How Do I Become an Instrument Maker?

The saxophone was invented in 1840 by the Belgian Antoine-Joseph Sax (1814-1894). Adolf is an ardent instrument maker specializing in clarinet and flute. His original vision was to design a bass instrument for the orchestra that would play more flexibly than the Ophicleide and adapt to outdoor performances. He combined and improved the mouthpiece of the bass clarinet with the body of the Orpheyd, and named the new instrument under his own name.

Saxophone

(Musical instrument)

Saxophone

Instrument Keys : bB (treble, sub-mid), bE (mid-tone, high bass)

Application clef: Treble clef, notation based on transposition of the instrument

Practical range: two and a half octaves

Structure

Saxophone headed by,

1. Choose:

The quality of general musical instruments is related to the improvement of beginners' playing level, so you should be careful when buying. Although imported brand musical instruments are better, they are undoubtedly too high in terms of purchasing power of the Chinese public. Although domestic instruments are cheaper, the quality of some instruments is not ideal. Therefore, the purchaser should ask a professional to help identify them. If you buy it yourself, you should pay attention to the following aspects:

(1) Carefully observe its appearance, whether the paint is uniform, and whether there are irregularities.

(2) Check whether the key pads are imprinted, whether the clasps on the resonator accurately contact the center of the sound hole, and whether the key pads are tightly covered.

(3) Check the sensitivity of the mechanical part, whether the spring tension is appropriate, and whether there is a gap between the key post and the connecting rod.

(4) Check its pitch, the difference in pitch between the two notes should not exceed ten.

2. installation:

(1) Take the reed out of the whistle clip or whistle box, coincide the plane of the reed with the plane of the flute head, align the top of the reed with the top of the flute head, and press the reed on the flute head with your left thumb.

(2) Put the whistle on the flute with your right hand. The edge of the whistle should cross the indicator line of the flute head, and then align the suture of the whistle hoop with the center of the reed.

(3) After the reed is installed, insert the mouthpiece into the neck tube, and the center of the mouthpiece mouthpiece should be aligned with the overtone key on the neck tube.

(4) Insert the installed neck tube into the main pipe, and then tighten the screws on the upper side of the main pipe.

(5) Before the orchestra's ensemble, the standard tone A is used, and the alto saxophone is raised by F, and the tenor is played by B. If the saxophone pitch is low, insert the flute head into the cork of the neck pipe; if the saxophone is too high, pull the flute head outward from the cork of the neck pipe until the pitch is accurate.

Good playing posture is very important for beginners, and it is also the emphasis that every teacher repeatedly emphasizes. It is of great benefit to the improvement and improvement of students' performance level. Incorrect postures not only give people a sense of beauty, but also affect their physical and mental health. Therefore, beginners should not ignore the importance of performance postures.

1. Hang the instrument on your chest with a strap and adjust the strap so that it can not only bear the weight of the instrument, but also ease the tension on the hands and arms.

2. When standing, your legs should be the same width as your shoulders. When you are sitting, your legs should open slightly outwards and touch the ground with a 90-degree bow. Your body should be naturally straight, and your back, chest, waist, and abdomen should not be bent. (Novices do not recommend playing saxophone in a sitting position is not conducive to grasping the breath)

3 The angle of the flute head should be based on the direction of the natural exhalation and the airflow of the mouthpiece air outlet, because the direction of the airflow is slightly downward, and the mouthpiece and neck tube naturally agree with the direction of the airflow, and it is best to tilt it slightly downward. A good angle, about forty-five degrees.

4 During playing, the fingers, wrists, and arms should be loose, the left and right hands should be naturally bent, the knuckles should be slightly raised, and the joints should not be straight and slumped. You should have a sense of rhythm when you move your fingers, and you should not use excessive force. The movement should not be stiff, and the fingers should not be raised too high.

5. Hold the left thumb on the T key, and control the octave overtone key, the little finger controls 11 (down B) 9 (liter C) 8 (liter G); the right finger supports the hook near the body part under the instrument, the little finger controls 1 (C) 2 (E), the index finger, middle finger and ring finger of the left and right hands are placed on the I, II and III keys respectively.

6. Use your mouth to control the head of the flute, the strap to control the weight of the saxophone, and the left and right hands to control the balance of the saxophone to make it play the best posture.

(A) mouth shape:

The correct mouth shape can affect the pronunciation. Incorrect mouth shape can bite the lower lip, cause infection, and even cause deformity of the teeth. Beginners should keep in mind the mouth shape precautions.

1. The lower jaw is relaxed, and the lower lip is slightly retracted, so that one-half of the lower lip covers the lower teeth, and the mouth is "woo".

2. Gently tap the mouthpiece head into the mouth, and touch the upper teeth and upper lip on the mouthpiece head.

3 The position of the flute head should be distinguished by individual conditions. Generally speaking, it is contained in about one-third of the flute head. Here we will talk about the topic of an optimal vibration point. Start with a test blow from the front end of the flute head, and slowly move the test blow backwards, and then try to blow more from the back end of the flute head, and gradually move forward to test blow. Be sure to listen to each position carefully. What's the difference between the sounds so that you can find the best vibration point, then you can fix the position of the included flute head.

4 Note that during the practice, you can play in the mirror, do not bulge the cheeks, keep the mouth shape consistent.

5. The above is the classical basic control method of most bakelite heads. Due to the variety of saxophone styles, various styles of heads and control methods have also been spawned, such as jazz performance. Classical performance. These two playing methods also include countless minors and different material shapes. The metal 'bakelite', semi-metallic bakelite ', and the bakelite flute's inner hall and air vent mixed with metal powder are also different in size, so there are many control methods.

(B) Breathing:

1. The so-called breath is the support of the breath, and also the driving force of the saxophone. Surely, some people think that breathing is simple. The breathing method we are talking about here is different from the daily breathing method. After joint exploration and research by experts from various disciplines, there are three types of human breathing methods:

(1) Thoracic breathing: shallow and less inhalation, which is also a normal way of breathing for people.

(2)

After the practice, the pipe wall and sound hole in the saxophone will accumulate a lot of water. Most people may just pour saliva upside down and put it in the box when it is dry. If you are careful, you will use a tube cloth All through, the sound holes are wiped; in fact, I often find that many people's instruments are less than two years old, and the tightness of the leather pads is not enough, or the needles are rusty, and sometimes they really feel distressed for their instruments.

solve:

1. Cloth cloth:

My personal opinion is that after the exercise, the moisture in the tube is cleaned with a strip of cloth, including the head of the instrument and the neck tube. (There are many strips of cloth specially designed for cleaning. (You can use a clarinet special cloth, made of cotton, cheap and easy to use)

2. Water-absorbing paper or oil-absorbing paper (dross problem with treble holes)

You can also use absorbent paper or oil-absorbing surface paper. Wipe the sound holes with residual moisture one by one. Don't forget the two tweeter holes. These two holes are small and not easy to clear. There are special cleaning cotton swabs. You can also go to the pipe shop to buy a cotton swab for cleaning the pipe (this cotton swab can be bent); it is best not to have residual moisture on the leather pad, so as not to shorten its service life.

3. Surface, desiccant:

It is best to note that some of the water outside the tube should also be wiped off to avoid leaving water spots on the surface of the instrument or causing the needle to rust. After drying the bamboo strips, put them back together. Finally, be sure to put a pack of desiccant (it can be placed in the Bell mouth or the storage compartment, anyway, it is a closed space), otherwise the leather pads and bamboo strips are easy to mold, especially Taiwan The hot and humid climate is even more so.

4. Two or three things:

In addition, some people think that the rod is also used for cleaning the tube (the kind with long hairs). In fact, otherwise, its main function is to maintain moisture, especially in the United States or parts of Europe, the climate should be too dry, the skin The pad often cracks, so the rod is placed in the tube. It is not recommended to use in places with high humidity in Asia. The swarf that it drops may adhere to the sound hole or between the screws, causing air leakage or mechanical instability. Sensitive, unless you are really very diligent in maintenance and closely monitor the humidity in the box, then the sticks may help the maintenance of the pads. ^[3]

Every product has a well-known brand, and Sax is no exception. After years of development, the following major brands have appeared in the saxophone world:

SELMER, YANAGISAWA, YAMAHA, Julius KEILWERTH, Jeep (

The saxophone is made of a metal parabolic linear conical tube, a whistle similar to a clarinet, and a Pom system key system, except for the B-flattened saxophone, which is bent into a pipe shape. The saxophone is a very expressive instrument. He can easily control the volume of the sound. He can play a cello, a clarinet and other wonderful sounds, and has great power that can rival any instrument in the orchestra. In general, its soft and beautiful tone has a singing style of stringed instruments.

Of course, the saxophone also has a straight pipe design that lowers the B tweeter and other mid-range and mid-range and upper bass. But just the change of appearance and image will not affect the sound concept of the saxophone itself. One of the best known is the treble small elbow by the famous saxophonist

The saxophone family is in descending order: double bass sax, bass sax, high bass sax, tenor sax, C sax, alto sax, F treble sax, treble sax, C treble sax, super treble sax .

The saxophone has a variety of tonal ranges and tones, of which the most common are the four types of midrange, midrange, sub-midrange, and high-bass. Classical saxophone is dominated by alto saxophone, while jazz and pop music are dominated by alto and tenor. All saxophone fingerings are basically the same, and the player can change instruments without fingering practice.

Soprano Saxophone is usually B-flat, the second-highest instrument in the saxophone family, only for Soprano, and the second-smallest tube. Common are straight tubes with slightly curved necks or shapes resembling alto saxophones. Compared to the clarinet, the treble sax is louder and more penetrating. However, due to the small tube body, it is more difficult to control the pitch in the treble part, and it is more difficult to get started. The treble sax is mainly used for solo, and is often used to replace the oboe in wood pipe ensembles. Well-known treble saxophonists include Sidney Bechet, John Cocheon, Wayne Shorter, and Kenny Key.

Alto Saxophone is the most common saxophone, E flat, and it is also the most commonly used in classical music ensembles. Due to the moderate key distance, the breath requirements and mouth control difficulty are between the treble saxophone and the tenor saxophone, and the relatively cheap price and easy handling make it the most commonly used saxophone for beginners. The midrange saxophone has a brighter tone and a milder tone than the second midrange. The alto saxophone constitutes the most important part of the saxophone part of the wind band, and it plays an equally important role as the tenor in the major jazz band. Appears relatively rarely as a solo instrument. The alto saxophone is the most representative type of the saxophone family. Famous alto saxophonists include jazz: Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, Kenny Garrett, classical music: Marcel Mule, Sigurd Raschèr, etc.

The tenor saxophone is usually B-flat, with a slightly larger shape than the tenor saxophone. The front end of the elbow has a bend, and the tone is mild and stable. In the wind band, the number of tenor saxophone is less than that of the tenor. Generally, it is used as a supporting character and the same score is used for the bass and trombone. In jazz, the tenor plays a central role. Coleman Hawkins's hoarse, heavy voice in the 1920s redefined the concept of the tenor tone. Later John Kechuan, Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, Michael Brecker step by step established the personality of the tenor.

The Baritone Saxophone is usually E-flat and is a relatively rare type among the four. The volume and weight are relatively large, nearly twice the midrange. Few people use it as a solo instrument, and in the saxophone quartet or jazz band, the bass saxophone supports other sounds with its deep and thick tone, and maintains a steady pace of music with a simpler playing. It often plays a similar role to the tuba in the wind band, sometimes reminiscent of the sound of a cello. Famous performers are Gerry Mulligan.

Other saxophones include Sopranino Saxophone, Bass Saxophone, and Contrabass Saxophone.

How to buy the best saxophone

First of all, it depends on the type of saxophone. Generally speaking, E flat and alto saxophone are the first choice for beginners. Because, among the types of saxophone instruments, E-flat alto is the most widely used and has the best performance. Because the actual pitch, range and tone of this model of the saxophone are closer to natural vocals, it expresses a variety of different styles and emotions more vividly. In addition, this saxophone has a high degree of difficulty and high requirements for breath control. It can exercise the basic skills of beginners.

The second is the saxophone brand and price. Novices can buy a saxophone with a moderate price. If the price is too low, the quality of the product cannot be guaranteed. If the price is high, it is not cost-effective. If your own economic conditions are good, wait for the technology to improve before changing to a more advanced saxophone.

Keep it dry: As a wind instrument, there is always some water left in the tube after each playing. As we all know, water has a very serious effect on wood and metal is no exception. Therefore, we should take the trouble to dry the instrument with a soft absorbent cloth after each playing, especially in humid and rainy areas, it is especially important to keep the instrument dry. Because it really can effectively extend the life of the instrument.

Keep clean: The saxophone has a complicated structure, with dozens of sound holes and keys. If it is not cleaned regularly, it is easy to accumulate dust and dirt on the key shaft, key lever and spring, which will seriously affect the performance of the instrument , Which brings difficulties to performance. The tube part can be cleaned with a cleaning glazing agent suitable for cleaning metal products. The dust can be removed with a normal soft brush.

Keep flexible: The change of the saxophone's tone is mainly achieved by the changes of the keys and sound holes, so especially the keys should have high flexibility, and special key oil should be dripped regularly to enhance its flexibility and prevent rusting. Also remind everyone to avoid pressing the keys as much as possible every time you place the instrument during the gap.

In 1846 Adolf himself opened a musical instrument factory in Paris, France, specializing in the production of saxophones. He has produced fourteen models of saxophone, including treble, small treble, midrange, tenor, bass, double bass and other instruments of various shapes. It had both the brilliance of brass and the softness of woodwind, so many people in the music industry liked this instrument at the time. Some music groups are also trying to enable this instrument. In 1853, the French army began to introduce the saxophone. In 1860, the Englishman Andir developed the saxophone, and made the saxophone popular in Europe. Many countries in Europe gradually adopted the saxophone. This also made Sax quickly known throughout Europe and the world in the form of military music.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, some saxophone players in Europe emigrated to the Americas, and saxophone became popular in America and other American countries. By the 1920s, the saxophone was used in jazz bands, and it was fully used in jazz, and later became synonymous with jazz. Beloved by many young people.

The first ensemble band was set up in the late Qing Dynasty in China and began to use the saxophone symbolically. After the 1911 Revolution, it once disappeared. It did not appear in China's ballrooms until the 1930s and 1940s. After the founding of New China, a group of Western musical instruments such as saxophones and guitars were considered unhealthy and prohibited from being introduced. After the reform and opening up in the 1970s and 1980s, saxophones frequently appeared in various entertainment venues and various media. In addition, some foreign performers and orchestras often perform in China, so this instrument is becoming more and more popular with the Chinese people. More and more people are learning and playing saxophone.

The development of saxophone in today's society

(A) the media is undoubtedly a powerful catalyst to accelerate the development of saxophone

In today's society, saxophone music is used in various fields, including accompaniment music, TV commercials' theme music, movies, TV series soundtracks, background music in public places, professional performances in literary performances, and professional saxophone players and band audiovisual products. Therefore, the correct use of various media and carriers can make saxophone music develop more rapidly and broadly. Just as the saxophone was just invented, it would be difficult for Berlioz to preach the saxophone in front of the media. Confident, perfect, most humane instrument. Sax wouldn't have developed so fast at the time. Without the help of the media, the style of saxophone players would not be known to more people.

(Two) the saxophone style, the influence of streaming music development

Today, saxophone music has undergone more than a century of development. In this more than a century, the style and genre of performance have also changed. These styles and genres have not been created by saxophonists, but rather The inevitable result of music development. The variety of saxophone music styles and genres makes the range of appreciation of the broad masses, and the choices have expanded.

Creation of saxophone works

Like other music, saxophone must have its own work if it wants to develop in music history. The following points should be noted in the creation. First, the creation of the work should fit the best range of the saxophone. Although the saxophone player can expand the range up to an octave through personal skills, too much overblown sound will make the music again The noise is harsh and unnatural, and the music becomes noise. Excessive use of super-blow will have a negative effect, but the super-blow of the affectionate section will add a lot of color to the music, and it is very easy to bring the audience Into orgasm. The saxophone, which is a single-melody instrument, can also be used to play chords through personal skills, but it should also be used appropriately, otherwise it will be more complete. There are also some saxophone works that pay too much attention to complex skills and dazzling skills, putting the beauty aside, making the listeners confused and wondering what their music wants to express. The above points must be noticed in the creation of saxophone works. Otherwise, not only will it not achieve its expected effect, it will be counterproductive.

How to train talents suitable for music development

(I) Changes in Saxophone Teaching Concepts and Methods

Playing saxophone is a skill, but it is more an art. Learning music is different from other disciplines. Teaching must be humanized, otherwise students will not be able to develop their own personality and understanding of their own music, and it will easily become a replica of the teacher. Maybe it will kill a future style. Unique performer. This is actually destroying students, and seriously speaking, it is inhibiting the development of saxophone music.It is not an exaggeration to say that, for example, Bechet, who was not very famous at the time, would be strongly resisted by his self-made master to use vibrato and Jazz plays the saxophone, then the saxophone does not know when to step into the Jazz gate, and when will he have the reputation of a musical instrument for Jazz.

Today's saxophone teaching concepts and methods need to be changed. The new style of teaching should not be as simple as teaching a few saxophone performance tutorials and grading textbooks, and more attention should be paid to students' understanding of music and the cultivation of artistic personality.

(B) the reinforcement of interest and the concept of harmony

Getting started is the foundation for professionalism and an essential stage. In the face of beginner saxophone students, in order to ensure the implementation of students' basic skills and basic knowledge, teachers must not blindly ask students to do boring skills training. This not only hits students in the mentality of learning saxophone, but also weakens his subjective initiative and creativity Motivation.

At this time, the saxophone had lost its meaning as art, and became a pure skill.

Teaching methods need to be changed, and to adapt to the development of music and develop students' musical personality. Therefore, this is almost a customized program for every student learning saxophone.

(Three) the concept of harmony

In scale practice, the general training is only tonal practice, and no one knows about harmony. Some students and teachers foolishly believe that the scale is just a practice of fingers and emphasizes speed. During the exercise, the scale composition should be analyzed in depth, and the relationship between scales and harmony should be explained in detail by the teacher so that students can truly establish the concept of harmony in thinking.

The development of discarding the concept of harmony will have a strong resistance to future students playing saxophone to rise to a new height.

2. bE Sopranino Saxophone

Bb soprano saxophone

Alto Saxophone

Tenor Saxophone

BE Baritone Saxophone
Bass Saxophone
BE Contrabass saxophone
BB Subcontrabass saxophone