How much is a soprillo saxophone and do they have tuning issues similar to the soprano? i have been playnig for almost 4 years and want to look into buying a soprillo. I currently play tenor and soprano saxophone
Nigel says:
The tuning issues are considerably more challenging than the soprano. The online store www.sax.co.uk is currently offering them for £2,238. If you are interested in buying a second-hand soprillo for £1900.00 contact: snake@dircon.co.uk
24th May 2009
Joel T says:
Nigel, Benedikt, I confess -- I've purchased a barely-used soprillo off eBay -- serial # 182. I'd rather have more directly encouraged Eppelsheim with an order -- but, on the other hand, why should this perfectly good Soprillo sit idle in someone's closet?
Maybe someday I'll buy direct. Meanwhile, thanks Mr. Eppelsheim for such a stellar work of craftsmanship, and thanks Nigel for demonstrating its potential.
24th May 2009
DeeDee Stearns says:
Is there a book out about Nigel Wood and the soprillo?
22nd April 2009
Joel T says:
I am corresponding with Eppelsheim regarding construction of a Soprillo. He seems very accommodating with regard to such matters as the horn finish and engraving. I have seen comments from people wishing the bell was straight (square with the center line of the horn, rather than tilted toward the keys). It seems even that is possible, though it might require a bit more time to alter the tooling. I know it's a stretch, but is there anyone else out there who would be more inclined to purchase sooner if Eppelsheim offered a "straight" bell?
Nigel says:
Why change it - just because you would prefer the appearance of a straight bell?
22nd April 2009
Joel T says:
Your playing is almost enough to convince me to buy a soprillo. One question: You say you use paper to protect your lower lip, yet you use a #4 reed. I'm sure you've tried softer reeds; what was the result? Why such a stiff reed?
Nigel says:
I'd recommend starting with a softer reed. I found the higher notes more stable with a harder reed and a softer reed produces a more feeble tone.
22nd April 2009
Stephen Griffin says:
Hello Nigel. . .Have you ever tried using an athletic mouth-guard fitted to your bottom teeth? Here in the U.S., they can be purchased at sporting-goods stores. Most require you to place them in a pot of boiling water for about 45 seconds. Then you immediately put them over your teeth for a few more seconds to allow it to mold to the contour of your teeth. Of course, most athletes use them on their upper teeth, but being an alto player myself, I've had pretty good success with this process on my bottom teeth. I know you're working with a MUCH smaller mouthpiece on the soprillo, but maybe it's worth a try. Good Luck!! -Stephen
9th February 2009
Kate Egawa (Winkley) says:
Hi Nigel It's Kate Winkley one of your clarinet students years ago. It's great to learn about the soprillo and to see all your fantastic work. Makes me want to take up playing again! Any concerts in B'ham let me know!
26th January 2009
Ryan says:
Haha i didn't mean reaching notes higher than the saxophone's range (though a range to high F could be useful) I just meant hitting high notes in general. I had the opportunity to try a soprillo this past december and i was able to play all the notes in the range and because i have developed control of harmonics on other saxophones, it made it rather easy for me to do so. I am still curious, however, as to whether you or anyone has done any experimenting with the dimensions of the mouthpiece to encourage a darker sound?
Nigel says:
Apologies if I misunderstood your point. I can obtain a top F (on a good reed day). As for the mouthpiece - I have opted for one which allows me to play the high register with (relative) ease. I tried another which made a richer timbre in the low register but the high notes became very difficult. I'm sure a better compromise is possible although I like the brilliance of the Soprillo which is what I think it is designed for.
9th December 2008
Ryan says:
I would think that an advanced ability to reach high harmonics would add some facility at playing higher notes, of course that is probably part of what you're already doing - I'm curious about the mouthpiece and its measurements and whether you have considered altering any of them?
Nigel says:
I can't imagine why you (or anyone) would want to play any higher than the Soprillo's existing range. I have a piccolo for that sort of thing - much simpler.
17th November 2008
Randy Emerick says:
The new Soprillogy CD is terrific! It's the best Soprillo recording yet.
