After playing alto for 5 years, I finally tried out soprano, and its safe to say... I wasn't the greatest. It's definitely quite a different approach. After trying for about an hour, I did finally find my sound though. Don't get disencouraged by this video, practice makes perfect!
Thank you. I've played soprano for a long time as well as clarinet and alto. It's the instrument I feel most comfortable on. I agree with all your comments, but I do like to play bright and harsh sounding at times
Got my first soprano saxophone yesterday…it made me feel like my whole life was a lie…lol. I’ve always played alto…I can barely tune this new horn. So glad I found this video. I feel so much better 😅
I play clarinet. I've always been interested in trying soprano sax just simply coz it looks like a cool-looking clarinet to me lol. Even though they're not from the same family.
@@iceyplayz3388 you're right. I meant specifically though it's not a part of the clarinet family. There are a line of instruments (bass clarinet, soprano clarinet, ect) within that specific family.
I began playing a curved vintage soprano sax at seven years of age. I majored in clarinet in college. In the late 90’s, I bought a Yamaha straight soprano sax to play in a saxophone quartet. It was a good fit for me and it may be for you as well. It’s still my go to instrument.
I played oboe for 9 years before switching to sax midway through. Bought a soprano 2 years ago, it was like second nature to me! Just bought a Selmer Series II today, can't wait for the upgrade to arrive.
Great tips man. I've played Alto forever- 40+years, got a Sop last year, your right, totally different instrument. What lured me in was Sidney Bechet recordings, that dixie/ jazz/blues sound. I've also found that the right mouthpiece has helped tremendously. My advice to new soprano players is to get a easy blowing mpc to start,like a Rico metal lite or similar. ✌️🤟🎷
Thanks for this video. Good tips about intonation. I have been playing alto for years, but recently bought a soprano sax. I opted for the curved model. Although it doesn't look as cool as the straight soprano, the posture problem is solved, it is easier to carry (especially on a plane) and you can hear yourself better.
Hi! New to the sax world here. What is the difference between the curved and straight models, is it just about "looking cool" ???? What about the sound?
@@r.rajabally1865 The sound is pretty much the same. The mouthpiece and reed (as well as the brand and quality of the sax) will make more of a difference than the shape. But when playing the curved soprano the player hears his sound much clearer. The straight soprano projects forward a little more.
"So you're not squeezing at all; you're just holding it in place and you need to get used to this new shape." This was SO SO useful! When I started soprano I just defaulted to biting and squeezing the mouthpiece and reed and I was throttling every single note. Thanks so much for this advice!!
Thank you for this - very useful and clearly presented. I play mostly alto, but I am also working on soprano technique as well and they are very different instruments for sure.
I wanna try all saxes at some point, played alto for beginning band but mained tenor and really feel at home on bari Would love to try bass but it’s sooo expensive so I’d be down to try soprano potentially Alto isn’t really my thing, just not a fan of that range but soprano always sounds so cool :)
I played flute for almost 3 years now and i’m searching some new wind instruments that are “close” to it, the soprano sax is my favorite by now, i will surly give it a try !
I play on a vintage curved soprano saxophone. It’s very good and I’m able to play it in tune. It’s better than the straight one. Sometimes I can play the altissimo.
i played tenor in middle school, since then ive picked up piano and guitar but wanna get back into sax and i love the sweet sound of the soprano, i understand it might not be the best pick for basically a complete beginner as i havent played sax in over 6 years but id rather buy a soprano than buy a tenor or an alto and then down the line buy a soprano. im starting to take music more seriously i truly believe its my calling i appreciate the video man 🙏
I play on a 1922 curved soprano Buescher, that cost $600 and a couple of pads. The left pinky ergs are bad and it is keyed to Eb but has excellent intonation and a rich, powerful tone. I like to buy old vintage saxes and do them up but their repair can be tricky and profitable Be aware there can be significant value in mouthpieces too.
I played clarinet many years ago, and was considering either picking it back up, or learning soprano saxophone to do something new. Might just stick with refreshing on clarinet, and see where to go from there--but I definitely love the sound of the soprano sax!😊
@Allen, I agree that it’s a fine video; at about 2:15, when talking about posture with a straight neck, you say that your head will have to come forward, but you’re head is pointing down. I’ve heard Joe G at Soprano Planet say that’s where he aims his airstream, but to my eye, you state the opposite of what you’re actually doing. Thanks!
Thinking about buying a nice yanagisawa because some time ago I had the luck to play it for a year. Very good intonation and sweet sound as well. Like your video very much and your sound is very nice also. Thank you very much.
All very solid suggestions! My soprano is a vintage purple-logo YSS-62, and when paired with the Rousseau Studio Jazz 7 mpc, it plays great! The approach is definitely different compared to the alto and tenor.
John Coltrane is great too. OP, can you listen to the ending soprax solo on the ending of one of the best fusion albums of all time. It's called "Out-Bloody Rageous - Soft Machine". Released in 1970. The soprax solo starts at around 11:05 in that song. Absolute genius piece and one of the smoothest solos I've ever heard. Reason I bought the instrument!
I stopped playing three years ago and missed playing. So when I got back into it, man it was atrocious. Had to reinvent my playing. The hard part was finding out my embouchure. I played along yesterday on some Christmas back tracks, it was depressing. After a few tries, my body started to adjust. Second time through it was much better. My chops were getting tired, so I quit for the day. I might have practiced too long. I will rest today and allow my chops to heal. In the meantime, your advice was well taken. Thanks.
thanks man, I'm studing alto at college and I love the soprano sound, even though I know its a whole different sax your tips made aware of why is it different, and willing to try :)
I found the sound when you use a Mic from just playing without differ so much. When using a Mic the soprano has that soft velvet like Tone. Your so right about Grover Washington. Such a loss. Not many kn here teach Soprano so keep up your excellent work my friend. Merry Christmas from Wales In UK
Thanx. Great video. I play Alto, tenor and clarinet. Picked up soprano recently and enjoyed learning a new instrument. But I need to improve my intonation and sound quality (I sound honky). Got to practice more, I know!
Really good information. I have played the clarinet for several years but have wanted to try out the Soprano Sax. Definitely planning to purchase one soon.
Many many thanks Nathan! Your videos are helping me a lot getting started with the sax! I am looking for good music, but I am not a musician and I sometimes have difficulties distinguishing the soprano from the alto. Could you please post a playlist or a list of albums/tracks that are played with soprano only or most? (I use Apple Music) I would totally love to start with the great Grover Washington Jr. like you suggested.
I play the bass guitar but I’ve been listening to some Kenny g and really love the way the soprano sounds. Would it be a good idea to start playing it? I’ve never played a reed instrument, but I really want to play something else that nobody I know plays.
I'm retired now and I am thinking about taking up an instrument. I did piano lessons when I was a teenager and my mother was (as always) right - she said I would regret it if I did not keep it up. So some of that basic musical theory is still there - how do you rate my chances with a soprano sax? Or is that too ambitious? I like its sound.
I would use a neck strap if I’m using a curved neck on my soprano. I don’t have a recommendation, but brands will usually label neck straps that are the right size for soprano.
Ouch, i agree. I've been trying both ways, but I'll have to bulk up a little before i can play soprano comfortably without a strap for more than five minutes.
Between alto sax and soprano sax, which one is easier? Coz i realize that many people under the comment section plays the alto,so what's the difference between a alto sax and a soprano sax thanks.
Thanks so much for your video, priceless advises! I have a straight one, find it very smooth compared to my oboe but feels soooo heavy 😝. What is your opinion pls: in the film “Jean Michel Basquiat - Downtown 81” he is waving something like a VERY THIN soprano. Is it a soprano or something called differently? If you Google the name,e of the film you’ll see the instrument on the poster right away. Cheers!
Thank you for your informative presentation. I've been learning clarinet for just over a year, but I'd like to have a go at soprano sax. I've only managed to play using a 2.0 reed. How do you rate my chances of getting on with the sax?
Fam! Hear me out. I first learned how to play clarinet for a few years. Next I picked up alto, tenor, and then bari sax while in high school concert and jazz bands. Bundy II models were always reliable and trustworthy but I would like to learn to play soprano sax. What does the hive mind say about not so beginner but kinda intermediate soprano saxes out in the market place? Allora seems to be the go to online but would a Jean Paul be equivalent to a Bundy II? As a point of reference, I am NOT a fan of smooth Jazz or white linen parties. I'm into Ska, Reggae, Be-Bop, Hard-Bop, Progressive Jazz & Rock, Funk & Soul, and Punk Rock. Intentions are to replace muted trumpet parts with my choice of playing. I know it's not the same exact sounds but emotionally I think a soprano can hit the same dramatics as a muted trumpet. Picture Chet Baker singing and playing a soprano instead?
I think a lot of people start out on alto and go from there (a popular first model is the Yamaha 280) but I would recommend trying out different types of saxes and going from there
Are you a saxophone player? If so, which one do you play? If not, do you play another instrument?
I play bari, alto, flute, piccolo, and piano
I play the alto saxophone and piano
I play alto sax and flute
I play Alto Sax and I'm learning Piano, but I hope to play even more instruments! 😁
I play the trumpet
After playing alto for 5 years, I finally tried out soprano, and its safe to say... I wasn't the greatest. It's definitely quite a different approach. After trying for about an hour, I did finally find my sound though. Don't get disencouraged by this video, practice makes perfect!
Thank you for always cheering me up
Disencouraged, bro? Beahaha
Discouraged
i played the flute, its much more delicate than this so anyone who played tenor or alto will find soprano very difficult.
It's probably closer to clarinet
Thank you. I've played soprano for a long time as well as clarinet and alto. It's the instrument I feel most comfortable on. I agree with all your comments, but I do like to play bright and harsh sounding at times
Got my first soprano saxophone yesterday…it made me feel like my whole life was a lie…lol. I’ve always played alto…I can barely tune this new horn. So glad I found this video. I feel so much better 😅
Lol yes, you’ll get the hang of it, it just takes time!
I play clarinet. I've always been interested in trying soprano sax just simply coz it looks like a cool-looking clarinet to me lol. Even though they're not from the same family.
They’re both woodwinds.
@@iceyplayz3388 you're right. I meant specifically though it's not a part of the clarinet family. There are a line of instruments (bass clarinet, soprano clarinet, ect) within that specific family.
@@pault9544 ahh I get what you’re saying.
I began playing a curved vintage soprano sax at seven years of age. I majored in clarinet in college. In the late 90’s, I bought a Yamaha straight soprano sax to play in a saxophone quartet. It was a good fit for me and it may be for you as well. It’s still my go to instrument.
It's always refreshing to hear from someone who hard to work hard at a musical instrument to hone their talents......a winner, everytime
As an old tenor and baritone player these are excellent guides. Thoughtfullness aaaaah
I played oboe for 9 years before switching to sax midway through. Bought a soprano 2 years ago, it was like second nature to me! Just bought a Selmer Series II today, can't wait for the upgrade to arrive.
I was wondering if it was similar to the oboe.
@@cmw12 in many ways it is! The only thing really different is the embouchure. I must say it sounds better than oboe by a long way!
@@Dmoll Agree to disagree on that last statement. Go listen to Albrecht Mayer.
@@cmw12 I have, it's just personal preference :)
Great tips man. I've played Alto forever- 40+years, got a Sop last year, your right, totally different instrument. What lured me in was Sidney Bechet recordings, that dixie/ jazz/blues sound. I've also found that the right mouthpiece has helped tremendously. My advice to new soprano players is to get a easy blowing mpc to start,like a Rico metal lite or similar. ✌️🤟🎷
Thanks for this video. Good tips about intonation. I have been playing alto for years, but recently bought a soprano sax. I opted for the curved model. Although it doesn't look as cool as the straight soprano, the posture problem is solved, it is easier to carry (especially on a plane) and you can hear yourself better.
Hi! New to the sax world here. What is the difference between the curved and straight models, is it just about "looking cool" ???? What about the sound?
@@r.rajabally1865 The sound is pretty much the same. The mouthpiece and reed (as well as the brand and quality of the sax) will make more of a difference than the shape. But when playing the curved soprano the player hears his sound much clearer. The straight soprano projects forward a little more.
Thanks, @@robstevens9590
"So you're not squeezing at all; you're just holding it in place and you need to get used to this new shape."
This was SO SO useful! When I started soprano I just defaulted to biting and squeezing the mouthpiece and reed and I was throttling every single note. Thanks so much for this advice!!
Thank you for this - very useful and clearly presented. I play mostly alto, but I am also working on soprano technique as well and they are very different instruments for sure.
You're channel is very good. And your calm way of explaining things is very appealing🤗
Thanks so much!
I wanna try all saxes at some point, played alto for beginning band but mained tenor and really feel at home on bari
Would love to try bass but it’s sooo expensive so I’d be down to try soprano potentially
Alto isn’t really my thing, just not a fan of that range but soprano always sounds so cool :)
I played flute for almost 3 years now and i’m searching some new wind instruments that are “close” to it, the soprano sax is my favorite by now, i will surly give it a try !
I play on a vintage curved soprano saxophone. It’s very good and I’m able to play it in tune. It’s better than the straight one. Sometimes I can play the altissimo.
Never really had much interest in the sax until watching this. Thanks for enlightening me on how cool it is
i played tenor in middle school, since then ive picked up piano and guitar but wanna get back into sax and i love the sweet sound of the soprano, i understand it might not be the best pick for basically a complete beginner as i havent played sax in over 6 years but id rather buy a soprano than buy a tenor or an alto and then down the line buy a soprano. im starting to take music more seriously i truly believe its my calling i appreciate the video man 🙏
Wow Beautiful 🎉Me too🎵
I play on a 1922 curved soprano Buescher, that cost $600 and a couple of pads. The left pinky ergs are bad and it is keyed to Eb but has excellent intonation and a rich, powerful tone. I like to buy old vintage saxes and do them up but their repair can be tricky and profitable
Be aware there can be significant value in mouthpieces too.
I played clarinet many years ago, and was considering either picking it back up, or learning soprano saxophone to do something new. Might just stick with refreshing on clarinet, and see where to go from there--but I definitely love the sound of the soprano sax!😊
@Allen, I agree that it’s a fine video; at about 2:15, when talking about posture with a straight neck, you say that your head will have to come forward, but you’re head is pointing down. I’ve heard Joe G at Soprano Planet say that’s where he aims his airstream, but to my eye, you state the opposite of what you’re actually doing. Thanks!
Thinking about buying a nice yanagisawa because some time ago I had the luck to play it for a year. Very good intonation and sweet sound as well. Like your video very much and your sound is very nice also. Thank you very much.
All very solid suggestions! My soprano is a vintage purple-logo YSS-62, and when paired with the Rousseau Studio Jazz 7 mpc, it plays great! The approach is definitely different compared to the alto and tenor.
John Coltrane is great too. OP, can you listen to the ending soprax solo on the ending of one of the best fusion albums of all time. It's called "Out-Bloody Rageous - Soft Machine". Released in 1970. The soprax solo starts at around 11:05 in that song. Absolute genius piece and one of the smoothest solos I've ever heard. Reason I bought the instrument!
I stopped playing three years ago and missed playing. So when I got back into it, man it was atrocious. Had to reinvent my playing. The hard part was finding out my embouchure. I played along yesterday on some Christmas back tracks, it was depressing. After a few tries, my body started to adjust. Second time through it was much better. My chops were getting tired, so I quit for the day. I might have practiced too long. I will rest today and allow my chops to heal. In the meantime, your advice was well taken. Thanks.
thanks man, I'm studing alto at college and I love the soprano sound, even though I know its a whole different sax your tips made aware of why is it different, and willing to try :)
I found the sound when you use a Mic from just playing without differ so much. When using a Mic the soprano has that soft velvet like Tone.
Your so right about Grover Washington. Such a loss.
Not many kn here teach Soprano so keep up your excellent work my friend.
Merry Christmas from Wales In UK
Great stuff. I came here to learn more about this instrument after hearing Branford Marsalis play it along with Sting.
Im a tenor player and im considering getting a soprano, thank you so much for this
Any time!
Thanx. Great video. I play Alto, tenor and clarinet. Picked up soprano recently and enjoyed learning a new instrument. But I need to improve my intonation and sound quality (I sound honky). Got to practice more, I know!
Really good information. I have played the clarinet for several years but have wanted to try out the Soprano Sax. Definitely planning to purchase one soon.
Same for me man
I tried several models and found the Muriat semi-curved the easiest to blow, keys easy to reach and tuning great.
Grover sounds great!
This is great. Thanks for making this.
Any time!
Thanks. I just started and from what you say I am blowing too hard. Thanks for the tips. I am going to get your beginner course if i can find it
This was super helpful and well made! You earned a new subscriber
Listen to more Grover! BEST TIP EVER!!!!
Because its so hard to get in tune at our school only the allstate member can play it.
Woodshed long tones.
Thank you for the TIP
Any time!
Awesome bro
Many many thanks Nathan!
Your videos are helping me a lot getting started with the sax!
I am looking for good music, but I am not a musician and I sometimes have difficulties distinguishing the soprano from the alto.
Could you please post a playlist or a list of albums/tracks that are played with soprano only or most? (I use Apple Music)
I would totally love to start with the great Grover Washington Jr. like you suggested.
Thanks! What about from clarinet to soprano sax?
I was just wondering the same thing!!😅 There are some really pretty soprano saxophones...it's definitely tempting!😊
Great video !
Thanks!
Our band is playing a song that actually calls for the soprano sax to hit an altissimo A
Hey I Love High Note That's Why I Actually think Pf Playing The Piccolo Flute
I play the bass guitar but I’ve been listening to some Kenny g and really love the way the soprano sounds. Would it be a good idea to start playing it? I’ve never played a reed instrument, but I really want to play something else that nobody I know plays.
Yeah! If you have some experience with music already, you should be able to handle the transition without too much trouble.
It is the second most challenging sax to play after sopranino. Better start on alto tenor
1998 - I mastered alto sax for 25 years.
2015 - I mastered tenor sax for 9 years.
2015 - I mastered soprano sax after two months with the tenor.
i have always. loved the sound of the sax...Especially the soprano!..My question is (is it very difficult to learn how to play?...just a little bit?
Thanks
Great info!
Great tips
Excellent!!!!
I'm retired now and I am thinking about taking up an instrument. I did piano lessons when I was a teenager and my mother was (as always) right - she said I would regret it if I did not keep it up. So some of that basic musical theory is still there - how do you rate my chances with a soprano sax? Or is that too ambitious? I like its sound.
Great introduction. I thought the oboe was hard to play in tune.
Good vid 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😎
Thank you! Great video.
Neck strap or no neck strap?
If yes, do you have recommendation of a good one for soprano?
I would use a neck strap if I’m using a curved neck on my soprano. I don’t have a recommendation, but brands will usually label neck straps that are the right size for soprano.
@@AllenMusicTalk thank you. Word in the street is Santa will bring a soprano this year!
Ouch, i agree. I've been trying both ways, but I'll have to bulk up a little before i can play soprano comfortably without a strap for more than five minutes.
Super! Danke!
All good points.
6th thing you need to know
You will seldom get called to play a soprano gig...
Cheers
Haha very true 😅
Branford, Steve Lacy
Great vid
Youshould review the new Dickerson Resonator Ligature for soprano sax from Reverb & eba - very unique
Between alto sax and soprano sax, which one is easier? Coz i realize that many people under the comment section plays the alto,so what's the difference between a alto sax and a soprano sax thanks.
U should have a lot more subs
Thanks! Hopefully I get there soon
Thanks so much for your video, priceless advises! I have a straight one, find it very smooth compared to my oboe but feels soooo heavy 😝. What is your opinion pls: in the film “Jean Michel Basquiat - Downtown 81” he is waving something like a VERY THIN soprano. Is it a soprano or something called differently? If you Google the name,e of the film you’ll see the instrument on the poster right away. Cheers!
Thanks! But do they have the same fingerings?
Yep all saxes the same and flute too
I really want a soprano😊
4:03 You look like Coltrane in that clip
Well done Nathan , Mike from church.
Hi Mike, thank you!
나는 테너색소폰 연주자입니다
당신의 놀라운 팁에 경의를
표합니다
Anyong!
The exercises will be posted every Monday and Thursday evening
1:27 laughs in recitation and volcanic ash😂
Branford👌🇺🇸
Grover👌🇺🇸
Courtney Pine👌👌🇬🇧
What's the grover Washington Jr riff you played, thanks
Hey, that song is called “East River Drive”, Grover plays that riff during the head of the song.
How come no one mentions bari when discussing soprano? Joe Temperley and I both play ( or in the case of Joe, sadly, played) bari and soprano.
Came here from a vid on Ukraine invasion... Algorithm be weird today. Still, nice video :)
Thank you for your informative presentation. I've been learning clarinet for just over a year, but I'd like to have a go at soprano sax. I've only managed to play using a 2.0 reed. How do you rate my chances of getting on with the sax?
Hi Harry, you’ll probably find saxophone to be easier for you than clarinet, at least in the beginning. It’s fast to get started.
The sound is similar to the oboe.
Fam! Hear me out. I first learned how to play clarinet for a few years. Next I picked up alto, tenor, and then bari sax while in high school concert and jazz bands. Bundy II models were always reliable and trustworthy but I would like to learn to play soprano sax. What does the hive mind say about not so beginner but kinda intermediate soprano saxes out in the market place? Allora seems to be the go to online but would a Jean Paul be equivalent to a Bundy II? As a point of reference, I am NOT a fan of smooth Jazz or white linen parties. I'm into Ska, Reggae, Be-Bop, Hard-Bop, Progressive Jazz & Rock, Funk & Soul, and Punk Rock. Intentions are to replace muted trumpet parts with my choice of playing. I know it's not the same exact sounds but emotionally I think a soprano can hit the same dramatics as a muted trumpet. Picture Chet Baker singing and playing a soprano instead?
Please could you write out the name of the saxophonist you said you listen to? I have been searching for his name... I'll greatly appreciate this.
Grover Washington Jr.
Is the soprano saxophone a good first instrument to learn (can’t read music)
Hey, I’d recommend learning piano first (and learning to read music). Learning other instruments will become easy for you after that.
I've heard that Kenny G is also a great player to replicate
after watching now i'm scared to get a soprano sax, and i love kenny g sounds its difficult ;(
Don’t be afraid! It just takes some practice to get used to. You can do it!
kenny g is a forbidden name in jazz
Kenny G's bank balance makes every jazz snob green with envy !!
Allto saxophone is my favorite instrument who needs the alto
As an Alto sax player, I would rather try an alto clarinet
Would the cleaning swab for a clarinet do?
I’ve never tried it, so I can’t say for sure
Most important not to get stuck! I use a long cord so I can retrieve it if it is caught
do you have any tips for getting low notes out on soparno, I've been having some trouble especially with the lower octave E and D
May be the horn .See a good tech
All about when I get a soprano sax and never about why I anyone would want a soprano sax.
hey i am a flute player and i want to play the saxophone, which one would you recommend i play?
I think a lot of people start out on alto and go from there (a popular first model is the Yamaha 280) but I would recommend trying out different types of saxes and going from there
Embouchure development is much easier on alto or tenor. You can start on sop but the neighbors may start losing cats and dogs
What abt bari way to leave us out
Hey Tyler, I’d love to make a bari video when I get a bari some day!
one additional tip: hold your head up so you don't disrupt your airflow
It was so wholesome how the episode ended and then seeing the restaurant was closed was like someone threw me a bucket of cold watermelon
What reed do you use what number
Hey Manolo I use these reeds: amzn.to/37cAzrv
@@AllenMusicTalk thank you
3:10 what song is this
This was just randomly in my recommended
Frozone
😀👍
P
Can you talk on a using a curved?
Hey! Do you mean using a curved neck? Or a curved soprano sax?
I thought this video would be about things to consider before BUYING the instrument, not playing. Kinda misleading title, no?
Be pearled to lose friends
Retain two lawyers
Matrimonial
Landlord-Tenant😊.
Trying to play like Sidney Bichet Mike be asking too much