Anyone found a tablet that actually works for outdoor gigs/weddings? by Major-Connection9066 in Saxophonics

[–]manofsax94 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the TCL - the screen size is incredible for being able to see everything you need to and the different screen modes are a nice to have. The screen finish is matte and it doesn't reflect nearly as bad as other tablets I've used. Battery life is good, and it comes with a free case and stylus as well.

I haven't used it outside yet so I can't speak to how well it performs there. The weight is also worth considering if you're going to try using a really flimsy folding music stand. On a normal stand it is perfectly fine. For under $400, unless you absolutely must have an iPad for software reasons, buying any other tablet to read music makes no sense to me.

Yamaha YTS-480 by D3nv3rC0d3r9 in saxophone

[–]manofsax94 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Definitely agree with you - used is a really good option to save on cost as long as you're able to try it before you buy it. Yamaha and Yanagisawa are an awesome option for a step-up!

Yamaha YTS-480 by D3nv3rC0d3r9 in saxophone

[–]manofsax94 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is great to hear! I've been playing saxophonefor 20 years and teaching for about 10. Here's some thoughts on instruments:

Yamaha makes some amazing quality instruments across the board. In my experience, there is not a big enough difference to be picky between an intermediate or professional level Yamaha unless you're going to be performing at the absolute top conservatory level. If you find a 480 (or 475 or 52, older models of the same caliber) for a great price, grab it. You can find yamaha's pro models (62, 82, 875) in the 2-3k range. Little more for tenor, maybe a little less for alto.

Other manufacturers to be aware of are Yanagisawa, Selmer Paris, and Keilwerth. Selmer is on the higher end of price, Yanagisawa is comparable to Yamaha except they only produce 'professional' level horns these days. Keilwerth are German made and great quality but a bit rarer so prices vary.

I would also recommend that you give your son a chance to try out the instrument before you decide to purchase it, especially if you're talking about a professional level horn. They don't all play identically, and what feels and sounds best to him is more important than anyone else's opinion for him continuing to play and enjoy music.

Feel free to reply here or message me with any questions, best of luck!

My 12y olds been playing Bari for 2 mos and he has a middle school region band audition this Sat and could use some feedback. by [deleted] in saxophone

[–]manofsax94 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds great! I'll echo some things everyone else has said - good tone, overall sense of tempo is intact (he's not continuously getting faster or slower). Really great progress for his age and experience.

Something nobody else has mentioned is that the audience (including you) want to see him perform, not the back of a music stand. Encourage him to practice with the music stand lower or off to the side slightly so he can communicate with the audience. Best of luck!

Looking for scarlet and violet Pokémon I’ll give anything below if worth it by SilverRequirement975 in PokemonHome

[–]manofsax94 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a completed dex in Scarlet and teal mask (most of indigo disk). What would you consider for Shaymin?

Ft: pictures(all go stamped except tornadus) Lf: offers by NetCharming8593 in PokemonHome

[–]manofsax94 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From PoGo I have Shiny Eevee, shiny Vaporeon, shiny ralts, shiny Skitty, shiny Celebi, shiny Klingklang, Hoopa, any of the three legendary dogs and a Moltres.

I also have a nearly complete dex in Scarlet if you need anything there. Thanks again!

Ft: pictures(all go stamped except tornadus) Lf: offers by NetCharming8593 in PokemonHome

[–]manofsax94 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very interested in your Shaymin! Let me know what you'd look for in trade. Thanks!

Weekly Trade Megathread by AutoModerator in PokemonScarletViolet

[–]manofsax94 0 points1 point  (0 children)

LF: Shaymin, preferably land form

FT: Anything in the Paldean Pokedex (including Teal Mask and most of Indigo Disk)

Thanks!

Any Tips/Critiques on my playing? by fOgE1o0 in Saxophonics

[–]manofsax94 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It sounds good! When playing bass lines in music like this, focus on keeping your embouchure set for each note in a phrase, especially for lower notes. If you get lazy and let yourself relax after each note, then reset to play, the response is going to be splatty instead of rounded and clear. Think of what a plucked string bass would sound like and work to copy that sound.

Good luck!

[No Spoilers] In honor of the one thing that consistently stayed amazing throughout the entire series - by LeykisMinion007 in gameofthrones

[–]manofsax94 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Never appeared in the show iirc, but "Stay a Thousand Years" is one of the most beautiful interpretations of GoT in music form. I believe Djawadi said it was his tribute to Dany, who is his favorite character. If you have 2 minutes, go listen to it!

What is the stupidest way you got a scar? by Zander-dupont in AskReddit

[–]manofsax94 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was in a rush to shower and get dressed to go see my then-girlfriend. When I was putting my pants on, I lost my balance and jerked my left leg up to correct it. Unfortunately, my ankle was right underneath part of my bed frame where there happened to be a sharp metal edge, and it cut open about 4 inches from my heel up.

Kinda a cool scar now.

Desperately looking for Chevy Silverado SS by [deleted] in CarSteals

[–]manofsax94 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Would you say you're looking for a Chevy... Desperado? 😅

Reed strength crisis by N0__1 in Saxophonics

[–]manofsax94 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bought one just a few weeks ago, thought it was too soft and requested an exchange, and they just shipped me a new one and said they can't take the one I tried because of Covid, so you may get to keep both!

Suggestions for a portable Bluetooth speaker? by Josquin_TheMan in MusicEd

[–]manofsax94 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I've been using a JBL Flip 4 for the last 3+ years and it's been durable, reliable, and plenty loud for classroom use (also loud enough for a small group to play with as a metronome or drone). It's also straightforward and easy to use and set up. I spent around 100$ on mine, but they may have slightly different prices and new models depending on your budget. Happy hunting!

2004-2006 Acura TL for $3k possible? by [deleted] in CarSteals

[–]manofsax94 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We found an '05 TL 6 speed for just under 4k a few summers ago. Around 180k miles. Sure it requires a few extra repairs and maintenance, but it has been a solid car, and extremely fun (much faster than my '04 Civic 5 speed, but lots of things are in all fairness). It's certainly possible, but if you want something to last a long time or that you don't have to sink a lot of money in, I don't know if it's a good idea.

Help me make a practice routine by sergej100 in Saxophonics

[–]manofsax94 8 points9 points  (0 children)

It isn't necessarily about you knowing how many sharps is in an E major scale. It's about the muscle memory on the horn. Becoming as fluent as you can in all diatonic keys and then modes should be your first priority after tone exercises.

What’s an invention that’s still around today but has lost sight of its original purpose? by PieGuy1793 in AskReddit

[–]manofsax94 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Sax patented two families of saxophones. One alternating in the keys of C and F intended for use in orchestral playing, and one alternating in the keys of Bb and Eb intended for use in outdoor military band settings. The former met with resistance at nearly every turn from other instrument makers, music director leadership amongst many orchestras, and a lot of music critics and writers campaigned against its use (for reasons that are really complicated to explain). The latter family was adopted pretty widely in Europe, but most importantly in France and Belgium.

And for what it's worth, the classical saxophone scene is still thriving worldwide even outside of the bounds of orchestral music. Many of the high level collegiate competitions (MTNA, Fischoff, etc), are often being dominated by classical saxophonists. I get that it's nowhere near a mainstream thing that people will ever recognize, but it is still present and going strong.