Saxophone Forum


by sleyth
(2 posts)
9 years ago

I Need Help

Hi, I need a saxaphone equipment overhaul.

Details about me / Things to keep in mind:

  1. 5 Year Experience
  2. Intermediate
  3. 2.5 - 3 Strength Reed
  4. I play Alto saxaphone
  5. Need reasonably priced equipment with good value

Now, I have a few questions:

  • What is the best Alto Saxaphone?
  • What is the best Alto Saxaphone Neck?
  • What is the best case?
  • What is the best classical mouthpiece?
  • What is the best Ligature for that mouthpiece?
  • What is the best Jazz mouthpiece?
  • What is the best Ligature for that mouthpiece?
  • What are the best Traditional Jazz reeds?
  • What are the best Traditional Classical reeds?
  • What are the best Synthetic Jazz reeds?
  • What are the best Synthetic Classical reeds?
  • What is the best reed case?
  • Any other accessories?

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  1. by kelsey
    (930 posts)

    9 years ago

    Re: I Need Help

    The answer to your questions is whatever works best for you. Different people will have their own favorite (as I do) and it may or may not work for you.....sorry....no easy solution!

    Barry Kelsey

    Reply To Post AIM


    1. by sleyth
      (2 posts)

      9 years ago

      Re: I Need Help

      I just want recommendations, because quite frankly, I am lost in terms of what to purchase

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      1. by kelsey
        (930 posts)

        9 years ago

        Re: I Need Help

        OK.....a reccomendation: I perfer for myself the Selmer Mark Vl Alto and also the Selmer Mark Vl tenor. I play on a Jody Jazz HR 7* Alto mouthpiece and a Jody Jazz DV 7* Tenor mouthpiece. Sax cases for me have been the factory cases in the beginning and replacement cases are by pro tech. I have had my repairs done at Saxquest in St. Louis but sometimes I take my horns to a local guy in Orlando since i live in Florida. I play on Rico Jazz reeds size 2 medium on both horns.

        Barry Kelsey

        Reply To Post AIM


    2. by Maestro.58
      (9 posts)

      9 years ago

      Re: I Need Help

           Where are you located?  Look up NAPBRT.  That is the association that educates and networks repair specialists.
      Look into Chateau saxes
      Check out SKB Cases
      Selmer S-90,or C* mouthpiece is good for Classical 
      I like Rovner ligatures for inexpensive, but good quality.
      I have my jazz mouthpieces modified (made for me) by John Reilly (Face book)
      I use Vandoren Optima ligatures on my Jazz mouthpieces, but Rovner works well, too.
      I like Vandoren Java reeds, but in dry climates (California),and switching between saxes, I use Hartmann Fiberreeds
      For Classical reeds, I like Vandoren Javas 
      Again, for synthetic reeds I favor Hartmann Fiberreeds - Classic
      Reed case?  I just use the cases from worn out Vandoren reeds, and put my fiberreeds in them.
      Straps: DeJacques  They have a lifetime guarantee, too! 

      Robert E. Schuenemann

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      1. by GFC
        (842 posts)

        9 years ago

        Re: I Need Help

        Get rid of that DeJaques!  That slick little clip mechanism is fatally flawed in two regards.  The steel clip is harder than brass, so it will wear out your strap ring.  The mechanism is also known to fail.  The lifetime guarantee on your strap would be cold comfort if you're looking at a big repair bill for your horn because the clip failed.  There is no reason to use any clip that has more than a zero chance of failure.  

        I use a Just Joe's strap with a large brass hook.  The Cebulla straps are also very good. 

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