MIssing In Action

Its been about 2 months since I've done any consistent practicing. This was a period of feeling lazy, bored, incapable of progress and tiredness that's kept clouding over me. It could be somewhat like getting a 'writers block'. Of course I'm not in any position to do any creative input with music, but more like a momentary lapse in efficiency. Yah, something like that.

It may or may not happen to you. This feeling of sudden curiosity with music and saxophone, then eagerness to practice (sometimes frustrated you couldn't practice that day), then reaching a goal or achievement (for whatever the case), then CRASHHH... Meaning, all of a sudden there is no adrenaline or anticipation of what more to learn and excite me.

Hopefully this 'quiet' period will run over soon. Deep deep down I feel I need to practice and not waste the effort I've put in. But whenever I see my saxophone, I'll say "Tomorrow lah, too tired today". So, doing practices alone is quite boring. Find your means and ways to spruce up the activity. DON'T GIVE UP...

Clip on microphone

If you're interested in recording or playing in gigs, you'll at least require a clip-on microphone on the bell of your saxophone. There are many brands with various pricing to choose from. Some of which are SHURE, AKG, Audio Technica and DPA. At www.sax.co.uk they have a catalogue list of products to suit all types of need (http://www.sax.co.uk/acatalog/saxophones_co_uk_Sax_microphones__wireless_systems___reflectors_32.html)

[SHURE]

{Beta 98 H/C @ USD209}

First performance on stage

The video below is my first time doing an on stage performance. It was for my brother's wedding day (18th June 2011 @ Tropicana Resort).

Had a few screw ups on the keys and very noticeable squeaks. Not a good performance but a great 1st experience nonetheless. Still a long way to go for doing gigs. Need to learn more improvisation and breath control.

Guitarist was the bride's younger sister. We were doing only 1 song as a 'siblings performance' for the evening.

My Photo

After much delay, here's a picture of me. The unkempt version, about to go to bed.

Photos of YOU

I thought it'd be interesting to ask for pictures of yourself and your saxophone.

Just a full length or 3/4 front view OR in any pose you deem fit for posting.
If there's some general info (name, instrument, accessories, blog, location, etc.) attached with it, that'd be swell too.

Whether you're playing it, or dream of playing it, just send me a photo. This would be a fun exercise to share a common interest.

(actually I've not taken one myself. soon soon....)

Candy Dulfer

For female players looking for a role model, Ms Candy Dulfer.

Epic Sax Guy

There's a recent viral phenomenon of a talent show contestant (who didn't win, who came from Moldova, who was a 6-piece band and who I'm not sure what they're names are) that has had a huge number of following and video remixes. Courtesy of 1 member playing his saxophone....and some hip movement (some also said because of their 'gay-ness', meaning 'very very happy' lah).

Song : Fly Away

Band : SunStroke Project

Origin : Moldova

Performed at : Eurovision Song Contest

When : 2010

Saxophonist : Sergei Stepanov

Nickname : EPIC SAX GUY

The rest : I don't know and I don't care...

This is their original video at the Eurovision competition :

This is just one of the numerous remixes:

And this was their music video, predating the competition :

Other passionate saxophonists

Along the journey of my discovery, there have been some very encouraging and thoughtful emails and posts from new friends I've met online. Though a few keep blogs, there are also some who are without (or at least not that I know of).

Below are a few friends whom I hope my advice proves useful in their quest to start or continue their plans in pursuing a saxophone as a hobby/career/entertainment/skill/etc. As and when there are new friends, I'll try to update them. Its somewhat a motivation to keep going, and not give up.

Ms Spartanbabe

http://spartanbabe.wordpress.com/

(started with a saxophone)

Mr Tempus

http://whatsinthebinn.blogspot.com/

(currently awaiting arrival of new saxohpone)

And here's a blog by my previous tutor, with some helpful pointers about the language of saxophones.

http://www.saxmalaysia.com/

My current tutor doesn't have a blog, so can't show much. He charges higher in fees (~RM100/lesson), but provides really useful knowledge for my next level in practice and then performance.

Circle of 5ths

The above diagram (by Johann David Heinichen, 1728) shows the correlation of related keys and their # (sharps) & b (flats). Its called the CIRCLE OF FIFTHS, and is a good way to learn your major and minor scales.

Some people may find it boring to do scales, but I found it quite fun because initially you'll be remembering what keys to press, and somehow after mastering them your fingers run on auto-cruise all by itself. That's a satisfaction I enjoy, knowing that I'm doing things more natural and less thinking.

I start each practice session with major scales (the outer circle), as follows;

C (no sharp, no flat)

G (F#)

F (Bb)

D (F#, C#)

Bb (Bb, Eb)

A (F#, C#, G#)

Eb (Bb, Eb, Ab)

E (F#, C#, G#, D#)

Ab (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db)

B (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#)

Db (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb)

(the above can also be done by running through all the # scales, then proceed with the b scales. but i prefer alternating. meaning adding 1 sharp, then 1 flat to each major scale)

After completing the major scales, next up is the minor scales (the inner circle).

My new 'toy'

This creature popped into my life and is now living in the house with me and my saxophone. He does some pretty good pose as well, all by himself. Though the pampers fitting are a little large coz he's quite little.

The picture should remind me of how fragile, small and innocence can exist, until they turn 2 years!!!

/*Note : A post that has nothing to do with this blog. Just a short detour out...*/

Rejuvenated saxophone

After 2 weeks of inactivity, because I left my saxophone for servicing, I collected my unit with some disappointment. I've had a budget estimate in mind to spend rm250 for regular servicing and maintenance. They called me up few days later saying that after some inspection they noticed about 10 pads have dried out, and recommends replacing them at rm20/pc. So my budget now has gone up to rm250 + rm200 = rm450. When I went to collect my unit, the boss mentioned he took the liberty to replace all the pads. That's ALL 27 PADS!!! The price for this FULL RANGE SERVICE is rm680!!!

The fact that the other pads are still working fine is what cheesed me off. I felt it'd be better to do a gradual replacement of few pads at a time. But alas, the boss (who services the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra instrument) believes rm680 is the best option for me.

I don't know if the money was worth it. He said I should not need to change for another 5 years, and that these are new Yamaha Made-In-Japan pads. One thing I felt after bringing it back home is the saxophone's overall playability and sound is more focused, in tune with my metronome and feels 'upgraded'.

My consolation to myself is that after almost 15 years that it has been stored in my cabinet, this is the only time its been serviced since coming out of the Japan factory.

Servicing your instrument

My low 'B' and 'Bb' notes always sounded incorrect, even after a year playing. They are hard to hit, and vibrate inconsistently. Sometimes sounding right, sometimes irritatingly lousy. I thought it was my embouchure or technique. Then my new tutor mentioned it could probably be an effect of a leak in the seals.

You see, the tone holes close when you key on certain 'buttons'. But sometimes the holes aren't closed entirely, and little air leaks out causing an uneven note. When this happens, its best to send your unit in for servicing.

I've just brought mine to the Yamaha Kelana Jaya branch to a place called EP WINDS STUDIO, which is run independently from Yamaha. Two technicians are there, Tan and Chong, to service and repair most woodwind instruments. It should set me back about RM250 for an overall servicing and be ready in 1 weeks time. Will return with more info by next week...

Selmer Saxophone Factory

A Selmer saxophone is renowned for its quality, brand and style. Although it is the "Selmer-Paris" range, and not the "Selmer USA", for which they are famous for.

Basically (I may not be 100% correct in this), Selmer USA are made in Taiwan for student to pro level of instruments.

While Selmer Paris are made in France for pro level instruments only.

Even Kenny G's setup is a Mark VI soprano. The Mark VI range of Selmer Paris are expensive and highly reputable, though from one instrument to another they may sound beautiful to horrible.

Here's a video of what a hand-made instrument goes through their France factory

ACCESSORIZE!!!

Made a few small purchases from www.wwbw.com and www.amazon.com, in hopes that a friend coming back from USA can help bring back. Here's a few of the items.

[Neotech Wick-It Neck Strap with Hook]

Current Yamaha standard neck strap doesn't have any padding, so when it hangs behind my neck for a while it can get a bit strenuous. I think the Neotech brand is quite popular (it says Made In USA). And I wanted a non-intrusive looking strap so I've opted for this design that uses a simple string pull mechanism. There are other options of thicker strap and hook type.

[Vandoren Java reeds, strength #2.5]

I tried the standard Vandoren (blue box) and this Java (green box) version, and they both sounded almost the same (probably because I'm still beginner level). So I thought I'd try this instead, getting a box of 10 since it is a good bargain.

Vandoren reeds are made in France, and are aluminium foil sealed to maintain its "freshness". The strength #2.5 is normally beginner to intermediate level. The higher the number, the stiffer the reed, thus the stronger your embouchure needs to grip the mouthpiece. Normally after few years of playing and developing your embouchure, you'll increase the reed strength.

(Amazing Phrasing for Saxophone - Book & CD)

(101 Saxophone Tips - Book & CD)

These 2 books are published by Hal Leonard. Have not had a chance to see its contents fully, so will just have to wait till it arrives. The reviews and 'Sneak Peek' (from Amazon.com) looks quite interesting. They come with a CD. It is normally better to buy books with a CD to hear the difference and have a better understanding of the methods taught. Unless you're fine without it, you'll need to spend a bit more on these.

Online purchase

A good site to do online purchase for saxophone equipment is at www.wwbw.com [The Woodwind and Brasswind]. The index page looks like the image below.

The 2 sections I browse a lot are the 'ACCESSORIES' and 'WOODWINDS' links. You do get some pretty interesting stuff that tempts you to click 'Add Cart' and 'Proceed to Checkout'. Many of the products they sell aren't available here in Malaysia. Well, at least not in the major music stores.

So far I've found the Vandoren reeds to be the best thing to get. At under USD25 for a box of 10pcs, it'll be USD2.50/pc, or RM7.50 in Malaysian Ringgit!!! Compare that with the RM18.00/pc price tag here, I'd say that is a good bargain.

Only thing is you'll need to have a friend to bring it back for you from the USA. Unless you buy a lot at one go, the shipping costs are quite pricey.