surely not.

Yanagisawa make the SN 981, straight, keyed to top E. They've never made a curved as far as I know. I don't think Yamaha has ever offered a sopranino at all.

Leaving aside Orsi and Kalison, Sopraninos have been made by --

Conn and Buescher (only in the 20s, probably)

Selmer (I've never seen any earlier than Mk VIs but there may have been some)

Rampone and Cazzani (currently)

Yanagisawa (currently)

A Taiwanese maker, marketed under several names, frequently on eBay.

It's possible other manufacturers have made them (the smaller French companies possibly) but I've never heard of it. If anyone knows of other sopraninos it would be interesting to hear about them.

The likelihood that a single manufacturer apart from Orsi has ever offered both a curved and straight nino is zero, I should say, so no real comparison is possible. If you want an answer to your question, Which is easier to play?, I think you'll have to visit the Orsi factory.

[Steve P]

Yamaha has never produced a nino, though they have a prototype.

Selmer made ninos very early on. I believe Paul Cohen has a Model 22 'nino. I may be wrong though.



Steve P

[CMelodyMan]

Yeah, that;s it, I was thinking of Selmer. As a matter-of-fact I was just looking at an ad for an early Selmer sopranino.

[chitownjazz]

If anyone knows of other sopraninos it would be interesting to hear about them.

Don't forget the Dolnet, especially since it is a rare curved model. Saxpics has a couple of pictures here...

http://www.saxpics.com/the_gallery/dolnet/belair/sopranino/

- Glenn

[chitownjazz]

I read about the Mi-Bemol Saxophone Ensemble in the Saxophone Journal and found that web page. I have downloaded all the samples, but I haven't bought any of their cd's yet. I plan to soon. They have a very nice sound. A few other ensembles you might want to check out:

David Bilger's Saxophone Sinfonia - I have the record that this group made in the 80's. The record is very rare now I imagine. This is one of the best ensembles I have heard. Most of them were playing on the old Rascher style mouthpieces and vintage saxophones and I find that this really helps the blend of a saxophone ensemble.

South German Saxophone Chamber Orchestra - This group was started by the original baritone player from Sigurd Rascher's quartet. This is a marvelous group, and probably the best I've ever heard. They also play on the Rascher setup and have achieved one of the most beautiful sounds, and not just in the saxophone world... you can find out more about them at http://www.mannheim-wind-academy.de/aka/wind_neu/konzerte/Ensembles/Saxorchester.htm


University of Southern Mississippi Sax-Chamber Orchestra - This group is conducted by Lawrence Gwozdz and consists of his saxophone students at USM. They are one of the best college groups I have heard. They too play on older horns and have a very nice sound.

The group that I really want to hear is the Rascher Saxophone Orchestra. I have seen one cd that they have recorded, and I hope to get it soon.

take care

There's also the granddaddy of them all, the Rascher Saxophone Ensemble. The CD reissue of their 1970s LPs is available from cdbaby.com and towerrecords.com .

Glenn

[amg]

Quote:
Originally Posted by amg
If anyone knows of other sopraninos it would be interesting to hear about them.


Don't forget the Dolnet, especially since it is a rare curved model. Saxpics has a couple of pictures

Thanks for that! Cool horn. I wonder how it plays?

[chitownjazz]

Thanks for that! Cool horn. I wonder how it plays?

Saxpics has a few positive comments about the horn here.

http://www.saxontheweb.net/Resources/SideStreetStrutters.html

I've got one sitting in my attic but I haven't gotten around to getting the repair work done on it to get it into playing condition.

- Glenn

[saxhotshot527]

I recently acquired a re-release of the old Rascher Saxophone Ensemble recordings. Sounds kinda cool, but that's about it. I was pretty disappointed because I didn't realize it wasn't really a professional ensemble. It sounds more or less like several top notch saxophonists thrown in with several not so top notch saxophonists. The new Rascher Saxophone Orchestra sounds MUCH better in my opinion, in fact it is by far the best saxophone ensemble recording I have heard.

[Paul Cohen]

More manufacturers made sopraninos than we realize. Among my 17 sopraninos, those of particular interest include

Selmer, Modele 26 (1927) Superb sounding instrument, one of my 4 best players. Keyed to Eb, but easily sounding up to altissimo A

Martin (from the 1920s)

Evette Schaeffer. I have four, from the early 1900s up to 1927. These are terrific playing horns, some have the extra key system available at the time.

J Gras, a late 19th century instrument

A King curved sopranino, Voll-True. c. 1930 Truly exceptional in tone and in great design and construction.

My LA Sax curved sopranino is an Orsi made to the LA specs. It is much better put together than the Orsi instruments described on the web page. This horn is professionally viable, though not as stable, as the conventional sopraninos. I have used it several times in Bolero.

My best playing sopraninos: those that I use or can use in any professional environment, include (not in order)
Selmer Mk VI
Selmer Modele 26
Yanigasawa
Conn (1920s)

My Series II instrument is ergonomicaly superior, but its tone is so bright and piercing, that I cannot use it. The Evette Schaeffer has great sound and outstanding pitch but the ergonomics of keys make it more of a challenge than the other horns.

As always, the mouthpiece is a huge factor in creating a viable tone quality for these instruments. The solutions are challenging.

Paul Cohen

[Dave Dolson]

Paul: Thanks for your rare and always interesting posts. DAVE

[tempesax]

I have a Selmer nino. I find it very easy to play and control. I traded my Selmer soprano for it back in 1974 because the nino was better in tune and had a sweeter tone than the soprano.

I find that you want to stay pretty conservative on the mouthpiece. Selmer C* that has been opened up just a bit with sandpaper works great.

I mostly use it for Jazz and latin music. It works great for Klezmer music. It has a sweet tone for dixieland. I used to play in a latin jazz band with Victor Mendoza (teaches vibes and latin studies at BerkeLee). VIctor wrote a few pieces for the nino where it basically took the trumpet part in some Spanish bullfight music (I forget the name for this class of compositions.) It sounded great playing the trumpet parts.

Maybe I just got a good one, but I find it easier to play and control than most sopranos I have ever played on.

[tjontheroad]

In a moment of Ebay GAS I now find myself a part of all this high end stuff. Since my instructor and noted SOTW member tells me I have a very good ear (TP I need help!!!), It'll be interesting to see if I stay with this little beast. I'm doing some recording and I'll be using it there.

Wish me luck.
Tim

[bruce bailey]

Welcome to the nuthouse!

[tjontheroad]

Welcome to the nuthouse!

Thanks Bruce :)

[Merlin]

To Paul Cohen - what do you suggest in terms of currently available sopranino mouthpieces?

[Paul Cohen]

I am not particularly happy with any of the new sopranino mouthpieces. I have some Selmer mouthpieces that were custom-modified by Richard Hawkins of Oberlin that give a sweeter, less piercing sound. The Van Doren mouthpieces, without alteration, have been closest to a workable tone quality. On other sopraninos I either use a custom-fitted Buescher mouthpiece (most beautiful sound, but challenging pitch on my Mark VI sopranino) or a 1930s Selmer mouthpiece (on my 1930s Selmer sopranino - great instrument) or the Conn original mouthpiece (no other mouthpiece works) on my 1920s Conn sopranini.
In Chicago this weekend I will be playing two sopranini; my Mark VI and my amazing King curved sopranino. I'll be using one of my custom Selmer mouthpieces as well as the Buescher. I'm sure all will hear the difference. I may also be playing the Soprillo on the same concert.

Paul Cohen

[Merlin]

Thanks Paul! I think I'll get myself one of the Vandoren pieces to try out.

[tjontheroad]

Just got my Yani 'nino yesterday. It's a beauty :)

To address the thread question, my first thoughts are that it's only slightly more challenging to play than a soprano. The pitch is so high you really have to listen closely in order to gain control. Some good long tone practice is what I'll be doing with it for some time. It will certainly be time well spent. I love the tone. Very flute like. I'm using the stock mouthpiece with Vandoren #3 reeds and Runyon lig I got with a soprano custom piece. Funny how I thought that Runyon lig was junk when I got it and now I've found a good use for it. I tried the Legere Eb clari reed, but I like the natural cane tone of the Vandoren better.

I'm going to email Runyon and Lamberson to see if they'd be interested in making some sopranino pieces. I can imagine a Fmaj7 or a Custom working very well with it. Maybe if we get enough interest showing here, we can convince someone to give it a go. Don't know if it'll work. Can't hurt asking.

I'll let you know what they say.
Tim

[mhoyoux]

hello Mr TJONTHEROAD,

About your new Nino :

- The mechanics are well-made as their others products(SOprano,etc...)?

- What about intonation ? Sound easy to control ?

- The keys are as smooth as their others products ? It's inspired by SELMER MK VI (LH table key)? Does it affect playing a lot ?

- General quality of the instrument ?

Thanks !!

Have a nice day

HOYOUX Maxime.

[tjontheroad]

hello Mr TJONTHEROAD,

About your new Nino :

- The mechanics are well-made as their others products(SOprano,etc...)?

- What about intonation ? Sound easy to control ?

- The keys are as smooth as their others products ? It's inspired by SELMER MK VI (LH table key)? Does it affect playing a lot ?

- General quality of the instrument ?

Thanks !!

Have a nice day

HOYOUX Maxime.

Hey :)

The Yani 'nino is the equal to all other Yani saxes in terms of keywork, feel, tone, and overall quality. That is to say it's first rate. I also have a SC-992 and the 'nino reminds me of it in every way. They're both precision crafted instruments.

I'm guessing you're asking about the left hand palm keys, not table keys. They are like the MKVI. Due to the small size, they work better for me. Less hand movement is required to get them.

Intonation and control you ask??? It's a little beast. These two things are for the 'nino more about the quality of the player. Think of it as it being like playing the highest soprano notes all the time. As I said before, most of my short time with it so far has been playing long tones. Ask me in about a year if I think its' easy to play :D

[tjontheroad]

Update on my email to Runyon and Lamberson. Runyon never even replied :? They at least could have politely said no. Whatever. Fred Lamberson declined due to lack of time and he hasn't a sopranino to use.

I've asked ez sax (Ed) about refacing the stock piece. If it can be made to be more free blowing I'd be happy.

Now back to long tones... Nothing else to see here :D

[rim shot]

Stacey,

Are you totally ruling out the Selmer?

As unqualified it seems to be saying this, here I go...
I didn´t actually get to play the Selmer or the Yani because at the trade show I visited they didn´t have mouthpieces available (you had to bring your own).
So, actually, all I could do was to examine the workmanship and compare the "feel" of the two horns.

Obviously, the Selmer is in a class by itself- unfortunately, so is it´s price.

You might want to consider a used Selmer before buying the Yani new.

[bruce bailey]

Tim, I would also say to try the Selmer. I think they are about $130 at WWBW but may be worth a try.

[Grumps]

I'd been playing an old C* (on the table) Selmer mouthpiece on my VI nino and recently bought a modern Selmer F. Much easier to play up top now.

[tjontheroad]

Tim, I would also say to try the Selmer. I think they are about $130 at WWBW but may be worth a try.

I did order the Selmer F at WWBW for $105 even though I've not had great luck with Selmer pieces in the past. Maybe this will change my thinking.

[paulwl]

Update on my email to Runyon and Lamberson. Runyon never even replied :? They at least could have politely said no. Whatever.Keep in mind they're a mass marketer and producer, and ninos themselves are not just a specialty, but a whole area of subspecialties. Because each model plays so differently, there's no one-size-fits-all.

[tjontheroad]

Keep in mind they're a mass marketer and producer, and ninos themselves are not just a specialty, but a whole area of subspecialties. Because each model plays so differently, there's no one-size-fits-all.

You're right, I know. I knew asking was a longshot. I guess, 'cause I said nice things about them and the piece I own in the email, I would liked to have gotten a reply. It's just good biz. No biggie. I'd still buy from them again.

[paulwl]

Well, they might not even have known where to begin answering your question without sounding like they were blowing you off. That's a risk in business sometimes.

Nice avatar, BTW.

[tjontheroad]

Well as I feared, I got the Selmer piece and it's pretty awful to me. Anything below C barely would play at all. No better responce from the highs. This is going back asap. I don't know why, but Selmer pieces never have made me smile. This time no exception. The stock Yanagisawa still is much better for me.

On a brighter note (no pun intended), I also tried #2 1/2 Legere Eb clari reeds and I find those a mark improvement over the #3 ones I tried before. I still find the cane tone more interesting. The Legere reeds play better with greater ease of control.

[Grumps]

Oh no... now you're going to make me wonder what other pieces I should try besides my Selmer F...

Naaaaah... I hardly play the beast.

[allreeds]

I own two 'ninos - one is a Mason, turquoise and silver...lovely little beast. Sounds great , and I like it even better than the Selmer 'nino. Keyed to High E, but can coax an F out of it and higher. Last year, I bought a soprillo, and that's a blast to play...squeak monster. The notes above G in the staff need altered fingerings to play in tune, and work consistently, but I have that under control, now a year later.....

My curved nino is a LA Sax (Orsi, really), but plays in tune with a selmer mpce., and #3 nino reeds.

Check out my website for more info.....

http://www.geocities.com/bourbonstreet/2302

Dr. Allreeds :)

[tjontheroad]

I own two 'ninos - one is a Mason, turquoise and silver...lovely little beast. Sounds great , and I like it even better than the Selmer 'nino. Keyed to High E, but can coax an F out of it and higher. Last year, I bought a soprillo, and that's a blast to play...squeak monster. The notes above G in the staff need altered fingerings to play in tune, and work consistently, but I have that under control, now a year later.....

My curved nino is a LA Sax (Orsi, really), but plays in tune with a selmer mpce., and #3 nino reeds.

Check out my website for more info.....

http://www.geocities.com/bourbonstreet/2302

Dr. Allreeds :)

Nice photos on your site. Some I haven't seen before. I've been tooting on my Yani 'nino over the last few days after not touching it for awhile. Fun stuff. Ever hear one those sopranissimos? Must sound like a tuned kazoo or something ;)

[Gandalfe]

I recently, okay last week, received a Yani 'nino that I purchased on eBay. It was brand new and less than half the cost of a new Yani 'nino. So I couldn't resist. When I asked the wife, she just sighed and said okay. 8-)

I am using it for the alto sax part to a sax quartet that Paul Coats arranged called the Intergalatic Rag. Most people recognize the song as the Star War's bar song. It sound positively alien, wicked even and played against a soprano sax. I'm hoping the audience will find it interesting too.

It took me a whole day to get the instrument to speak. It has taken me even longer to get the instrument sounding in tune across the range of the instrument. I really try to stay away from the D3 and above as it is not very pleasant sounding. But it can be played and unfortunately it can be played loudly.

I luv the fit and finish of this instrument. The keys and mouthpiece are so small. My wife the clarinetist had no problem from the get go making the instrument sound nice. But it is even smaller than her effer (Eb soprano clarinet).

I can only seem to find reeds in sizes 2, 3, and 4. There are no half sizes that I have been able to locate. Oh, and I rack my 'nino on the flute peg which gives me five instruments ('nino, alto, sop, tenor, clarinet) on one foldable rack. The bari, if needed goes on it's own stand.

I'm really enjoying this instrument a lot more than I thought I would. Maybe I will consider a soprillo in the future--or maybe not. :D

[Gandalfe]

I can't imagine what the appeal could possibly be for such a screechy little recorder-like version of a serious jazz commander. Isn't the Bflat soprano bad enough? Maybe you should try a piccolo. The fingering isn't too much of a stretch.I used to think along those lines. But as I matured I expanded my interests to include clarinet, flute, and now the 'nino. 8-)

[tjontheroad]

I think with the 'nino it is possible to find an interesting voice if you're willing to try. I really like the sound of playing high and soft. Once controled, you can get an angel like tone with lots of character. It's a tricky little beast. I wish I had more time to work with it.

I see on WWBW the are Alexander reeds in half strengths;

http://www.wwbw.com/Alexander-Classique-Sopranino-Saxophone-Reeds-i237808.music

I've switched back to using a sanded down Vandoren #3. The Legere Eb play easier, but I like the cane sound better.

I see also wwbw has Yanagisawa metal mouthpieces available. I just ordered a 5 tip opening to give it a try. If I like it, I might get it opened up some to make the palm keys easier to pop out.

http://www.wwbw.com/Yanagisawa-Model-2708-Sopranino-Sax-Mouthpiece-i67957.music

[Gandalfe]

I see also wwbw has Yanagisawa metal mouthpieces available. I just ordered a 5 tip opening to give it a try. If I like it, I might get it opened up some to make the palm keys easier to pop out.

http://www.wwbw.com/Yanagisawa-Model-2708-Sopranino-Sax-Mouthpiece-i67957.music Let us know how that goes.

[calisax]

This is the man formerly known as "cybersax." Changed my name to "jzroot." I guess some other users didn't like my last name because I lack affiliation with some other somethin rather of the same name, if you catch my drift. The clarinet's a definite acception. I started off on the clarinet in grade school, then stepped up to alto sax after the first year of band. By jazz band in high school I was mostly tenor. I guess I shouldn't knock the nino's till I try one.

[tjontheroad]

Let us know how that goes.

Will do :)

[Gandalfe]

I started off on the clarinet in grade school, then stepped up to alto sax after the first year of band. By jazz band in high school I was mostly tenor.I wish I had started on clarinet. That instrument is a real beastie. 8-)

[bruce bailey]

Gandalfe - I have a customer with a Yana 'nino and the low Bb is quite sharp. How is yours? I just got a Bb that had a 'nino mouthpiece in wood. When I get a body in, I will see how it is.

[Gandalfe]

The low Bb on my Yani 'nino is so sharp that I don't use it yet. I wasn't sure if it was my poor embouchure so I had my wife, the clarinetist play it and she got the same results.

It is a strange instrument. The G1 and G2 are spot on but the B2 and B3 is always wonky. Since when has a B on a sax ever been a problem!

I use this instrument to add color and hope that someday I'll learn to control the beastie.

[Bootman]

Just picked up one here, a very interesting toy. It is a Chinese\ Taiwan made one that is actually quite exceptional to play even with a few leaks in it. The sound is actually very sweet and the novelty of having something so tiny to use is worth the money I paid for it. It plays as good as the Yani Nino's (of which it is a direct copy of) that I have played in the past. It is a very interesting horn to have but as for a practical use, I haven't found one other than for street theatre work where gimmick equals continued work.

I chose Purple for no other reason than to upset peoples sensibilities.

[JMac]

The low Bb on my Yani 'nino is so sharp that I don't use it yet. I wasn't sure if it was my poor embouchure so I had my wife, the clarinetist play it and she got the same results.

It is a strange instrument. The G1 and G2 are spot on but the B2 and B3 is always wonky. Since when has a B on a sax ever been a problem!

I use this instrument to add color and hope that someday I'll learn to control the beastie.I did a double check on my Yana last night - and had precisely the same tuning issues you found. I am not well versed on the acoustic technicalities of the saxophone, but would it seem that either Yana chose the wrong cone length or the wrong key heights?

I ask that assuming that with all keys closed, key height does not affect pitch. If you tune to that pitch [low Bb], then everything else is way flat on the ‘nino. So, if the cone length were adjusted, then low Bb would be in tune, or, if the cone left as is, and the key heights adjusted to bring everything else up (about 40 cents on my horn – is that even possible?) then the horn would play in tune with itself.

Is this thought process logical?

I ordered a Vandoren ‘nino piece back in March which finally arrived this week (special order item). Got a brief chance to a/b it with the stock Yana 5 that came with the horn. I have been working with 3 different reed types- a Legere synthetic, Alexanders, and some closeout ‘Queen’ E-fer clarinet reeds.

On the stock Yana piece, the Alexander was difficult to control, pitch, tone, and volume – with more frequent squeeking. The Alexanders worked much better with the Vandoren piece. So did the Legere – it seemed a bit stuffy on the Yana – it opened up un the Vandoren and played more evenly (tone wise) across the range. The Queen E-fer reeds sounded a bit harsher on the Vandoren than on the Yana piece though? I definitely need to spend a bit more time with both…

Our ensemble has a gig this weekend, and we’ll be without our trumpet and alternate sop sax player, leaving our horn section at tenor and alto sax. I am toying with the idea of taking the ‘nino along to add a bit of high end color on a couple of tunes. Figured a little harmonic minor soloing on Blue Bossa or Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise could inject a little ‘snake-charmer’ feel…:faroah:

[Gandalfe]

I chose Purple for no other reason than to upset peoples sensibilities.Dude, you are such an animal! Usually I find people with colored instruments (like pink!) are really clarinet players. 8-)

Our ensemble has a gig this weekend, and we’ll be without our trumpet and alternate sop sax player, leaving our horn section at tenor and alto sax. I am toying with the idea of taking the ‘nino along to add a bit of high end color on a couple of tunes. Figured a little harmonic minor soloing on Blue Bossa or Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise could inject a little ‘snake-charmer’ feel…Nice analysis. I'll forego the research and just use the instrument as a color piece too.

[Bootman]

I usually grab something like this to stir everyone up. It's like showing up to a serious gig with a bright green tenor sax! The look on everyones face is priceless and the audience loves it! These are the perfect show horn, you aren't too worried about damage. Current thoughts are to get a blue one to play the Blues with!!!

Does playing 12tone row stuff on Bass Clarinet make me a clarinet player? OR am I as I suspect a musical prostitute who will play anything for money?

[bruce bailey]

While we are on the subject of 'ninos, Does anyone have a spare hard case? I can make one but would rather pick one up cheap.

[Bootman]

Bruce,
I have had one made out of ABS plastic here and will doing the padding thing myself. I cant seem to find one readily available.

[bruce bailey]

I checked with Mason and Dominic as they sell the beasts from asia but no luck. For a C soprano, I got one of those $35 Bb cases on ebay that has a large compartment and blocked the area for the C. It ended up nice with both tehe C and Bb. I might do that for the Eb.

[Bootman]

Which brand case are you talking about here?

[tjontheroad]

Yanagisawa metal mouthpiece update...

This is the most responsive and controllable piece I've tried so far. I can get the palm keys to sing better and a bit easier with it. It sure adds to the volume over the hard rubber. Downside is the tone is not as sweet, but I think I can work through that. Time to play!

[unbalancedaction]

I recently bought a Mark VI 'nino. It came with its original short shank E mpc, and I've been using Vandoren 3's on it.

I'm lucky, everything is mint so I don't have to worry about getting a case etc. (but I hear that Walt Johnson will make a custom case for it). Just to settle any myths (if any), this horn is just like any other saxophone. Once you work on your Joe Allard routine, it becomes just as easy as any other saxophone.

Mine is keyed up to hi Eb, and its really no bother at all. The first few altissimo notes pop out with no problems (up to hi C) and its got a very FULL sound, with lots of depth. I bought it to try and play more world music with it, and its great for that. But it is also great for just about anything else. You would be surprised how much sopranino has actually made its way into pop sessions/film scores.

Don't buy a Chinese/Taiwanese replica, because this horn has absolutely NO awkwardness or stuffiness to it. Feels like a higher soprano.

[MrMiyagi]

I have one too, mine's keyed to F#... how much you pay for yours?

[dgrun]

Hi guys, new to this forum.

I own a 1926 or so silver-plated Buescher 'nino. I have a couple Selmer mpc's plus the original Buescher mpc. I am at home on bari, so have some trouble playing the nino, but man, does it cut through a rock band. Its "only" keyed to high E flat, but I can't imagine wanting to play much higher than that.

Its real hard for me to play the palm key notes, but I don't get to play it much. I might want to sell it as I don't use it that much. I normally play my Selmer series II matte bari, my King Zephyr Special Alto, flute, alto flute, Selmer bass clarinet, King Zephyr Tenor, and bassoon much more than the nino, but it is a really cool instrument, and I think this Buescher is one of the best.

DG