Brass and Saxophone Specialists
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The necessity for a well constructed saxophone, in a good state of repair and adjustment, cannot be accentuated too strongly. The attitude ‘good enough to learn on’ should be disregarded at all costs, as it is far more efficient to obtain the best possible instrument for your money from the outset than have to endure the frustration of learning on, or listening to, a poor quality saxophone.
When purchasing an instrument, it is important to set yourself a budget and to consider the tips below to ensure the best buy for your money:
THE SAXOPHONE
1. Metal: Check that the metal is of a sufficient thickness and stability. Some manufactures use soft metals which dent and bend with minimal pressure, this is not desirable. The mechanisms should also be solid and the keys should not bend with ordinary pressure.
2. Excess Noise: Listen for any unnecessary sounds of metal against metal when fingering the keys and/or moving the saxophone. Any such noises should be attended to before purchase.
3. The Action: It is very important to check ‘the action’ as this has a direct effect on the intonation and tone quality of the instrument. Make sure that each key has the same spring tension and establish whether it feels too strong or too weak. Also check that the keys in each stack are the same distance from the tone holes. (The height and tensions vary according to the make but a good repairer will be able to advise if the keys are too open or too close.)
4. Spring Tension: If keys tend to be slow, this may be due to a weak spring or join in the hinge. ‘Bobbling’ of keys is also a symptom and can be tested by pulling the finger off the side of the key; no key should bounce as it reaches the top of the stroke. Any bouncing is again the result of a weak spring or an improper bumper, before buying insist on a replacement rather than adjustment as this is only a temporary solution.
5. The Key Hinges: Check for any play between the key posts and key rods, in both directions. This is important as any movement here will prevent a uniform seating of the pads. If there is longitudinal play, poor craftsmanship is indicated and this provides a strong basis for rejection.
6. The Pads: The pads should look neat and well installed. The circular impressions from the tone holes should be generally centered and uniform, if the pads have resonators check they are tightly fitted.
7. Rollers: The rollers need to be able to move freely and easily in both directions.
8. The Lacquer: The lacquer does not affect the saxophone’s performance and depends wholly on the buyers personal tastes. Try not to be put off of an otherwise excellent instrument due to minor scratches and lacquer loss.
PLAYING THE SAXOPHONE
1. Testing for Leaks:
a. Check the response of each note from top to bottom. Low Bb should sound
as easily as the middle register notes.
b. Hold down the G# key and play F- E- D- C in the lower register, there
should be no difference in the response of the notes.
c. Try all the different middle Bb fingerings; although there will be slight
differences in tonal quality the response should be the same.
d. Try all the above playing pianissimo, the response should remain the same.
If there are any leaks it is pointless continuing with the playing test.
2. Intonation: Tune the instrument carefully to A-44O with an electronic tuner. It is important to remember that intonation problems are not wholly the instruments fault, therefore it is recommended to enlist the help of another saxophonist allowing you to stand back and listen.
3. Voicing: There will be an unavoidable tonal quality change between the middle C# and D, however this will be more pronounced on some instruments than others. Without altering the embouchure play chromatically from the middle C# to the high C#. There should not be much tonal variation; however it is a good idea to ask another player to do the same with their own mouthpiece allowing you to listen.
4. The Room: If possible, always try out instruments in the same room as this will have a profound affect on the sound and tonal quality.
5. The Reeds: Try to use the same reed (and later a selection of reeds) when testing as this will have an effect on the instruments response and tone quality. (It is always a good idea to try the mouthpiece that is being sold with the saxophone, as well as your own, as this will also affect tonal quality and may suit the instrument better.)
6. Used or Rebuilt instruments: A good second hand instrument is often a better buy than a new second or third line make, however do not buy on name alone. Seek the advice of an informed person to allow the best buy for your money.
It is important to remember that the 'perfect' saxophone does not exist and for this reason the above tips are only guidelines. An experienced saxophonist/repairer will be able to advise you further on any issues of which you are unsure.
If you are a beginner, or have little knowledge of the saxophone, do not be afraid to ask the seller to perform and explain the above steps allowing you an informed insight into your potential instrument.