[kraslice soprano]

A short impro from a beginner here.
1925 Martin Handcraft soprano recorded with a smartphone
Any advice - (severe) opinion will be welcome!

https://soundcloud.com/gaetano-ventriglia-596754766%2Fhome

 

[Reet McVouty]

OK, well my first impression is that for a beginner you have a fairly decent tone, and that's not easy to come by on soprano. The other thing I got from this is it sounds like you are forcing the air into the mouthpiece. One can hear a lot of air escaping as you play. Reasons for this may vary, or could a combination of things. Reed and mouthpiece selection being most likely. Embouchure is another factor. If you have a teacher I would have him check your embouchure out. Then I would start experimenting with reeds, and if all else fails it's time to try some different mouthpieces. Good luck.

 

[kraslice soprano]

Thank you! Actually, there is no effort at all, It's a night sub tone rec at a relatively low volume with the bell very near to the phone-mic.
As I increase the volume a little, the airy sound disappears.
Maybe I should have posted a record at full volume and the mic far enough. I'll do it.

 

[kraslice soprano]

OK, well my first impression is that for a beginner you have a fairly decent tone, and that's not easy to come by on soprano. The other thing I got from this is it sounds like you are forcing the air into the mouthpiece. One can hear a lot of air escaping as you play. Reasons for this may vary, or could a combination of things. Reed and mouthpiece selection being most likely. Embouchure is another factor. If you have a teacher I would have him check your embouchure out. Then I would start experimenting with reeds, and if all else fails it's time to try some different mouthpieces. Good luck.

It was the mouthpiece. I've been experimenting with the piece I considered a backup, and wow... problem is gone even at the lowest volume. So many thanks!

(We're at home since many days, the situation is still very bad especially in the North. We try to fill the time maybe pretending it's not the tragedy it is)

 

[Reet McVouty]

It's was the mouthpiece. I've been experimenting with the piece I considered a backup, and wow... problem is gone even at the lowest volume. So many thanks!

(We're at home since many days, the situation is still very bad especially in the North. We try to fill the time maybe pretending it's not the tragedy it is)

My heart goes out to you guys, and yes it is a tragedy. You've been hit pretty hard but hopefully Italy is bouncing back. The problem is Italians (I am an Italian American) are extremely sociable people and are all in favor of gatherings and celebrations, and before you know it the virus has spread rapidly. The best we can do now is stay in and not get infected or spread this disease to others. It's good to be a saxophone player, it gives us something to do. Pace e buona salute a te e alla tua famiglia.

 

[kraslice soprano]

Thanks for your words.
It's nice to know that you are an Italian American.
Ti auguro le cose più belle.