[On KEW]

I have never played or even been around a soprano sax being played, so I have no familiarity.
I am toying with the idea of picking up an inexpensive ($250 to $450 range) soprano for use when traveling.

Am I right in believing it would provide a somewhat quieter or thinner sound for practice in hotel rooms?
Would it have a negative effect on my embouchure to practice soprano when alto is my normal horn?

Any other pros or cons to this idea?

TIA

 

[dogster]

Soprano is difficult to play softly much more than a tenor or alto . It can be done but not easily . It has helped my playing on tenor sax and alto though !

 

[maddenma]

I tried this a few times. To add to the burden of getting this on and off the plane on a regular basis, unless you're in a hotel with a bunch of musicians, expect complaints.

It's positive for your alto work, but unless you're typically going to do this during the day and not after 6, expect to get a call from the front desk -- whether you blow into a closet full of clothes or not.

 

[Little Sax]

Little curved ones are easy to travel with.

There's one listed for sale here today.

I think if you want to practice in your hotel room, you should not really "play" - just finger the notes with the lightest breath so as not to make a ruckus.

It's better than nothing and won't cause a lynch mob to form outside your door...

 

[On KEW]

Thanks everyone.
Especially for the good perspective on hotel practice!

 

[saxmusicguy]

I am toying with the idea of picking up [a] ... soprano for use when traveling.

Here's one example of that:

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?169376-Practicing-Sax-While-Driving

 

[Grumps]

Thanks everyone.
Especially for the good perspective on hotel practice!

Try your parked car instead.

 

[PhineasC]

I have NEVER had a complaint about playing sax at a hotel. However, there are limits.

1. Limit your playing time to 30-45 minutes at a time.
2. Try to practice the same time everyday(for longer stays)
3. Do not play after 8pm. This is about the time the most business travelers wind up making it to their hotel room. Usually, the afternoons are best when the hotel is relatively empty.
4. Be conservative about what you play. Practicing things like harmonics in not advised.
5. Use a tame mouth piece that you can control. This would be a good time to pull out the C* or the 4C. Leave the Dukoff in the case!(Unless you can control it. Most players I have seen cant!)
6. Request a room that is more isolated, or at the corner of the floor.

I have found the most of the people think it is cool that a musician is staying in the hotel. Especially in the summer time. Just have to be a bit savvy. I have gotten more complaints about talking on my speaker phone too loud than anything...LOL

Phineas

 

[Grumps]

I have found the most of the people think it is cool that a musician is staying in the hotel.

If you're staying in La-La Land, perhaps...

I'm a musician, but if I were on vacation and heard someone in a nearby room practicing their horn, I would complain myself. I don't believe most people would be tolerant in this regard, and I wouldn't expect them to be.

 

[PhineasC]

If you're staying in La-La Land, perhaps...

I'm a musician, but if I were on vacation and heard someone in a nearby room practicing their horn, I would complain myself. I don't believe most people would be tolerant in this regard, and I wouldn't expect them to be.

I did nothing but live in hotels for almost 5 years straight in 10 different countries. I also have lived in my share of apartments (as I do now) I think I have been down this road once or twice . I have had more complaints in my apartment than at a hotel. Of course, I play more at home of course. the statement "I have found the most of the people think it is cool that a musician is staying in the hotel." could be changed to "I have found the most of the people that have given me feedback about playing in the hotel thought was is cool that a musician is staying in the hotel." Still, never got a call from the front desk. That is all that matters!

I have had more people knock on my door to tell me how good I sound, or to tell me their stories about how they use to play...etc...

I do not expect people to like being disturbed. But I think most people will tolerate a situation if you have some level of courtesy.

 

[Dr G]

When I travel, I would rather not have to cope with someone "discovering" the soprano sax (ala the OP in this thread).

P.S. You can turn down the TV and the speaker phone too. Why can't people just pick up the phone???

 

[PhineasC]

When I travel, I would rather not have to cope with someone "discovering" the soprano sax (ala the OP in this thread).

P.S. You can turn down the TV and the speaker phone too. Why can't people just pick up the phone???

Well, alot of the time, I have a client that has a machine down in the middle of a noisy factory. Even if I use a head set, I am trying to keep my voice at a firm volume so I can be heard on the other end and vise versa. Unfortunately, automated factory machinery goes down all times day or night. Not to mention, all of the things I have to do with my hands....Setting up a demo, wiring, etc... to possibly replicate an issue. Speaker phones do help speed things up sometimes. Other than that, the classic "technical support" calls to the manufacturer that have you on hold for 30+ minutes(Sometime 60+ minutes). Damned if I am going to hold a radio transceiver @ 1.8 ghz to my head that long!

Ok so I am spoiled, and may over use a speaker phone. Could always be worse. I could be using a speaker phone to gossip or do phone sxx.

Phineas

 

[Dr G]

Well, thanks for that.

 

[Grumps]

I have had more people knock on my door to tell me how good I sound, or to tell me their stories about how they use to play...etc...

Perhaps they were potential thieves casing the joint to see if you had anything worth stealing. Thankfully, you must not have. :bluewink:

 

[PhineasC]

Perhaps they were potential thieves casing the joint to see if you had anything worth stealing. Thankfully, you must not have. :bluewink:

You win

 

[maddenma]

I have NEVER had a complaint about playing sax at a hotel. However, there are limits.

You might be a more accomplished player than the OP. I can assure you, that if I had a less than pro saxophone blowing next door at 6pm, or even during the day while I'm trying to conduct business over the phone from the hotel, the front desk would be getting a call.

It had better be Jerry Bergonzi next door and I have mine with me as well so we can do duets or something, as long as I'm not going to be allowed to work or sleep.

I've had HS bands show up in my hotels on more than one occasion. While the slamming doors from the kids running from room to room are annoying and have sparked calls from me to the lobby, at least they have the good sense not to seranade me in there.

 

[Grumps]

I recall my first Sax Symposium some years back. I had a reservation at a pretty swank hotel and some folks were meeting me there after the late concert Saturday night. Herr Troll himself came into the hotel with his alto out of the case, playing it down the hall leading the gang on their way to my room to pick me up before we hit the bar downstairs. I think the manager on duty actually got to my door before he did to let him know it wasn't really appreciated by the other guests. There was a silver lining though. The bar downstairs had a piano and we took turns on it backing each other up with our horns. We played till closing and didn't pay for a drink all night... and then hung out in the lobby with a wedding party and a bottle of Jack till near dawn. And you all wonder why I'm such a fan of the Symposiums...

 

[maddenma]

Herr Troll?

 

[Woody Reed]

Any other pros or cons to this idea?

TIA

1. Get a cheap alto to bang around on the road. Sop and Alto are really different. Not the least of which being key. (Eb/Bb). It will mess with your ear a bit.
2. Just ask the hotel for a room to blow in. I've not had an issue with that in more years then I care to admit to. Seems hotels always have a conference room or the likes available away from the patrons.

 

[Grumps]

Herr Troll?

A pirate who sailed these seas long, long ago.