Anyone into instruments ? Big Query inside.

[TheSmiler]

Basically I'm thinking of getting a new instrument I only really own one at the moment which is a mouth organ. There was a thread on here about me getting a guitar but that changed as with life. Now I still want one but not yet, I'm actually considering a wait for it..

Saxophone.

Yup however I've never tried one, they didn't have them at school but I think I might like it. I do love jazz and blues. Just be nice to actually do my own piece now and then.

Now here is where the advice comes in, basically would it be best going to a music shop to try one. Now I'm not used to instruments so is there by any chance anyone on here that has had dealings with a saxophone before and can offer any advice.
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[yen_powell]

I'm no expert but I do know that you have to blow in to the narrower end.
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[Ste]

nsfw?

[Taught2BCauti...]

Back in the day, you could get instruments from the public library, just like taking out a book!

I bet they probably don't do it today, but might be worth checking.
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[lihp]

I don't play a saxophone, I play piano and guitar. While learning violin, but my sister does play it!

First, talk to people you live with, and your neighbours. The sax isn't a very social instrument.

Expect to pay over a grand for anything remotely half decent to learn on.

Check the prices of local teachers, there may not even be any body local to you. If you dont already play any kind of brass or wind instrument, the sax isn't something you can self teach.

Once you find a teacher, speak to them about what to buy, it where to rent one from. Ignoring the fact you won't know what the decent ones are, saxophones come in various different keys, and you will need to decide which you like too.
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covent.gardens: lihp is my most favourite member ever

[stinkwheel]

As above, you can rent them.

This gives you time do decide a) If you like it and b) What you like about them.

Otherwise it would be like deciding which motorbike to buy having never ridden one. Riding them round wouldn't tell you much because you don't know what you're looking for.

You might not be able to teach yourself sax (can't see why not myself, at least to a basic level) but you can most certainly teach yourself recorder.

Why not get a cheap plastic recorder and teach yourself the basics of reading music, lip/tongue control and fingering (fnar, fnar)? They use them in schools for a reason, they are a good intro to woodwind and playing music in general. The basic principles on a sax are the same, just with more keys.

I personally preferr the tin whistle for the sound they make but they are quite limited in their range of notes. If you're buying a whistle, get a sweet-tone brand one in D. Cheap and cheerful but nice to play with a lovely clear sound.
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I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[qarka]

Xaphoon? Basically a recorder with a sax mouthpiece. Gives the same sort of sound in a much cheaper and more portable instrument. I'm on my phone atm so can't really send any links, but have a search on YouTube and you'll see what I'm talking about.
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[oldpink]

you can get a decent one for under £500 second hand
also you need to decide on Alto / Tenor / other model as they are different to play
it tales a lot of puff and some skill to get a decent note out of one
I gave up after about a week of trying to get even the basic's

my son did a bit in school enough to play a few tunes
but I love working with the floyd tribute band as the sax player is really good
so if your up for a challenge try it out
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[V2]

Skin flute

[lihp]

He already plays that
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covent.gardens: lihp is my most favourite member ever

[TheSmiler]

Well thanks for the serious replies, personally I don't care that much about following a piece of music. I've also got a mouth organ which I would say is an upgrade to a flute, I can already play that and have done for several years.

I'll be looking into an alto saxophone as well the sound on that is more profound to the tenor in my opinion. I'll check around for teachers. Though I am tempted by this option..

https://www.uksaxhire.co.uk/example-hire.php
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[stickybackbob]

My girlfriend's daughter plays the sax, she's 10 and seems to have musical talent.

She has lessons which cost £15/half hour (North Lancashire rates), The sax was new and cost £800.

Due to her age, the sax is a hard instrument as it takes a lot of puff, this is countered by using a softer reed (I think).

Be careful of 'bargain' used sax's as they may need the pads re-felting which can add £250 on top of the purchase price. Again, older instruments that have been sat around unused may need servicing to be useful again.

[Pete.]

I have an alto sax here I might sell. I'll ask the wife how much she thinks it's worth.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Reg Tidy]

Go here >> https://forum.saxontheweb.net/forum.php

All the advice you need. Lots of pros and teachers happy to help.

Also check out Stephen Howard https://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/.
Top tech with lots of hap handy hints for buying cheap Chinese horns that actually play.

Having said that I'll have a go also.

Don't bother trying one out in a shop you will probably just put yourself off. Renting is a waste of money. A good used sax has good resale value. Particularly Yamaha.

I'd say get a teacher no question. At least in the beginning.
They will save you many hours of frustration and from just giving up.

You get a lot of teachers that have studied other woodwind or piano on a classical degree and stick sax on their ads. You will learn a lot of great stuff from these types, but they are less likely to be convincing Jazzers/Bluesists.

You are best off going to see some live sax shows. You can learn a lot from seeing one used in anger. And if you find yourself thinking "I want to play just like that" then tap the cunt up for lessons.

Don't stress over it, but once you get going and are enjoying it, you should start reading. Playing horns; sooner or later someone is going to hand you a chart. It's an effective means of communication. You don't want to be stood there like a musically
illiterate gibbon while every one else gets on with it.

I'll stop rambling now.

TL;DR go to https://forum.saxontheweb.net/forum.php

[Fisty]

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Quietly and consistently taking the piss.
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[Ste]

[Poseidon]

Start here:

https://shop.collegeofpiping.org/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/800x800/3fb05be78fa406e394b25c8e568e212d/p/c/pc6.jpg

Upgrade to this:

https://www.hotpipes.com/tpipe1.jpg

Eventually... So much win:

https://24hourbagpipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/cropped-bagpiper2.jpg
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1977 Honda CG125
2002 Ducati Monster S4 (currently restoring)

[nowhere.elysium]

I was wondering whether you'd had the decency to run this by Fisty first. Clearly that's not so much the case.
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[ajag]

Is the smiler still living with Fisty? I know where the Sax is going to end up
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[Pete.]

Sonata alto sax, in perfect condition, just needs a new reed. Wife says it was £300ish to buy wants £100 for it, or £50 off Fisty to keep it where it is
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Islander]

[angryjonny]

[Wonko The Sane]

[Ichy]

Completely ignoring all the previous posts but a Ukulele is a great starting instrument that will complement your mouth organ. Choose something that you can play solo.
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[Wonko The Sane]