Stupid Saxophone

Mr1337Duck · 2004-06-21, 08:51 PM

I've been playing in band for 5 years, a good chunk of my school years. And I've finally started thinking about quiting. It's honestly not fun for me. I'm okay, but not great, I've got sectionals in two days, and I've got to cram because I figured they'd be in late July.

Sax is nowhere near as fun to play as guitar. Playing Sax is punishment to me, it's a chore. Playing guitar is fun, because nobody makes me do it, there's no demand that I be perfect. Anyone else here play in marching band or jazz band or whatever, and have these same thoughts with their instrument?

Zodiac · 2004-06-21, 08:54 PM

No idea, I dont play one. What's this "ET" that you meantion in your sig?

Onizuka · 2004-06-21, 09:05 PM

I've been playing sax for about 6 years....and i've come to the conclusion that how well you sound has a LOT to do with the sax..and the mouthpiece. Once you get a new professional sax in your hands, you feel fucking empowered. Once you squeal up to high B, you feel empowered. If it's not fun, don't play it. Guitar IMO is not as fun to play for me....but I started on sax. I also play clarinet pretty well, but its too *searches for word* limited, I don't feel as flexible.

If your not having fun, quit. I'll stick with it, music is the ONLY thing I'm good at.

UncleDynamite · 2004-06-21, 09:12 PM

Originally Posted by Mr1337Duck

Sex is nowhere near as fun to play as guitar.

What the hell? Either your girlfriend is terrible in bed, or you have a... shortcoming.

Originally Posted by Mr1337Duck

Playing Sex is punishment to me, it's a chore.

Ahh, so your girlfriend is a dominatrix then. Well, you're not alone. Rough sex isn't for everyone, so hopefully she'll understand if you come out and say you don't like it.

Originally Posted by Mr1337Duck

Playing guitar is fun, because nobody makes me do it, there's no demand that I be perfect.

In all honesty, if she's disappointed with your performance in bed, that's pretty mean of her. At the very least, she should understand that being limited in size, you can't offer her perfect pleasure. I would suggest you talk things out with her, maybe you two can work out your differences.

-----

In all seriousness, I too played saxophone and I too dropped Jazz band. It's not because I didn't like the instruments, but I just didn't have fun playing in my schools' group.

Mr1337Duck · 2004-06-21, 09:19 PM

And we get High Bs all the time in our band. Maybe I'll look into a new mouthpiece. Any specific kind? Are there actually brands for this stuff?

*Imagines an ad, advertising mouthpieces that all look exactly the same.*

By the way, ET is Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory.

Squeeky · 2004-06-21, 09:20 PM

Band Geek!

Mr1337Duck · 2004-06-21, 09:21 PM

Teh Masturbator!!1

Onizuka · 2004-06-21, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by Mr1337Duck

Maybe I'll look into a new mouthpiece. Any specific kind? Are there actually brands for this stuff?

uh, YES!!!11

...and they dont all look alike. You've been playing for 5 years....

ah well, doesn't seem your too serious...just quit

Rayder · 2004-06-21, 10:40 PM

I play the sax in my band. Your mouthpiece makes a world of difference, as well as your reed. Of course, you shouldn't go too high on a reed unless you're good, cuz then you'll just start sucking.

Some information on the sax - http://nm.essortment.com/saxophonealtob_rgym.htm

Mr1337Duck · 2004-06-21, 11:15 PM

Okay, I'll list the problem, you guys tell me what you think it is, me or equipment.

When I play, it sounds all choked, like the air keeps getting interrupted, breath is really forced, etc.

From what you say, it sounds like mouthpiece stuff, but can anyone confirm?

Onizuka · 2004-06-21, 11:25 PM

Originally Posted by Mr1337Duck

Okay, I'll list the problem, you guys tell me what you think it is, me or equipment.

When I play, it sounds all choked, like the air keeps getting interrupted, breath is really forced, etc.

From what you say, it sounds like mouthpiece stuff, but can anyone confirm?

First, suck the spit out. (I know, but it has to be done). People..don't seem to do this as much as they should. Make sure you have a continuous sustained breath, not to hard that enters the horn...keep your inner mouth open, your jaw relaxed (not too relaxed). Dont stutter, make sure you air is the same throughout, constant and not varying in pressure throughout the breath.

It's all common sense stuff, but its so hard to master.

Spee · 2004-06-21, 11:28 PM

You see, im ludicrosly talented in my instrument. It just so happens Im a lazy bitch that hates being told what to do and how, so I never practice.

But yeah, when I try, I tear shit up with the bass instrument of metallic dijerydoo(sp, probably) doom.

321 · 2004-06-21, 11:30 PM

I played the volin in 4th grade

but I hated it so I didn't play it in 5th anymore.

Rayder · 2004-06-22, 12:32 AM

Originally Posted by Mr1337Duck

Okay, I'll list the problem, you guys tell me what you think it is, me or equipment.

When I play, it sounds all choked, like the air keeps getting interrupted, breath is really forced, etc.

From what you say, it sounds like mouthpiece stuff, but can anyone confirm?

Suck on your reed for a few before playing. Your tongue shouldn't be near the opening of the mouthpiece unless you're tonguing. Take a swab and clean the inside of the neck as well as the mouthpiece, you also should take the big wiry thing with the soft stuff on it and shove it down the body like you're supposed to.

QuakCow · 2004-06-22, 12:33 AM

i used to play the clarinet, but that was 5th grade, so i don't remember a damn thing

and your problem sound like it has something to do with the mouthpeice, but i wouldn't know anything for sure