FAQ's

Q. How difficult is it to learn to play the sax ?
A. Its far easier than most people imagine and modern teaching systems make the learning process fun from the very start.

Q. Am I too old to start learning now ?
A. No! A self-motivated adult can make faster progress than a reluctant child. There is only one essential requirement - ENTHUSIASM!

Q. I know nothing about saxes. Where do I start ?
A. Well this website isn't a bad place ! We promise to explain every aspect in as much detail as you want, without making you feel embarrassed. We will also give all the advice necessary to ensure you make a successful start, before and after sales. Click here to follow the sax trail.

Q. Do I have to be able to read music ?
A. No, modern teaching systems take you from the very beginning. You are taught to play one note at a time and shown what it looks like written down. This way you gradually learn to read music without having music theory lessons. If you still have difficulty reading the notes then just listen and copy the teacher playing on the DVD or CD.

Q. How can I practice quietly ?
A. Simply stuff a duster or tea towel in the bell of the sax. This mutes it right down and is good for strengthening your diaphragm. Click here for commercially produced Sax mutes

Q. Which sax should I start learning on ?
A. The one that turns you on ! Enthusiasm is essential so choose the one that you will want to pick up and practice. All saxes are basically the same to play but the alto is most practical to start on for a child. Adults can handle alto or tenor without difficulty. If you want to see and hear the different saxes then visit this page.

Q. What are the main benefits of the Horn Revolution II sax over the Horn Classic ?
A. The Revolution II has a slightly fuller tone and the keying action is a little smoother making it more comfortable to play. If you get on really well you are likely to upgrade at a later date but you will be happier for longer with the Revolution II.

Q. Do I have to have regular lessons ?
A. No, although it does help to make contact with a local teacher. DVD's and book/CD sets allow you to proceed at your own pace at home. Click here to see the introduction to our own tuition DVD.

Q. How can I find a teacher in my area ?
A. Most leave their details with the local music shops to pass on. Also, try our online list of sax teachers.

Q. Why do you need all this personal information on the sax hire form ?
A. This is a two way street! We are sending out expensive instruments and need a clear picture of our customers in order to get insurance cover. All information is treated as confidential and is not passed on to any other party.

Q. Can I use an alto mouthpiece on a tenor sax ?
A. No, they are different sizes.

Q. You recommend I buy a music stand but isn't one included in the sax-pack ?
A. NO! We include a sax-stand not a music stand because many households already have a music stand tucked away from previous musical activities.

Q. Does size really matter ?
A. A tenor sax measures approx. 83cm from top to bottom and weighs approx. 3.3kg. An alto sax measures approx. 66cm from top to bottom and weighs approx. 2.6kg. An adult can learn as easily on a tenor as a child can on an alto.

A. The tip opening number (or lay) refers to how big the gap is between the end of the reed and the tip of the mouthpiece. Basically this effects how much air it is possible to push through the sax as well as how much the reed itself moves when blown. Hence the bigger the lay the more powerful projection a player can get from a horn and the more potential for dynamics. Conversely, a wider lay requires more physical effort to play and is more tricky for a player to control. Also watch out for the fact that different companies use different numbering conventions to describe tip openings so direct comparisons are not always straightforward. It is usual to start with a small size No.4 and then move up as you progress. Click for a video explanation