Re: Doubling on instruments

    
Re: Doubling on instruments    20:21 on Saturday, April 25, 2009          

Patrick
(1743 points)
Posted by Patrick

doublers get the most work, good ones that is


Re: Doubling on instruments    21:26 on Saturday, April 25, 2009          

flute_n_bassoon
(309 points)
Posted by flute_n_bassoon

More college options too, or so I've heard.

Now that I've thought on the topic for a while, Mr. Galloway's quote makes sense. After playing bassoon and picc, my flute embrochure and tone has improved greatly. Before switching back in seventh grade, I could barely get out a mid range "a" on my flute, but now that I've had experience doubling, my flute kicks butt, and I'm the best in my school now.

Go ahead and pick up tenor, and best of luck!


Re: Doubling on instruments    07:35 on Monday, April 27, 2009          

philipinoguy
(118 points)
Posted by philipinoguy

I say, go for it.

Theres nothing wrong with it,
I myself have been doubling too, except with the baritone. Quite fun

One of my music teachers at school can play the trumpet as well as the sax', and she doesn't seem to have trouble changing her embouchure in a couple of minutes.. (although, she has been playing for quite a while..)

(i've got more examples, but I think that's enough, have fun


Re: Doubling on instruments    13:16 on Monday, April 27, 2009          

Plekto
(423 points)
Posted by Plekto

I play clarinet as well as flute(and sax I guess - the fingering is a tad different is all - same as one of the larger clarinets otherwise). I like alto clarinet the most, just like how I also like alto flute the best of the flutes.

One thing that makes a big difference is not only the reed but also the mouthpiece. Most ones that you get for sax are pretty poor. I found that you want to go with as soft of a reed as you can without it causing a poor sound - or soak your reeds in soda water or similar for a while before playing. Often the biggest problem with reeds is that they take time to break in. Like shoes, almost.

It's not uncommon to find players sucking on their reeds for several minutes before a concert while they are doing other things and getting ready. This of course is less of an issue with oboe and clarinets, but sax reeds are positively huge and thick by comparison. They take a lot of work to get into proper playing shape.

As for a tone, it's going to take a lot of practice like on the flute. There's a point where the sound is "meh" and then it literally doubles in volume and tone.(kind of like in singing - normal and then you get some real vibrato going and you fill the entire room) Usually this takes a lot more air to get at first - more than most people would assume that they would need.

As for reed brand, I like La Voz. They seem to give good results overall for not a lot more money. Not pro-grade, but not bad, either. For $20 a box, give or take, they are certainly the cheapest that I've found that are any good.

Note - I do have a $80 mouthpiece as well on my clarinet. The stock one was thrown away long ago.(think of the mouthpiece and reed as equivalent to the headjoint) Most stores will let you try out several if you have your own reeds(or have several used ones to try out)


Re: Doubling on instruments    17:35 on Monday, April 27, 2009          

flute_n_bassoon
(309 points)
Posted by flute_n_bassoon

Actually, oboe reeds are just like sax reeds, in retrospect. I played oboe for a while (see my profile) and I had to soak it in my mouth for a while before a played, usually. Sax reeds are thick, but oboe reeds dry out fast, and really dry out. It takes a while to get all the moisture back into the reed so it can vibrate after its dry. (at least for most reeds I have used)
That's why I like bassoon reeds best. They retain a lot of moisture, so I only have to soak it once a day or two, and I'm good to go.

<Added>

As far as taking a lot of work to get into playing shape, I think double reeds top that category too.


Re: Doubling on instruments    18:45 on Monday, April 27, 2009          

iluvoboe565
(442 points)
Posted by iluvoboe565

I'm trying to convince my mom to let me rent a trumpet. And a cello. And a sax.


Re: Doubling on instruments    18:55 on Tuesday, April 28, 2009          

flute_n_bassoon
(309 points)
Posted by flute_n_bassoon

Lol. I know how you feel. Currently I have to live with the bass guitar I bought off ebay and hopefully my old babysitter's clarinet.


   








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