I hadn’t played/owned an alto between ~’85 and 2018. Declaring myself a “tenor man,” I bought an alto strictly, I thought, to be able to put in an overhead bin when I was traveling. I wound up absolutely falling in love with the alto, and although I still love tenor, if I had a choice of only one, it would be the little seductress.
@yonilopez100
2 жыл бұрын
Quiero una boquilla para Sax Alto ,estoy indeciso entre la vandoren V16 s6 o syos smoky , ahora estoy usando una yamaha 6C ,quiero un poquito más de brillo, no mucho 😅
@bikerbob562
Жыл бұрын
Hi, At first, I never learned notes, because my ear is so good. Maybe it's so my brain blocks it. And when I play Alto it feels like Dinosor with the Short Arms. Tenor got more space.
@DannyB-cs9vx
Жыл бұрын
I guess it would have been too smart to name the notes on all instruments that had the same frequency the same name. If one instrument played an octave higher or lower, it would not be that big of an issue. Maybe the music writers union wanted to insure work for their members? I just started the Alto sax. when I play f# and it comes out an A, I wonder why couldn't they have just called that key an A and not f#. The keys have no letters on them, so one could call them anything they liked. instead of transposing, maybe I should learn the key names according to what they really are in concert. Then I can look over the shoulder of a piano player.
@Sirvalorsax
Жыл бұрын
The problem is when switching from alto to tenor or soprano sax. Now, the "A" is a different fingering. This would require the player to learn a whole new fingering system when switching saxophones.
@DynamixWarePro
4 жыл бұрын
When it comes to Alto mouthpieces, I think the Meyer and Select Jazz are some of the most used for Jazz. I have been trying a few mouthpieces lately. I now have a Selmer S80 C** Yamaha 4C and 7C and a Vandoren V16 A5 and JodyJazz HR* C* and 5M and just ordered a Vandoren AL5 to replace my Selmer S80 which I find a little resistant for me. I like the V16 as its freeblowing and has a darker sound and good for an all round dark Jazz mouthpiece. The JodyJazz HR* is quite nice too, very freeblowing but a bit brighter than the Vandoren and the quality and consistency is very good. Both my C* and 5M quality is identical to me so very well made. Tried a 6M and 7M in the past and the quality was the same also. When I got my HR* C* I had to pre order it and when it arrived to me, it came in a box which said 20th Anniversary on it. It plays really well and for a more narrow tip mouthpiece, it has a good amount of projection, much more so than my S80 C** and Yamaha 7C has. For me also, I just wanted one ligature to fit all mouthpieces I first had a Rovner Dark ligature as it fit all mouthpieces. I liked it but found it had a bit of a darker response and was a little resistant so ended up getting a gold lacquered BG Duo ligature. It fits all of mouthpieces I have tried due its longer screw letting it tighten more on more narrow mouthpieces, won't move when tightened and to me, I get centered, freeblowing response from it and it won't scratch the mouthpiece like some ligatures I have tried such as the Francois Louis Ultimate which scratched up my Selmer S80 a little when I used it. With JodyJazz metal mouthpieces just something to be aware of. If you go onto jodyjazz.com/faq/ page it says under "Why is there a warning label on metal mouthpieces?" the response reads "Almost all metal mouthpieces in the past and at the present time are made out of brass which can contain up to 3% lead. The lead in the brass is one of the components that give this particular brass it’s hardness or rather it’s softness which makes it have a particularly pleasing sound to musicians. Proposition 65 from the state of California requires manufacturers to label any products that have substances in them that have been found to cause Cancer or Reproductive Harm. Lead is one of these substances. JodyJazz mouthpieces are electroplated with a layer of copper, then a layer of Nickel, Silver or Rhodium, and then a layer of Gold or Silver. This electroplating ensures that the raw brass is never in contact with the player."
@kevindeibert3369
2 жыл бұрын
Alto was the last Sax I picked up. I ended up playing a lot of Alto gigs as time went on . When I first started getting into Jazz, the Real Book was only available in Concert pitch , so I learned how to transpose early on. I also played Tenor with my Alto student’s and vice versa
@Sirvalorsax
2 жыл бұрын
Nice. I tell the youngsters about the sales rep having to get it from under the counter or some other mysterious secret place so they could sell it to me. I never had one when I was in college though
@ZiglioUK
2 жыл бұрын
Tell us more about life on a cruise ship!
@TheGrizNation
3 жыл бұрын
I was a Selmer guy for years but picked up a Custom Z from Yamaha this past year and loved it so much I got a Custom EX tenor recently as well. Cannot go wrong with any Yamaha model that is put out nowadays.
@Sirvalorsax
3 жыл бұрын
A friend of mine has a 1980's silver plated Yamaha that is just GLORIOUS. I might have to make him an offer pretty soon
@TheGrizNation
3 жыл бұрын
@@Sirvalorsax For sure. The EX tenor I got is silver plate and is all I could hope for. Word of advice for these Yamaha horns is to try them out with the V1 neck Yamaha makes if you can. I'm not sure if it'd fit older horns but the difference in feel and sound with just a neck swap is huge.
@FerCarranza2
2 жыл бұрын
The sax player is so strange.....look, I played a tenor Yamathing like I call it for 17 years and I feel so bad about my sound, and then I bought a Conn New Wonder tenor and wow!!! This is the real sound of tenor saxophone for me!!! It´s a dream!!! But you tell the oposite so, there are tastes for everybody....
@satriahadjobaru2718
4 жыл бұрын
What do you call for 3 instruments??
@marktyler3381
4 жыл бұрын
Tripler
@IanJonesOnSax
Жыл бұрын
Fun video! Very insightful from a tenor main that gets asked to substitute in big bands as an alto from time to time. Managed to get a used Allora Chicago AAAS-554 with a dark honey lacquer. Do you have any experience with it? I love the look and sound paired with a Jody HR 6M that came with it. Couldn’t find any reviews on it when I was considering the purchase.
@Sirvalorsax
Жыл бұрын
I have the Chicago 580. I thought it was the one with rolled tone holes but, I think that one is a 900 series. I have videos on it
@IanJonesOnSax
Жыл бұрын
@@Sirvalorsax yes! Loved that clip, it was the closest I could get or a legit review on the Chicago series at all. Seems like most stay away from the Allora line in general. Kind of disappointing. Thank you for being a real one tho 😊👍
@stanhegeman8751
4 жыл бұрын
I ‘be had my Yamaha yas62 since 1974. It is the best instrument investment in my life. And my bassoon is a Schreiber, both my tenors are Yamaha. One a yts61 the other a custom z82. The flute I own is also a Yamaha. The bari is an older cannonball w/ a low a. I’m pretty happy overall with that selection. Oh, yeah, the wind synth is also a yammer with a Roland generator. Not too bad, eh? Thanks for what you do, Sir Valorsax. You are a true inspiration for this poor old reed player. I appreciate you.
@Sirvalorsax
4 жыл бұрын
I'm looking at a 62III as my next alto. Im still undecided
@coajrmusic
2 жыл бұрын
Within the last decade I acquired my two lifetime horns. Yani alto and curved soprano, 901 and 991 models, w/ #7 Yani metal mouthpieces. If I'm not committed, I should be...
@edeyame
4 жыл бұрын
do you have advice doubling, tenor saxophone to alto saxophone (lead)
@Sirvalorsax
4 жыл бұрын
Switching between alto and tenor has always been challenging for me. Most people like to make their own saxes as similar as possible sticking with the same company and same brand of mouthpiece and reeds for both.
@samuelbrown434
3 жыл бұрын
YEAH! My alto is an allora chicago series. I'm very pleased with this horn. I would probably even keep it as my main horn if i gave up tennor which will never happen.
@keyantwilliams
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome video as always. Thank you my brother
@aaronbensi9723
4 жыл бұрын
Hi.. Just asking ..what metal alto sax do you recommend... Vandoren vs Otto link... l play a Yamaha 62... currently using a V16 6*... Do you have any preference...
@Sirvalorsax
4 жыл бұрын
I prefer hard rubber on alto but I did pick up a Beechler 7. It's waaaaay too open though so I haven't really used it. I'll be doing a review on it soon
@ethanmaruyama1149
4 жыл бұрын
Curious to know, what’s your setup on alto?
@Sirvalorsax
4 жыл бұрын
Mostly Cannonball 5j mouthpiece with redbox 2.5 vandoren reeds. I'm redoing my entire alto setup at the moment though so this will change in the future
@thewarhenk
4 жыл бұрын
Sir VS, if I may put in a plug based on firsthand knowledge- along with P. Mauriat and Cannonball, one of the top Taiwanese manufactured horns, is the UK designed, assembled, and set-up, 'Signature Custom' by Trevor James. They are fantastic! Pricing has remained the same over 3-years since I got the tenor. A lacquered pro alto is $2,100, with the highly rated 'RAW' at $2,400. Jeff Kashiwa and Andy Snitzer are current endorsers, with Eric Alexander, formerly playing them. Anyone interested, google top tech and author, Stephen Howard's in-depth reviews. I'm just a passionate user sharing with fellow players. Talking lush 'Selmer Spread,' with the free-blowingness and quality keywork of Yamaha. The flute line is fine too. Thanks!
@Sirvalorsax
4 жыл бұрын
I'll look into it. I've heard great things about their flutes.
@garyreid6165
4 жыл бұрын
A Jody Jazz mouthpiece that is priced at $995.00? Well, it may be a steep price but at least you know what you are getting for the money. When I can buy a horn, I will be looking to make an investment in at least two of the Jody Jazz mouthpieces for my needs. I don’t really hate the alto, it is good for the roles it fills and it is a prominent instrument in a saxophone section. Knowing the place that an alto plays in a band of any size is the challenge.
@Sirvalorsax
4 жыл бұрын
You might try looking into the "blemished" section on some websites for high end mouthpieces. Sometimes there are some good deals. It looks like most of the stuff that is returned are large tip opening mouthpieces.
@SkylersRants
4 жыл бұрын
I can't but help wonder what the heck you're doing to break plastic neckstrap hooks.
@Sirvalorsax
4 жыл бұрын
Lol! I've jumped off of many stages in my day to say the least
@timmylou9592
4 жыл бұрын
Not playing on a GOOD ONE
@bobo4691
4 жыл бұрын
I replace the hooks with 1/8" brazing wire.
@espr7564
3 жыл бұрын
I love playing Alto & Soprano, hate playing Tenor.
@Sirvalorsax
3 жыл бұрын
Many people do, LOL
@marklang7486
4 жыл бұрын
Love your vids man - informative and funny! I have to say though that I've used nothing but plastic hooks for 30 years and have never had one break ever. You must be having a bad run of luck with slings dude!
@Sirvalorsax
4 жыл бұрын
Lol
@player197SD
3 жыл бұрын
Hey Man a quick question regarding the embouchure: A weak embouchure is what holds me back most. I try to practise 5-6 days a week for about 40 minutes and I usually feel like I have decent strength, then playing and changing my sound feels easy, I then can focus on phrasing and other technical aspects. But when work gets the better of me, like it did for the past 14 days, I might only practise 2-3 days a week for about 20-30 minutes. This instantly destroys my embouchure. My mouthpiece suddenly feels unnatural, i have to keep myself from biting, my sound feels uncontrolled and random. Do you have any advise on how to keep that from happening? It is really demotivating. Do you perhaps know a silent exercise i can you to keep my strength in times when I cannot play my Instrument (e.g. during the night)? Best regards!
@Sirvalorsax
3 жыл бұрын
I usually just play the mouthpiece with the neck and mute the neck opening. I've had to do that many times on ships in my cabin. What mouthpiece and reeds are you using and also what strength reed and mpc tip opening??
@player197SD
3 жыл бұрын
@@Sirvalorsax thank you for your reply! I am playing on a Theo wanne slant sig size 8 top opening with a legere American cut 2,25 senthetic Reed on a Arnold and son's AST student tenor saxophone. I usually start my practise session with longtones, recently I switched to practising tge different modes of all scales. How do you mute your Sax neck? I tried that with a sock and that stopped sound from coming out completely.
@bobblues1158
4 жыл бұрын
OH YEAH! The truth.Thank you.
@gangofgreenhorns2672
4 жыл бұрын
Since we're supposed to be disinfecting everything bc of the flu, what are some good things for cleaning mouthpieces? Going to use peroxide on my reed (even though it's a legere).
@Sirvalorsax
4 жыл бұрын
I use soap and water regularly for metal and hard rubber
@gangofgreenhorns2672
4 жыл бұрын
@@Sirvalorsax Cool thank you, wasn't sure if soap mattered on ebonite or whatever.
@Sirvalorsax
4 жыл бұрын
@@gangofgreenhorns2672 I use a mild soap, or very diluted regular soap
@joeblankenship377
4 жыл бұрын
I'm still paying on my P. Mauriat 67R. I got it open box for around $2k. I would've loved to have a Selmer, Keilweth, or a Yanagisawa, but damn, eventually I might want to buy a new car. I really like the P. Mauriat. It's got a big sound for an alto. And the cognac lacquer finish looks really nice..
@jerryseaton5239
4 жыл бұрын
I really enjoy your videos. I started on clarinet ,years later after seeing Yusef Lateef taught myself flute ,tenor sax, then alto. I can read music but its drudgery . I'm basically just a wood shedder . All this transposition drives me nuts . Other than finding a decent Melody C sax, Are there other ways to simplify transposition ,other than a wheel or chart . Guitars have capo s . I would think there might be a electronic transposer by now .Any advice would be helpful .As I said I enjoy your videos but sometimes they're way over my head . Thanks ,JS
@BrunoNeureiter
4 жыл бұрын
Sibelius
@BrunoNeureiter
4 жыл бұрын
Or musescore
@jerryseaton5239
4 жыл бұрын
thanks Bruno
@peterkelly8357
3 жыл бұрын
I think you should take up playing the triangle
@jerryseaton5239
3 жыл бұрын
@@peterkelly8357 I 'm a virtuoso on electric triangle
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