5 Things To Know BEFORE Getting a Soprano Sax

The soprano saxophone is not just another sax, it’s a different instrument and should be approached differently than a tenor or alto. I'll show you how to approach the soprano sax in this video.

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[AllenMusicTalk]

Are you a saxophone player? If so, which one do you play? If not, do you play another instrument?

[joonatanlass]

After playing alto for 5 years, I finally tried out soprano, and its safe to say... I wasn't the greatest. It's definitely quite a different approach. After trying for about an hour, I did finally find my sound though. Don't get disencouraged by this video, practice makes perfect!

[mylifeinhouston]

Got my first soprano saxophone yesterday…it made me feel like my whole life was a lie…lol. I’ve always played alto…I can barely tune this new horn. So glad I found this video. I feel so much better 😅

[buckmcallister]

As an old tenor and baritone player these are excellent guides. Thoughtfullness

[MrBubbapappa]

Thank you. I've played soprano for a long time as well as clarinet and alto. It's the instrument I feel most comfortable on. I agree with all your comments, but I do like to play bright and harsh sounding at times

[ulrichroesch]

It's always refreshing to hear from someone who hard to work hard at a musical instrument to hone their winner, everytime

[pault]

I play clarinet. I've always been interested in trying soprano sax just simply coz it looks like a cool-looking clarinet to me lol. Even though they're not from the same family.

[uhhhsure]

Never really had much interest in the sax until watching this. Thanks for enlightening me on how cool it is

[jintengo]

Long ago I played tenor, alto, & soprano professionally in r & b, rock, and jazz groups. I didn't have the discipline to develop my proficiency or sound. Today, many years later, I wanted to try my hand again at the soprano and your video was very helpful and inspiring. I subscribed and will be checking out everything you have to offer, including your music. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips, Nathan. BTW, back in the day - 1970s, I used to jam out constantly to Grover, among others - Mr. Magic was a constant companion. 😊

[Dmoll]

I played oboe for 9 years before switching to sax midway through. Bought a soprano 2 years ago, it was like second nature to me! Just bought a Selmer Series II today, can't wait for the upgrade to arrive.

[jv.nazareth]

I played flute for almost 3 years now and i’m searching some new wind instruments that are “close” to it, the soprano sax is my favorite by now, i will surly give it a try !

[Kinglymarker]

Great tips man. I've played Alto forever- 40+years, got a Sop last year, your right, totally different instrument. What lured me in was Sidney Bechet recordings, that dixie/ jazz/blues sound. I've also found that the right mouthpiece has helped tremendously. My advice to new soprano players is to get a easy blowing mpc to start, like a Rico metal lite or similar. ✌️🤟🎷

[nickm]

Thank you for this - very useful and clearly presented. I play mostly alto, but I am also working on soprano technique as well and they are very different instruments for sure.

[robstevens]

Thanks for this video. Good tips about intonation. I have been playing alto for years, but recently bought a soprano sax. I opted for the curved model. Although it doesn't look as cool as the straight soprano, the posture problem is solved, it is easier to carry (especially on a plane) and you can hear yourself better.

[smoothvelvetsinger]

You're channel is very good. And your calm way of explaining things is very appealing🤗

[tonylopez]

I stopped playing three years ago and missed playing. So when I got back into it, man it was atrocious. Had to reinvent my playing. The hard part was finding out my embouchure. I played along yesterday on some Christmas back tracks, it was depressing. After a few tries, my body started to adjust. Second time through it was much better. My chops were getting tired, so I quit for the day. I might have practiced too long. I will rest today and allow my chops to heal. In the meantime, your advice was well taken. Thanks.

[LilHaseProductions]

John Coltrane is great too. OP, can you listen to the ending soprax solo on the ending of one of the best fusion albums of all time. It's called "Out-Bloody Rageous - Soft Machine". Released in 1970. The soprax solo starts at around 11:05 in that song. Absolute genius piece and one of the smoothest solos I've ever heard. Reason I bought the instrument!

[SaxSon]

"So you're not squeezing at all; you're just holding it in place and you need to get used to this new shape."

This was SO SO useful! When I started soprano I just defaulted to biting and squeezing the mouthpiece and reed and I was throttling every single note. Thanks so much for this advice!!

[sgry]

Thinking about buying a nice yanagisawa because some time ago I had the luck to play it for a year. Very good intonation and sweet sound as well. Like your video very much and your sound is very nice also. Thank you very much.

[alanhirayama]

All very solid suggestions! My soprano is a vintage purple-logo YSS-62, and when paired with the Rousseau Studio Jazz 7 mpc, it plays great! The approach is definitely different compared to the alto and tenor.