Fixing Sticky Saxophone Pads

Sticky saxophone pads are annoying and can be devastating in a live performance. Most players have experienced the pain of a sticky G#; the player presses the key expecting the accidental, only to be made a fool by surprise and unwelcome G-natural.

For decades, band directors have taught their students to remove water and residue from pads using the “dollar trick.” However, this method is less than ideal because it can actually leave behind more sediment, chafe the leather, and damage the pad in the long term. Key Leaves have come out with a viable alternative, Spit Sponge! Many thanks to Rulon Brown and the Key Leaves company for answering all of my questions and supporting these reviews.

If you want to learn more about Spit Sponge, be sure to check out the following links:
Purchase Spit Sponge: https://keyleaves.com/collections/spit-sponge

Be sure to check out my full video below.

TLDW: #DitchTheDollar

Also, if you subscribe to my channel and leave a comment on the YouTube video, you will be entered into a Spit Sponge giveaway! Two winners will be selected in a few weeks, so be sure to get your entry in soon!

Single Release: Reed Phase

Today, I am pleased to share the release of my first commercial single, “Reed Phase,” composed by Steve Reich. It is commonly thought that “Piano Phase” was Reich’s first instrumental phase piece however, that distinction actually belongs to this piece! This work was redacted from Reich’s catalogue but, it is still possible to access the score if you know where to look. Anyway, links to stream/purchase are below. I hope you enjoy my recording of this rarely-performed work!

Apple Music
Spotify
iTunes
Google Play

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Review: Yanagisawa Classical AC140 and SC120 Alto and Soprano Mouthpieces

Welcome back, all! Today, I will be reviewing a new series of mouthpieces from Japanese saxophone make, Yanagisawa, the AC140 and SC120. Prior to this new series, Yanagisawa mouthpieces were limited to a single hard rubber line and metal line, both of which were generally regarded to be more jazz-oriented. It’s great to see more and more great manufactures jump into spaces that had previously left classical saxophonists wanting! These mouthpiece review units were graciously provided by Conn-Selmer.

If you want to learn even more about Yanagisawa Classical series:
Learn more from Conn-Selmer: http://bit.ly/yani-sixs-ligature-and-mpc

Check out my video reviews (including playing comparisons) below.

TLDW: The AC140 alto mouthpiece has a smaller more intimate sound but plays with best-of-class response and articulation across the registers. The SC120 soprano mouthpiece has a bigger rounder sound but a bit more resistance than I was expected, given the characteristics of the alto mouthpiece. Both are well-made and a good value relative to other products on the market, even if the packaging and presentation are left a bit wanting in comparison to Selmer or Vandoren.