Re: EWI - Electronic Wind Instruments
I agree with the other posts - an electronic instrument is NOT the way to learn sax. I have been playing sax for about 32 years or so, and I've had a WX5 as well for the past 3 years. Here are my observations:
1. It is NOT a sax. It is KINDA like a sax for MOST fingerings... but there are very big differences, like the SEVEN OCTAVE range. There are two octave keys above and two below the thumb rest, and the thumb technique is totally different. This thing is very much it's own instrument, and really doesn't do much at all to help your sax playing.
2. The WX5 by itself makes no sound. You need a sound module, and if you don't get one specifically designed for wind instruments, you're really wasting your money on the WX5. I use the Yamaha VL70m with the Patchman Turbo ROM chip. Outstanding sounds, but not cheap.
3. You will probably be able to get a good sax for less money than a good WX5 rig. I have about $1500 into my rig, before we talk about amplification. To go out and play where someone else can hear me, I take around $2,000 worth of stuff. You can get a VERY nice horn for that kinda money.
I happen to think the WX5 is a great instrument, but it is what it is, and that isn't a sax.
Hope this helps.... Eric
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