Selmer Soprano Saxophone
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Selmer S600 Soprano Saxophone?
I have been playing alto sax for a couple years, and I would like to play soprano. From what I hear, people say Selmer Saxophones have a very good quality. So if any one has ever played this instrument and liked it please let me know.
Hey,
I play alto saxophone and I have a Yamaha model. I used to play in a quartet and the soprano saxophonist received a Selmer soprano sax as a Christmas present from her mother. The reason her mother bought it was because it was the most expensive and so she seemed to come to the conclusion that it was the best! Anyway, my friend was really disappointed. Even though she was a highly accomplished player, she felt as though she had to re-learn her technique to get a bearable, good sound from her Selmer sax. She thought that it was really difficult to play and although it was a sturdy, heavy instrument (as well as very expensive) and good quality, from a playing perspective, she was not at all impressed. She later traded it in for a Yamaha model and was very pleased with it.
I've heard that the S600 is actually an 'outsourced Selmer' meaning that you may be buying the name but that the sax itself may not have been manufactured in France.
One positive thing that I will say about Selmer saxophones is that their sound is really good and very different. In comparison with Yanigasawa or even Yamaha which are very bright-sounding instruments, Selmer tend to be mellower and 'darker' sounding which is really lovely. However, from what my friend said, you have to work really hard to produce this sound unlike you would with something like a Yamaha which virtually plays itself!
I play with a Selmer ligature which can change the sound quality slightly, so if you wanted this mellow sound you could do that.
The S600 would be your bog-standard, low budget soprano. My advice to you would be to go for a Yamaha or even Yanigasawa - they are reliable instruments. I went to a saxophone congress where you were able to pick and play various different saxophones as well as discuss with other people and I didn't hear a bad word about either of these makes.
http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Sop/Yamaha_YSS475.htm
I've heard good things about this one. Take a look and see what you think.
Really though, the best thing you could do is try some different types out. They're like pianos - not two saxophones are the same so you need to go to a music store or a saxophone specialist to try some out and see what sort you prefer.
One more thing, I'd definitely buy a straight soprano and not a bent one because bent ones are harder work to play and often don't have the open, characteristic sound of a soprano sax.
I hope I've been of some help.
Send me an email if you want some more guidance.
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Tags: jazz, music, sax, saxophone, selmer soprano saxophone, selmer soprano saxophone case, selmer soprano saxophone sale, selmer soprano saxophone serial numbers, selmer soprano saxophone ss600, soprano