[14470]

I am the kind of a person that likes the why of everything, and I think it is fun to not only speculate, but to test and discuss that speculation---wait,wait--that's what science is!

Ditto. However, when it comes to saxes, the is virtually only speculation and no testing, or referrals to "experiments" that test something else. Most of the time it is comparing apples and oranges. Except for bits and pieces in Kyomarto's post, which I did learn something from, there is no science and I am left with my notions and beliefs.

It becomes downright absurd when some claim that nothing really matters (pun intended), concrete of copper, dents smaller than 1/16th of the bore diameter, old fashioned keywork (which you just need to get used to), and yet in other posts argue that this or that horn is the best ever made.

I am happy with CDs and don't long for vinyl except for the covers. However, I do think I can tell the difference between an MP3 file played on my computer and live music. In analogy (pun intended), when the discussion comes to saxes, a vinyl-CD or equivalent argument is often used to defy that any differences in material etc. matter. Yet, where are the experiments? The reason why this keeps coming up is because there are zippo and the manufacturers are probably happy to keep it that way, and the acoustic physicists probably more easily funded and occupied by sounds of interst to the military, law enforcement, oceanographers...birdwatchers

 

[14470]

That's funny, because it seems to be at its best in preparation for war.

If you are talking science to make bombs and vehicles for bombs, you are probably right. Otherwise, it is neither funny nor logical but utter nonsense. WWII destroyed a generation of scientists in Europe (except for a few rescued to make the atomic bomb). These days, it is way better to be occupied with genetically engineering plants to emit fluorescent light in the presence of explosives, than improving treatment for ailments that will affect just about every member of this board sooner or later. I suppose if you have your arm ripped off that you may be able to get a better prosthesis because of wars, but not one that allows you to play the sax.

 

[14470]

And so it becomes yet another initiation ceremony into the Dead Horse Molester's Society.

I won't post any further in this thread since I am a scientist and hence biased, sort of the same way a professional saxophonists or woodwind technicians making statements about music and saxophones. I have to say though that I am surprised at how science and scientists are perceived and the (mis)conceptions of how war impacts on science (stated polited with abundant self-restraint ).

I'll go look for a(nother) dead horse to beat...it's a hot day in Boston...there must be one that has keeled over.