Why You Should Use Headphones to Practice Saxophone

[@IanJonesOnSax]

I’ve always judged amplified guitar players and drummers who don’t use proper hearing protection, but I’ve never considered hearing protection from acoustic sax! Getting used to playing with hearing protection is also a great skill to consider if you don’t want to feel the shell shock of not hearing yourself “normally” during a loud stage gig. ❤

[@Statist0815]

In my expirience in ears change the way you hear the saxophone. (and the sound you produce in response) You have to mix in your signal to hear your sound correctly. Closed over ear headphones can fool your pitch. They sound sometimes higher in pitch. You can see very often that artists don't cover their ears completely with headphones in recording sessions. Try semi open headphones like AKG 141 or AKG 240. They are cheap and used by many studios .

[@hansmathiasthjomoe4817]

To me, this is the most useful video for practising that Jay has maid. I have used the Aebersold sample files for a long time where you can play blues in all keys etc. However, playing scales you don't get away from, and using these headphones and the app is a great way of doing it.

[@Sam-hf8nq]

Thanks for the great advice. Looking forward to trying the Tonal Energy app. Hardest thing for me has been keeping time while doing overdubs, but recently I starting using a new DAW that allows you to boost the volume of the metronome independent of the backing track and sax track. Short of that I've sometimes resorted to creating my own snare track (ONE, two, three, four...etc) and boosting that in the mix for when I'm recording only.

[@0119786]

Never really understood the value and practical application for headphones until now, thanks Jay.

[@madmadrigal66]

Since I found out about you I been practicing more and more my Saxophone, I been playing for 5 years now, and you’re a lot of help now with your videos. Thanks so much

[@bettersax]

Great to hear Fernando. Thanks

[@peterolsson3662]

Practising with drone tones is a really helpfull tip. I did not know tonal energy has this function. I only knew to dial in one basic tone as a drone. Thanks a lot.

[@e.curley2325]

A while ago, I got a pair of the beats studio headphones just for casually listening to music but I then realized that I could plug them into my mic and have live feedback of what I am playing and that is very helpful during recording sessions

[@bassAsax]

Jay, the tip on using headphones with the drone tone on the TE Tuner has worked WONDERS! I have struggled for months thinking 'my horn's out of tune, my mouthpiece is not compatible, i just suck'. This little tip literally 'dialed in' my tone INSTANTLY on long tones. Wow, what a great way to practice long tones. The added audio feedback really closes the loop. Thank you again. I continue to say i have improved more from your tips, videos and courses than anything else in my sax journey! Have you tried the newer Bose SoundSport Truely Free ear buds? Wondering how they compare to the model in this video?

[@bettersax]

Thanks. Haven’t tried the new version yet.

[@bassAsax]

Better Sax just got them...they are great

[@Venkor]

Started the tenor sax journey less than a week ago and got this app. It shows me the right feedback instantly, so I don't waste time wondering if I hit the right tone or not. Thanks for this pro tip!

[@garyzimmer8061]

@@Venkor bless you my brother. Had my first lesson in '61. ie sax.. There are so many opportunities w/internet. It's a tool for good or evil, if I can help, reply

[@thecontinentalist8816]

Watched your other clip where you're advocating the use of bluetooth headphones just a couple of days ago and ordered a cheap pair of Tao Tronics that arrived yesterday. They're great. Now watching this clip I see that TE Tuner has this great facility. I had no idea it existed on the app. have just used the headphones and the app. Both are great and not being tethered to my i pad is just liberating in every way. Like Jay says, a huge bonus to practicing. Thank you so much for all your tips !

[@bettersax]

Yes, they are very liberating.

[@BSMElderScrolls]

My band director uses that app too, as do i. kinda makes long tones more fun in a way.

[@bettersax]

yeah great app. does it all.

[@TM-angel]

Thanks for the great info. I was looking for a some earbuds and didn’t know which direction to head towards.

[@saxophonydominikengel3724]

I've been using headphones for the last decade either for gigs, rehearsing and of course for recording purposes. Sennheiser HD-25 worked great for me because of its very effective isolation, the detailed, rather neutral sound and its lightweight. For in-ear monitoring, I first used the simple Shure Inears that sounded like crap, but now I use the InEar Stagediver 4s. They are the perfect choice for playing at loud venues (e.g. DJ PLUS gigs), have a very good sound and are sitting very tight in my ears - no problem of loosing them while playing. Expensive, but worth every cent for me.

[@MoGreazy]

Jay, I have what I call “ear filters”, the fitted attenuators you describe… They come in 9dB, maybe 15 dB… I forget. I think they’re great, as they protect our ears by simply “turning down the volume”, i.e. they attenuate sound levels equally across the frequency spectrum… important for musicians as they can still hear the true sound of instrument/ensemble. As for headphones, when you have these Bose devices in/over your ears, do they not “muffle” the ambient sound unequally across the spectrum…? I’m talking about the sound of your sax… diminishing your ability to hear the true sound of your tone/timbre? I am thinking that I might prefer over-ear, open-back headphones in conjunction with attenuators. Your thoughts/insight? Thanks in advance. Theo

[@beauisrael9724]

Sorry to be off topic but does someone know a way to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot my login password. I would appreciate any tricks you can offer me!

[@enriquequinn4468]

@Beau Israel Instablaster :)

[@beauisrael9724]

@Enrique Quinn Thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@beauisrael9724]

@Enrique Quinn It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my ass :D

[@enriquequinn4468]

@Beau Israel Glad I could help =)

[@ayomiderotimi45]

That's gr8 I used it as well and is really good

[@joeblankenship377]

I have a pair of really nice Bose bluetooth over-the-ear headphones. They were around $250 and they're worth it. I'm definitely going to start using them for the long tones and for the metronome.

[@760Piper]

Hi Jay..liking the practice room videos. Looking forward to more like this.

[@bettersax]

Thanks for the feedback. More on the way.

[@guillermoarrazola4935]

Jay : I am enjoying your videos but learning a great deal. Thanks, Guillermo Weston, Fl

[@NatashaEstrada]

When I started using earplugs to practice piccolo everything started getting a lot better because I was actually hearing my playing as it actually sounded in the room.

[@intimacywithchrist4574]

Good one sir J. Much love for all this your free assist. ❤️ Please sir, what's your metronome app

[@pauldempsey3216]

Don't see a link for a click thru purchase. Else would have used it. Thx for the great review and instructions.

[@robertballard8833]

Hi, 40 year pro player here. I get a lot of flack for wearing regular silicone Christmas tree style ear plugs while playingother musicians think I cant hear them LOL. i got hearing damage playing with a LOUD Rockabilly and 20 years ago. It has pretty much healed, but still have some ringing. I started using silicone ear plugs in both ears and it does several great things. 1- I can hear myself without monitors, 2- I can hear the band really well - I know when anybody makes a mistake, 3 - it really protects my hearing. Two things to watch for - be aware you are not as loud as you think you are and compensate, and you need to take one out to hear the band leader announce the next tune or give any special instructions. What's your opinion on ear plugs? Give it a try if you havent.

[@robertnorris8096]

I never thought of using my headphones with the tuner ! Thanks!

[@bettersax]

It's a great improvement.

[@robertnorris8096]

Do you use the tuner as your long tone exercise? Do you tune to one note and then tune the rest by adjusting your embouchure? Which note do tune to? Do you ever adjust your mouthpiece after you set it?

[@leowright8016]

Thank for sharing Jay, will try this out 🎶🎷😎

[@bettersax]

Thanks Leo.

[@raslanabulardat4348]

so helpfull. what is the name of the tunning program you are using please?

[@cliffwrightEatThis]

Hi, Before taking up saxophone I went through multiple brands of ear buds and have to say for me the Jabra Elite 75 t’s are the best, there’s a sub-bass app ‘BassBooster’ you can download that sends the bass through my ears down to the souls of my feet. Jabra released 85t’s at time of writing. I guess it’s whatever works best for you. Not that I’d advocate such skullduggery, but if you buy from Amazon and find they ain’t for you they can be returned and you can try others👍🏻 Cable or cord free is by far the best. I too have a Shure in ear monitor system and had custom/bespoke earbuds made, protection from other band members is paramount to hearing what you want at the level you want thus saving your all important hearing. I’m in southwest London and my Alto needs to be checked by a reputable individual or company can anyone out there recommend someone or who to go to? Thanks Limey Cliff🎶✊🏻🎩

[@richardg5139]

Hi Jay, You posted a video in 2018 about the various headphones you were using. Are the various models you mentioned today still among the best? I plan to buy the Bose SoundSport Bluetooth Wireless model to protect my ears a bit. Thank you in advance for your advice on this subject....and also for all your videos very interesting.

[@bettersax]

The Bose have been updated a bit I think. I now use Apple AirPods Pro which also have a nice transparency function that allows you to hear the sax more if you want.

[@KaySax67]

Great advice re the TE tuner and drone setting. Often wondered what that was for!

[@Macgiver474]

What do you plug these into? How do you hear the sax as well as the backing track or metronome

[@Mdweiss-ew2qy]

Another great set of earbuds are the Shure that can go between wired and bluetooth so you don't need another set of headphones.

[@bettersax]

Cool, I didn't know about them. what is the model number?

[@bobderesh3548]

Jay, you mentioned in the video that you don't like the ear bud cords getting tangled up in your keys. Just drop the cord down the front of your shirt. You may need to get a cord extension. but you'll solve the tangle problem.

[@lawalls46]

Have you thought of using a wired headset with the wire placed on your back instead of your chest? This will keep it out of your way while playing. It may require a longer chord and/or a stereo extension cord.

[@rich4444hrsm]

You know, a metronome with a deep base drum would be cool ;) I think using that tuning app with your eyes closed (or looking away) would be valuable. My theory is that everyone has one note they have a super hard time tuning as well (the note that your ear drum is most resonate to).

[@rich4444hrsm]

jabra's for phones dude ;) hehehe

[@tonyvu60]

What is the use of headphone other than blocking out noise? Do you actually listen to some backing track and play along (and hear your own sax playing mixed into the music)?

[@tomp.t.8237]

Which one for the best monitor in ear for Saxophonelist? I mean a in ear speaker and wireless monitor and no more delay when you listening a backingtrack or live concert sound real time.Which one on 2019.

[@basicallyalandershowitz]

Kz zs10 or kz as10 are both amazing budget iems. The mids are ear rape relative to a $500 pair of Bluetooth sure 415s. But these are both less than $50 from the right seller. Just get a eq and a cheap dac and your set up super well for under $120

[@JayReyes-s4c]

What’s that visual tuner app called?

[@davekana8388]

So I purchased the app, used it today. For me to change pitches, I have to manually cancel the one I was using and change to the next one. Something I’m missing? Headphones may be next. Good call!

[@g000glemaniam4]

I have the Bose headphone and Jabras. I use and like both. I record my practice sessions to keep track of my progress. I play along with the track and I sound close to the artist when I playback the recording through speakers. Oooh my head starts to swell just like the face on the Tonal Energy tuner, that's until I record with the music playing only in the ear buds. When I record with the track playing in the earbuds the only thing being recorded is me. I then get to hear what I REEEALLY sound like. I hear the missed notes, off beats, poor breathing, improper phrasing, etc. This really helps let me know that I have a lot of work to do. So the earbuds and headphones are a means of receiving constructive feedback that helps improve my playing. Thanks for the video. Now back to my Better Sax lessons.

[@bettersax]

Yeah I do the sa. Recording yourself is really important for improving.

[@ismailgomceli6228]

Jay, I need help about something. For example, I'm trying to listen to the "Backing tracks" with a wireless headphone and exercise with a saxophone. But how do I record the music I play at the same time when I listen to the headphones? Because while listening to the "Backing tracks " from headphone " they are not heard from the outside !!!! How can I record in this situation?

[@lluissolabuscalla6778]

Hi Jay, I'm a big fan of your videos and a regular student of your saxophone methods. Now a bit concern about protecting my ears while playing I found this great video. I wanted to ask if the Bose SoundSport Bluetooth Wireless require an external studio mic when practising or the one they already have incorporated does the work. Thanks!!

[@fabianrossini1691]

Hi Jay, even a use a similar headphones to practice my ears bother me after practicing. I also put a mouthpiece cushion on the mouthpiece. Any other advise. Thank you

[@kuyaadriann]

Hi Jay! Thanks for the tips, I’m really diggin your Selmer Soloist piece! what model is it exactly? I never really known if it’s worth investing in some of the newer models or maybe look into having a blow of some old vintage pieces. Aside from the typical soft reed + large tip opening combo, what is your opinion on different size mouthpieces and tip openings?

[@bettersax]

That is an old one that was in the case of a closet Mark VI I bought. It was a C* but I had it refaced and opened up to a 6 by Phil Engleman. Now it is amazing. I am playing a lot more alto now because of that piece. I'm playing a 3M RSJ on it. I've tried more open mouthpieces, but for me, I always end up back at 7* on tenor and 6 on alto. Everyone is different so just try different setups now and then and go with what's comfortable for you.

[@kuyaadriann]

Better Sax wow, awesome stuff! Thanks a heap, your lessons have really made me more efficient and fundamental with my practice! Much appreciated :)

[@paulgrass4855]

Thanks for the video! My question is, how loud do you have to put the volume on the through your iPad on the Bose in-ears? Is it like 50%? 80%? I need to know because I want to make sure it's safe for my hearing before buying.

[@willt8285]

As a brand new starter learning how to play a saxophone, is there a way to reduce the noise impact on the next door neighbor besides going to a studio or music hall etc?

[@alexdeltierro8122]

Yes, you just have to change your neighbor.

[@SteamSyndicate]

Hi, nice clips here that help me well to go back into playing saxophone after more than 15 years. There are BT headphones that uses aptX codec, my sony XB950N1 only give me linea 24ms delay, so im fine with it as long its no live recording.

[@bettersax]

Thanks Jan.

[@עידןאהרוניאן]

Can you make a video about the EWI?

[@bettersax]

Planning one soon.

[@עידןאהרוניאן]

Better Sax thanks!

[@brucej7904]

Great channel Jay. I’m only 4m new to the Alto and have watched most of your uploads. Stupid question. But when u practice with said headphones in. Do u mic up your sax to hear it through them (does tonal energy do this for us basic starter). Or just is it for protection / tuning / metronome and a muffled Sax. Thanks again as your channel is inspiring me to practice everyday. Happy lockdown. Bruce

[@axelbukowski9862]

yea i've been wondering this too, please tell me if you find the answer. I'm thinking about buying a mic and headphones so i can hear what comes out of the mic in my headphones.

[@Daniella-ln2qw]

How do you record with sound devices

[@raymonath]

Do you think they will be the best bet for piano accompaniment on Amazing SlowDowner with violin or clarinet?

[@ambamb5616]

Hi Jay, headphones sound a great idea, do you find you can still clearly hear yourself playing?

[@bettersax]

Yes, I can hear myself fine. I like to practice with a very full sound, so the reduced volume only helps me fill the horn with air which is good preparation for being able to cut through when playing in a loud band.

[@ambamb5616]

Thanks Jay, that makes sense.

[@abhimalavalli]

good question, I have this issue too, was considering open back headphones so I can stay motivated by hearing myself play. Jay's got a point if u are playing loud, if not playing loud then what are thoughts on open back type?

[@stephaneguery2280]

Hi Jay, first thank you for your videos ! I appreciate them a lot ! One question for you, I don’t really understand if you use saxophone’s sound in you headphones or only metronome and chords notes ? Thank a lot !

[@alexwillats]

Will the Sennheiser DT 700 Pro (80 ohm) be good for recording? I'm using a zoom H6 and looking for some decent closed-back overheads. I'm not a fan of IEMs but I do have the Bose wireless in-ears because they're comfortable and great for tuning practice and personal listening.

[@danielfittipaldi3705]

Hey Jay, do you use the ambient sound option of the headphones when you play or do you just use the headphones to block some of the noise? I tried using my earphones during practice and its sometimes difficult to tell what Im actually playing

[@bartomiejo.8303]

Hi Guys, I bought Sony headphones, plays nice, but on TE Tuner app the metronome is so quiet so I can’t practice. Any ideas?

[@mrcrotchet4012]

Hi sir I am a tuba player but I can’t use earplugs because I have eczema on ear , so could you pls recommend me suitable earmuff ?

[@esfahan1961]

I use a connected Bose speaker in my practice room Jay. Isn’t this better than headphones?

[@bettersax]

Thierry, whatever works for you is fine. Try headphones to see if you like them better though.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I'm a Bose fanatic. Headohones are ALWAYS better, overall. Be careful you don't use so much bass you vibrate them onto the floor (yeah, I've done this, I now have them blocked in by furniture). You get better isolation w headphones. Esp if both are Bose.

[@raseshgandhi6702]

Fantastic information

[@DanWoodruff-nm8ue]

Hello Jay. Regarding your video on using the Bose Sound Sport Bluetooth headphones. I'm playing my sax into a mixer via nux B-6 wireless microphone. I have also plugged a bluetooth transmitter into the phones jack on the mixer in order to send the sax to the bluetooth headphones. Unfortunately, I'm getting a big delay. Any suggestions? BTW, I consult your videos frequently. Very helpful.

[@bettersax]

I wouldn’t use the earbuds to hear the sax. I use them to dampen the sound for the sake of my ears. Always a delay with Bluetooth.

[@DanWoodruff-nm8ue]

@@bettersax Got it. Thanks!

[@MelJones38]

I have the added problem of wearing hearing aids which affect pitch and sound so difficult to play in tune with backing tracks etc Still trying to find a solution. |If anyone has solved it let me know. I play in a big band which is also difficult to tune with setion and hear yourself as well as others. Any solutions (apart from taking them out?? then you can't hear people speak.

[@olurominiyioluseunmichealg3641]

can i use gemini headphone and how

[@ismailgomceli6228]

Jay...My friend...Which app do you use for recording?

[@Mr2plus3]

Are these really the ones you are using. Bose SoundSport Bluetooth Wireless ??? THese have no noise cancellation from what I can tell. Did you put the wrong link in?

[@muhammadafriza8708]

Whats that apk name for check sound and metronome

[@onesyphorus]

anyone just like the thickness and sound lol? I love it, and sometimes hate taking them off ha

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

If you get these from Best Buy, get the 30.00 warranty. They'll replace them no questions asked AND you get another 2 years. You don't need reciept or packaging. (I'd file receipt, jic) i kill these just before 2 years and i have 2 pairs of these as they get older, they don't hold a charge as well. I wear them constantly. When they're new, you get 4hrs on a charge. Later, about 90 min

[@HeathWatts]

Hi Jay. Are you still using the Bose headphones and are they holding up? I watched another review and the reviewer claimed that that his pair started falling apart after a year of use. Thanks for this video. Also, do you use the charging case that Bose sells, or another method to charge the headphones?

[@bettersax]

I still use these daily 3 or 4 years later. Mine don’t have a charging case since they are so old. If they stop working I’ll buy the latest version right away. Battery life is not what it was before but that is normal. Plenty for a 2 - 3 hour practice session.

[@HeathWatts]

@@bettersax Thanks very much. I'm going to get a pair. I already have some tinnitus in my right ear. I don't need it to get worse.

[@vladimirlopez7840]

Keep in mind that your ears are connected to your nasal and oral cavities. Sound still travels up that way so yes protect your ears but it’s not 100% there will still be some effect on your hearing. But there’s not much else we can do.

[@pianowill01]

Are these actually good enough to protect your hearing or just "good enough" to keep down a lot of the frequencies? In other words, for someone who already has fairly bad tinnitus, will these be sufficient protection?

[@ninjaaron]

I think practicing long-tones with headphones and the TonalEnergy app is great for *tuning*, but I'm worried about my timber. I feel like when I block out the natural sax sound, I'm missing part of what is going on with my timber. For me, there are three parts to every note: (1) the right pitch at (2) the right time with (3) the right tone. I see the need to protect hearing, but I also really want to focus on my sound, especially since I'm just starting on the sax (with nearly two decades of prior musical experience). Any thoughts about the right compromise between these concerns? The ideal would be perfect isolation, and then mixing the saxophone back in with a great mic, mixer and low-latency system, but that's a lot of setup.

[@bettersax]

you can remove one of the headphones...

[@ninjaaron]

@@bettersax That's a good idea in terms of hearing the timber, but it just means I'm ruining my hearing in one ear. Still, probably a good idea for at least part of the practice. Thanks for the reply.

[@rodtrevino1900]

Where can I get background tracks like the one on this video. I'd love to play to it.

[@travel2usoon]

So many tracks available here on KZbin

[@joschaller4933]

C'est fiu ce qu'il parle bien (et longtemps...). J'aurai aimé entendre un peu de son sound saxo..... à part 3 ou 4 notes. Zéro!

[@franciscomorarevelo3136]

really, i can not use headphones, because I need to ear my own sound, if I use them, I wil felling that i don't put the correct notes, and that is real, I MAKE MORE ERRORS WHEN I DON'T LISTEN, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT IT?

[@bbgeertsen]

It's the same for me. @bettersax #bettersax please reply

[@the5thYearSeniors]

use the app hear boost and turn down the volume on your phone. That way you can hear yourself at a lower volume without muffins your sound

[@franciscomorarevelo3136]

@@the5thYearSeniors oh tanks for you recommends, I will put it in my routine 🍕

[@bccabernet]

not the video for me. I am a neighbour to someone playing every single day (and not well). I was looking for ways for him to play quietly!

[@flrn84791]

Can I get headphones for my neighbors as well to protect their hearing when I'm practicing? 😂

[@wperkins1728]

Audio-tecnica ATH-M40X.

[@patrickkelcey2435]

Sennheiser all the way Great top, great bass, which I don't have at the moment because I can't get to my horn. Making long tones interesting, peice of cake, facial yoga, EE,OO,EE,OO (do this in private or risk very weird stares)

[@laptopm1113]

wow i now realise i am a true beginner , i have no idea how you record a saxophone and actually i did not understand all that has been explained in this video too, when i play , or try at least . i dont need anything like headphones , i never heard my teacher talk about it either, maybe i dont know how to play loud yet? sorry , i really dont get all of this

[@bettersax]

This is not so much for beginners so don't worry if you didn't understand everything. Using the headphones while you play is for more advanced players.

[@laptopm1113]

@@bettersax thanx ,,, i hope to get there to be an advanced player one day

[@SavvySaxy]

Honestly, neither John Coltrane nor his neighbors had $100 sound cancelling head phones to use, so I’m a-okay with my cheap ol $5 headphones from Walmart. If you have the money to spend and really want them, sure, but by NO MEANS do you need them. They’re about as necessary to playing well as a soft chair. Jay, I enjoy watching your channel, but some of these things I feel aren’t as necessary as you make them seem.

[@J-Crash]

OOOH i must not be a sound guy at all, i thought for a while that the beating sound of the two notes being out of tune were actually the notes canceling eachother out

[@rogerhobden7670]

Like +++++

[@Mark-OutWest]

Misleading video title. Those are EAR phones not headphones.

[@awsomemann185]

Stfu

[@toni7575]

4 bucks for that app? Are we crazy or what?

[@bettersax]

best 4 bucks I every spent on an app.

[@toni7575]

@@bettersax yeah no thanks

[@bbgeertsen]

Best app for that