[Dixielandjazz] Bechet on soprano sax

[Bryce, John (CCPS)]

Actually, it is NOT harder to play a curved soprano sax in tune.  The added
curvature removes a bit of the "edge" from the soprano's timbre but does not
affect pitch.  Thus curved sopranos tend to be more mellow than straight
sopranos.  I've got a 1921 curved Buescher soprano that has the most
incredible voice of any soprano I've played.  As for playing it in tune, ask
Dave Littlefield whether my Buescher plays in tune.

"A lurker"

J. D. Bryce


-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Smith [mailto:robert.smith at mitransport.no]
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2005 12:43 PM
To: Dixieland Jazz
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Bechet on soprano sax


Let's not forget that Bechet played a straight soprano sax. How anybody
manages to stay in tune on a bent saxophone I can't imagine. In my opinion
all saxophones should be straight with suitable mechanisms for opening and
closing those little round holes out of which the sound seems to leak. It
probably means a deeper concert stage for the bass-saxophone and maybe a
little trolley to support it, although alphorn players seem to manage.

As far as "sounding better on the clarinet" is concerned, Bechet sounded
superb on both. Johnny Dodds was also a superb clarinet player, but he had
trouble trying to play the alto sax.
Harry Carney could switch from the clarinet to the baritone sax, with no
apparent loss in quality in either direction.

Cheers

Bob Smith
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