Trying to get back in...

[Reklaw]

Hey everyone. I'm one of those guys that hasn't played in 10 years, but is getting back into it. I'm sure that there are others out there like me. Anyway, I just wanted to chat and see if I could get some info.

First off, I broke out my old horn and it's in rough shape. It's a King Lemaire (See http://www.saxpics.com/sml/sml_stencils.htm). It's not a great horn to begin with, but it would have worked to start with. However, a needle spring is broke and the pads need replacing. Before I looked into things on the web I took it to a repair shop and they said, "sell the horn, I can't get the parts for it and it's not worth fixing anyway." Well, come to find out, pads and springs can be had in pretty much any size, so I think the guy was full of it. As for if it's worth it or not, I guess that's still up in the air. Any ideas?

Other than getting all that off my chest, I wanted to hear from any of you that may have been in my shoes at one point in time. What brought you back? What tips might you have? Anything?

Thanks everyone![/url]

[Morry]

I started playing again, after 7 or 8 years off, because I just felt like I was withering inside. I have a highly technical type of job, and my creative side was just disappearing. I have found it difficult to find the necessary time to devote to practice, but I work it in when I can. I have played saxophone for 30 years, but never took private lessons. I felt it was important, since I have so little time, to enlist the help of a professional.

Good luck and enjoy!

[Reklaw]

Thanks Morry! I'm in the same boat. I'm in a technical field and my creativity has been smothered by the environment. I tend to paint in my free time, but I needed something else. My Sax seems to have filled that void.

[Gandalfe]

Get yourself a decent horn. You'll thank yourself later. If you don't have a lot of money, consider a Yamaha--a decent but inexpensive horn. I you have more money, try Keilwerth, Selmer, Yanagisawa, Yamaha Z's, etc. Vintage horns can be fun too. And enjoy the hunt, that is half the fun. Good luck to you.

[LBAjazz]

Get a better repair guy.

[Morry]

I once had a Yamaha 62 tenor, 62 soprano, and a decent old Conn bari to go along with my 61 alto, but sold everything but the alto quite a few years back. When I started back playing, I decided that I wanted a stable of decent horns for whatever comes up (even if it's just playing in the living room), and I went out and bought JK tenor, JK alto, a King Tempo bari, and a fairly decent Musica curved soprano (plan to upgrade to a Yani SC902). This way, whatever I feel like playing, or if I get some ensemble playing opportunities, I'm ready. So, I've got $8000 tied up in horns. Big deal. I may trade up in horns sometime, but I'll never downsize again. I had forgotten how much fun playing is, even at my level.

[Morry]

By the way, if your horn is too far gone, I've got a silver plated Conn alto that I'm selling for a friend that is a monster of a horn. It is circa 1934, but is the tightest, fastest-action alto I've ever played. And, that lush Conn tone is to die for. I guarantee you will have no complaints with this sax. If I hadn't just spent the aforementioned $8k, I'd buy it from him myself.

http://www.bellsouthpwp.net/m/o/morrypayne/connalt1.jpg

[Cozmo]

I'm in your shoes right now...I haven't played for about 6 years, and am itching to get back into it. I played alto back when I played, and now I'm getting a Yamaha tenor in a couple days. Can't wait. I live and die with music, and can't believe I let myself slip these past years. Give my life some meaning again :lol:

[Reklaw]

Thanks Morry, but I can't afford such wonderful things :cry: However, I'm curious as to how much? Just so that I can put things into perspective. Thanks!

[JL]

Reklaw, definitely get back into it!! I never entirely laid out, but for about 8 years I had a "real" job, and found little time for playing my horn. Then I just picked it up one day and never really put it back down (so to speak). That was about 10 years ago and I'm playing all the time now, with a couple of different bands. Also, I don't know if your repairman was totally right or wrong, but he may not have steered you too far wrong. You really should do yourself a favor and pick up a good horn. It doesn't have to be new, many of us much prefer vintage horns....but it has to be a good one, in good repair. If you have a full time job, why not put some of that hard-earned cash into something worthwhile, like a great horn? Best of luck.

[Morry]

Reklaw, he wants to get about $1500 out of it. Man, don't wait. Get back into playing on whatever you can afford right now. Of course, I say that, not having had any free time today except for this 10 minutes I'm spending here. Yeah, I know, that 10 minutes should have been spent practicing.

[Reklaw]

I agree with you completely, and that's why I'm playing on this King Lemaire that needs some serious work. If nothing else I am able to get my fingers used to the horn again. Also, the sound isn't terrible, just bad. And I can't hit some of the lower notes, which is frustrating.

So, here's my dilemma. I only have about $300-$350 to spend at the moment. My plan was to just live with this horn until I was able save another $500-$700. Maybe next year's tax return. Or I could go out and buy a used student model for $300 or so.

So, I guess you could say that I am undecided at the moment. What would you guys do?

[Bill Mecca]

Zoot Horn Rollo had some horns for sale, and at least one I know of was in your price range, with a recent overhaul. do a search or just peruse the for sale thread...

[JL]

Up to a point, you get what you pay for. I qualify this because some horns are overpriced due to their "big name" (MK VI, Super 20). On the other hand, if VERY lucky, you might find an incredible deal out there. But in general you'll have to spring with some $$ to get a good horn. The price range you speak of may not do it. The problem is, if you find a good brand horn (Buescher, Conn, Selmer, King, Martin, or some newer brand) at such a low price, it'll probably need $700 or $800 worth of work. Are you looking for alto or tenor? The altos can be had for a bit less money. Anyhow, I think you'd be better off saving up and buying a decent horn. Just my 2 cents worth.

[hannibal]

Been playing now for 8 years after a 8 'lost years'. Started on an alto that I bought from goodwill for $50!

Man, picking up my horn again was one of the best things I ever did; leaving it sit for so long one of my few true regrets.

Jamey Aeborsold advised me to invest as much money into your horn(s) as you possibly can. You can agree/disagree with the man's other pearls of wisdom, but that one one has been spot on. I look at it as an investment- money put into quality brass is safer than the stock market, assuming you don't drop it. And I've always been able to resell my horns for about what I paid for them originally.

[clem]

Don Wilkerson was a first rate tenor saxophonist but his horn wasn't. It's said he used to have a pocket full of rubber bands to fix broken springs, small leaks, and so on. When I saw him around 1961 he had those rubber bands all over his horn. The neck was loose and would wiggle from side to side as he played. Bird was also legendary for the junk he sometimes had to play, but he still sounded like Bird! Save your money until you have enough.

I doubt you'll get much of a horn for $300, but you certainly can get one for $800. Find a pawn shop that has lots of musical instruments and I'll bet you can get a good Yamaha 52 for around that. Those guys will always cut a deal, and you can inspect and play the horn before you buy. When kids give up band, their parents take the horn to whoever will buy it.

[1saxman]

Reklaw; You can get that horn overhauled for $350! No relacquer of course, but that should include a 'Brite-Dip', dent removal and Selmer Super 80 pads with metal tone boosters. I don't know where you live, but I guarantee somebody near you will do it for this.

[synchro]

I've been playing again for a year now after an 18+ year layoff from highschool. I've put in alot of serious hours of practice to get back to a decent level. I think I just recently surpassed the level I was at in high school. I play primarily in a community jazz band. I myself am considering upgrading my horn right now. I have a used Jupiter that I got a year ago with a trade of an old Armstrong I had in my closest plus $1500.00 Canadian. (The Armstrong was in pretty rough shape)

Reklaw, one thing to possibly consider checking into is a rent to own program for a decent horn now. One other thing, get out there and play with other people right away.

[Bill Gaulke]

Hi Reklaw,,,

Scheck with me,,, I might have a good alto in your price range,,,and it's a dream horn,,,,

bgaulke@techline.com