Hello!
I've been lurking a while, and finally signed up so I could lurk some more... while trying to decide what make sax to start on. So this is kind of an introduction for me as well. I already play clarinet - not a genius or anything - I play for fun - and want to start learning the saxophone as well.
Now, I know from lurking I'm gonna hear it (and how!) about my choice. I'm getting a C Melody. but my dilemma is..............
Should I hold out for the Series IV Buescher True Tone C-mel I really want, or just get a C-mel and worry about chasing that "me and my (sound/ergos/beauty queen) horn" later once I can play it?
My logic for getting a C-mel is this:
1. I will be playing at home, so less volume is not a negative
2. My clarinets are all vintage, including metal ones, so I know and expect the "vintage intonation"
3. I like to play along/improvise with old records - on clarinet, and my boyfriend and I make up lyrics and sing with old foxtrot records - the steel needle 1924 console Victor is the showpiece in our living room
4. I own Frankie Trumbauer records (78s) and other 20s/30s stuff (I have close to 200 78s)
4.5 I love the old-timey sax sound, warm, sweet, and a bit of a tease (not dissing the ballsy jazz, swing, & modern sounds, I love them too, but they can wait till I grow into them)
5. I suck at reading music, and found I actually play better by ear than by chart (so it doesn't matter what key all the sax how-to stuff is in. I have made more progress on clarinet without a book than with.)
6. I have old piano/vocal sheet music, but see #5
7. I'm a late bloomer playing for my own/family amusement, so I don't have to worry about school or a band where Bb/Eb tuning or modern sound are required.
The reasons for the query are:
For waiting on a late Buescher TT:
1. I have seen and handled a 1929 Buescher C-mel (not played it, it was at an antiques store) and, even in its 'as found' condition, I liked the how it felt
2. Bueschers sound amazing - I can imagine myself playing with that tone - and wanting to practice a lot to get it right
3. I don't know if I will love or hate them (or not care at all), but dang those snaps were innovative 20s tech!
For getting started with another horn and circling back later:
1. I can't play what I don't have, which means I'm not practicing sax at all
2. King has a similar sound and pinky table
3. Conns have a nice tone too, ya know (plus better ergos earlier)
4. I could learn on the pearl G older Buescher. Since I don't know anything else it won't be a "downgrade" or "poor ergos" to me. Plus the next horn will feel better.
5. There are several horns available from reputable shops in my budget for a starter sax
What do you think about my options?
I'd also love to hear about how you decided on your first sax (that you got for yourself - the one your parents picked for lessons doesn't count). What was your process and logic? Do you still have/play that sax?
And if you got through all that, thanks for reading!
I've been lurking a while, and finally signed up so I could lurk some more... while trying to decide what make sax to start on. So this is kind of an introduction for me as well. I already play clarinet - not a genius or anything - I play for fun - and want to start learning the saxophone as well.
Now, I know from lurking I'm gonna hear it (and how!) about my choice. I'm getting a C Melody. but my dilemma is..............
Should I hold out for the Series IV Buescher True Tone C-mel I really want, or just get a C-mel and worry about chasing that "me and my (sound/ergos/beauty queen) horn" later once I can play it?
My logic for getting a C-mel is this:
1. I will be playing at home, so less volume is not a negative
2. My clarinets are all vintage, including metal ones, so I know and expect the "vintage intonation"
3. I like to play along/improvise with old records - on clarinet, and my boyfriend and I make up lyrics and sing with old foxtrot records - the steel needle 1924 console Victor is the showpiece in our living room
4. I own Frankie Trumbauer records (78s) and other 20s/30s stuff (I have close to 200 78s)
4.5 I love the old-timey sax sound, warm, sweet, and a bit of a tease (not dissing the ballsy jazz, swing, & modern sounds, I love them too, but they can wait till I grow into them)
5. I suck at reading music, and found I actually play better by ear than by chart (so it doesn't matter what key all the sax how-to stuff is in. I have made more progress on clarinet without a book than with.)
6. I have old piano/vocal sheet music, but see #5
7. I'm a late bloomer playing for my own/family amusement, so I don't have to worry about school or a band where Bb/Eb tuning or modern sound are required.
The reasons for the query are:
For waiting on a late Buescher TT:
1. I have seen and handled a 1929 Buescher C-mel (not played it, it was at an antiques store) and, even in its 'as found' condition, I liked the how it felt
2. Bueschers sound amazing - I can imagine myself playing with that tone - and wanting to practice a lot to get it right
3. I don't know if I will love or hate them (or not care at all), but dang those snaps were innovative 20s tech!
For getting started with another horn and circling back later:
1. I can't play what I don't have, which means I'm not practicing sax at all
2. King has a similar sound and pinky table
3. Conns have a nice tone too, ya know (plus better ergos earlier)
4. I could learn on the pearl G older Buescher. Since I don't know anything else it won't be a "downgrade" or "poor ergos" to me. Plus the next horn will feel better.
5. There are several horns available from reputable shops in my budget for a starter sax
What do you think about my options?
I'd also love to hear about how you decided on your first sax (that you got for yourself - the one your parents picked for lessons doesn't count). What was your process and logic? Do you still have/play that sax?
And if you got through all that, thanks for reading!