Well it’s been a long, long time since my last post but guess what?? I’m still saxing regularly and I think it is actually getting easier – oh perhaps I’m getting better…
Reeds
I’ve just started using Vandoren #3 reeds although I’m still running-in the first two out of the box. One of them is still a bit too stiff to play for any length of time beyond 5 minutes without serious gob ache while the second reed was pretty much perfect the first time I tried it out – strange but true…
Sax
My horn is still lovely although 9 months in and small areas on the lacquer are starting to show marks that I can’t clean – occasionally I get sticky pads but my tried and trusted method of damp paper strip sprinkled judiciously with talc always gets things going again.
I reckon it will be due for a service very soon although I’m considering taking it to England when I go visiting the family in September – might be better off getting it sorted out there me thinks (although it will be more expensive I guess!)
Relax and Breathe
I am still trying to find my rhythm for breathing and I am slowly finding a way to play relaxed – this is key. If you can be relaxed and loose when you’re playing you will sound bright, funky and great – well – that’s my opinion anyways…
Future?
Right now I’m working on getting crisp low-notes, strengthening my embouchure and hitting the keys nice and cleanly with as little finger movement as possible – oh and breathing and timing and relaxing and and and – I think you get the picture!
Basically I want to get all these things right but in such a way as I don’t need to think about it – thankfully the only way to do THAT is to practise – a lot!
