Charlie Parker |
CHARLIE PARKER One of the major progenitors of bebop, Charlie "Bird" Parker is hailed by some as the best jazz saxophonist ever, and with good reason. An astonishing improviser, Bird could effortlessly weave his way through complex changes at breakneck speeds like on "Kim," or he could lay back somewhat and play gorgeously on ballads like "Lover Man," which Charles Mingus considered to be among one of Parker's greatest recordings, or the mid-tempo "Just Friends" from his exceptionalCharlie Parker With Strings album. Parker was a master of the highest order. (Text from www.westward.com)
John Coltrane |
JOHN COLTRANE A titanic force behind tenor and soprano saxophones during his four decades on this planet, John Coltrane was relentless in his pursuit as musician. Constantly crafting his technique, he supposedly practiced sometimes ten to twelve hours a day, including after gigs or between sets. While there's some great material on his early Prestige recordings, his watershed album Giant Steps for Atlantic was monumental. His Impulse! records with his classic quartet of McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones are some of finest discs he released, including A Love Supreme and Crescent. Coltrane influenced countless musicians and his presence is even heard in younger players today. (text from www.westard.com)
How a Saxophone is Made |
Care & Maintenance
Daily care & maintenance is crucial to keeping your instrument in proper working condition.
Every time you play your instrument, you'll want to do the following: * Swab the instrument * Swab the mouthpiece * Place the end cap on top of the instrument * Place your reed in it's case Please click the button to the right to see a tutorial. |
Accessories for Saxophone
Reeds have a significant impact on how woodwind instruments sound. Picking the right reed can drastically improve sound, will respond more consistently and last longer that other reeds. Your local music store sells these brands and usually has them in stock!
Recommended Reeds: Vandoren (Blue Box) LaVoz Strength of Reed: 6th to 8th Grade: 2 1/2 9th to 10th Grade: 3 11th to 12th Grade: 3 1/2 |
Step-Up Saxophones
Why get a step-up instrument? With an intermediate or professional model, you will get a much better sound and a variety of different features that a student line instrument does not have. Here is a list of likely features you will get on a step-up horn:
* Extended keys for playing in the very upper and lower ranges of the instrument such as high F# or G for alto saxes or a low A key for baris. * Annealed Brass and Ribbed construction that will give the instrument more stability and is able to retain fine adjustments more easily. * Blued steel springs which makes the keys respond more quickly * An adjustable thumb rest to fit hands of all sizes Here are some recommended brands to consider when purchasing a step-up instrument: * Yamaha YAS-52 (good) * YAS-62 (better) * YAS-875 EX (best) * Yanagisawa 901 or 991 series * Selmer Paris Series II or III |