Pop Saxophone Set-up - Get that Pop Sound!

[@jg3685]

The sound on that Keilwerth, wow!!!

[@_Matt8]

I really liked this video, everything was great and just the way everything was filmed going around the shop so I think you should make more of these videos on different things. Example being like a Dark vintage Tenor sound, or a funky bari setup, etc. Me and Im sure others would love to see similar videos in the future!

[@saxworldwide]

Thanks Matt! Yes, we'll be doing a series covering set-ups for certain styles.

[@charlie3288]

@@saxworldwide more bari videos pls :)

[@spicywatermelon343]

@@charlie3288 I would love that too 😊

[@noahksmelser]

Proud Keilwerth Shadow owner! Fantastic horn and a pleasure to play! Particularly great response in all registers, especially the low register. Has a lot of punch and can be a great versatile option for different styles, but a fantastic option for playing pop or big band lead.

[@saxworldwide]

Thanks for watching, we really enjoyed filming this. We'll be making a series of videos covering set-ups for certain styles - Let us know if there's anything in particular you'd like to see!

[@davidmajernik7066]

I would really like to se what you guys think of for top classical alto setups. I know that classical setups are covered by lots of people but I really want to see what you guys think of.

[@markflopresti]

Tomato Man s80

[@PhinAI]

Compare and contrast together bright vs. dark vs. warm, and jazz vs. classical setups. In a world of emotion and musical expression, what's the closest a person can get to high versatility without achieving the realm of being able to accomplish nothing well?

[@mhyulparisi2152]

I'm a fan of videos made by sax.co.uk. The video that you make is not just selling goods but there is education that adds insight into saxophone. I want to see you guys make a video about Selmer Paris Reference 54 alto, Yanagisawa AWO20 and TJ Signature RAW XS with dark / warm setup.

[@davidclaro152]

That store is like a candy store to me. I’m drooling looking at these horns. It’s like shopping for a new suit.

[@dennisd2531]

Keilworth all day for me.... Beautiful!

[@DynamixWarePro]

I really liked this video despite not actually liking a bright setup. I could instantly tell the Keilwerth had a bigger punchy sound and I preferred the JodyJazz DV on it, there was more depth to the sound with a good amount of projection. On the Trevor James the DV sounded mellower and I preferred the Claude Lakey on it as it had a broader, more projecting tone. Could you do more videos like this? This time on how to get a darker sound on alto and tenor? Also I would love to see a comparison of JodyJazz mouthpieces for Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone. Also a comparison of metal alto mouthpieces?

[@strobelyte]

This along with several other videos really sold me on the Claude Lakey after doing a long search for a personal mouthpiece. Despite its shaping to be brighter (which it does quite well), I found it to be extremely versatile in terms of the access to tone colors. I run it on a Yamaha 82z and it definitely delivers on that 80s/90s pop alto sound. Does pretty good on the warmer side as well. The reed set up is super important on it as well. I use several different reed combinations with it depending on where I want to go (I stick with a Rovner Versa lig where I can adjust it accordingly).

[@OrlandoClark]

The Kenny G picture in the background LMAO

[@karlherman3591]

The Keilwerth was definitely awesome, clearly the better of the two, but, for a student horn, that 88 had an amazing sound.

[@stilo2703]

4:12 Sonny Rollins - Without a Song 5:04 Hank Mobley - Soul Station

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

The comparison between two saxophones is like the comparison between VW Passat and Bugatti Chiron. Both can drive well in a straight line, but immediately noticeable is how Shadow responds even to the slightest touch, even the slightest change in dynamics or direction. It sings at any level of dynamics with immediate response, no distortion, no lag. There is no abrupt start, no unrefined decay and no shaky bends, just very beautiful sound. The fine-tuning of an instrument is at such a high level.

[@LazyParsnip]

Fantastic video - would love to see a tenor equivalent!

[@ROY-COLLEY]

I have both the Keilwerth Shadow and the Gerald Albright cannonball SignatureSeries. They are both fantastic.

[@ryansmock2717]

It would be my dream to visit this shop.

[@Lucia-kk4kn]

Hi jim, I think that these googles and this casual sport jacket, brings you a new "bright" presence nice setup BTW

[@adamgoodlake8946]

Would love to see a tenor version of this

[@juliovitolo5356]

I enjoyed the comparisons. When you demonstrated the Keilwerth Shadow Alto, from here, on first listen, my taste gravitated to the Jody Jazz DV with the Keilwerth... it appeared to have more depth and dimension. I’ll listen again! What about reeds? That makes a big difference? Great presentation. Thank you! 🎷💖🎷

[@richardjones990]

Shadow/ DV for the win to my ear. I play a Yani AWO20 with a Jody DVNY along with a TW Gaia depending on the mood I am in. Nice demo Jim!!!!

[@c.h_sax]

Can you guys please do a metal baritone mouthpiece playthrough? :)

[@YannsKitchenUK]

The DV on the JK sounded lovely. Every now and then you just get a combo that makes you feel like biting the cork off and welding the damn mpc onto the neck for good. Or is it just me who does that lol.

[@marks.6656]

Well done, Jim. Another great video! For the best of both worlds (affordable and professional level) it would be great to see you highlight an Antigua Power Bell black nickel in the future. Those have a fantastic tonal palette that is unique with superb resonance and excellent intonation. Both that I played in the past were awfully mouthpiece friendly too.

[@bradygamble214]

Glad to see some good USA Cannonballs in the shop.

[@saxesq]

After watching this video, I picked up a used Lakey for $45. That thing packs quite a punch!

[@arbous65]

Hi there. Thanks for the review but I don't know why you mentioned reed is crucial but didn't mention what reed you picked and why. Especially reed choice could make someone love or dislike a mouthpiece. Regarding comparing Claude Lakey and Jody Jazz DV, generally high baffle pushes the sound to the highs and lows. Lows are created by accentuated standing waves and eddy right after the high baffle within the deep chamber of DV, and the metal mass dampens resonation of nasal frequencies compared to the hard rubber Lakey, so overall Lakey ends up being cute and sweet (as you mentioned the roundness due to hard rubber resonation blends everything) white DV more powerful and with accentuated low-mid frequencies. I like this combination of reed and DV on Keilwerth because there is a buzz from the reed and high baffle DV that creates lots of complementing overtones in Keilwerth body (overall a more resonating body), make it a rich sounding high and high mid frequencies that is complemented by low mid frequencies of DV mouthpiece.

[@StantawnKendrick]

even though I adjust and use my jazz pieces for my pop playing... this was an OUTSTANDING video! Great presentation. Once again as always, never a disappointment! With both setups the Keilwerth was miles better tho :)

[@ethanm3480]

I really love these videos very helpful. I just wish we had a sax shop here in hawaii

[@DominicTic2daTocBazile]

Excellent video! This will help when I want a bright sound for my 80's synth pop! (true story) Generally I like darker tones though. Hopefully I'll get to try some horns at NAMM 2020 next week.

[@PhinAI]

Beautiful! To my ear, there's a massive difference between the Lakey and the DV which stood out pronouncedly with the student sax. The second setup with the Keilwerth is beautiful in every way, but I'd have to be very dedicated to the cause to spend $7,000 usd. I'm dreaming!

[@jamieforjazz]

Miss seeing you guys in the shop!

[@nickcavill8824]

Great video and extremely useful that you had cheaper setups too. This made me dig around in my cupboard and find my old Claude Lakey MP which I bought years ago when I wanted a bright sound on a budget. It is still amazing! and a fifth of the price of my Theo Wanne (bought from your shop). But the best bit of the vid was the first few phrases on the Shadow - it was obvious you loved it

[@gilbertus5]

I agree keilwerth+claude and tj horn+jody 👌

[@McSnacks930]

I would love to see this kind of video for Rock, like playing some Clarence Clemons, or Bruce Springsteen what the best Tenor is.

[@davidclaro152]

I got the “meaty, vintagy” horn. That TJ Horn sounds great with that Jody set up. I researched it, and it’s a great price!

[@Njderig]

Bro if you want the biggest loudest brightest sound you gotta try a Dukoff Power Chamber. There’s nothing even close to it. It sounds incredible.

[@bonelessshark722]

Could you do this video but for tenor sax 🎷

[@thesoccerpr03]

What reed did you choose?

[@Samuriele]

We want more video like this!!!!!!!

[@MJTIbes]

Have you tried the Barkley Brasil Pop Custom mouthpiece? That thing is awesome. Bought one last week..

[@Kride18576]

you sound very good with both set ups. K

[@nathanabird]

You didn't mention which reed you decided to use. Recently I purchased about 6 different reeds for my alto and found that for some I didn't notice a difference but there were other that were significantly different from each other. Also I found this video amusing due to the fact that I bought a TJ The Horn (not sure model) back in '97 and have played it with a Meyer 6 mouthpiece ever since. I discovered the JK Shadow in about June 2019 when I was Baritone Sax shopping (They had a Bari, but not an Alto and I only had to play one note on it to fall in love). That was a phenomenal instrument with a price tag to match. But it made me intrigued about an Alto. I picked up a second hand JK Shadow Alto in December 2019 and have not been disappointed. Absolutely love it. Currently playing it with a Jody Jazz HR mouthpiece but still on the look out for other options for pairing it with. I'll have to check out the ones you suggested and see if they're at my local (I say local, but it's an hour away) store.

[@Slynell1]

nice shop

[@juliocruiz10]

The Shadow has been on my list in adding to the collection for some time now. BUT it is pricey. Should have also tried the Cannonball! Big bells help!

[@PonchMuniz]

Man, I would love to go your shop! It’s like a candy store! Where are you guys located in England?

[@arisowizard7178]

everyone says it makes such a difference, and it does, but I have a random silver saxophone in my basement with a random 2 1/2 reed, a random mouthpiece and a random ligature...I've never had saxophone lessons but I can get a sound out of it...it doesn't sound like Jim of course, but I don't think his sax story is "well I found something and tried to get a sound out of it"

[@dynoroad]

I felt that the DV made the student horn sound more interesting and complex, while the Lakey didn't really come alive when played with that horn. On the other hand, I thought that the Lakey really was elevated by the quality of the Keilwerth, making for a super creamy but explosive sound. The DV sounded pretty much the same on the Keilwerth as on the cheaper horn and in comparison with the Lakey, lacked power and body. In a way it seemed to me that the Lakey, despite being dirt cheap, demanded more of both the saxophone and the player but delivered greater rewards.

[@marcusdickerson3016]

You should review the new Dickerson Resonator Ligature on Reverb and ebay it's different

[@PonchMuniz]

Is like to hear you try out the silver Yamaha 875 EXII with some type of jazzy tune other than classical?

[@KrisVComm]

Would have liked to see the Ishimori Groove mouthpiece. The Jody Jazz and Theo Wanne pieces are more of the usual suspects. They already get enough exposure

[@SavvySaxy]

So is a large or small tip opening better for pop? Or does it matter? Also, I second whoever said you should do a tenor equivalent. I’m debating between getting a pro tenor or a pro alto in August

[@alexkelsh]

Research shows that finish has no effect on brightness in sound. It’s all geometry of the saxophone and mouthpiece, and more importantly the player.

[@lorenzolisi720]

I was thinking the same, the finish is only there to drive up the price.

[@anotsosexysaxman5914]

Indeed the finish will have very little effect on the sound. In the case of the Keilwerth Shadow, it’s made of a completely different material though, it doesn’t simply have a different finish. The Keilwerth is made of Nickel, whereas most horns are made of brass. In terms of geometry, Keilwerth use a much bigger bore in their horns compared to other brands, much bigger than the likes of Selmer, Yamaha and Yanagisawa... So they can be quite a different playing experience.

[@patrickmarino8601]

Had my laquer sax neck 24 ct. Gold plated. It now has more resistance and power with a richer sound. Silver horns are brighter than laquer or nickel horns and if you play and record yourself you will hear the difference. Granted these differences are Suttle. The players sound is way more important than the horn, mouthpiece, reed.

[@dcp8nts]

Regarding tip opening sizes, how does one choose? I'm currently using a 4C. I'm considering Jody Jazz HR*, either 5 or 6 tip opening. Thank you

[@josephchristopherlewis6020]

I noticed he didn't mention anything about a Berg Lawson mouthpiece for the metal mouthpieces. Does anybody know why ?

[@theslimede2588]

Might be because the name's larsen and they have a dark sound usually

[@EliottAllemand]

Haha did anyone notice the picture of Kenny G on the shelf at the back of the studio?

[@ZsombiSax]

What do you think about alto vs tenor sax pop gigs? :)

[@jimcurrie]

how does the selmer bundy II alto saxophone compare to the ones in the video. i play a selmer bundy II alto saxophone.

[@florinneculai2552]

Hi guys. If i may! Can you do a dark alto setup please??

[@Kride18576]

I used to play a Lakey on alto and soprano. great pieces but really really hard to keep in tune. Wanne are good pieces. I like the 10 M fan pieces here in the states. all my vids are recorded on a showboat 10M . K practice with Kride

[@BeachBoi1000]

Why Keilwerth is so expensive😢, the buzz on the saxophone is so nice

[@rygregory]

Why am I laughing so hard at 4:28?!?! LMAO!!!

[@muzkat101]

Kielworth Shadow - Awesome Sound - but at $6,500 and not including the mouthpiece; not the 'student' instrument I had in mind... what good for under a $1K?

[@pedrodavidrodrigues3481]

The Keilwerth has a huge improved sound... Pls, what reed was used (model, number) ??

[@brayanfelix8502]

what do you Think about the beeckler rubber mouthpiece?

[@DavidSmith-bw5du]

How much was the keilwerth shadow in ur video

[@graysonpinkston8498]

Great video!

[@bwalker99]

Hank Mobley Soul Station in the background. Shouldn't it be an alto player??

[@normalizedaudio2481]

BOY GEORGE! Pop setup! It's so insulting. I'm not going to play like that. No way.

[@DavidSmith-bw5du]

Hi how much is the keilwerth shadow

[@tpark89]

Hmm.. perhaps there should’ve been a middle budget saxophone, say, a Yas 62III. Thank you for the video anyway!

[@curtisvalle5141]

I get a little wood just looking down aisle

[@bobblues1158]

Great Jim! What reed (s)? Thank you.

[@DanceMyStyle]

Thought you would have gone for a Rovner platinum for this! Also I think those Lakey original pieces are a plastic composite, not ebonite?

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Platinum Rovner, or any metal ligature, would kill TJ88 in this setup. Jim knew what would happen, and chose accordingly. TJ88 barely worked on the plastic Lakey and Verso Rovner!

[@dawinkyman12]

What reed is being used??

[@stevepovey2489]

What is the price of the Cannonball? ( I love the black ruby and brute finishes)

[@evancoons2925]

Altos normally go for around 4k usd. I own a raved bari and its awsome.

[@stevel6895]

I strongly disagree with this. The saxophone finish has very little to do with what kind of sound you get. I play a Cannonball with a nickel silver finish and my sound is very dark. The type of sound one gets is very much up to the individual. Yes, the mouthpiece set up is an important part of achieving this but it's up to the individual to adjust their embouchure, throat, how much mouthpiece they take ETC... Start with a mouthpiece with a step baffle and a small chamber. Experiment with reeds. And then play along with your favorite players, trying to copy their sound. Eventually you will get there.

[@gabinogarcia9960]

i also play a silver cannonball and it has dark and almost rich sound, yes i’m a teenager but i have higher knowledge of instruments than you’d thick

[@colerac]

Agreed. I play a cannonball, and i find that the reed choice has a much bigger influence on bright vs. dark sound. When i want a nice warm round sound I like Vandoren, but when i want a brighter sound with a bite i like Juno.

[@stevel6895]

@@colerac I can't say I agree with this either. Not to say that reeds don't matter, but as far as brands go I've never found any brand to be consistent enough. For me reeds have always been pretty much a crap shoot.

[@DynamixWarePro]

@@stevel6895 Whether or not you like synthetic reeds, I currently play on Legere Signature reeds and for me they are very consistent as long as I play one for about 30-40 minutes then switch to another one, they can last a long time and sound consistent (I find playing on one longer than about 40 minutes they tend to sound a bit softer). From experience I have noticed the reed choice can have a big impact on the sound. I play on a Selmer Soloist E on a Yamaha YAS-280 currently and when I used Legere Signature reeds, I get a bright rich sound that I think has a sound like cane reeds but a bit mellower. I also tried Legere Studio Cut reeds and they were much brighter and louder than the signature reeds until I tried a slightly harder studio cut reed than I can play and that one had more resistance and sounded darker as a result. In your first comment you said the saxophone finish has very little to do with the sound you get, I have found that if all is equal and the saxophones are made identically and only the metal used in the construction that is different, the metal will have an effect on the sound, even if its only a minor one. If its just lacquer that is different then I don't think that has much of an effect on the sound. For example I have found the Yanagisawa AWO1 (Brass) and AWO2 (bronze) do have a different sound and the only difference is the metals used in the construction and I find the bronze has a slightly more mellow sound that is a bit richer over the brass AWO1. and you can hear the difference here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaO2mI2Kebpqr6c

[@stevel6895]

@@DynamixWarePro I will stand by my statement that the finish means next to nothing. It's the conical bore of the saxophone and the neck that makes all the difference, even within the same brand. It's the same for mouthpieces. I have a metal NY Link that plays just as dark as a hard rubber Meyer I use. People waste too much time diddling around with equipment to try and fine tune their sound. The equipment can only get you so close, the rest has to come from within.

[@brianstewart23]

What about a P. Mauriat PMXA-67RX?

[@ChrisDragotta]

I think Lakey is resin.

[@simurides2807]

Hello, Where is This beatiful Shop??

[@mistermessy735]

london

[@jasminesmith1357]

What tip opening is the claude lakey please?

[@StefNistorXS]

I am curious of that too

[@PearceVaughn]

Nothin' better than some "Soul Station" to fill the background.

[@dougmoran3340]

Which reed was used ?

[@hansmathiasthjomoe4817]

Here are some myth-busters: I thought that the sound was decided by the mouthpiece, the reed and the player. Not the horn? Is there a relationship between the price of a mouthpiece and the quality? The ligature has one job, keeping the reed on the mouthpiece, it might be anything (statement taken from Better Sax).

[@matthewstevenson7452]

Hans Thjomoe every horn reacts to players different like for instance my selmer has a neck the tilts higher up and thus changes how I hold it and how I sound where as my other sax the neck is straight and reacts differntly so the horn matters just not as much as the player does because a bad player on a good horn is still a bad player

[@hansmathiasthjomoe4817]

Matthew Stevenson You have to separate how you are holding the horn from the horn itself. The horn doesn’t matter as long as it’s in full order. I think that the so called cheap horns from China, which is not “cheap” any more, has outperformed the traditional prestige brands like Yanagisava and Selmer.

[@matthewstevenson7452]

Hans Thjomoe I’m just talking about from a physical property, not like how cheap or expensive the horn is. Thinner metal will resonate more but too thin won’t be very good and so how thick the neck is or how thin the neck is. And the angle at which the horn comes at your face and such but I mostly agree with you it’s like 99% the player

[@fondtrout6354]

Tonewood

[@juanangelcardonalopez2479]

Great but That C lakey it's not hard rubber it's plastic.

[@iandwyer8070]

3:50 without a song by Sonny Rollins???

[@jamesmlopez02]

Man the shadow with the Jody jazz DV had a very tenor like sound it was weird haha

[@theleftymonster]

The only difference I hear is the “kooching” 💰 sound of the money you save by buying the cheaper setup.

[@MackingCheeseMan]

6:42 sax in background

[@StoneysWorkshop]

Hah, I knew you were looking for a Cannonball