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, video 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 hear the different saxes then visit
this page.
Q. What are the main benefits of the
Horn Revolution II sax over the Horn Classic ?
A. The Revolution II has a better tone and the
keying action is smoother making it more comfortable to play. If you get
on really well you are likely to upgrade at a later date but you will be
happier for longer with the Revolution II.
Q. Do I have to have regular lessons
?
A. No, although it does help to make contact with a local teacher.
DVD's, videos and book/CD sets allow you to proceed at your own pace at home.
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 rental 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. Why don't you supply a
DVD or video with
the tenor SAX-PACK ?
A. Because we can't find a good one. Although all saxes play the
same they're tuned differently. The good news is learn to play one
and you can play them all. The bad news is you can't play a tenor
along with backing recorded for an alto sax, such as the alto DVD.
Q. Can I use an alto mouthpiece on a
tenor sax ?
A. No, they are different sizes.
Q. You recommend I buy a music stand
but isn't one included in the sax-pack ?
A. NO! We include a sax-stand not a music
stand.
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?
Q. Can a sax be too cheap?
A.
YES!!!
If you're
about to buy your first sax then please read this article
Q. Gold? Silver?
Black? Does the finish make a difference?
A. Yes. Read this
comparison test.