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 Frequently
Asked Questions (and answers !)
Q. How difficult is it to learn to
play the sax?
A. Its far easier than most people imagine and modern
teaching systems make the learning process fun from the
very start.
Q. Am I too old to start learning
now?
A. No! A self-motivated adult can make faster progress
than a reluctant child. There is only one essential
requirement - ENTHUSIASM!
Q. I know nothing about saxes.
Where do I start?
A. Well this website isn't a bad place! We promise to
explain every aspect in as much detail as you want,
without making you feel embarrassed. We will also give
all the advice necessary to ensure you make a successful
start, before and after sales.
Click here to follow the sax
trail
Q. Do I have to be able to read
music ?
A. No, modern teaching systems take you from the very
beginning. You are taught to play one note at a time
and shown what it looks like written down. This way you
gradually learn to read music without having music
theory lessons. If you still have difficulty reading
the notes then just listen and copy the teacher playing
on the DVD or CD.
Q. How can I practice quietly?
A. Simply stuff a duster or tea towel in the bell of the
sax. This mutes it right down and is good for
strengthening your diaphragm. Click here for
commercially produced
Sax mutes
Q. Which sax should I start
learning on?
A. The one that turns you on! Enthusiasm is essential
so choose the one that you will want to pick up and
practice. All saxes are basically the same to play but
the alto is most practical to start on for a child.
Adults can handle alto or tenor without difficulty. If
you want to see and hear the different saxes then
visit this page.
Q. Do I have to have regular
lessons?
A. No, although it does help to make contact with a
local teacher. DVD's and book/CD sets allow you to
proceed at your own pace at home.
Click here to see the introduction to our own tuition
DVD.
Q. How can I find a teacher in my
area?
A. Most leave their details with the local music shops
to pass on. Also, try our
online list of sax teachers.
Q. Why do you need all this
personal information on the sax hire form?
A. This is a two way street! We are sending out
expensive instruments and need a clear picture of our
customers in order to get insurance cover. All
information is treated as confidential and is not passed
on to any other party.
Q. Can I use an alto mouthpiece on a tenor sax?
A. No, they are different sizes.
Q. Does size really matter?
A. A tenor sax measures
approx. 83cm from top to bottom and weighs approx.
3.3kg. An alto sax measures approx. 66cm from top to
bottom and weighs approx. 2.6kg. An adult can learn as
easily on a tenor as a child can on an alto.
Q.
What does the mouthpiece size refer to?
A. The tip opening number (or
lay) refers to how big the gap is between the end of
the reed and the tip of the mouthpiece. Basically
this effects how much air it is possible to push
through the sax as well as how much the reed itself
moves when blown. Hence the bigger the lay the more
powerful projection a player can get from a horn and
the more potential for dynamics. Conversely, a wider
lay requires more physical effort to play and is
more tricky for a player to control. Also watch out
for the fact that different companies use different
numbering conventions to describe tip openings so
direct comparisons are not always straightforward.
It is usual to start with a small size No.4 and then
move up as you progress.
Q.
Can a sax be too cheap?
A. YES!!!
If you're about to buy your
first sax then please read this article
Q. How much will
postage and packing cost?
A.
Click here
for info on postage prices
Q. How much will it
cost to ship my order overseas?
A. Send us an
email with the
products you're interested in, your location (including
postcode/zip code) and we'll send you a quote as soon as
we can.
Q. Can I part
ex my old saxophone?
A. You will
achieve the best price selling your sax privately or
through our London Store, therefore we offer no part-ex
service.
If you'd like us
to sell your professional level/vintage saxophone, or
for further information, please phone 020 7836 7172 or
email:
london@sax.co.uk
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