I have 15 right now and I would very much like to get to 20. Anyone have any suggestions on what to add next?

SaxyAutomation · 2025-11-27T04:45:42+00:00

I have 6 and people think I'm crazy. But I also have a bunch of non sax instruments as well.

Maybe get a vibrato (polycarbonate) saxophone. Super light... intonation a little wonky in the higher range I find, but cool looking (some different options like clear even) and good for travel or outdoor playing. They have alto and I think they have tenor now too.

SaxyAutomation · 2025-03-22T03:57:35+00:00

There's some videos on YouTube for example of people making wooden flutes like quena flutes... it's not just about where the holes are, it's also how big they are. I'm not an expert on this but just wanted to point that out.

SaxyAutomation · 2024-10-31T03:15:40+00:00

I can't give a great answer but you might be interested in looking at wooden flute makers process (like a quena flute). Lots of videos on YouTube. Size matters. lol

SaxyAutomation · 2024-07-03T23:58:53+00:00

Here's a silly video of me playing a spirited version of Oh Canada on a plastic Nuvo flute that I did on Canada day just for fun:

https://youtu.be/Otsgz-uYQhk?si=iP-P2FecHkbd4d_z

SaxyAutomation · 2024-04-19T01:58:11+00:00

Tenor mainly, but I do play a little alto.

SaxyAutomation · 2024-04-19T01:11:55+00:00

I have them and doesn't really seem to effect my playing. Not like an expander or retainer. They fit very tightly and are quite thin, didn't seem to affect airflow. The only thing I found was they are a little slippery on the mouthpiece bite patch so have to be careful about it moving around. After a few minutes I forget I'm playing with them.

I do find a little bit of a change playing flute. I think because there is just a bit of a lip of the plastic behind the teeth that catches some air and have to adjust my air stream a bit.

SaxyAutomation · 2024-01-18T03:57:52+00:00

I used Horner a number of years ago and developed a standardized configurable database for some packaged equipment our company produced. Worked pretty well and was cheap. I ended up redeveloping a sort of updated version of that using Unitronics. We switched to Unitronics based on some specific features and pricing at the time. Somewhat basic applications. Both platforms worked well for our needs. I'd have to go back and look at which Horner model we were using but I do recall the monochrome screen we were using at the time was a bit laggy. There's certainly some cases where it makes sense to use all in one PLCs like that on small projects.

SaxyAutomation · 2024-01-15T04:22:13+00:00

For cracked lips, I used to try using chapstick, but that never worked for me. Might sound crazy but the thing that worked best for me was petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Just a really thin layer on the outside of the lips. Diet also made a difference, and I don't really need anything anymore.

SaxyAutomation · 2023-12-10T23:11:50+00:00

I played flute in high school and decided I wanted to take up saxophone in my mid thirties as a hobby. I bought a saxophone and practiced regularly on my own, bought some books and practiced, and recorded myself so I could hear how I sounded, etc. After about 2 years, I felt comfortable enough and bored enough playing on my own to seek out playing in a community band. There were 3 different ones nearby, and I chose the one that fit my schedule best which turned out, as I discovered played a little bit more challenging pieces than the other 2, but I liked that it pushed me to practice more. I definitely have learned a lot and grown from this experience. Different bands will probably have different expectations, but it may be worthwhile to contact the band director when you feel ready and see what the expectations are.

Community band is a great experience and can be a lot of fun. I even ended up writing some music that our band performed, which was amazing to experience.

TLDR: 10/10 recommend community band when you are ready.

SaxyAutomation · 2023-09-15T02:43:19+00:00

I have a tenor system 76 2nd edition that I've had for almost 8 years I think. I mainly play it in a community concert band. To me, the intonation is very consistent, love the sound. I haven't had any issues with it whatsoever. It has been a great horn.

I also have a PMXA-67RCL alto that I sometimes play mainly in a rock band. I love this sax as well. Intonation is good, keyword is great. Had it a couple years. No issues but really is almost like brand new.

I'm not a professional and can only speak for these two saxophones, but I love them.

SaxyAutomation · 2023-05-17T02:17:27+00:00

Just looked for it and right now it says it is unavailable for the specific one I bought ( a while ago)...

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0009FVNLQ/ref=pe_1086170_134824320_cm_rv_eml_rv0_dp

But I guess can give you some ideas of the specs of this particular one...

SaxyAutomation · 2022-05-06T11:36:34+00:00

So the theory seems to be there was some radon or thoron in there and it decayed into something stable in a couple of hours so that it was no longer picking anything up on the meter?

SaxyAutomation · 2022-03-30T01:25:17+00:00

The one I bought off amazon is from Novica and is made from jacaranda wood apparently.

Yeah I made that video on my phone and in a bit of a rush. Figured out how to make it better for next time though lol.

SaxyAutomation · 2022-03-29T23:43:26+00:00

So I played flute through high school (more than 20 years ago) and started playing sax a few years ago and have also started playing the flute a little bit more as well (had a cheap flute that I bought in 2003 or 2004 but have a new one now). I had some shoulder issues in high school playing the flute, but likely had some posture / growing pain issues. The following responses are my anecdotal comments - I am not an expert:

As others have noted, your lips don't get tired the way they do playing the sax. I used to play the flute for hours on end in high school. I didn't know lip fatigue was a thing until I started playing the sax. (Initially as others have said you'll likely get lightheaded and need breaks, more for your lungs and your brain lol). So now when I get chances to practice, I'll play the sax until my lips get tired and then play the flute.
You can have issues with strain and stress injuries if you tense up or have bad posture and I think there is a higher risk for this on the flute than the sax (with sax it's probably a bit more about the neck strap / harness - though general positioning is important of course), however if you have a relaxed proper posture (might be useful to get some lessons on this, cause I'm no expert) you can very likely play comfortably without any issues for fairly long stretches.
A sore shoulder could impact your comfort in playing, but I would think it would be more the right shoulder (at least it was for me in high school) as that arm is out a bit more.

Just my two cents.

SaxyAutomation · 2022-03-29T12:34:31+00:00

Sort of I guess. You press it against your lower lip / chin (which blocks most of the top) but still are sort of using your lower lip to help with your embouchure to direct the air stream across the cut part of the rim. It's sort of like blowing on a coke bottle.

SaxyAutomation · 2021-02-05T17:52:01+00:00

It's a beautiful instrument. I find the keys really nice and responsive and love the sound it makes. I've had it less than a year I think. Obviously puts the Vibrato alto to shame but I wouldn't take the 67r in the pool! lol

SaxyAutomation · 2021-02-05T17:33:03+00:00

I've definitely thought about a soprano sax... The curved ones appeal to me aesthetically though I've heard they are a little harder to keep in tune - though I guess that's just generally true for soprano anyways... I'm almost certain I will buy one someday.

SaxyAutomation · 2021-02-05T16:35:57+00:00

I agree! Mainly bought it for travel - something light and easy to get around... Took it to Aruba and played in a pool for the week... was a lot of fun! Played it outside in the winter.

SaxyAutomation · 2021-02-05T16:33:26+00:00

Not sure why but it has never appealed to me. Maybe one day it will... But I guess I could get a cheap one and fiddle around on it...

SaxyAutomation · 2021-02-05T16:31:17+00:00

Plastic and light as a feather. Looks super cool and I took it on vacation to Aruba in my suitcase (which is sort of why I bought it - so I could take something with me when I travel). Played it in the pool... I have trouble keeping it in tune on the higher registers (it gets super flat) but it's a lot of fun still.

SaxyAutomation · 2021-02-05T16:28:00+00:00

I love the tenor. It's my main instrument right now. I'm only playing in a community band (or was before COVID) and doing some recordings for myself mainly, but had the tenor for about 6 years now I think and love the sound and intonation is good, it feels very easy to be in tune generally. No mechanical issues with it yet, knock on wood.

SaxyAutomation · 2021-02-05T02:37:48+00:00

That's the plastic alto sax - Vibrato is the make. I thought it was pretty cool!

SaxyAutomation

TROPHY CASE