[miller]

ok ive barely started playing and i was wondering a few things.
1. is conn a good brand?
2. what are some good cheap reeds for a newbie? (i plan on playing ska type stuff if that helps any)
3. is there anything that i should know that i havent asked about?

[robert4xst]

1) It used to back in the 20's-50's... now no.
2) Good cheap reeds? don't exist. If you really want something semi-descent, LaVoz works. Good reeds will cost you though.
3) If your going to be playing ska, your going to need a fairly cutting mouthpeice, otherwise you'd get lost in the mix. Your probobly going to need like a metal mpc, which will cost you.

A cheap sax, sounds like a cheap sax. The only good sax you'll find will probobly be vintage, and will require lots of work.

How long have you been playing? I got lots more depending on the answer to this question.

[miller]

ive just started. i barley started last week, and ive been playing guitar for several years, so i know scales and that sort of thing. i understand which pads to press my fingers down on for abcdefg, but nothing else, and i can use the octave key, and i learned that your reed needs to stay wet. that about it.
is that "reed wet" thing right? i dont trust the girl that told me.
and how does an armstrong sax compare to everything else?
oh and where can i find a cheap vintage sax?

[robert4xst]

Armstrong isnt bad. Do you own a sax already? If not I suggest going to http://www.saxophone.com and getting one there.

Also what sax do you plan on playing? Soprano, Alto, Tenor, or Bari?

The main thing to remember when switching from guitar, is that your key is going to be different. Soprano and Tenor are in the key of Bb, so when your playing a C scale it sounds like a Bb scale on Piano and on Guitar or any other insturment written in the key of C. Alto and Bari are in the key of Eb, so a C scale on Alto and Bari will sound like an Eb scale on C insturments.

Vintage Saxes, you can get one off ebay. I woulden't suggest one for a beginner though, becuase they have their own little quirks, and a lot of time require lots of work.

Yes your reed needs to be moist. It won't play well unless you do. I've been playing for about 8 years now. So you can trust what I say.

I'd also suggest looking into lessons. They will help a lot.

Now while Ska music isnt all too complicated, it will proboboly take some time.

[miller]

Do you own a sax already?

no not yet, ive just been playing on my friends.
she was in band but quit, and now her parents are selling her sax and they want $600. and im thinking about it, id get a case, new box of reeds, mouthpiece, some books, the sax. good or bad deal?

Also what sax do you plan on playing?

alto

[robert4xst]

Well you can get one from Saxophone.com for $750. That one will be probobly a lot better quality than the one your friend is selling.

[miller]

i think ill do that, it just sux cuz that means ill have to wait until i finish paying for this college semester, and hopefully ill have enough money.

thanx for all of your help, ill still be posting with questions, but thanx for your help so far.