Beginner question: Sax or Trumpet?
Kenny Zhu Qili
difficult for a 23-year-old to learn an instrument but I want to try. Shall I start with sax or
trumpet? What kind of model should I buy? Please advice me. Thanks.
Kenny
Charlie Mraz
think it's easier to play, too. That's certainly debatable, but it's
definitely easier to make a sound on the trumpet. You can get a Yamaha
student model for just over $400 most places (I wouldn't pay any more
than $450), and you could probably sell it for $250 or so if you decide
it's not for you (and you keep it in good shape). That'd be what I'd
do. You might also check some pawn shops. I got a great little Yamaha
student horn from a guy who bought it a pawn shop for $15. Makes for a
nice back-up horn.
Charlie
Sergio Hartenberg
> trumpet? What kind of model should I buy? Please advice me. Thanks.
>
> Kenny
>
I've been playing tenor for 12 years and trumpet for 2 years. IMO,
playing sax is way much easier than trumpet, for the following reasons:
a) You don't need to work on harmonics to get different notes, as in the
trumpet. There's a key for every note - including sharps and flats.
b) It will take you 3 to 6 months to learn the sax embouchure, less than
the trumpet. Additionally, the sax reed does part of the work for
getting the sound, as opposed to playing the trumpet (just your lips and
the mouthpiece).
c) You'll be playing 2 octaves in the saxophone in less than 6
months, whereas it may take you more than that for the trumpet.
d) There's no need to DOMINATE any breathing techniques for playing the
sax, but it is crucial for playing the trumpet.
e) There are sax student models which are very affordable (around $200),
and you can always find one in pawn shops too.
These are the facts, in my experience. On the other hand, trumpet
playing has been such a challenge (and pleasure) for me that I've quit
my axe and decided to concentrate on the trumpet!
Hope this helps...
Sergio Hartenberg
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Share what you know. Learn what you don't.
Kenny Zhu Qili
stores and it seems our student models cost a lot cheaper (around $100).
With $400 I can get a good pro model here in Singapore. My question is
does student model make a difference? If I can play most things on a
student horn, I definite go for the cheaper bet. Another question is if
anyone can learn the trumpet? Do I need to have some necessary physical
features? Thanks.
Kenny
> One sure thing is that the trumpet will be half as costly. I happen to
> think it's easier to play, too. That's certainly debatable, but it's
> definitely easier to make a sound on the trumpet. You can get a Yamaha
> student model for just over $400 most places (I wouldn't pay any more
> than $450), and you could probably sell it for $250 or so if you decide
> it's not for you (and you keep it in good shape). That'd be what I'd
> do. You might also check some pawn shops. I got a great little Yamaha
> student horn from a guy who bought it a pawn shop for $15. Makes for a
> nice back-up horn.
> Charlie
> Kenny Zhu Qili wrote:
>>
>> Hi, I'm 23 year old and I'm a jazz fan. I'd like to pick a wind instrument now. I know it's a bit
>> difficult for a 23-year-old to learn an instrument but I want to try. Shall I start with sax or
Dee D. Hays
after retirement and learned to play quite decently. My husband took up the
saxophone in his 40s, including learning to read music.
As to which you should play, every instrument has it's own quirks. Pick the
one that you like and that you see yourself playing in your minds eye.
As long as your physical stucture is somewhere close to normal, you can play
either one.
Dee Hays
Canton, SD
Kenny Zhu Qili wrote in message <7qadqv$si6$1...@nuscc.nus.edu.sg>...
dennis
> Hi, I'm 23 year old and I'm a jazz fan. I'd like to pick a wind instrument now. I know it's a bit
> difficult for a 23-year-old to learn an instrument but I want to try. Shall I start with sax or
> trumpet? What kind of model should I buy? Please advice me. Thanks.
you might consider flute. unlike trumpet, it can be played for hours on end
almost from the beginning. and your neighbors and family are less likely to resent
the noise. i have found i can play the flute with the windows open, and people say
"that sounded so beautiful". and i was just playing scales. try doing that on trumpet.
if you play trumpet with the windows open, they'd say, "IF YOU DON'T STOP THAT
RACKET RIGHT NOW, I'M CALLING THE POLICE!!!". (it's happened to me, and
that was with the windows closed).
on the other hand, i see you are in singapore. i know of at least one real nice cute young
female trumpet player in singapore. if you could get her to tutor you, that might be a
compelling reason. (btw, trumpet players are reputed to be better kissers, probably due
to the trumpet's particular muscle demands in and around the lip area. although this
info comes from trumpet players internet discussions, but has reportedly been confirmed
by some non-trumpet sources)
whatever your choice, you will need a source of inspiration to get past the discouragements.
learning an instrument (or language, i've found) is done a little at a time. you will go through
periods when you don't think you are getting anywhere. then all of a sudden people tell you
that you play/speak very well.
try to get some cd's by some good trumpeters . maurice andré, and phil smith are 2 who's cd's
are easily obtained, and who have a great tone to emulate. then listen to miles davis, chet baker,
maynard ferguson, etc. to hear a different side of the story.
lastly, i usually a tire of things before most people are getting into them. and then, after a some
years, it becomes blasé for everyone else (although, you never know what the lemmings have an
unrequited appetite for) . and i can tell you i've heard all the squawking saxophones
i ever wanted to hear in this lifetime.
on the other hand, if you hate your family and neighbors, i can tell you the saxophone sounds
perfectly horrible when you first start. and then it doesn't get much better right up to the end.
: )
--
«.--.¸¸.´¯`.º.´¯`·.¸¸..º..¸¸.·´¯`.º.´¯`·.¸¸.--.»
--------------------------------------------------------------------
change nospam to wdhill to reply to me by e-mail
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Mitch
out for the pressure required. I now (at 42) play sax and find it easier
than any other serious wind instrument.
Flame alert! Serious means like other than tin whistle, a cheap tin
whistle, really cheap - or kazoo.
Mitch
Kenny Zhu Qili wrote:
>
> Hi, I'm 23 year old and I'm a jazz fan. I'd like to pick a wind instrument now. I know it's a bit
> difficult for a 23-year-old to learn an instrument but I want to try. Shall I start with sax or
> trumpet? What kind of model should I buy? Please advice me. Thanks.
>
> Kenny
Gerry
but only because you can move from alto to tenor to soprano depending
on your needs and opportunities. Also there are midi gizmos that can
be powered via a sax-like instrument.
Brass is a gas, and I love trumpet (and corent) dearly. But I think
saxophone has more variation possibilities.
Don't ponder for one instant how others will or won't like the sounds
you make while you're learning. Or AFTER you've learned. Tune them
out of your BRAIN. And learn without consideration as best you can.
--
\\\--- Gerry
---------------------------------------------------
American Democracy -- the best that money can buy!
tootman
tootman
GeDDoN
Kenny Zhu Qili <kz...@comp.nus.edu.sg> wrote in message
news:7qadqv$si6$1...@nuscc.nus.edu.sg...
> Hi, I'm 23 year old and I'm a jazz fan. I'd like to pick a wind instrument
now. I know it's a bit
> difficult for a 23-year-old to learn an instrument but I want to try.
Shall I start with sax or
> trumpet? What kind of model should I buy? Please advice me. Thanks.
>
> Kenny
Harlow, fellow singaporean!
Don't see many around here.
Aniway, I think you should go after an easy to handle trumpet. I wouldn't
use the term professional because honestly, the trumpets on display here
are simply too few to choose from and the range is from very lousy to
intermediate trumpets. I would believe you went to yamaha ? Or maybe Swee
Lee, Band world or Maestro music.
The better instruments have to be imported, and you will have to wait for a
few weeks. For trumpets, the better brands that they import are Schilke
band world ), Vincent bach ( all the shops i think ), Olds ( Maestro ),
French Besson ( Band world ), Holton ( Yamaha ), Yamaha ( Yamaha of
course ). A few more brands i cannot recall, but not much. Most are not on
display.
Theres a Holton T101 and T103 at yamaha ( Plaza Singapura ), it may still
be there. Its about moderate range trumpet, easy to handle, bomb proof case,
and it comes with a nice yamaha mouthpiece ( and a holton 7c ). The cheapest
there is the Besson International i think. I would give this a miss. I
played it before and it dosn't play as well as it looks.
However, if you can afford a cheap trumpet then later go for a professional
trumpet ( a better one in other words ), then the Besson will do fine. Its
not really that bad, but its certainly not good enough for the advanced
player.
As for saxophones, a selmer paris Mark 6 is out of the question ( People
worship it ). Try keilwerth, yamaha or LA sax. They are not very expensive
about S$2000 ++ ) and they work fine. Of course, you can get a decent
trumpet for that price.
I would suggest geting one of your friends who is in band with experience in
instruments to help you out. From your email address, i guess you are from
NUS. NUS has a band, and i know the ex conductor.
Good luck, bye!
<-§hü¥Üåñ->
Catholic High Military Band
Trumpet section 1996-1999
Visit my homepage! @ http://members.xoom.com/8330004/
lam
>
>if you play trumpet with the windows open, they'd say, "IF YOU DON'T STOP
THAT
>RACKET RIGHT NOW, I'M CALLING THE POLICE!!!". (it's happened to me, and
>that was with the windows closed).
>
but the choice was between trumpet and sax.... and i think the sax though
easier to start of playing is much louder ( i recently just took up trumpet )
>on the other hand, i see you are in singapore. i know of at least one real
nice cute young
>female trumpet player in singapore. if you could get her to tutor you, that
might be a
>compelling reason. (btw, trumpet players are reputed to be better kissers,
hey ! ..... any leads on how i might contact her ? i'm in serious need
of lessons... trumpet playing !
Lam
dennis
> hey ! ..... any leads on how i might contact her ? i'm in serious need
> of lessons... trumpet playing !
evon, you still monitoring this newsgroup? here's a student for you.
Kenny Zhu Qili
> one that you like and that you see yourself playing in your minds eye.
> As long as your physical stucture is somewhere close to normal, you can play
> either one.
To me, I like the sound of the trumpet, and the price is more affordable.
But I heard that trumpet needs a lot of breathing strength. Is that true?
Plus I still don't understand why 3 buttons can make so many different
sounds!;-)
Kenny
GeDDoN
lam <lam...@singnet.com.sg> wrote in message
news:7qcm1f$f6h$1...@newton.pacific.net.sg...
>
> >
> >if you play trumpet with the windows open, they'd say, "IF YOU DON'T STOP
> THAT
> >RACKET RIGHT NOW, I'M CALLING THE POLICE!!!". (it's happened to me, and
> >that was with the windows closed).
> >
>
> but the choice was between trumpet and sax.... and i think the sax though
> easier to start of playing is much louder ( i recently just took up
trumpet )
>
>
> >on the other hand, i see you are in singapore. i know of at least one
real
> nice cute young
> >female trumpet player in singapore. if you could get her to tutor you,
that
> might be a
> >compelling reason. (btw, trumpet players are reputed to be better
kissers,
>
> of lessons... trumpet playing !
>
I think i know at least 15 cute trumpeters in singapore ( female of coz )
hee hee.
Just friends of mine, no big deal. But you should get lessons at Yamaha.
They have professionals there teaching and it dosn't cost much.
Hows your yamaha?
Piero S. Stefano
THAT
>RACKET RIGHT NOW, I'M CALLING THE POLICE!!!". (it's happened to me, and
>that was with the windows closed).
Hi ! I'm a beginner too.
I use to go into my car. There I listen to Miles D. all the time with my car
stereo, this way I solved the problem. I hope so ! Anyway try it !
P.S.
Cute girls always stop around my car to see who's that crazy man, so...
...experience
ciao.
Piero S. Stefano
Milan
Italy
Mitch
weekend was able to play Twinkle, Twinkle... on my alto in about a half
an hour. Hard to listen to, but far better than anything he's gotten out
of the trumpet.
Mitch
Charlie Mraz wrote:
>
> One sure thing is that the trumpet will be half as costly. I happen to
> think it's easier to play, too. That's certainly debatable, but it's
> definitely easier to make a sound on the trumpet. You can get a Yamaha
> student model for just over $400 most places (I wouldn't pay any more
> than $450), and you could probably sell it for $250 or so if you decide
> it's not for you (and you keep it in good shape). That'd be what I'd
> do. You might also check some pawn shops. I got a great little Yamaha
> student horn from a guy who bought it a pawn shop for $15. Makes for a
> nice back-up horn.
>
> Charlie
>
> Kenny Zhu Qili wrote:
> >
Mitch
and the trombone has seven "positions" for the slide. Again, all in the
lips. I can't get a note out of my son's 'bone.
Mitch
lam
>
>I think i know at least 15 cute trumpeters in singapore ( female of coz )
>hee hee.
>
>Just friends of mine, no big deal. But you should get lessons at Yamaha.
>They have professionals there teaching and it dosn't cost much.
>
>Hows your yamaha?
>
It's not the yamaha.... it's me ... arggh
on a side note, i think i have one octave range of OK sounding notes :)
he he
Lam
HornySax
could recall hearing the saxes honk on the first day. Never recall hearing the
trumpets... On almost a daily basis for the first year, we traded instruments,
and I for one could never make a sound on any trumpets...
GeDDoN
4 ( sop, alto, tenor, bari ). However, how many good saxophonists are there?
Quite a lot!
Most jazz bands i see have like 3 saxes and only one trumpet. This may mean
more people are interested in sax, or the sax is easier to play.
Gerry <sp...@primenet.com> wrote in message
news:290819991712009006%sp...@primenet.com...
James
could play two octaves. I picked up the saxophone last week and within 10
minutes I was playing 2 octaves with ease. As an idol of mine once said to
me, "the saxophone is a mechanical marvel."
Sergio Hartenberg <matd...@my-deja.com> wrote in message
news:7qbl5e$3eq$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> Shall I start with sax or
> > trumpet? What kind of model should I buy? Please advice me. Thanks.
> >
> > Kenny
> >
>
bugleboy
feelings. You can rent a trumpet or sax. Whichever you
choose, YOU MUST PRACTICE DAILY. You need to set aside time
for the instrument.
You need to get a good techer. You need good dose of
courage to produce stupid sounds. You may feel some
embarassments because younger kids producing much nicer
sounds than you are. You need mental strength to overcome
humiliation. You need a lot of patience and hope.
And money. You need to pay your teacher, instrument,
accessories, CD's etc. You need a good image of the sound
you like. You need to listen to the Jazz trumpeters or sax
players. There are so many. Listening consumes time to
imprint the sound you like in your head.
I love trumpet. But a friend of mine loves altosax. I
cannot tell how difficult to learn sax. I have to use 10
fingers to play sax and tree for trumpet.
* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!
Mitch
three keys is too many to keep track of. When he first looked at my sax,
he counted all the buttons and levers, mumbled something like "better
you than me" and walked away.
Mitch
GeDDoN
Mitch wrote:
> No, two reasons. Harmony and dynamics. In an intimate setting 1, 2, or 5
> saxes is easier on the ear drums than a bunch or trumpets. Unless you
> live in Mexico.
Oh yea, didn't think of that. But i think Kenny G sounds quite irritating
when
he starts to improvise. His lyrical parts are great.
But a bunch of trumpets from an Australian band I heard was fantastic, saxes
sound the same to me everywhere i go.
tootman
A: Vibrato!!
GeDDoN <neon...@singnet.com.sg> wrote in message
news:7qjcnt$824$1...@mango.singnet.com.sg...
Mitch
Mitch
Ralph Coolbaugh
Mitch wrote in message <37CD7864...@mitchellandrus.com>...
Jon-o Addleman
<bugleboy...@myremarq.com> wrote:
>I think you should try both for a few months to get some
>feelings. You can rent a trumpet or sax. Whichever you
>choose, YOU MUST PRACTICE DAILY. You need to set aside time
>for the instrument.
>
>You need to get a good techer.
I woudn't say you NEED either of those. Sure they help, but I still
don't practise DAILY (not nearly as often as I should.. <G>) and I'm
nearing the end of my bachelor's... A teacher is a good thing, but
depending on how much you know of music, 3 hours a week might very
well be unnecessary - perhaps a couple of lessons to get started, and
then another one every month, or few weeks... I say go at your own
pace - you're in it for fun, and if you're pushing yourself too hard,
it can stop being fun. Having said that, if you enjoy it - don't stop!
And get regular lessons if you can afford it and don't feel pressured
beyond what you want.
I think it's important for beginners not to think that they NEED all
that - the horn's expensive enough as is! - but it sure does help,
with the right teacher, etc...
>You need good dose of
>courage to produce stupid sounds. You may feel some
>embarassments because younger kids producing much nicer
>sounds than you are. You need mental strength to overcome
>humiliation. You need a lot of patience and hope.
Now that stuff never hurts. :)
--
Jon-o Addleman
E-von Yeung
i'm evon. what help is it you may need with the trumpet ? feel free to email
me if you need help.
Thanks dennis, for remembering. i didn't know you were in so many newsgrps
at one go!
Apparently Mr Hill here has very good memory!
evon
dennis <nos...@home.com> wrote in message
news:ZJmy3.16592$Rn....@news.rdc2.occa.home.com...
> lam <lam...@singnet.com.sg> wrote
> > hey ! ..... any leads on how i might contact her ? i'm in serious need
> > of lessons... trumpet playing !
>
Jim Buchholz
>
> I think you should try both for a few months to get some
> feelings. You can rent a trumpet or sax. Whichever you
> choose, YOU MUST PRACTICE DAILY. You need to set aside time
> for the instrument.
>
> courage to produce stupid sounds. You may feel some
> embarassments because younger kids producing much nicer
> sounds than you are. You need mental strength to overcome
> humiliation. You need a lot of patience and hope.
>
> accessories, CD's etc. You need a good image of the sound
> you like. You need to listen to the Jazz trumpeters or sax
> players. There are so many. Listening consumes time to
> imprint the sound you like in your head.
>
> I love trumpet. But a friend of mine loves altosax. I
> cannot tell how difficult to learn sax. I have to use 10
> fingers to play sax and tree for trumpet.
>
> * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
> The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!
play trumpet or sax is play what you want. Each instrument has its own
unique problems to overcome. With sax its a lot of persons play sax but
not well. With trumpet it's among other things its how long will my lip
last and will I hit the right note out in the blue---same for each brass
instrument especially french horn.
After a while it turns into what sound of the instrument do I like
best.
For the beginner the real pressing problem is tone quality over
learning all the notes.
jim buchholz