Ask the sax guru Steve Goodson your questions to share with others.
|
Question: How do I know the model of my Martin tenor saxophone? I have asked four "knowledgeable" persons and two said its a "The Martin" "Tenor", and two said there is no model name on it. The serial number is 160803 and same on the neck. All I can find on the bell is "The Martin" then under "Tenor" then under "ELKHART, IND. U.S.A.
Answer: If it says "The Martin" then that is the model....
|
|
Question: Steve -
I'm looking at trying out one of your thumbrests on 1-2 of my horns. Is the black model made out of metal and powdercoated black, or is it nylon? (Obviously, the gold plated one is metal).. If the black model is nylon, does it have any flex in it (Sometimes a good thing).
Thank you,
Mike
Answer: it's nylon, with almost no flex...the metal one is gold plated brass
|
|
Question: Dear Magic Wild Man,
What's your opinion of Martin Imperial Baris? Not the recent offerings, but those run between '33 and '36. Right now I have a clean example that is my daily driver. But, since I have gotten used to it I am wondering if I should recommission my pre-Super 20 Zephyr (that would take both time and money that are currently being directed to other projects). Maybe this is a case of better the devil you know than the one you don't. Lastly, what is your opinion of older Martin Baris? Thanks and Stay Safe, f
Answer: The Imperials were a student line, and have questionable intonation and ergonomics. Save your money and get a modern horn.
|
|
Question: Hi Steve,
I am a band instrument repairman up here and use your products. Many tenor players really like your tenor neck for MARK VI. I have a student who has a Keilwerth Alto SX 90R serial #99622. He is # 1 student in the state and will be going to Interlochen this summer. He likes my alto Yamaha YAS 62 purple with a Peter Ponzel neck. I purchased the neck 10 years ago. He likes my horn over his Keilwerth. I think a lot of your expertise on equipment. I have spoken to him on your quality of necks you have sold all over the world. Do you have one in mind that I could pass on to him and how much.
Much appreciated!
Hal Nonneman
hwn@alaska.net
Answer: get our solid copper neck with nodal weights......it is WONDERFUL on Yamaha 62's!
|
|
Question: Hi Steve,
I just watched the Youtube video of your mouthpiece clinic with Music Medic. You touched on the issue of mouthpiece materials and some apparent differences that aren't really accessible from a theoretical standpoint. Could the greater mass of a metal piece play into the neck mass distribution issue you've been exploring?
Answer: yes....we substantially increase the mass at the shank on our Saxgourmet Handmade series of mouthpieces, with great result. The Handmade is the heaviest tenor mouthpiece on the market today.
|
|
Question: Do you have a stand design for the EWI 4000s ?
Answer: yes we do....it's $119 plus shipping
|
|
Question: Steve, I have used your pips on my MK VI tenor and was very happy with the change! Now for my question. I have a series II Bari in for it's annual playing condition check up. He is a student of Dale Underwood. It has Roo pads with domed seamless resonators on it. The only problems the client noted was the A above the staff goes sharp and is stuffy when played at soft volume and the hi F#, with full fingerings, goes sharp, is stuffy and has a "bad" response. I was going to try Curt's sandpaper fix and was wondering if your pips would help this problem.
Thanks for everything you do!!
Rod
Answer: That is very typical of that model, I'm sorry to say, and not easily corrected.....give me a call at 504 324 3850 and let's discuss some options....I need to ask numerous questions before I prescribe a remedy!
|
|
Question: Hello Steve by any chance do you know when will the voodoo master altos be restocked?
Answer: later this year.....I think they still have some at www.neosax.com
|
|
Question: Currently we are visiting New Orleans for JazzFest....do you have back pack type saxophone bags ?
If so where is your store as we leave on Monday....thanks
Answer: unfortuately, I don't sell that sort of thing
|
|
Question: Hello Steve,
I am new to your site as I was looking for a Tenor Sax Mute for my dad who is 89 years old and now wanting to learn to play the Tenor Sax.
I did a search on Sax Mutes and that is how I found you. I watched your video demonstrating the mute you created. Looks like I am going to need to purchase one as I can't seem to find anything better.
Steve, since I purchase nearly everything online, I just have to ask you this question... If for some reason my dad does not like it, can I simply return it?
I don't that would ever be necessary but it is nice to know for the piece of mind that comes along with knowing there is a satisfaction guarantee.
Steve, one other question please...
Do you know of anyone who sells a Complete DVD Tenor Sax Package for learning to play the tenor sax for beginners.
I am personally learning to play the drums myself and found a wonderful training program with 21 DVD's which was all put together by a world class drummer and it is absolutely perfect and very high class. The name of the program is The Drumming System 2.0 purchased online but you actually receive all the DVD's and another bunch of CD's in the mail.
I am only sharing this info. with you because it is the kind of quality learning program I am searching for so my dad can have it at his fingertips.
I just thought you might know someone who has done this for the tenor saxaphone.
Anyway, thank you so much for your time. By the way, I am currently 59 years old myself and just now learning the drums. Heck, I am only 45 years late but I will give it my best shot.
Also, dad bought a beautiful 1990's Yamaha YTS-62 Tenor Sax Recently and it is beautiful, not a scratch on it. Has the real mother of pearl finger pads. Also had a second neck (silver. Anyway, it is so pretty that I am nearly afraid to touch it :)
Hope to hear from you,
Daniel Hansen
Answer: I don't know of any saxophone instructional DVD's that I recommend...most of the ones I have seen have been very poor.....you can see our return policy in our terms of service at the top of this page. Please feel free to call me with any questions you may have concerning this or any other matter.
|
|
Question: i have a 1950 "The Marten" tenor saxophone, do you have a neck that will work for this sax?
Answer: Unfortunately, we don't currently manufacture a neck that works on Martins.
|
|
Question: Dear Steve,
I just got a hold of a King Voll-True II alto saxophone in great condition and plays great! I was wondering if you have a neck that would fit it and also I would like the key work adjusted. How would I go about getting this done through you, and could you possibly strip the lacquer off of the horn itself? There are more modifications I would like as well. I'm sure you're familiar with the old 1930's Low Bb key how it goes straight ahead instead of down like newer ones. Is there a way this can be fixed by putting an extra piece on to the Bb? Thanks for taking the time to read and respond I look forward to your answer!
Answer: give me a call at 504 324 3850 so we can discuss how to make all of this happen for you
|
|
Question: Hello Mr. Goodson, I am a student at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. I am in the 1st Jazz Band here and my current tenor sax set up, is an Allora Paris Pro, and a Theo Wanne mouthpiece. My question is, I am have a few tuning issues with the higher range of my saxophone from C all the way up to F#. I've pushed my mouthpiece all around and changed reeds and even ligature set up to try and fix it but it stills seems to pop out about 5 to 10 cents sharp. Aside from that my low D to Low Bb dont speak as well as my Jupiter XO do. I was wondering if some sort of custom neck or work done to my body or a combination of the 2 could possibly help me out in this situation? There are a few modifications I would like for my sax, I do want a new neck to help with tone a bit and possibly tuning if possible. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond!
Jon
Answer: Jon:
I don't have any personal experience with your horn model.....Allora was made by B&S at one time, but that stopped years ago.....do this and get back to me: check all the notes in the lower octave (Bb1 - C#2) and notate how much they vary from where they should be....next, match the octaves (Bb1 vs. Bb2 vs Bb3, for example) and let me know the results....get back to me when you have all of this information, and we'll figure out what to do to solve your problem
|
|
Question: Hi Steve, I just bought a Yamaha 61 #0337. I was curious what year it was made. Haven't seen any history/dates on the 61's. I am a returning adult student. One day I'll purchase a new neck for it. Right now I play either a Yamaha 6C with fabric lig, or an Otto Link NY 7* with Rovner fabric lig and Vandoren Java 3 reeds. Anyway thanks for the info, and love the website. Wishlist: neck/thumbrest/mute/key clamps/maybe blues blaster mouthpiece. I am a firefighter/paramedic in Tallahassee, Fl and paint houses on the side/play sax in a little acoustic band. They said I need to get a mute..lol Thanks, Rob
Answer: I don't have any reliable serial number information for Yamaha....I played a YTS-61 myself for a while...they are great horns....let me know how I can help you in any way
|
|
Question: Is there still a way to get one of your amazing bari saxes in the black nickel color?
Answer: unfortunately, no......we discontinued that model 8 years ago
|
|
Question: My alto saxophone won't play high notes for periods of time but everyone in a while it'll play. Do you have any idea of what might be wrong? Will I need to bring it to the repair shop?
Thanks,
Avalon
Answer: yes, you need to have a qualified technician have a look to diagnose the problem
|
|
Question: hi Steve
i have a rustic old connqueror tenor that needs a neck...pref with the underbar .needs no laquer as i would have to age it a bit or delaq it if so.
any thoughts?
i think the collar has been soldered to accomodate a 10m?neck not a 30m.
can you come up with something if i measure it.
im using an old brass Larson long table/straight bill and to tune it the piece must only go on a centimeter max so not ideal.
thanks lots
Marcus
Answer: yes...we make a version of our Evolution neck for 30M's
|
|
Question:
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and also the rest of the site is really good.
Answer: Thanks for your kind remarks
|
|
Question: Have you seen the new curved Oleg Bari neck, and if so what is your opinion? Is it so much snake oil?
Answer: I have not seen or played one, so I have no opinion. I know Oleg well, and he is a plenty smart guy who comes up with very high quality products.
|
|
Question: Hi Steve, I thought it would be good to talk about possible side effects of doing handwork on a hard rubber mouthpiece. I thinned out the tip of my hard rubber Selmer Soloist for tenor because it was ridiculously thick, as well as adjusted a few other points. I did come out with positive results which I am pleased with. It was my first time doing this on a hard rubber piece and even after washing all the rubber dust away, I did experience extreme irritation when play testing; my eyes started to water and my nose started running like crazy. I just thought that it would be good for other first timers to be aware of this possible temporary irritation. Maybe you have something to add?
Answer: I've never had an experience like that, and if you used no chemicals and rinsed the mouth[piece completely I would think that it has to be something besides the mouthpiece.....of course, I'm not a doctor, so maybe you should ask an allergist......
|
|
Question: Hi steve, I was wondering when your bari's will be available? The page say's on backorder
Answer: in Late 2013....we will be introducing a new model at that time which will be a radical improvement on any bari available, anywhere
|
|
Question: Where is the best place to buy some synthetic pad glue? Is using synthetic glue a good idea for pads? I know shellac tends to dry and crack in cold weather.
What's your take on this?
Answer: I use nothing but shellac, and don't understand people who don't.....if you are allowing your horn to get cold enough to crack the shellac, you will have lots of other problems as well......always store your horn at room temperature, or about 70 degrees Fahrenheit or so.....not a lot warmer, not a lot colder
|
|
Question: Hey Steve, don't you agree ebay is disastrous for Vintage Sax prices?
Almost all vintage saxes listed in your price guide are more higher than on ebay.
Am I missing something?
Answer: the market is collapsing.....the bubble has burst.....of course, you should carefully read the preface to my value guide and adjust the prices given accordingly......this is something that a great many people fail to do.....I think that if you will make the adjustments that I specify, you'll find I'm pretty much on top of the current market.....let me know if you have any questions about a specific horn
|
|
Question: Hi Steve! I recently came into posession of a Cleveland tenor sax... It seems a bit "hefty" to me. It is silver colored. Do you have a snippet of thoughts on those?
It needs a new neck cork and probably a good deal of adjustment. Is it worth much at all?
I'm just an amateur clarinet and sax player, but sure do love these instruments!
Thank you for your website! It is a great encouragement to me!
Answer: It has no real value a nd is probably not worth the cost of repair....those were bottom of the line student grade instruments when new, and have not improved with age
|
|
Question: Steve, my son is looking at a Orpheo tenor sax San Goodson edition with the unique swirl finish. This is the High G model, it is being offered for 799.99 in a local ad. The only thing wrong is that it leaks air through the lower stacks. My son is 17 and is looking for his first tenor sax. Does this sound like a good deal even with the defect and is the fix expensive? Thanks for the help.
Answer: the repair is most likely simple and inexpensive,although since I have not seen the horn myself I cannot know the cause or the cost of repair. if only a simple repair is needed, that's a good price if the horn is in good condition.
|
|
Question: Hi Steve, my friend has a Yamaha YTS-61 (tenor), purple logo, serial #0283, most of the lacquer appears to be gone, and he wants to know what it's worth. There are no dents or major issues...if any issues at all. Plays and sounds great. Action is smooth and consistent. Altissimo speaks great. In your opinion, what do you think the ballpark range would be on the value of this horn? I know you request a lot more details for this kind of analysis, but with this description if you could please provide at least a range in price that would be great. Thank you!
Answer: if it is mechanically sound and tight and the only cosmetic issue is the lacquer, I would think that $800 is about right.
|
|
Question: Steve, How do you go about cleaning older saxophones with the silver scratch brushed finishes?
Thanks for all you do in the saxophone world !!!
Answer: I use Flitz pollish on a soft toothbrush.....use a small amount, let it dry completely, then wipe off with a soft cloth
|
|
Question: Do you carry the Saxrax stand that they make for the Akai EWI? Or do you know where to get one in the USA.
Thanks
Dave
Answer: we don't stock it due to low demand, but YES, we can get one for you!
|
|
Question: Apologies, I meant what do you do for $1500 in an overhaul?
Answer: everything the horn needs except cosmetics.....all the renewables are replaced... all the mechaism is swedged as needed...minor dent work...this is the base price.....we give an individual bid on each job.....
|
|
Question: Steve,
Do you repair mouthpieces?I have a
Brilhart Tonalin 3* that is at least 30yrs old, it has been loaned to me with the option of buying it real cheap. I do need to play it for a while to see if I like it . It is playable however the bite plate needs to be replaced and there is a small chip in the tip. Can you give me a ballpark estimate? Thanks...Willy
Answer: yes, we do lots of mouthpiece repairs.....we charge $100/hour......that sounds like a 2 or 3 hour job
|
|
Question: Hi Steve, I'm interested in the mute. Do you have a UK distributor ? If not do you ship to UK (mark as gift). ? Many thanks, Simon.
Answer: we ship worldwide! we have many customers in the UK.....we only sell off our website and not through dealers...
|
|
Question: Steve, I have a few questions...Do you make Replacement Necks for 50's Martins, alto and tenor. Also I really love these horns, do any of your own horns have the same feel and timber? I really love my vintage horns, but I have been seriously thinking about going with a more modern horn, and you of course came highly recommended.
Any suggestions would be great, Ray
P.S. I bought your neck enhancers, Love em!
Answer: We don't make necks for Martins because the demand doesn't justify the initial tooling costs....if you like the rich sound but want modern features, try our Voodoo Rex solid copper alto with rolled tone holes
|
|
Question: Hi Steve,
I play on a empire king student alto, with Meyer 5, Rico royal #3 reed. And at the moment I don't have enough money to upgrade my horn. But what do u suggest I do to improve my sound on this student horn. Thanks!
Answer: add our neck enhancer....it's a very inexpensive way to even out the timbre, decrease blowing resistance, and improve intonation
|
|
Question: hi steve i was just talking to you. my cell phone ran out of battery and we got cut off. sorry. thanks for your advice. very infomative and friendly. i will be calling back again. rocco
Answer: call me any time....glad to help you
|
|
Question: I will be purchasing a new bari in the next couple of months. I have not yet been impressed with most new Asian horns. Granted, I have been a Keilwerth and Yanigasawa player for 25 years. I am very impressed with the description of the numerous research ideas behind your new bari. Cosmetics mean almost nothing. Please describe the tonal quality of your bari. I use a metal Otto Link 6. I am seriously considering purchasing your horn. Thanks Steve.
Answer: we are currently "between" bari models and hope to have our Super 400 model bari ready by the end of 2013.
|
|
Question: Hi Steve, I'm getting back to you on my setup so we can figure out how to get a more full upper register. Selmer Series III tenor, standard Series III neck, metal Otto Link STM NY 6*, Vandoren Java #2 or ZZ #2 reeds. The only thing I can think of is trying to increase the reed strength while also trying a mouthpiece with a smaller tip opening. Hope this info helps! Thanks!
Answer: replace your neck with our Evolution model and you will find that it will make a gig difference in evening out your tone.
|
|
Question: I recently acquired an alto sax mouthpiece with a fairly long
mouthpiece window (41mm) and I'm
having a hard time finding reeds
with sufficiently long vamps to
make the mpc perform well.
Any suggestions ?
Answer: Yes! You'll need to lengthen them yourself, which is not at all hard to do. You will also be able to vary the slope, and through experimentation, find a slope angle which works best for you.
|
|
Question: Hi Steve, I have a question about my tenor tone. My upper register tone (from about high G and up) is not as full as I would like it to be. It's kinda thin and weak. My middle and low is great though. It's most likely ME that's causing this and I just wanted to know if you had any pointers for achieving that nice full, piercing upper register tone through technique. The horn setup is fine...no leaks, cracks, warps, or old reeds. Thanks!
Answer: there are many different things which might cause this, and I need to know more in order to help you....what horn, neck, and mouthpiece are you using?
|
|
Question: I have a King Marigaux Alto I've played for about 41 years. I would like to try a new neck on it. The problem is the tenon is a bit smaller in diameter than the Yamaha or Selmer horns. Do you have a possible solution?
Answer: isn't the tenon 24.4mm?
|
|
Question: Hi Steve,
I've been looking for an easy blowing alto sax mouthpiece (forever it seems) having tried many and always being disappointed. I have a '73 built Selmer Mark VI and love the horn but my overall tone is "very mellow". Consquently, I want a very bright piece that will hopefully compensate for my mellow tone. I always enjoy watching your videos and have decided the Voodoo Child piece is one I really want to try. Do you think this would be a good choice fo me?
By the way, I had purchased one of your alto neck enhancers in the past but it didn't seem to make any difference with the Selmer C* piece that I use. My tone was still too mellow to suit me. My horn is in primo playing condition but I don't want to sound like Paul Desmond, if you get my drift! lol
The thing I like about your Voodoo Child piece is the narrow tip opening and the "big window" as you called it. I really prefer big pieces...not the typically narrow rail pieces used so much in jazz. Even though I've been playing the sax for 50 years (I'm now 63), I've never been able to handle wide tip openings and "harder" reeds (3's and up). I nearly always play 2's with an occasional 2 and a half. I also play soprano (Selmer Mark VI, also built in '73) and tenor (a Yamaha YTS62 professional horn).
I would very much appreciate your advice as to what might best work for me as I try to "brighten up my alto's sound"!
Darrell Dady
505-918-5952
Answer: I think the Voodoo Child is the one that you're looking for. It's very bright and free blowing.
|
|
Question: What do you know about the quality (strong and weak points) of Weltklang Baritone saxes?
Answer: I've never seen one.....so I have no opinion
|
|
Question: Steve,
Do you have or suggest a ligature that will fit an Otto Link metal tenor mouthpiuece?
Answer: The ligatures for selmer metal mouthpieces are popular....When I was using a Florida Link I used a Rovner Eddie Daniels model....
|
|
Question: Hi Steve, I have a 1960 Selmer Mark VI Alto Sax s/n 888658 and need a replacement neck. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you for any advice you can provide.
Answer: Yes.....get our Saxgourmet neck.....we have sold a great many to Mk VI owners....they've all been delighted
|
|
Question: Hello,
I love your ligature on tenor sax. Do you make one that could fit a bass clarinet?
Answer: possibly....it would, of course, depend on the diameter of the mouthpiece. Measure your mouthpiece and let me know.
|
|
Question: Played sax as a kid and young adult. Got back into it as adult with a YTS-62, which was stolen a few years ago. Looking to get back into it again, with a used YTS-23 this time (hey, I got two kids to feed now!!). But, I HATE the stock Yamaha mouthpieces. Looking for something more interesting, in brass, that will fit my small mouth. I love blues/jazz/rock sound. Whatever you think is best. I'm no pro, just looking to have fun, maybe play some open mike, community band stuff. Thanks- long time fan of your site.
Answer: see our Fat Boy metal alto mouthpiece....it sounds like just what you're looking for....let me know your questions!
|
|
Question: Steve, I just installed a set of your Power Pips in my personal MK VI Tenor.
What a great improvement !!! voicings are clear and the altisimo sings !! You ARE the Man !!!
Thanks
Rod
Answer: Thanks, Rod....many customers like those pips!
|
|
Question: Hi Steve... it's been a while since I visited your Saxgourmet site..I remember it used to play about 4 or 5 cool tunes when opening the home page... but to my disappointment this does not appear to do this any more...or do I have to activate something to got it to work ? Cheers for now..
Answer: sorry, but the music has been discontinued
|
|
Question: for a consert band student what reed would last long and sound good
Answer: Our Hurri-Cane reed.......they are the most durable on the market
|
|
Question: My dad asked me to find out what his old Conn baritone horn might be worth these days - the SN is 364767, which according to my research was manufactured in 1946. Could you verify this for me, and give me an approximate value of the horn? Thanks, Steve! - Susan
Answer: see our value guide at www.saxgourmet.com. be sure to read the preface and make the necessary adjustments by the full retail cost
|
|
Question: Hi Steve, I've got a metal Otto Link and a hard rubber Selmer Soloist, both for tenor. The bore on the Soloist is far smaller than that of the Link. This is a pain to deal with when it comes to the neck cork because the cork becomes so compressed with the Soloist that eventually the larger bore Link is too loose on the neck. Using paper as a filler for the Link is a bit impractical in the long run. Is it possible for a sax tech to increase the bore of a hard rubber mouthpiece, and if so, are there any significant side effects? (other than the fact more air will be required to fill the mouthpiece) Thank you! p.s. I am quite sure that there is enough material on the Soloist to expand the bore....that is if this procedure is possible to begin with
Answer: paint the inside of the larger shank with epoxy and sand smooth.....just the shank
|
|
