Newbie undergoes changes

[DarkShades]

Hello, All;

I just found this site - it looks very interesting.

I am an adult (mid-30s) who is interested in learning to play sax. This would be totally a hobby for me and another way to relax from the frustrations of my job.

I played clarinet when I was a kid, and continued until I started college. That was several years ago, so I'm sure my embouchure is gone. I always wanted to play sax, but somehow ended up with the clarinet instead. Lately, it's really been knawing at me to learn the sax and bring music back in as a part of my life.

I will say upfront that I plan on buying a Yamaho horn.

Here are my issues/questions:
1. I am very interested in tenor sax, but heard that I should start on an alto. This suggestion was confirmed in Larry Teal's book (I like doing research before jumping into anythin). What do you all say? Alto first? Right now, I look at this like a car - if you learn on a stick, switching to an automatic is a no-brainer; but if you learn on an automatic, switching to a stick can be really hard. In my analogy, stick=alto and automatic=tenor Would you agree with this analogy?

2. I went to the local music store and the (very) young salesperson suggested the YAS-475. Since neither of us could play, I don't know what this horn sounds like. Would you agree with this horn suggestion for a new, adult, hobbyist? Or would an older, second-hand 275 or 63 be just as good?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

[awholley]

There is no reason for an adult to start with an alto if he wants to play tenor. For children, it's often a matter of the physical size of their hands.

You'll likely be satisfied with any Yamaha in good shape. None of them will hold you back.

[Jon B. Bop]

Welcome shades,
I started as an adult a couple of years ago, directly on tenor. No problem. If that's what you want to play, start with that.

In ref to what horn to buy, any horn that is in good working order (checked by a good tech.), with modern keywork will do. As you improve, and develope some chops, you'll eventually want to get a quality horn. I bought one after about 6 months. You want to play well enough to be able to tell the difference.

There are a lot of great players/teachers on this sight who can give you quality advice.

Have fun!

[Seraphina]

I too am starting sax as an adult(31) although I have recent substantial experience with clarinet,flute and oboe.by all means start on tenor if that is the sound you like and you certainly won't go wrong buying a Yamaha or Yanagisawa,the 475 is a good horn for a beginner/intermediate player but if your budget will stretch to a Yamaha YTS62 or Yani 901 then there would be no reason that a horn of that quality should not last you your entire playing career.
Keep us posted with what you decide.

[gerryr]

I remember reading on a web site somewhere "if you want to learn how to play get an alto, if you want to play with other people get a tenor". Actually a tenor is not really harder (for an adult) to play than an alto so you can start right out on tenor. The difference is like 'mid-sized car / full-sized car' not 'standard / automatic'.

Since you haven't played sax before I would recommend renting a sax before buying one. Most shops rent student models (Yamaha 275 or 23, Selmer 300 or 1244) and this would be a good place to start. Student models are adequate for hobby playing if they are in good working order. Most places will also apply what you've paid in rental fees towards purchase of a sax as well.

After you've played a bit I would suggest playing as many saxes as you can before buying one, you'll want to find the one that's right for you. I've got a Yamaha but they aren't the sax for everybody.

Most folks also think you should get your own mouthpiece (like a Meyer or a Link) instead of using the one the give you when you rent. If you have your own you can take it with you to try out saxes in shops.

Most importantly - go to places where they know something about saxophones. Most music stores today are all guitars, keyboards and drums, if you are renting or buying a sax you need to find someone who know what they are talking about.

[DarkShades]

Thanks, All;

Renting for a while is something I hadn't considered.
It's a pretty good idea - thanks.

I'm going to another music store tomorrow night.
I'll let you all know how everything progresses.

Just out of curiosity, what is the average monthly rental fee for a sax? I'm sure there are a bazillion options, but what would be considered average for a six-month contract?

[Seraphina]

Here in the UK an average rental would be £100-150 for a 3 or 4 month rental period,After which if u decided to buy that or another sax from the shop they would deduct most or all of the rental from the purchase price,usually up to a maximum of one or two terms rental.
Personally I'd buy a decent student sax,taking a chance that I would keep with it and if not sell and probably lose less than I would have payed for a terms rental anyway.

[DarkShades]

I met a pretty cool guy who is interested in giving me lessons.
He's been playing for 35 years.

I rented a student horn for 3 months.

After much listening to music, soul searching, and holding several instruments in my hands, I decided for an alto sax.

If I show improvement in three months, I think I'll get myself a YAS-62II

I'm VERY excited.
Thanks for all your suggestions!

[Seraphina]

Wow thats great,If you have as much fun playing and find it as rewarding as I do then you will have a great time in store for you. :D

[DarkShades]

Hello, All;

Just thought I"d give an update.

I've been taking lessons now for over a month, and I really really enjoy playing sax - much more than I ever did playing clarinet.

I bought a new Yamaha YAS-62II tonight - it's gorgeous!

I'm having a bit of trouble getting the low C, but it comes out when I really work at it - my instructor said I'm coming along real well.

Just thought I'd share...

[Kareeser]

Congrats! I'm sure your instructor has mentioned it... but your tongue placement has something to do with it too. I believe it's supposed to be in an arched shape (think of the word "err", I hear)...

May your sax bring you many years of pleasure, :)