Did You Know - Steuer Reeds

History of the saxophone

Steuer Team — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 10:40:50 +0000

The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax in Belgium in the mid-19th century. Sax, a musical instrument maker, wanted to create an instrument that would combine the qualities of wood and brass. Around 1840, he succeeded in designing the first saxophone, a brass instrument with a clarinet-like mouthpiece and an oboe-like conical body.

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What is a jam session?

Steuer Team — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 11:26:05 +0000

A jam session or improvisation session is an informal, improvised session where musicians from different backgrounds play together in total spontaneity. It's a shared experience where artists come together without prior rehearsal or a musical score, giving free rein to their creativity and virtuosity.

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Jazz's great periods

Steuer Team — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 15:34:48 +0000

Jazz, born in New Orleans in the late 19th century, is a blend of African-American and European cultures, with blues and ragtime as major influences. The first musicians played brass, wind and percussion, taking advantage of surplus military instruments after the Civil War.

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The Saxophone in classical music: difficult beginnings

Steuer Team — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 11:02:00 +0000

The saxophone's identity is deeply rooted in jazz, but the instrument has also flirted with classical music. But is its near-absence from the symphony orchestra really due to its sound, or are there other, more complex reasons for this sidelining?

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The first jazz waltz ever recorded

Steuer Team — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 11:12:09 +0000

In 1936, jazz purists were about to be shaken by an experiment that would go down in history: the jazz waltz. A 3/4 compositional style was born, shaking up the world of traditional jazz which, let's not forget, was still in its infancy: this was still just 20 years after the first recordings became available. Its name? "Waltzing the Blues". At the heart of this fusion was Benny Carter, playing tenor saxophone and trumpet on the recording.

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History of the clarinet

Steuer Team — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 10:28:00 +0000

The clarinet is descended from the chalumeau, a wooden instrument resembling a recorder with a reed, widely used in the Middle Ages. It was Johann Christoph Denner, a German instrument maker, who brought major improvements to this instrument, notably by adding a bell and two keys, thus transforming the chalumeau into a clarinet around 1700.

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What's the difference between jazz and traditional saxophone reeds?

Steuer Team — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 17:21:20 +0000

Jazz reeds are designed to give musicians more brilliance and projection. They enable saxophonists to stand out in a jazz or rock band, cutting through brass and amplified instruments.

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Why are reeds made of cane and not bamboo?

Steuer Team — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 11:54:00 +0000

Reeds are made from the Arundo donax plant, also known as "giant cane", a member of the grass family. Cane is a material naturally suited to the manufacture of musical reeds, due to its acoustic properties and flexibility.

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Are there any special instructions for looking after reeds in different climates or weather conditions?

Steuer Team — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:00:00 +0000

In humid climates, it's essential to keep reeds in a dry, well-ventilated environment to prevent mold growth. In dry climates, reed humidification systems are recommended to maintain optimum humidity levels. Inspect and rotate reeds regularly to ensure even exposure to air and to avoid warping.

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How often should reeds be replaced, and what are the signs that it's time to use a new one?

Steuer Team — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 16:29:00 +0000

The lifespan of a reed varies according to factors such as playing frequency, technique, and maintenance. Saliva, which has a pH of around 7.2 but can be above this average (base) or below it (acidic), can also have an impact on the gradual degradation of a reed's mechanical properties. Signs that it's time for a new reed include reduced responsiveness, poor sound quality, and visible signs of wear or damage.

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