10 Saxophone Gear Myths Debunked

"YOU are the instrument" is one of my favorite pieces of advice ever.

Cannonball Adderly: "I can play on anything, as long as it doesn't get in my way."

As a player who began in 1961, (I am now 70), everything Jay has said here is 100% true and accurate. Some of the things Jay discussed I learned years ago from my different sax/music teachers; the rest of the myths I learned from my years playing different horns in different settings, (concert band/orchestra, jazz band, pep band in H.S., marching band in H.S. and college, and finally top 40 and wedding bands). If you are a novice, listening to Jay's advice here will save you much wasted time, money and disappointment. I am reminded of a very close sax player friend who spent countless years chasing after the "perfect" sax and mouthpiece. I still have my original 1956 Martin alto and 1967 Selmer Mark VI tenor. My friend had no less than 15 different tenor saxes over the 35 years I knew him, and some of them were wonderful instruments. He was also a worshipper of the "lacquer" religion. If you have a good quality instrument and a competent teacher, follow Jay's guidelines here and you will avoid many pitfalls. When your instrument no longer satisfies your need for better sound/ergonomics/playability, you will know and you will be better equipped to find the right sax for your needs. Thanks for all of the great advice you give us on a regular basis, Jay. Much appreciated.

I am a professional sax repair tech. I am sure you need to get a full repad every 6 months...make sure you bring the horn to me!

Dude, I nearly had a shouting match with a Sam Ash employee over the lacquer thing. The paint and lacquer are microns thin. I have watched your videos for a while and this one forced me to subscribe. Oh and the number of band directors I have fought with on the reed strength thing has been amazing. When I mention that the tip opening figures into the reed strength it is like I disrespected their mother.

My Selmer tenor was made in 1952, I bought the sax in 1980, and played it with original pads from 1980-2014. So the pads lasted from 1952-2014. 62 years!!

Just love watching your videos they are all very informative and spot on, keep up the great teaching.

Good video. Important, especially for new players, to focus on their playing and not wasting money on stuff that really won't make up for poor technique.

Once again, the truth with no half words.

Great video, verified things I've thought for years. Ligature: awhile back, just as an experiment, I took a couple heavy rubber bands and put them on my mouthpiece/reed. I played a variety of scales and exercises and seriously could not tell that much of a difference in sound or response between the rubber bands and the Rovner Dark I normally use.

I can almost tell you with 100% certainty, anyone who gives this a thumbs down is of the mind-frame: It's not me, I just need better "X" (X being one of the sax gear you just mentioned). Sound advice! as captain planet would say..."The power is yourrrrrrs" lol

Yes the 1st myth I’m glad you spoke on!! I hate when people be like oh I don’t sound like this because my horn or mouthpiece. I use the same set up for everything. I just manipulate my playing style to best fit the situation

Right on the money . Speaking of money I remember buying a brand new selmer mark 6 in the late 60's. I paid 400 dollars fie it. I wonder how many of sax players wish we had bought a half dozen of them back in time. Lots of money in today's market. Live and learn

Easy to like because I suspected as much on each point you made. But to have you confirm my hunches is mightily reassuring! Much appreciated. I much respect your take on all things saxophone.

Very much enjoy what the man has to say, and the way he says it. A rare pleasure.

Once again, you are at the most important issues! Thank you!

You really need more subs... I'm checking your subs every day

Agreed in all you say, many thanks for such a thoughtful treatment. This wisdom takes a lot of stress away from the learning curve

Excellent tips, most of which apply to all other kinds of instruments.

I had a concert for band and I did amazing with your tips!