Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Difference: A Thought

After researching soprano saxophones for a while, I have come up with a conclusion regarding the differences between Asian made "cheapo" saxes and the "high quality" pro saxes (think Selmer Paris, Yamaha, Yanagisawa, etc.). Please keep in mind that this is just the opinion of a saxophone-playing student not the meaning of life, and I own an Asian made "cheapo" and "high quality" pro sax.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Mouthpiece Spotlight: Theo Wanne's Brahma


The second mouthpiece in the, "Mouthpiece Spotlight," is Theo Wanne's Brahma mouthpiece. This mouthpiece is the other tenor sax mouthpiece offered in the Performance line for those on a budget.

The Brahma is described as having medium brightness and is like a vintage Otto Link with improved projection, sound, and vintage hard rubber. Because it is part of the Performance Line, there are less engravings, no mouthpiece case, and no serial number. Each Mouthpiece does, however, come with the Enlightened Ligature and reed replacer cap.

Price: $375 for premium hard rubber, $435 for metal

Material: Metal and Premium Hard Rubber

Sound: Medium Brightness

Sizes: 6*, 7*, 8, 9




Sunday, May 15, 2011

Mouthpiece Spotlight: Theo Wanne's Datta


Hey guys! I'm starting a new series called the, "Mouthpiece Spotlight." This series will showcase mouthpieces from different brands on my website. That way, you can come to one place to find out about a new mouthpiece you may want to buy.


The first mouthpiece in the, "Mouthpiece Spotlight," is Theo Wanne's Datta. The Datta is only available for the tenor sax and is part of Theo Wanne's Performance Line. The Performance Line is the mouthpiece line produced for students or people on a budget so that they can afford a top-notch mouthpiece without sacrificing quality. They were able to cut the costs in several ways: not as many engravings, no recessed bite plate, no serial number, no mouthpiece pouch, and a slightly different machining process. However, the Datta still includes a True Large Chamber, Enlightened Ligature, Reed Replacer, and 24K gold plated brass shank ring. The Datta is described as having huge projection and a fat, modern, and bright sound.


Price: $375 for premium hard rubber, $435 for metal

Material: Metal and Premium Hard Rubber

Sound: Bright with a huge, fat, modern sound

Sizes:7*, 8, 9, 10




Saturday, May 14, 2011

A cool iPad app for musicians and students

Hey guys! I recently found this cool app for the iPad/iPhone/iPod touch called the Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer. It cost $2.99, but I think it's worth it. This app is jam packed with tons of exercises plus a feature to randomly generate rhythms. There is a built in metronome that you set to a tempo. Then you try to tap along to the beat. At the end, it gives you feedback and a percent correct score. There is also an ear training mode for the experts! I highly recommend this app for those who want to improve their sight reading skills. You can get the app here.