Looking to spend about $3-4k AUD on a model that will last me forever, a 2nd hand Selmer, or a vintage, with a really big brassy bluesy dirty sound, something really round and raw and emotional and beautiful sounding. People are recommending I just buy a new Yamaha 62 professional model, but that's not necessarily what I want. I want something very personal, that will be with me for the rest of my life. Any advice as to what mouthpieces to use to obtain this sound and what direction I should take when choosing a saxophone model? I use Rico reeds, and prefer to only use the bottom screw on the ligature as well. Advice appreciated greatly :o) Many thanks, Fiona I really dislike Yamahas - they are overpriced and overrated!
For that kind of money (approx $3000 USD), you can get a really nice P. Mauriat saxophone in a variety of styles and finishes. Personally, I love the 'vintage' series, with an 'antique' lacquer with authentic patina look to it. It has rolled tone holes and great tone and sound. Check out the website URL I added below in the 'source' section.
To get that sound you speak of, I use a very wide opening mouthpiece (#8 or #9) and I really like the way my Jody Jazz classic rubber mouthpieces play. Jody Espina was a student of Santy Runyon, the greatest mouthpiece maker of all time, and his mouthpieces contain a baffle that make the horn explode with sound. These use a Rovner ligature, which I also like much better than the metal two-screw models I used in the past. I also prefer Rico Jazz Select reeds, with a 3 1/2 to 4 hardness.
This is my opinion and my preferences - take it as such and find your way. |
