[Mike1955]

I used to tell members of the audience to get out!

 

[Fader]

I used to tell members of the audience to get out!

Was that before the "accident"?

 

[Andrewhead]

I fiddle around under a trumpet solo and if someone looks at me I simply nod and start messing with my ligature.

Sometimes I do something a little more subtle like at 0:23 in this video.

 

[JL]

.... though a vague non-specific look of disgust is always good for a sort of horn mystique....

No, never give it away like that. Best to act like you meant to do whatever you did, and are perfectly happy and at ease!

 

[Fader]

No, never give it away like that. Best to act like you meant to do whatever you did, and are perfectly happy and at ease!

JL is right you know. Even though I posted the most common techniques, it was really sort of "tongue in cheek". I'd like to think I keep smiling through anything and btich later. Every once in a while I do get rattled though.... Like when I really do find out the damn G# is stuck.

 

[Andrewhead]

JL is right you know. Even though I posted the most common techniques, it was really sort of "tongue in cheek". I'd like to think I keep smiling through anything and btich later. Every once in a while I do get rattled though.... Like when I really do find out the damn G# is stuck.

G# is stuck?! NOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 

[stormott77]

I once saw Branford Marsalis change his reed four times in one show. One time he even took a good five minutes between two songs to find a good one. Then during a song that featured the bass and piano he proceeded to talk to a fellow bandmate through the entire piece. It was wonderful.

This is a new habit for me and I like it. I switch reeds a lot if my stock are getting soft. I might switch every song sometimes. Help me I'm become ocd!

 

[RootyTootoot]

If it's a big band type reading gig - "I forgot my reading glasses or I need new lenses" or "the brass are to loud, I can't hear anything" or "I don't do these kinds of gigs anymore".

If it's a smaller group - "I never played that tune" or "I don't do these kinds of gigs anymore".

Excellent!

 

[CooolJazzz]

One of the classics is staring into the bell of the sax as if you're looking for the infamous missing sock. Or turn it upside-down, bang on the bow a few times, and look puzzled when nothing falls out.

 

[patmiller]

Ligature screw adjustment with frown is good.

 

[bari_sax_diva]

Mine involves glaring at an empty wineglass in disgust....

 

[Fader]

Mine involves glaring at an empty wineglass in disgust....

Ok. I admit doing the same with an empty whisky glass. Usually when we play our song, simply titled - "Whiskey".

 

[LuisR]

This is the best thread ever!!! I just blame the reed or the reed position. But it usually is the reed position on the mouthpiece.

 

[paulwl]

This is a new habit for me and I like it. I switch reeds a lot if my stock are getting soft. I might switch every song sometimes. Help me I'm become ocd!

OCD is good in the shed, but it's very bad when focused on equipment.

 

[jazzbluescat]

..... Every once in a while I do get rattled though.... Like when I really do find out the damn G# is stuck.

Just another reason for getting a Smelver MKVI.

 

[bstrom]

I tell people I don't have time to practice. Like if I did I would be phenomenal. Actually I do practice, it helps a little.

 

[JL]

I'd like to think I keep smiling through anything and btich later. Every once in a while I do get rattled though.... Like when I really do find out the damn G# is stuck.

I had my side C key stick on a recent gig, played a lick using that key a couple of times until I realized what the problem was, but of course it was too late. I'm pretty sure I couldn't hide the look on my face....

 

[Kelly Bucheger]

I drop the F-bomb a couple of times, then give my horn the finger.

 

[Fader]

Just another reason for getting a Smelver MKVI.

The Smelver's are immune to sticky keys. I'm all in!

Wait! What would be my excuse then?

 

[1saxman]

Act pissed and reach down with my right hand like the G# key stuck. Unfortunately, it really happens all too frequently. Never trust a G# key!

Hey, what the hell does changing reeds have to do with trying to cover up mistakes? You change a reed when you have to whether everybody can see you do it or not. I like to do it, actually, thinking the people get sort of a 'behind the scenes' glimpse of what it takes to keep pumping music out of this brass albatross we hang around our necks.