http://xaphoon.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl - Xaphoon Discussion Forum en-us Xaphoon Discussion Forum Thu, 17 May 2012 05:07:13 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 30 http://xaphoon.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1328562915/2#2 Xaphoon Discussion Forum/Free Downloads Hello, Andrew, and welcome to the board.<br /><br />However, there's no link to a *blank* sheet on the page you mention - I think it's the very page about <b>TablEdit</b> (the software) that contains the information JoyJoy did say she/he *couldn't* use... <b>TablEdit</b> is shareware and still available. Since I'm not using Windows, I'm in no position to test it fully...<br /><br />M.<br /><br />EDIT: Clarification... http://xaphoon.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1329323795/2#2 Xaphoon Discussion Forum/The Xaphoon The Xaphoon is a single-reed keyless woodwind instrument. I love the look of it, the portability, but I am stumped by how it sounds. http://xaphoon.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1332618563/3#3 Xaphoon Discussion Forum/Tips and Tricks That's the ticket! You're on track - the fact that you're still puffing your cheeks after some time pretty much proves that as soon as you get tired from the still uncommon embouchure, you start biting; that's normal, it also happens to people on other reed instruments as long as their embouchure for said instrument isn't stable (I also have that problem - on clarinet). It'll pass - just one more tip: Don't try too hard - play for short periods at a time, not until you tire... It'll help you get there faster. I'm fully aware that that's not as easy as it seems - it's not something more accomplished musicians like to do. But it's worth it.<br /><br />M. http://xaphoon.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1227525341/28#28 Xaphoon Discussion Forum/Free Downloads I've decided to make this PDF file available via box.com.<br /><br />Multimedia file viewing and clickable links are available for registered members only!!&nbsp;&nbsp;You need to <a href="http://xaphoon.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?action=login"><img src="http://xaphoon.com/yabbfiles/Templates/Forum/default/login.gif" alt="Login" border="0" /> <span class="imgmenu">Login</span></a> or <a href="http://xaphoon.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?action=register"><img src="http://xaphoon.com/yabbfiles/Templates/Forum/default/register.gif" alt="Register" border="0" /> <span class="imgmenu">Register</span></a>!!<br /> http://xaphoon.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1267787872/13#13 Xaphoon Discussion Forum/Accessories and Upgrades Oh, sorry, my mistake, I thought you worked for the company - more thanks to you for offering so much good advice - J http://xaphoon.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1329604415/3#3 Xaphoon Discussion Forum/Tips and Tricks Yes, that may be something to document - but it's not as easy as other things since not everything works equally well on every instrument.<br /><br />The only consistent cross-fingering I use is<br /><br />x &#124; xxxx &#124; xxox<br /><br />for low Eb.<br /><br />But it'd make an interesting collection, to be sure. Besides, sometimes alternate fingerings simply work better intonation-wise...<br /><br />M. http://xaphoon.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1329414733/3#3 Xaphoon Discussion Forum/Accessories and Upgrades Yes, exactly - &quot;reed-friendly&quot; means that neither brand nor (to a certain extend) strength matter much as long as the latter is within a window of usability that's usually much wider than on clarinet or saxophone.<br /><br />For instance, on Bb-Xaphoon, I use tenor or baritone reeds (on my favourite Xaphoon, I even prefer baritone reeds) and use strengths from 2.0 to 3.0 reeds of a lot of different brands (which means that the actual differences may be even greater - because not all numbering systems match each other - rather silly, that, to be honest), sometimes switching from one extreme to the other without any real issue. I wouldn't dream of trying that on sax, regardless of the mouthpiece. And the difference in sound is a lot less marked than on saxophone (my experience with clarinet reeds is somewhat limited).<br /><br />But for starters, if you feel comfortable with the Rico 2.5 tenor reeds, I'd stick to them; they're inexpensive and widely available - and they're also quite reliable (which can't be said of any type, brand and model!). The same is true for Rico Royal...<br /><br />M. http://xaphoon.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1328536433/3#3 Xaphoon Discussion Forum/Problems and Solutions Well, Dmitry, I think that getting the note is an achievement in itself. It's no small feat to be able to sustain it at all - it's not even meant to be there <img src="http://xaphoon.com/yabbfiles/Templates/Forum/default/wink.gif" border="0" alt="Wink" /> Just keep at it - I'd suggest practising with a very relaxed throat/low tongue, it's easier to get the note out this way.<br /><br />M. http://xaphoon.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1328379839/0#0 Xaphoon Discussion Forum/Your Recordings http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4pfDfIHqBI<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UOL3pagsWc<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMyiwRqn2G0 http://xaphoon.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1327332494/1#1 Xaphoon Discussion Forum/The Xaphoon I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy every minute of it - just don't forget to think about the others, too <img src="http://xaphoon.com/yabbfiles/Templates/Forum/default/cool.gif" border="0" alt="Cool" /> I'm glad you're putting in the &quot;will&quot; in your last sentence.<br /><br />The Xaphoon sure is next to ideal for busking - small, light, sturdy and with an astonishingly full sound. It's not totally trivial to play it well, though - that's something to consider before playing at people (which means: Playing *for* them isn't a given unless you put in some serious practice). On the other hand, first-hand feedback is valuable anyway... And you'll get that on the street, sure enough. But it's so much more enjoyable when it's positive (and besides, it pays better)!<br /><br />Anyway, since you're obviously an experienced musician, I'm convinced you know all this better than I do. All the best for your progress and success.<br /><br />M.