Equipment

PERSONAL NOTE FROM Cb

This page contains my current list of musical equipment, software items, and some of the related associate organizations necessary to accomplish my work as a professional musician, educator and composer at this stage in my career. I have always preferred and played Selmer Paris saxophones exclusively throughout my entire career. But, most all of the other equipment choices listed have come about after many years of actually playing different instruments and using various brands of musical products.

And, although I was always provided with top-of-the-line equipment during my career with military bands, I still had to own my own horns as well in order to play any private jobs during my off-duty hours. So, I have been using most of these same equipment brands for many years now. All of these are professional grade items that have been technically refined, manufactured and produced to exacting standards by master crafters.

I’d like to emphasize to students that the most important aspect concerning equipment is that your horns work properly. As you develop your own individual musical skill, you will also find that your own personal equipment preferences will emerge as well. I also recommend that any musician (student or professional) have their instruments covered by an insurance policy of some type. There are many homeowner policies that allow an option for such an addendum. There are also specific musical instrument insurance firms such as “Clarion Associates, Inc.” for professionals with high-dollar valued equipment. I’m often asked about my equipment, so here it is…

Peace, Cb

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Eb ALTO SAXOPHONE – Selmer (Paris): Serie III, model 62

LINK AND INFORMATION – Selmer Paris, Serie III with Rose-Brass Neck: The Selmer Paris Series III alto is the gold standard in saxophones. Its sound is superbly crafted and its ergonomics have been duplicated the world over. Mini-rib construction optimizes response and durability. Neck is designed for lightning-quick response. The Series III saxophones epitomize speed. Lightning-quick response and flawless ergonomics make these saxophones move; allowing you to perform at the speeds you need in these hyper-fast times. Instead of traditional brass, these saxophones are built on a platform with a slightly higher copper content-creating a rich warm tone that is automatic from the first breath into the instrument.

SELMER PARIS SAXOPHONES

Bb SOPRANO SAXOPHONE – Selmer (Paris): Serie III, model 53

LINK AND INFORMATION – Selmer Paris, Serie III: I love this soprano, but no longer play it regularly. It is a great horn and needs to be played rather than sit in its great case. So, my Selmer Paris, Serie III soprano saxophone is currently on indefinite loan to a great soprano player and Kansas City jazz legend named Ahmad Alaadeen. He is putting it to great use and has given me his word he’ll return it to me in professionally servicable condition when he is no longer active musically or playing it regularly.

LEBLANC CLARINETS

Bb CLARINET – Leblanc (France): Concerto, model 1189S

LINK AND INFORMATION – Leblanc Concerto 1189S: I have the Concerto model that was originally designed by my favorite clarinet player, Eddie Daniels. This particular clarinet is no longer made by Leblanc and I am considering possibly upgrading to one of the Leblanc Backun Series clarinets. Another reason that I like Leblanc Clarinets is because I have relatively big hands and their key placements give my fingers enough room to be comfortable ergonomically. I also like the inherent tone that Leblanc clarinets produce.

EMERSON FLUTES

C FLUTE – Emerson: Sterling, model EF8B, Symphony Headjoint

LINK AND INFORMATION – Emerson EF8B w/Sterling silver “Symphony” custom option headjoint, solid silver body and B footjoint. This is a really nice French style flute with in-line G key. My model EF8B comes with Y-arms and was designed to meet the demands of the serious musician. It has forged keys, adjusting screws, tight tolerances and superb padding plus the colorful sound quality.