Rico Hemke reeds

Past 3 months since my last posting, have been diligently practicing Book 2 pieces (and completing it after 6 months of work), and some additional materials by tutor. Nothing much to post during that period as they were mostly repetitious work.

This post is to mention that after a few months of playing, there's a motivation to improve on my standings in terms of skill and equipment. Since skill is a measure which takes time to achieve, equipment on the other hand is much easier to attain.

It's good to start with minor adjustment to the saxophone equipment list, such as

- upgrading reeds (different brand, stronger rating, file & cut styles),

- changing mouthpiece (material change to higher grade plastic, ebonite, steel),

- and the grandest of all; change your saxophone (of course this depends a lot on your budget).

All this fun in upgrading is most worthwhile if you keep in mind that most of the time, the skill and practice you put in makes the most difference to the sound. And not the best equipment you buy.

I went and bought a piece of Rico Hemke reed (RM10/pc) and Vandoren Java (RM19/pc) from Bentley Music at Kota Damansara (located opposite Ikea). Tried the Hemke 2.5 rating reed and surprisingly it was easy to blow on the first try. Giving a steady bright sound. Its supposed to be a 'jazz' series range. Probably not too skilled to pull off the 'jazz' motion yet.

Normally the normal Rico reeds I buy (RM5/pc) needs to 'warm up' a few rounds before the sound steadies. This Hemke reed has a better quality cane and is french filed.

Have not tried the Vandoren piece yet. Will update on next posting.

Saxophone Pub @ Bangkok

A while back I was in Bangkok for a short break. Before the trip I was curious about the jazz scene there and was recommended to visit "Saxophone Pub". It is easily accessible from Bangkok's main Sukhumvit area. You can either go by BTS (30min) or taxi (10min) to the Victory Monument along Phayathai Road .

Their 'popular' saxophonist is Mr Koh Saxman (endorser of P.Mauriat saxophones) who performs every Monday midnight. Here are some photos when I was there. After the photos are few of his performances on youtube.com.

[entrance]

[dim, small, nostalgic setup]

[memorabilia hangups]

[the stage]

[mr koh saxman]

2 months on and halfway through Book 2

Been on a lapse period from posting here for 2 months since January. Book 2's journey is already past the halfway mark, making its way into the 3rd quarter. Slowly but surely. It's actually a more engaging book for beginners because the variation in pieces and style.

As always, I need to practice practice practice. Otherwise a few days of not doing so will leave my embouchure weaker, incurring the numbness effect after doing a few scales. Occasionally looking at videos from youtube.com helps keep the inspiration and curiosity up.

A New Tune A Day - Book 2

Started on "Book 2 : A New Tune A Day".

When I began Book 1, I flipped through the pages up until the end to get a glimpse of what to expect. I thought to myself, "This is soooo hard". Surprisingly, after 4 months of work it wasn't so hard after all.

But then looking at Book 2, I'm thinking to myself "This is sooo hard"...

Saxophone MIDI Controllers

Below are some of the more popular 'synthesised' or 'electric' versions of a saxophone.

Since there are electric guitars, electric violin, electric piano, I'd suppose an electric saxophone shouldn't cause too much concern.

Yamaha WX5

Akai EWI USB

Akai EWI 4000s

Broken mouthpiece

I was tightening the ligature (circular piece that holds the reed onto the mouthpiece) to start my eagerly-awaited Book 2 practice session; venturing into semi-quavers; when my unfortunate fingers slipped and dropped the mouthpiece onto the floor. It made a small chip on the corner edge, enough to decommission my piece into the bin.

Checked with my tutor whether it was necessary to try another brand/type, but he recommended to maintain use of a Yamaha alto saxophone 4C. It'll cost me RM100 to replace.

Here are the 'casualty' photos;

T-Square

The video above is a performance by Mr Takeshi Ito (of T-Square group) doing a heart-felt rendition of 'Forgotten Saga' piece. When I first heard this, it was truly an amazingly written piece and perfectly performed. And because it was in a grainy, nostalgic, monochrome (meaning black & white) video, the only 'colours' heard were his music.

"T-Square" is a 30 year old band (since 1978!!!) from Japan, comprising talented musicians in drums, piano, guitar and saxophone. Though their group has had changes in its members (and group name) over the past few decades, they've still remained popular till today. Read about it from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-Square_(band)

Now I've to go find their album.

New reeds

When old reeds has served its purpose and begin to sound squeaky (for me it'll be in 1-2 months, depending on frequency of practice), I reach for a new one. This is for me to find out if I sound bad, or perhaps its just the reeds need replacing. Playing with bad reeds is demotivating as you'll doubt your ability.

However, new reeds need to be 'broken into' first before they sound well. Because they're new, its structure is still a little 'stiff', so to warm them up I do a few long notes then a few staccato. Probably best to leave it soaking in a spoon (I use a chinese soup spoon) a little longer than usual.

Currently am using a basic Rico #2. Will upgrade to a better range/brand a little further on. So far #2 hardness still works ok for me.

I do have a Rico Plasticover #2 to alternately play it once a while. Although, they're more suited for outdoor/band use because of their 'louder' nature.

MPO Jazz Camp

Attended Malaysia Philharmonik's first Jazz Camp today for a 90-minute performance by an international mix of talented performers. It had a 6 man band; piano, double bass, drums, saxophone, trumpet and trombone.

Generally a full house audience which had a good mix of local and foreign guests. For RM30/person, it was a reasonable price for such a good performance. Each man had (on almost most pieces they played) a solo exhibition of their talent.

They're here for a 5-day Jazz Camp event organised by MPO to showcase and share their experiences with our local talents. Some of the musicians are regularly featured at Alexis Ampang, in case you're interested to "take in" some jazz experience.

I was there basically to watch Greg Lyons' performance. It was rather good, though not much solo time as I guess the focus was on the international performers. Unfortunately it wasn't as fun to listen as trombone, trumpet and drums.

More of the man himself can be found here; http://www.greglyons.net/

*forgive me for the non-existent musicians' name to their respective instrument, as I've forgotten them*

Returning back...

Been a long break I took from writing on this blog, about 2 months since.

November pretty much had very little practice, or made any much changes in improvements.

December was a bit better because had more time from the weekly Friday public holidays.

Almost completing Book 1 lessons (took about 4 months) and trying to prep myself for Book 2.

It will be much harder in fingering, learning shorter notes (therefore faster), and paying the increase in lesson fees from Yamaha. Well, the price for improvement...

Have taken to learning scales continuously, which I find improves my fingering and note recognition (sight, mind, sound and finger co-ordination).

So far have done the following;

C major (no sharps & flats),

A major (F, C, G sharp)

D major (F, C sharp)

G major (F sharp)

Bflat major (B, E flat)

C minor

C Chromatic

Normally I'll start off my practice sessions (normally 1 hour) with the following;

Setup - greasing cork, moistening reeds, book placement, air-cond, close curtains/blinds/doors

Long notes - from low C to high D, holding a full breath on each note

Scales - like the above then adding a new scale once a week/month

Book 1 - at least 4 lessons, from past 2 lessons then current then next week's chapter

Cooling down playing long notes

Cleaning up

The metronome/tuner will be placed alongside to assist me. I'll use its dual-purpose nature (tuning and metronome) depending on what the practice requires.

Julian Smith - Britain's Got Talent 2009

It always warms my heart whenever I view Julian Smith's performance (he's a finalist in Britain's Got Talent 2009 show). Though we don't get the show here in Malaysia, there are numerous views available on youtube.

Basically the 1st video you see below is Julian Smith playing the soprano saxophone at the talent show with Simon Cowell as one of the three judges. His performance was very simple and short, but the it held an immense amount of emotion, talent and evident 15 years of training.

As you continue to view the semi-finals and then the finals, each time the crowds were wowed with his ability and humility.

//1st performance//

//Semi-final performance//

//Finals performance//

Though he only got 3rd in the talent show, do some search in youtube and you'll come to see some of his other performances. This video below is his wedding night performance doing Kenny G's popular 'Songbird'. Quite amazing in that he sounds almost as good.

Beginners little guide

-Here's just a brief answer to a question I received from an email about learning the saxophone-

Saxophone comes in several shapes, here are a few of the popular ones; soprano, alto, tenor, baritone.

It is easier for beginners to start with an alto saxophone because of its size and ease of playing.

A soprano may be shorter in length than an alto, but it is more complex to learn its keys and produce a good tone.

Whereas a tenor is larger than an alto, therefore requiring more strength to support it and needs more air to blow it.

And baritone is larger than a tenor, so no need to mention much there.

Several popular brands include Yamaha, Selmer, Yanagisawa, Keilwerth, Jupiter. In Malaysia, mostly you'll see Yamaha, Jupiter and Selmer. All these brands have student models (~RM2-5k) up to professional (>RM15k). It is recommended to own a saxophone because of convenience in practicing and getting used to its structure. I don't think there's many places that rent them.

Searching around for 2nd hand units are also economical and easy, like from online sites (ebay, lelong, etc.), classifieds, friends recommendation, etc. But do be careful in its condition because you may need to invest a little in getting it fixed, do some tuning, replace the springs/pads, etc.

If you intend to buy a new student unit, a Yamaha YAS23/YAS275 is around RM5k, Selmer USA is around RM3k, Jupiter is around RM2k. You can find them in some of the local music stores in Klang Valley; Chambers Music (Sungei Wang 3rd floor), Bentley Music (opposite The Curve), Yamaha Music (Kelana Jaya HQ); to name a few.

In terms of classes, you could start with either going to a school (like Yamaha, music colleges) or find a private tutor (teach in their house or your house). Generally classes are about 30 minutes long, although some tutors will teach 45/60 minutes weekly or twice a month. Prices vary according to tutors' experience, skill, reputation. I'm taking mine now in Yamaha Music School, Subang Parade, because I prefer learning in a 'musical' environment and (somewhat) structured course.

In summary, the overall learning of saxophone (or any other musical instrument) is that it has to be FUN for you so that you will continously make the conscious effort to practice as much as possible (I try about an hour every day).

And then keep wanting to get better and better everyday. Having some goals in sight, as to what you want out of the whole experience, does help give you some perspective and focus.

Doing some online research and you may be able to find some good 2nd hand deals if you look hard enough.

ABRSM Scales and Arpeggios

Bought an "ABRSM Publishing" material for some fingering and key practices, Scales and Arpeggios for Saxophone. Generally started with C Major, D Major, F Major, G Major scales and the arpeggios.

Somehow having all body parts (5 left hand fingers, 5 right hand fingers, embouchure, blowing, eye sight reading, thinking), to coherently work together is a tough thing to do when practicing the scales.

Intelli IMT-204 Tuner/Metronome

Unfortunately the BOSS TU-80 couldn't be exchanged for a KORG TM-40 due to stock unavailability. Instead, Chambers Music has stock loads of the INTELLI IMT-204. There isn't much information on the net about this brand, despite it having a "Made In Korea" printed on the box. The better branding BOSS was "Made In China", and is RM30 cheaper than the INTELLI (at RM120).

Either way, tried the unit and it is simple enough for beginners to use. It has a very sensitive mic that picks up (and gives you a note) from musical tunes to normal chatter. Yup, it tells you what note you're in when you say, "How you doing..."...

Its smaller than the BOSS and fits well into your pocket. At the back there's a convenient flip-out stand for tilting, unlike the BOSS unit which requires monetary contribution to make it stand (put a 20cent in the rear slot, and it angles out as a stand).

This 4-in-1 features;

- Chromatic Tuner

- Guitar Tuner

- Metronome

- Pitch Generator

Rico Plasticover

Rico Plasticover reeds are a range which has its surface coated with a plastic layer, acting to protect it from moist and warping. This allows it for outdoor (eg. band) or long playing uses.

I've bought a unit (at RM12.50/pc, twice the price of Rico plain) to test it out against the normal Rico reed. The pictures below show the difference in the surface; front and back side.

As you can see in the last frontal side picture, there's some warping on the plain reed as compared to the Plasticover after usage. Water doesn't absorb into the Plasticover's reed, whereas the plain reed has marks on it (last picture). I felt Plasticover allows me longer hours of playing and still feel as new as when I bought them.

Rico Reeds

I'm currently using "Rico #2 Alto Reeds", a suitable beginners type due to its usability and price. Around Klang Valley, the few music shops I've visited posted price range of RM8.50 to RM5.50 per piece.

Just for testing, bought a "Rico Plasticover" model, which is supposed to be more durable due to its plastic coating on the top half and entire bottom side. The cost though is at RM12.50/piece. A little more pricey, but hopefully a lot more durable and long lasting.

Saxophone Stands

For those interested in 'displaying' your prized instrument in and around the house, there are reasonably priced saxophone stands which are sturdy and look great.

I was at the Bentley Music (http://www.bentleymusic.com/showroom.aspx) flagship store in Mutiara Damansara and saw the Hercules single unit alto/tenor stand (model DS530B) retailing at RM65.00, pictured below in its various transformations;

There are many other models for a multitude mix of instrument for sale in Bentley Music. The website is http://www.herculesstands.com/band/woodwind.html

Faulty Metronome Tuner

Did some testing on the BOSS TU-80 tuner/metronome with my alto saxophone.

To my surprise, it doesn't tune!!! When I play a C, the nearest it got was D#. Even with every possible adjustments made to:-

(i) flat tuning (5 semitone intervals);

(ii) tuning modes (Chromatic, Guitar, Bass);

(iii) reference pitch (435-446Hz)

I thought it might be a defected unit so brought it in for a change. The people at Chambers Music were very polite and helpful to bring out another unit to compare, and allowed me to use their display unit alto saxophone (I brought my own mouthpiece). And then...the same thing happened. Both tuners tuned the same wrong note I played. So I concluded that the BOSS TU-80 just couldn't tune a saxophone.

Eventually requested Chambers Music to change my unit to a KORG TM-40 instead.

I'm now waiting for the unit to arrive.

Metronome Tuner

Bought a Metronome/Tuner device from Chambers Music (3rd floor Sungei Wang); model BOSS TU-80; to help in my timing and tuning check. Have yet to test it out so no review about it.

Despite a reasonable price tag of RM90, it doesn't come with any warranty whatsoever. Not even for 1 day! The only line they'll say is, "IT'S A GOOD DEVICE, JUST DON'T DROP IT"! Come on...

This was the only brand and model type they carry. Not too sure about what is available in other music retail stores. Some of the recommended brands online are

KORG TM-40

and SABINE MT-9000

Kaori Kobayashi

Came across a beautiful Japanese saxophonist by the name of Kaori Kobayashi.

Watch the video of her famous performance, a rendition of "Nothings Gonna Change My Love For You" after the photos.

Amazing...