Low Eh!

I’ve had my bass saxophone for over a year now, and the work that I’m getting called to do is expanding. I really love playing the bass saxophone in any setting. I’m getting more opportunities that are really bass sax-specific. In taking these calls, I’ve had to update my gear to get the sound, response, and volume that I need.

First, I changed my mouthpiece. I was using a Vandoren V5, which I had ended up pairing with a Légère Classic reed. It worked beautifully in classical settings, but didn’t have the power that I wanted in jazz or brass band settings. I had SYOS make me a mouthpiece that had a larger tip opening (but nothing too open) and had a more focused sound. I have been using this mouthpiece in all of my performance situations – for as much power that I can get from it, I can also dial it back to create the round, warm foundation for the saxophone choir. I’ve been pairing it with Gonzalez Jazz Local 627 #3 reeds.

When I’m performing with the choir, I am typically sitting down, or at least, not standing for long periods of time. I had been rotation a Just Joe’s Gel Strap, and a Boston Sax Shop Balam, which have been fine, but not long-term solutions for me. I recently picked up a JazzLab SaxHolder XL, and it’s been great! I had the original iteration of the SaxHolder, and it didn’t feel comfortable. The larger “cage” of the XL fits nicely, and feels way more secure than the last SaxHolder that I owned.

With these new additions to my rig, I feel more free on the big horn, and love the flexibility to play how and what I want!