I even use a sopranino sax to play oboe parts that are in ridiculous keys and up in the stratosphere where things are awkward for oboe, but a total breeze on the 'nino. And as saxes are essentially large bore oboes anyway, no-one can complain. I've got the Chiltern (Howarth) sopranino which is from the same Taiwanese factory as the Mauriat one and based on the Selmer SA80II 'nino, but a lot less expensive than the Mauriat.
I am not a fan of the soprano saxophone. I always think I would prefer they were playing with a clarinet or flute. I was taken aback by how nice a sound the sapranino made, and I suspect that it has more to do with the musician than the instrument. You made it sound so sweet. Great job!
It sounds quite lovely playing by itself. I would like to hear it in the context of some other instruments. There are even curved Sopranino Saxophones. I would be curious to hear what one sounds like.
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool, I think that a different form factor of a saxophone of the same variety (type) in sound will not make a difference. At least that's what the music teachers told me.
I've started playing the sopranino 3 years ago after decades of Alto and Tenor and more recently the Soprano which is the one I prefer. I enjoy the soprano so much (it feels more "intimate" than other saxes) that I decided to get the smaller brother; and I didn't find it that difficult moving from Soprano to Sopranino but getting alternative mouthpieces (other than the "default" from the manufacturer) on the secondhand market is a real challenge as these are rare and rather expensive (still I managed to test and buy a few extra mouthpieces). Soprano is my first choice simply because the extras available (third party ligatures and mouthpieces in particular) make it more versatile. I hope the market of the Sopranino starts developing - probably some are going to be inspired by your demonstration (it's about time too...well done).
I’m not a horn player but always love the soprano sax. The sopranino sax has a high pitch distinctive tone but if played correctly; it sounds sweet!😌🎷👍🏾
I've played a sopranino saxophone in concert with an orchestra back in college. It was an amazing thing! I only had a months time to get it together for the concert (I played a Concerto for Alto Sax (doubling on sopranino) with orchestra. I had played a vintage sopranino sax that the school rented for the concert. Intonation was the biggest challenge and I spent most of my practice time with the sopranino on that. The sopranino hadn't a high E, F, of F# (I had to produce those for the concert using alternate fingerings), and I had managed to get a altissimo G# out of it. I'd love to play it again for my own enjoyment.
Hey man sorry if I bother you, I’m a sax player and I have recently bought a sopranino…so far is going pretty good, but for my own amusement I would like to learn how to produce a high F or F# (since mine has not the F key, it stops at the high E), you mentioned you used alternate fingerings…I have searched everywhere, but I never found a guide on altissimo with a sopranino…could you tell me the fingerings you used? Thanks a lot!
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool I looked them up and I think I'll need to save up for a while lol there don't seem to be any mid range priced sopraninos only about £3k mark
@@mikem1517, look sopranino Brachner SST 420L. I think it's the one of the cheepest sopranino saxophones. I bought this model in Russia on 37000 rubles, it's approximately 303 pound of sterlings.
love the sound, but of course you are playing, so it sounds sweet, I have a soprano that I have a hard time keeping in tune so can imagine the struggle on sopranino😂but yes I could be tempted🎶🎶💕
Nice review. The Mauriat has modern, Selmer style keywork. Maybe review the Yanigasawa which still has the older Mark VI style. Thanks for the efffort.
I played baritone sax and switched to tenor. It was hell for me because i didnt think that it was in Bb and it was different. Everything i did sounded dull and funny. Im switching back to bari and will not switch to anything else untill im actually a pro. (wanna try a soprano when i get better)
Would you say that the key layout is closer to or similar to a curved soprano? I know that curved sopranos have tighter key layouts versus the straight ones.
When you started playing it, I was like so what. Not very distinctive, maybe like a bad oboe. But I guess maybe you needed to get the metaphorical gunk out of it, and after that you got a real sweet and smooth sound of it. If I played it, though, I probably wouldn't make that progression like you did.
You play it great, but for me, the (Bb) soprano is plenty high enough, and, if needed, I can get it up to its altissimo C (concert Bb). Its top F# is high enough for most solos. Apparently, in the 1920s, there was an even higher freak known as the red-hot fountain pen. I hear that Joe Venuti could imitate it on his violin. So, no para mí, por favor. Nicht für mich danke.
IMO, played well, the sopranino can be beautiful. Also IMO, for many/most saxophonists it can a waste of money and time. While Nigel took to it like a duck to water, many of us can't do as well and end up sounding like a wounded animal. I don't think it is capable of the warmth that a soprano has.
I took about all the notes of the altissimo (albeit an unprofessional musician), but taking them on the go is stable, clean and beautiful, it needs a very fine motor skills of the labial apparatus, over which, for a more or less tangible result, it is necessary to work out more than a dozen, and maybe even more than one hundred hours of total class time. Because for high notes, a very precise, strong and at the same time very thin air supply is required. This task can be partially facilitated by buying a mouthpiece of the largest possible dimension available on the market, but it must be understood that blowing into a wide "pipe" and blowing into a narrow pipe involves techniques of different groups of facial muscles.
Sounds fab, Nigel - and so small my wife might not notice that I've spent a fortune another sax!
Ha! Cheers Allan
Very clear tone produced. Sound like an oboe ❤
I even use a sopranino sax to play oboe parts that are in ridiculous keys and up in the stratosphere where things are awkward for oboe, but a total breeze on the 'nino. And as saxes are essentially large bore oboes anyway, no-one can complain. I've got the Chiltern (Howarth) sopranino which is from the same Taiwanese factory as the Mauriat one and based on the Selmer SA80II 'nino, but a lot less expensive than the Mauriat.
A great an difficult challenge. But you pulled it off. Respect to you Nigel.
Thanks Nigel.
I am not a fan of the soprano saxophone. I always think I would prefer they were playing with a clarinet or flute. I was taken aback by how nice a sound the sapranino made, and I suspect that it has more to do with the musician than the instrument. You made it sound so sweet. Great job!
Thanks.
I like the unique tone a soprano has compared to a clarinet, so i just have both to get both sounds 🤷♂️ first world problems ig
There’s a time and place for clarinet, clarinet is there for the spiff and class, while soprano is there for that still saxy, but also oboe like.
I am a sopranino player dedicated 100% to the instrument!! Thanks! 🎉
It sounds quite lovely playing by itself. I would like to hear it in the context of some other instruments. There are even curved Sopranino Saxophones. I would be curious to hear what one sounds like.
Me too!
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool, I think that a different form factor of a saxophone of the same variety (type) in sound will not make a difference. At least that's what the music teachers told me.
You make it sound quite lovely, Nigel! It would be a fun horn to have, but I’m not sure I could make it sound as beautiful as you do!
Thanks for showing us this instrument. I've never seen one, but I have heard Jazz masters Antony Braxton & Jan Garbarek play it. Lovely sound.
Love the way you blow through those changes.... so sweet!
First time hearing it and I love it! All right, a very important part of that is your playing.
Yes but great that you love the sound!
I've started playing the sopranino 3 years ago after decades of Alto and Tenor and more recently the Soprano which is the one I prefer. I enjoy the soprano so much (it feels more "intimate" than other saxes) that I decided to get the smaller brother; and I didn't find it that difficult moving from Soprano to Sopranino but getting alternative mouthpieces (other than the "default" from the manufacturer) on the secondhand market is a real challenge as these are rare and rather expensive (still I managed to test and buy a few extra mouthpieces). Soprano is my first choice simply because the extras available (third party ligatures and mouthpieces in particular) make it more versatile. I hope the market of the Sopranino starts developing - probably some are going to be inspired by your demonstration (it's about time too...well done).
Thanks.
I don't play, but love the sound. I didn't even know the instrument existed. Thank you for educating us!!
You’re welcome!
It gets higher 😳
That Sounded great Nigel 🙌🔥
Hey thanks!🎷👍
I love the sound! thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
I’m not a horn player but always love the soprano sax. The sopranino sax has a high pitch distinctive tone but if played correctly; it sounds sweet!😌🎷👍🏾
I agree.
Bari and bass is still my cup of tea, but I also love soprano and sopranino as I’m a clarinet player originally.
One of those instruments that if played well can sound heavenly (like it does when you play it). Really superb. Thanks
I Love it, you make it sound so Pretty! Don’t think I would get one, I already have a hard time keeping the Soprano in tune!😅
Absolutely would love one, maybe one day!
I've played a sopranino saxophone in concert with an orchestra back in college. It was an amazing thing! I only had a months time to get it together for the concert (I played a Concerto for Alto Sax (doubling on sopranino) with orchestra. I had played a vintage sopranino sax that the school rented for the concert. Intonation was the biggest challenge and I spent most of my practice time with the sopranino on that. The sopranino hadn't a high E, F, of F# (I had to produce those for the concert using alternate fingerings), and I had managed to get a altissimo G# out of it. I'd love to play it again for my own enjoyment.
I remember that concert! It may have been one of my sopraninos!
Hey man sorry if I bother you, I’m a sax player and I have recently bought a sopranino…so far is going pretty good, but for my own amusement I would like to learn how to produce a high F or F# (since mine has not the F key, it stops at the high E), you mentioned you used alternate fingerings…I have searched everywhere, but I never found a guide on altissimo with a sopranino…could you tell me the fingerings you used? Thanks a lot!
Anyway, thank you for your introduction of the members of Sax family. A nice "lesson"(nearly sweet indeed 😊).
Cheers!
Oh God... I want one of these now such a beautiful sweet tone
Go for it!
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool I looked them up and I think I'll need to save up for a while lol there don't seem to be any mid range priced sopraninos only about £3k mark
@@mikem1517, look sopranino Brachner SST 420L. I think it's the one of the cheepest sopranino saxophones. I bought this model in Russia on 37000 rubles, it's approximately 303 pound of sterlings.
love the sound, but of course you are playing, so it sounds sweet, I have a soprano that I have a hard time keeping in tune so can imagine the struggle on sopranino😂but yes I could be tempted🎶🎶💕
Ha! Go for it!
James Muschler, the old drummer for Moon Hooch has an SBA sopranino and loves it. Only person I know to ever have or even play one lol.
Cool
I have seen a Model 26 sopranino. Very nice horn with surprisingly good intonation.
Nice review. The Mauriat has modern, Selmer style keywork. Maybe review the Yanigasawa which still has the older Mark VI style. Thanks for the efffort.
Cheers
You played the hell out of that instrument
Oh cheers!
It needs some reverb... try mic and add some reverb and delay to soften up the sound
You killed it.... excellent work
I love the saxophone
I need all the forgiveness my tenor provides but you do get a beautiful sound from this little sax.
Ha, Cheers!
Don't forget the soprillo - 1/2 the size of the soprano!
Yes….but that’s too scary for me!
1/2 size of sopranino.)))
😉😉😉
I'm amazed. It sounds like an oboe. Very sweet sound
Glad you like it!
I played baritone sax and switched to tenor. It was hell for me because i didnt think that it was in Bb and it was different. Everything i did sounded dull and funny. Im switching back to bari and will not switch to anything else untill im actually a pro. (wanna try a soprano when i get better)
Well, you certainly make it sound good!
Would you say that the key layout is closer to or similar to a curved soprano? I know that curved sopranos have tighter key layouts versus the straight ones.
They can have although I’ve just been testing some curved and straight sopranos from P Mauriat and their keys are basically identical.
Sounds great
Cheers!
awesome sound, Moanin FRogs use one at times, great sound!
You are tearing it.
Das ist eine metallische Klarinette, ganz toll.
Actually, sopranino is not really my cup of tea. The sound is too high for me. Personally, I prefer tenor and baritone saxes
I agree
It’s not for everyone.
I learned on a soprano, which still sounds like a tenor to me. To each their own.
I just like to have one of each of the 4 main sax’s, soprano alto tenor and bari
Nobody asked
When you started playing it, I was like so what. Not very distinctive, maybe like a bad oboe. But I guess maybe you needed to get the metaphorical gunk out of it, and after that you got a real sweet and smooth sound of it. If I played it, though, I probably wouldn't make that progression like you did.
I know it's in E flat , but is using my song books for alto a good match? I've heard yes and know.
Sure, you can use any alto music.
Great video and sound! I wonder if you could do the same on the curved version by Rampone & Cazzani
Great suggestion. I’d love to try one of those.
Great.... now I want one...smh
You play it great, but for me, the (Bb) soprano is plenty high enough, and, if needed, I can get it up to its altissimo C (concert Bb). Its top F# is high enough for most solos. Apparently, in the 1920s, there was an even higher freak known as the red-hot fountain pen. I hear that Joe Venuti could imitate it on his violin.
So, no para mí, por favor. Nicht für mich danke.
I really like the sound so I got two. Hahaha 😂
Ha!
What key is the sopranino saxophone
The Sopranino is in Eb like alto and Bari.
What key is that saxophone
It’s in Eb like alto and Bari.
Hi, I am interest to be trained
IMO, played well, the sopranino can be beautiful. Also IMO, for many/most saxophonists it can a waste of money and time. While Nigel took to it like a duck to water, many of us can't do as well and end up sounding like a wounded animal. I don't think it is capable of the warmth that a soprano has.
Why did you add digital effects? We don't need reverb in your living room.
Did you hit any altissimo notes? Are they beyond human hearing.
Ooh I think altissimo on sopranino is beyond me!
I took about all the notes of the altissimo (albeit an unprofessional musician), but taking them on the go is stable, clean and beautiful, it needs a very fine motor skills of the labial apparatus, over which, for a more or less tangible result, it is necessary to work out more than a dozen, and maybe even more than one hundred hours of total class time. Because for high notes, a very precise, strong and at the same time very thin air supply is required. This task can be partially facilitated by buying a mouthpiece of the largest possible dimension available on the market, but it must be understood that blowing into a wide "pipe" and blowing into a narrow pipe involves techniques of different groups of facial muscles.
It wouldn't sound like that if I played it🤣
Ha! You might surprise yourself!
It isn’t even the smallest sax!
I suppose so…. Not game for a soprillo though (and they are pretty rare)
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool, soprillo is a rare and very expensive saxophone of the order of 4-5 thousand dollars. And few of the brands who produce it.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🫡
I'm such a nerd
I’ll ask my wife if I can get another sax.
손가락이 정말 정신 없겠는데요
WHERE CAN I BUY ONE AHHHH