pingflood
01-31-2004, 03:22 AM
Just throwing this out to get some opinions/comments... been playing tenor since last June/July or thereabouts. First woodwind instrument I ever touched. Been using a Selmer Bundy from the 70s that's been 'tuned up' by a reputable local repairman. Taking lessons weekly from a good instructor.
Picked up a curved soprano (Musica brand) some 4-5 weeks ago, and have been playing it as a 'treat' to myself after doing my exercises and 'homework' on the tenor.
The past week I've been practicing some classical pieces on tenor, as well as trying them out on the soprano, and I swear that they sound *much* better on the soprano :shock: ; the tone is clearer, the transitions between notes are smoother, the whole piece just 'flows' better. To make sure I wasn't insane, I had my wife (who's played flute and piano all her life) listen in, and she agreed that my playing was better on the soprano. She, however, refrained from commenting on my sanity, or lack thereof. :roll:
So what's going on here? It seems that since I've played tenor for a good bit longer, as well as practice on it way more than I play the soprano, I should be more proficient there... but it just ain't so. I *do* have to watch my embouchure more closely on the soprano to keep the pitch in place (luckily, my relative pitch hearing is pretty decent), but as long as I don't get sloppy with it it's very sweet sounding. :D
Could it be that the sop is just a better fit for my 'musical mind' (how I hear things before playing them), or could it be that this particular sax is just a nicer piece of equipment than my old Bundy tenor?
Any opinions welcome...
Picked up a curved soprano (Musica brand) some 4-5 weeks ago, and have been playing it as a 'treat' to myself after doing my exercises and 'homework' on the tenor.
The past week I've been practicing some classical pieces on tenor, as well as trying them out on the soprano, and I swear that they sound *much* better on the soprano :shock: ; the tone is clearer, the transitions between notes are smoother, the whole piece just 'flows' better. To make sure I wasn't insane, I had my wife (who's played flute and piano all her life) listen in, and she agreed that my playing was better on the soprano. She, however, refrained from commenting on my sanity, or lack thereof. :roll:
So what's going on here? It seems that since I've played tenor for a good bit longer, as well as practice on it way more than I play the soprano, I should be more proficient there... but it just ain't so. I *do* have to watch my embouchure more closely on the soprano to keep the pitch in place (luckily, my relative pitch hearing is pretty decent), but as long as I don't get sloppy with it it's very sweet sounding. :D
Could it be that the sop is just a better fit for my 'musical mind' (how I hear things before playing them), or could it be that this particular sax is just a nicer piece of equipment than my old Bundy tenor?
Any opinions welcome...