Check out the class on chord changes including a sample video lesson

Sax Station Interview with Paul the Trombonist

Saxophone Riff #4 Blues Line

From Derrick Big Walker. Let me know how it goes and if you want to learn more blues lines for saxophone.

Charles McNeal, Round 2 (saxophone player drawing)

Check out Charles McNeal live if you get a chance! Great sax player.

I first heard about Charles from my teacher Kristen Strom, she was telling me about the work he put into his transcriptions. That process really evolved his playing. You can do the same.

I met him at the NAMM show, might seem him again there sometime. Unfortunately, haven’t made it to Jazz Camp West when he’s been there yet.

I wanted to show these two drawings side by side though. A bit over two years apart.

I got a bit of feedback in the year of classes I took drawing between those two days.

Practice and feedback can help you improve with anything. Including saxophone.

Sometimes it’s hard to notice your progress on saxophone. It can be very apparent in certain situations, but not always. And sometimes it’s harder to notice yourself. Can help a lot to get feedback from someone else.

If you would like to learn and get feedback from me, check out Saxophone Tribe.

“Trying to find information on the Allora Vienna Altos.” (saxophones)

By Neal Leave a Comment

Brian
Trying to find information on the Allora Vienna Altos. Any opinion?

Neal Battaglia
I haven’t played one
you’re thinking of getting one?

Brian
Looking for my high school son. He is ready for an intermediate/pro but pro is too expensive. Just saw the Allora new at $799. Thinking it might not be great.

Neal Battaglia
I probably wouldn’t buy it
https://cafesaxophone.com/threads/anyone-using-an-allora-brand-saxophone-trying-to-buy-a-allora-intermediate-soprano.7180/
you might want to get a used horn, could be better quality

Brian
Yes, we have been looking at those as well. YAS-52 and YAS 475 for $1000-$1200 .

Neal Battaglia
that sounds like a better option

Brian
Well I appreciate your advice.

Neal Battaglia
sure

Brian
Do you have a website that you trust for used horns?

Neal Battaglia
I have a guy locally

Brian
In Cali?

Neal Battaglia
yes

Brian
I’m in Florida!
Are they online/

Neal Battaglia
no

Brian
Thanks anyway and thanks again for the advice on the Allora.

“I need to get a new mouth piece for my Cannonball Stone Series Bari Sax. Where do I start?”

By Neal Leave a Comment

Ruth

I need to get a new mouth piece for my Cannonball Stone Series Bari Sax. Where do I start?

I’m 43 and I have been playing since I was in 5th grade. There was about a 10 year gap where I didn’t play… in my 20’s.

Neal

What mouthpiece are you using now?

Ruth

I’m using the stock mouthpiece that came with the Cannonball that I bought two years ago.

It has been ok… but it’s getting a little worn.

I have done a little studying and think I would like to try a JodyJazz Jet for baritone. I’m not sure which facing to get. I have been told I tend to have a tight embouchure. I guess I don’t switch well from alto to bari. lol

I’ve been working on trying to keep it a bit looser when playing the bari and when practicing. I just get so worried about my pitch!

Anyway… how do I decide which facing to get?

Neal

You probably want a medium facing. I would say the main variable is the tip opening.

Ruth

So, an 8, which is right in the middle of what they offer would be good?

Thank you so much Neal.

Neal

I tend to play 8/9. That’s a fairly wide tip opening. Just because it’s a number in the middle of what they offer does not mean it’s standard/typical/easy to play. Though it might be right for you.

You might be more comfortable with a 6 or 7. (but I don’t know necessarily)

What you might want to do is try a few tip openings.

I have ordered a few before and sent back everything except the one I want.