We all use the term “response” in speaking about how an instrument plays and particularly about how a mouthpiece performs. So, what exactly do we mean by the term “response”? For me, the best way to approach such a subjective … Read More
This will be quick- not because it isn’t an important topic, but because the reason is simple and, for anyone who thinks about it for a minute, pretty obvious. Whether a vintage or modern mass market mouthpiece, it has been … Read More
It ocurred to me that I should start taking some photos of brand new soprano mouthpieces that come my way that clearly show how bad quality control is from major mouthpiece makers. Names have not been changed to protect the … Read More
There are a very few things that go into making a truly well balanced soprano mouthpiece, and here they are: A table that allows the reed to rest firmly in place A facing curve that allows the reed to vibrate … Read More
The talk about the soprano saxophone being so difficult to play is, well, just plain wrong. It’s a myth and although some people believe it, it is pure nonsense. WHY DO PEOPLE MAKE THAT CLAIM? The reason is … Read More
Sound waves behave differently in a straight conic environment than they do in a conic environment that also has a bend or curve in it. That is an acoustical fact. But, what does that mean to a player? Does it … Read More
If you’ve played enough different soprano saxophones, you already know that they can be very different, one to the next, in how they “speak” : how the sound is created. Some speak easily over the entire range; others speak one … Read More
The OpenSky2 arrived yesterday – thank you! I have had a couple of sessions and it really is a different experience. Very responsive and a lovely warm tone with the Sequoia. Marca 2.5 reeds are playing very nicely, so are … Read More
When it comes to soprano mouthpieces, I can tell you that it is ALL about the chamber. Same exact facng and the same exact tip opening with the same exact reed on the same exact horn but with different mouthpiece … Read More
When it comes to playing soprano saxophone, we are all equal. How can that be? I’ve had the same response from beginning players and from seasoned pro players: This balanced mouthpiece is a revelation It makes playing soprano a joy … Read More
Learn the truth about intonation on soprano. You’ll be glad you did. Many players make all kinds of claims about the supposedly “inherent” intonation issues of the soprano sax and pronounce that it is somehow much harder to master than … Read More
It’s an old story- cane reeds are the bane of many saxophone players. They are, by most accounts, “inconsistent”, “unreliable”, “problematic”, and, then, “just right”. That’s the same brand, same grade, same box even! I believe what I’m talking about … Read More
So, how can one “magic” reed work where dozens from the same box have been complete duds? Well, the fact is that the “magic” reed is truly the “inconsistent” one and the rest were quite consistent. The problem, my friends, … Read More
One of the most important things I do here is to help players selecting a vintage mouthpiece for what they are trying to achieve in terms of sound and response. It is not a science , but rather more of … Read More
Playing on a good mouthpiece makes a big difference for sax players, regardless of whether it’s on alto, tenor, baritone or anything else. But on the small horns, it is even more critical to success, and here is why I … Read More
Working long distance takes a little commitment from both of us, and I need to know as much as I can about you and your music. Here are the questions that will help me to give you what you … Read More
Here’s what I’ve come to understand about “tip opening sizes” and soprano mouthpieces: they are more trouble than they’re worth in terms of getting a soprano mouthpiece that plays the way you want it to play. Now, that’s a big … Read More
Forget the myth that the soprano sax is ‘ a beast”. Nonsense. But…. there is a lot to know and to learn. But the fact is, the soprano is no more difficult to play than the alto or tenor or … Read More
Unless you’re new to playing saxophone, you already know that finding the right brand and strength of reed can be a tough and frustrating job. For soprano saxophone, I think it’s one of the most important things a player has … Read More
This is an important page for any soprano player who “thinks” that they may want to play a true large-chamber mouthpiece. While each piece is certainly different one from the next, there are certain things to know and certain issues … Read More