I've had my Sax for around four months, and I love it (although it's second hand i bought it from someone who played it for a year and then put it under her bed for 4 years). I'm not really sure whether i should get a new mouthpiece because the one i have has a small chip in the opening, and i don't really know if this makes a difference.
Also, is it important that I have it serviced, it's about 5 years old (i think) and it's never been done!
Full Version: Sax Maintenance
If the chip on the mouthpiece is anywhere where it comes into contact with the reed (or would do if you pushed the reed against the tip), then yes, you probably could do with a new mouthpiece.
It is also likely that after 5 years your sax could do with some attention from a repair tech. Small problems can accumulate gradually so you don't really notice them happening but all the time it gets more difficult to play. Have a look at this link for some advice about servicing.
I took my tenor in at the start of the week for a service after about 3 years with no attention. The verdict was that there was no major problems but lots of little leaks all over and it would probably benefit from being adjusted and set-up. I should pick it up tomorrow, snow permitting, and I'm really looking forward to playing it again.
It is also likely that after 5 years your sax could do with some attention from a repair tech. Small problems can accumulate gradually so you don't really notice them happening but all the time it gets more difficult to play. Have a look at this link for some advice about servicing.
I took my tenor in at the start of the week for a service after about 3 years with no attention. The verdict was that there was no major problems but lots of little leaks all over and it would probably benefit from being adjusted and set-up. I should pick it up tomorrow, snow permitting, and I'm really looking forward to playing it again.
If you think of a new mouthpiece - take your time
find out about them
make sure you can borrow some to try
talk to people about the mpcs they use
tell us more about the sax... alto/tenor what make... what model
find out about them
make sure you can borrow some to try
talk to people about the mpcs they use
tell us more about the sax... alto/tenor what make... what model
QUOTE(SaxFan @ Jan 28 2007, 10:19 PM) 
If you think of a new mouthpiece - take your time
find out about them
make sure you can borrow some to try
talk to people about the mpcs they use
tell us more about the sax... alto/tenor what make... what model
It's an alto YAS275 with a 4C moutpiece.
The YAS275 has a great reputation as a student sax, and is capable of taking you a fair way through the grades.
You can get a new 4c mouthpiece (and there's nothing wrong with the 4c) at a reasonable price, about £26. If you want to upgrade your mouthpiece and you're playing mostly classical the one most teachers recommend is a Selmer C*, but that's more expensive at about £75.
If you want more of a jazz sound than there are lots more possibilities, maybe a HR Otto Link or Meyer but the best bet, if possible, is to try some out and see what you think
You can get a new 4c mouthpiece (and there's nothing wrong with the 4c) at a reasonable price, about £26. If you want to upgrade your mouthpiece and you're playing mostly classical the one most teachers recommend is a Selmer C*, but that's more expensive at about £75.
If you want more of a jazz sound than there are lots more possibilities, maybe a HR Otto Link or Meyer but the best bet, if possible, is to try some out and see what you think
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