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View Full Version : New Trick for an Old Dog


Fred
02-14-2004, 06:16 PM
I've pondered whether to post this here, or under Beginners, or under Doubling. But since I've hung out here a lot, I figured I'd just stay with the category that caught my interest.

I really like saxophones. I wish I had learned to double on saxes back in high school (about 35 yrs ago), but I didn't. So I'm basically a clarinet player catching my second wind and trying to play well enough to satisfy myself. The first sax I bought was a tenor - always loved them - and it was extremely difficult for me to manage. I just couldn't get loose enough to play it. So it's waiting for another day.

Then I tried alto - much better! I thought to myself, "I can do this." And I'm sure I can . . . but it ain't second nature, if you know what I mean. I've got to work at alto. But yesterday . . . glorious yesterday . . . my Antigua Winds 590LQ soprano sax arrived. This is what I've been waiting on and wondering about. I've always wondered if soprano sax would make a great starter instrument for clarinet players - and now I know it IS the sax for me. Hopefully, I'll be able to develop my saxophone technique on soprano and use that as a springboard to alto and tenor. I know that's opposite the way most sax players come to soprano, but it feels perfectly natural for this old clarinet player.

Right out of the case, I could play soprano better than the Yani 880 alto I've been using. Stock mouthpiece, Rico 2.5 reed, and better results than I'd ever dreamed. I'm looking forward to my days ahead with this little jewel. I've finally found what I've been looking for in saxophones!

My thanks to Dave Kessler for politely answering my inquiries over the last year, and for delivering the sax in terrific playing condition. Now pardon me if you will . . . I gotta go play. :D :D :D :D :D

Dave Dolson
02-14-2004, 09:10 PM
Fred: Nice . . . enjoy. DAVE

wthalliii
02-16-2004, 05:34 PM
I had a similar experience to you in a way. I did double on alto in high school and college, but then didn't play for many years. It took me a couple of years practicing every day to get back into clarinet and then alto. Then a number of years passed and I finally bought an SA80 III soprano. Wow! I found a new love! A soprano is a natural for a clarinet player.

Three years ago, I bought a Buescher tenor. Ugh! I was a half step sharp and couldn't pull out enough to get in tune. But I kept working at it and finally bought a Quantum 8 piece on the advice of a friend, and eventually I could play it.

Now I'm working on bari. Can't play it very well yet. Or at least not to my own satisfaction, though I have played it in my church.

Anyway, I think your idea has some merit.