Ray Smith Gear Info

This video answers questions that have come in about the gear I am using including instruments, mouthpieces, reeds, ligatures, the Klangbogen, the leFreque Sound Bridge, Key Leaves, etc,

[@johnruffin3291]

By the time I put all that on my horn I will be to tired to blow,but what ever it takes to give you the sound your aiming for. I am glade I can get my sound without all those extra parts. I enjoyed your presentation even if I don’t use or try any of the extra parts

[@alexandermelton8066]

And the leslie just chillin in the back.

[@DUBAIGAMES9]

Hey Master Ray I love your videos I love how you play, and I wanna say to you thank you so much for all yours vídeos that you sharing with us. God bless you ever ❤️

[@charlesrsmith7]

Thank you, dear brother!

[@Julialady6]

What do you think about Grassi saxs like Eli Degibri?, sound so good but maybe selmer has better tunning

[@bobblues1158]

Great Ray! I have a great Cannon Ball tenor and i use the Klangbogen on it. I was on a tour and was working at t"The Green Mill " in Chicago. One of the nights, my Klangbogen fell to the floor-I was just really thinking " Oh man, what a drag! " And there was a big difference. But luckily I spotted it during the break. Small things do make a difference!

[@charlesrsmith7]

Yes, I know what you mean. Mauro. the inventor of the Klangbogen, asked me to try a black nickel Klangbogen on my alto. It was the first time in a long time that I had taken the Klangbogen off. So I played with none for a few minutes and couldn’t believe the difference when I put it back on! You know how after awhile you can question “How much is that thing really doing?” The contrast was pretty stark. “Yup, it is doing something good!”

[@bobblues1158]

@@charlesrsmith7 Have you checked out Mat Vashlishan´s high mass neck receiver screws that come with variable weight inserts? You can insert different weights into the end of the screw. He can make the screws to fit all the different brands of horns.

[@TheAaronRodgersTao]

Man you really got it figured out.

[@charlesrsmith7]

Thank you! I've had some time to do that

[@jazznsax1]

Great Reviews!

[@hanti83]

Thank you. Very intresting

[@katharinetorr1131]

I know this is off topic but I’d really appreciate some advice.. I was fluky enough to get a scholarship to a tiny private music school when I was 7 , the drummer from the band Queen went to the same school for the credentials 🪪 I suppose.. a tiny place in Cornwall uk , anyway it was 1983 when I was sent there and I learned the clarinet.. I literally picked it up again at Christmas 2021 because I wanted to play the fairy tale in New York .. seeing as I’ve had a 30 odd year break from playing, I can still read music , I’m trying to do more than orchestra ( which is what I have grades in ) but solo rock music or popular music i find tricky solo on my clarinet ( which still works ..Yamaha scholars basic ) .. I remember being told my clarinet was the most expensive thing in our house so I never dreamed of owning a saxophone.. however I’ve noticed lots for second hand hardly used for sale , I think people brought them not knowing about reeds or something like that , I would need an alto sax as I have scoliosis and a tenner would be too heavy.. how different is it to change from the clarinet, I can read music in the tenner and treble clef, would that help ? I’ve had goes on other peoples saxophones and I don’t remember having a problem with the different embouchure’s .. any advice really before I invest.. I’ve seen beautiful ones for sale ..in USA money 💵 for a 200 bucks !! With case , cleaners and reeds etc ! Thanks for your time today 🙂🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

[@charlesrsmith7]

Dear Katherine, you will have no trouble adapting to the saxophone. It is actually easier to go that direction than if you were trying go to clarinet from the saxophone. You should go for it! I have many other videos that will help you with the embouchure change and clarify fingerings, etc. Many things are similar. The big difference is in tone production. Best Wishes!!

[@katharinetorr1131]

@@charlesrsmith7 thank you ever so much for replying, I’ve subscribed to your channel so I can watch and learn, I used to play all of the recorders as well, it’s how I learnt how to read and finger in both descant and treble , this definitely helped when I started the clarinet but I actually first learnt the descant recorder , if I’m right I would be reading in the same chef with the alto sax ? ..I’ve been using an app called Tom play which has choices of instruments and choices of sheet music or by ear.. it also has a new to me way where they show what holes to cover .. I’m never looking at my fingers but it’s useful if you’ve forgotten a sharp or similar issue like just finding a note. Thank you, I think it’s worth it for the prices I’ve seen them on local sale sites , I can only think the saxophone is cooler and people must have took it up during lockdown not realising that it takes years of practice! And you never stop learning.🙂 One more thing, I use a 3 vandoren reed for my clarinet,would I start with a softer reed on the saxophone? Thanks again

[@charlesrsmith7]

@@katharinetorr1131 You may want to go a little softer, like 2.5, but 3 is what I would normally use. The D'addario reserve reeds may be worth a look. They often play without having to adjust them, where the Vandoren usually need some adjustment to play well.

[@katharinetorr1131]

@@charlesrsmith7 thank you .. I have some Rico 2.5 reeds , I haven’t tried them yet ( too much of a vandoren snob!) .. I’ve seen a brand new Elkhart 100AS locally .. I don’t know what makes are good as I’m used to just having a Yamaha clarinet !! , I was right someone had a go in lockdown.. it comes with everything for 220£ .. that’s cheap I guess about 250 bucks.. never been used , however I’m not familiar with this brand, is it a decent starter? Thanks 🙂

[@katharinetorr1131]

@@charlesrsmith7 your encouragement and watching your videos has led me to place a bid and I’m winning at 180$ for a used once in lockdown , it’s a Elkhart alto sax with all the extra bits .. thank you your videos have inspired me, I didn’t think my scoliosis would allow me to play it, but it’s not like my spine is going to get any better so I’m excited, I will let you know how I get on !! ( if I win the bid !😋)

[@cameronorourke1679]

What about neck/shoulder straps?

[@charlesrsmith7]

I am aware of a number of good solutions for taking the weight burden off your neck, but I have continued to use a standard neck strap. The alternatives I have tried drove me a little crazy with the shift in balance of the horn.