Are Rolled Tone Holes On a Saxophone Better Than Standard?

Well, they sure look nice and are a bit friendlier on the pads. However, it is much more difficult to produce accurately leveled "rolled" tone holes on a sax for the very simple fact that it creates more height between the body of the saxophone and the corresponding keypad. The initial idea behind the rolled tone hole was that the pad would not be cut into as severely by the brass, thus wearing them more quickly. This objective is legitimately achieved by the rolled tips, although there are other disadvantages that just may cancel out their overall benefit...

The fine straight-edge of a typical saxophone tone hole allows the pads to sit more tightly at the base. The rolled tone holes, whether soldered on or bled (beveled) present a thicker area for the pads to clasp. This will of course make the seal of the instrument less tight, and adjustments harder to hold. Rolled tone holes done right can be quite nice, though this is ultimately an aesthetic perk in terms of saxophone value. Most of my favorite horns come standard... Selmer Mark VI, Super Balanced Action, Buescher 400 "top hat & cane" just to name a few.

Boquilhas Ever-ton Saxophone Mouthpieces

Ever-ton mouthpieces are a unique breed of saxophone mouthpieces. This piece consists mostly of hard rubber construction and includes a metal ring at the base of some models. It produces the sound and projection of a metal mouthpiece, though much easier to control. The tone shines in the upper register, altissimo is very easily attainable. If you remember the old Rico "Metallites", which claimed to have the projection qualities of metal and the ease of hard rubber. These Boquilhas Ever-ton pieces really hold true to this idea - I'd say more so than the Ricos. I am always excited to try out new saxophone mouthpieces and the Everton (metal ring) model really struck me as unique and powerful. As with any new piece, I had to adjust my embouchure to compliment its design. After several minutes of warm up, I was astounded at how easy the altissimo was flowing from my alto sax. I would definitely recommend these mouthpieces for any saxophonist looking for a unique and edgy sound. May not be for every player, but certainly worth a try! We will have more of these Ever-tons in stock very soon. If interested, please visit our website www.ellasaxes.com

Beginning saxophone player asks,"What should my focus be?"

As a beginning saxophone player, it is most important that you strengthen your embouchure, which will develop over time with regular practice. First off, make sure that you experiment with various mouthpiece models to find one that works for you in terms of tone control and preferred sound. As a newer player, it is customary to start off with a smaller tip opening, generally 3-5. Measurements of the tip opening for mouthpieces will differ from brand to brand, so make sure you can try a mouthpiece out before purchasing. I would also recommend a 1 1/2 to 2 reed. MedSoft La Voz, always a great choice for beginners. Every time you pick up your horn, run through the Bflat scale a few times, then chromatic scale, and any scale you prefer from your instruction booklets. Pay close attention to your breathing technique and tonguing for each note. Tonguing exercises are very important to develop strong execution and good rhythmic flow in your playing. Once you've established these elements, you won't even have to think while you play. Most importantly, don't become discouraged. It takes lots of practice to accomplish good tone control. Listen to other saxophonists, and pay attention to their technique, phrases, rhythm changes. As your skill develops, try out other mouthpieces and reeds, etc... You'll be amazed at how quickly your playing skills will improve.

Buying a Saxophone: New vs. Vintage

This is a topic that comes up quite often in my conversations with sax enthusiasts of all ages. Very recently on a visit to a local music shop, the woodwind specialist "James" and I became caught up in a discussion about our favorite saxophones. James' prized horns ranged from an old Selmer Bundy that he began playing on in grade school, to the Yamaha Custom 82z, Keilwerth Sx 90, and the 'ole Buescher 400 (top hat 'n' cane). My personal favorites are the Yamaha 82z, Selmer Reference 54, and the Conn 6M (naked lady). Not once during the conversation did the name "Mark VI" come about, which is surprising given this Selmer Paris classic's popularity among the saxophone community. The constantly appreciating price of the Mark VI's seem to have garnered them the prestige of an untouchable collector's model; not to be played, but rather preserved and displayed.

I have carried extensive saxophone collections with me over the years. I say "collection(s)" plural because I've bought, traded and sold just about every make and model of saxophone - and of course managed to play quite a few while in my possession. Vintage saxes definitely hold a particular charm in character that tends to be a bit more distinguishable from horn to horn. Many of them are on the heavier side, a bit harder to control in the tone and much darker and/or stuffier than modern makes. Chances are, any used saxophone you come across is going to need adjustments and miscellaneous repair to be in tip-top shape. For those who absolutely adore the saxophone, as do I, there is certainly no bar set on how many vintage beauties one can and should scrounge up purely for love of the instrument. Though in more practical terms of seeking a good playing sax that is durable and gig ready, buying new is definitely a safe bet. Today's saxophones are generally machine made, which sounds less appealing than "handcrafted," though consider the accuracy of computerized specifications and consistency over a pair of human hands.