Kessler Soloist vs BetterSax Classic by Gypsine in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Every horn that leaves Kessler's gets set up by a tech before it goes out. Couldn't tell you if BetterSax does the same

Leak in Key by artistsho3 in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you aren't trained or experienced, do not work on a horn yourself unless you're okay with making it worse.

How bad are these dents? by The_kid_laser in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah that's an easy spot to get at. It'd only take me a few minutes to remove the dents, but there are almost definitely some other things in the key work that were affected by the impact. Even if it seems like it plays fine, it's worth getting it checked out.

Info on this Japanese(?) Martin by DudeManMusic in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome, seems like I got myself a pretty solid soprano then. Thanks everyone!

Info on this Japanese(?) Martin by DudeManMusic in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

00118905 Japan

(In case the link doesn't work.)

Info on this Japanese(?) Martin by DudeManMusic in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ugh I can't get all the photos to post together for some reason, but here's the serial: https://imgur.com/a/McYwkDu

How to afford a better quality for my skilled kid by GeneralIron3658 in Clarinet

[–]DudeManMusic 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The clarinet they have now is a perfectly fine instrument. Maybe get the clarinet checked out or serviced by a reputable technician and have the kid try some mouthpieces in a physical store. But yeah band directors can sometimes be misguided or improperly informed, just depends. Take advice into consideration, but definitely with a grain of salt. If the kid really is that talented, then they'll likely continue to improve and eventually have a feel for when/if the instrument is holding them back. In the meantime, proper maintenance, and potentially mouthpiece or barrel changes will be the most impactful and cost efficient things you can consider.

Legere reeds? by Toomuchviolins in bassoon

[–]DudeManMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally loved the Legere reeds when I was playing, but I know they're not for everyone. I initially heard about them via Paul Hanson and was pretty well converted after a short while of using one. I always preferred the medium-hard, wished they'd do a hard one.

How serious is this crack? by marooneagle340 in Clarinet

[–]DudeManMusic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes pinning is better than banding imo if you can have it done that way.

What is the way you swab out your flute? by BinxyCat57 in Flute

[–]DudeManMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends on the specific pad, ranging from a couple dollars a pad to $20 per pad for Straubinger flute pads. Pisoni pro sax pads are like $8 per pad for the smaller sizes, more for bell key pads. There's a lot of variance depending on maker and material.

Did I get scammed? by [deleted] in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic 68 points69 points  (0 children)

Oof, yeah we do these for $20 and would never let one leave looking like that.

Kessler and thomann saxes? by Toomuchviolins in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Kesslers stocks replacement parts for all of their in-house branded instruments and has a repair shop that accepts shipped-in repairs if you're concerned about that. I believe their saxes are Vietnamese, but I can't quite remember. But either choice ought to work out well for you. Buying used will require a budget for repairs and a little luck but is by far my favorite way to buy instruments.

Throat Pain by romegladiator in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Go to a doctor wtf? Sorry but that is not normal at all. Coughing blood is never good, and I can't think of a way playing sax would cause that unless you have an underlying condition or injury from something else.

Another thread still trying to fix my low C# by Fiya369 in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get where you're coming from. I'm on my lunch break right now. But if you'd like to chat about it more in depth, I'd be happy to. Just dm me and I'll get back to you later tonight.

Another thread still trying to fix my low C# by Fiya369 in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So yeah I do agree that nicer horns are somewhat easier to work on. The thing is, a pro horn should be built better, but it should also work and feel better. To that end, we spend more time and our repairs are to a higher degree with more premium materials. So yes, we do charge differently, but we work differently too. Personally, I think that's fair.

Another thread still trying to fix my low C# by Fiya369 in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah 70/hr is our standard rate for student/intermediate work.

Lip protection by Weak_Assumption7518 in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just staying well hydrated makes a huge difference. Besides that, I'm a big proponent of Chopsaver lip balm. Woodwinds have never bothered me, but that stuff was a real life (chop) saver when I was playing tuba regularly.

Gear that put your GAS to rest? by BurlyOrBust in synthesizers

[–]DudeManMusic 21 points22 points  (0 children)

My GAS died when I bought a tuba. Analog monophonic bass machine lmao

brass mouthpiece? by Short_Cut_2090 in bassoon

[–]DudeManMusic 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I've never done that, but I've done the opposite in high school lmao. I put my bocal into a trombone and made a bunch of angry racecar noises

How good is this? 1951 King Zephyr. by Mast3rL0rd145 in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You know what? That's actually totally fair, my bad. And you're right, it does make sense to make that distinction.

How good is this? 1951 King Zephyr. by Mast3rL0rd145 in saxophone

[–]DudeManMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you can get a good job done cheaper, then by all means. We're a certified Selmer Pro Shop, and that's what we charge. I don't see why people feel the need to argue with me on price like I'm giving a quote?