 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: howard miner
Date: 2002-12-27 02:00
I would like to try the soprano sax along with the clarinet I am now playing. I used to play the alto sax years ago, so I don't expect any significant problems with a soprano. (I recently tried an alto and had some difficulty with the lack of lung power (70 years old).
What do other clarinet players think of the soprano? ie I kind of like the sound, and it seems easy to play.
Thanks, Howard
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Author: jez
Date: 2002-12-27 02:09
howard,
The only problem with doubling on soprano is that, due to the similarity in size of mouthpiece, it is easy to fall into the trap of playing it like a clarinet, thereby getting a small tight sound. Don't forget to treat it as a completely different instrument and stay very relaxed. Maybe use a softer reed/mp combination than you're used to.
Good luck
jez
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-12-27 04:04
Hi, Howard -
You wish to know what other clarinet players think of the soprano?
Personally, I love the soprano sax sound
As for playing one, Jez's comments are right on target.
Best wishes for a wonderful and musical New Year.
- ron b -
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Author: Wes
Date: 2002-12-27 07:31
The soprano needs high air pressure as does the clarinet and alto sax, although the soprano needs a little less air flow than the alto. The alto is generally more useful as it can be used in community bands and jazz bands with parts to read while the soprano is basically a solo instrument. If you have the funds available, the Selmer Series III soprano sax is a simply marvelous easy playing, in-tune instrument. The Runyon Custom mouthpiece, # 7 or 8 is fairly bright but is easy to play in tune and responds easily. 70 is not really very old. Good luck!
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-12-27 13:15
The only difficulty I face with the Soppie is in control of the lowest notes. They tend to 'bark' in comparison with the upper register. That, and finding the right resonance key for the notes above the staff.
Why not play it like a clarinet? That's as good a tone model as any
and it still comes out filtered by the instrument.
You will find extensive threads over at Sax on the Web.
http://forum.saxontheweb.net/
I figure any instrument that generates desire to play is a winner.
No where did I leave my Duduk?
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-12-27 17:58
I will gladly take up any instrument that gets you dancing for Lire in front of me, DP.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-12-28 00:07
I play a fair bit of soprano on small trio gigs outdoors. It gives you more fluency and volume across that part of the range which is weakest on the clarinet ie. the throat tones. One thing I don't like doing however is doubling clarinet and soprano on the same gig. I use an old SS61 pro Yamaha with a New York Meyer 5 or a Riffault C and LaVoz medium/ Java 3 reeds. I also have a 1924 Conn which has a quaint sound.
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