The number one question I get is (some version of) “What is your setup?” or “What mouthpiece do you play?”
Before I tell you what I play, know that I have strong opinions on gear. Replicating my—or any player’s—setup will not result in sounding like that player.
Tenor
- saxophone: 1968 Selmer Mark VI (played since 1997)**
- mouthpiece: Otto Link Tone Edge hard rubber #9 (off the shelf model; no work done; played since 1999)
- reeds: Rico Royal (now D’Addario) #3.5 (played since 1999)
- ligature: Rovner 2R (played since 1999)
- neck strap: DeJaques
- case 1: Bam Cabine Tenor Saxophone Case
- case 2: Bam Softpack Tenor Sax Case
- stand: my new favorite is the K&M stand (see vlog #135 on YouTube)
Soprano
- saxophone: Yamaha YSS-675 with interchangeable neck
- mouthpiece: Otto Link Tone Edge #8
- reeds: Rico Reserve #3.5
- ligature: the dinky metal one that comes with the mouthpiece
- live example 1 & example 2
Alto
- saxophone: Yamaha YAS-62 or P. Mauriat 67RCL
- mouthpiece: Meyer 7 medium
- reeds: Rico Royal #4
- ligature: Rovner
Other gear
- stands: new favorite is the K&M stand (see VLOG #135 on YouTube) but I also have Hercules single, double, and travlite
- microphone (live): Audio-Technica ATM35 or Blue Encore 200
- microphone (studio): Lewitt Audio LCT540
- Audio interface: Clarett 4pre
- effects: Line 6 DL4 Stompbox Delay Modeler (example 1, example 2)
- live recording: Zoom H4N PRO Digital Multitrack Recorder
Cameras
- Canon 70d
- Canon 60d
- lens 1: Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
- lens 2: Tamron 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5
- microphone: Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro
**I also think the P. Mauriat horns are a great choice if you’re looking for a vintage feel, look, and response, without the high price tag of Mark VIs and Balanced Actions. My choice of Mauriat is the System 76 2nd edition (unlacquered). I’m playing it here, here, and here.
photo credit: Aaron Farley
Disclaimer: Many of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. There is no price difference but I may receive a small commission if you end up purchasing through them.
Audio Equipment
I use a DPA 4099 (for saxophone). I’ve used it for the last 5 years and I love it. I first discovered it while touring with Larry Carlton. His tour manager asked me to try it during soundcheck at a Kansas City theater. As soon as I heard the first few notes through the house, I knew this microphone was different. It was clear and transparent, and could handle a very wide dynamic range — both volume and registers — without coloring the sound. With flat EQ, it was the closest thing I’d experienced to what I identify as “my” sound on a stage mic. Just amplified!
Here’s the little fella in action.
Does this make a list?
Audio Equipment
What microphone do you record at home with?
I use the KU5A by AEA Microphones to record saxophone in my home studio.
What microphone do you play live with?
I use a DPA 4099 (for saxophone). I’ve used it for the last 5 years and I love it. I first discovered it while touring with Larry Carlton. His tour manager asked me to try it during soundcheck at a Kansas City theater. As soon as I heard the first few notes through the house, I knew this microphone was different. It was clear and transparent, and could handle a very wide dynamic range — both volume and registers — without coloring the sound. With flat EQ, it was the closest thing I’d experienced to what I identify as “my” sound on a stage mic. Just amplified!
What FX pedals do you use?
I use the KU5A by AEA Microphones to record saxophone in my home studio.