Saxophone Forum


by gregoryrh
(21 posts)
18 years ago

Paul Desmond sound

I drool over the smooth sound of Paul Desmond and would like to incorporate his smooth style into mine. I read below Connsaxman Jim describe some equipment setups to sound more like Desmond but wasn't sure which setup he was referring to. What (other than years of practice) was his secret to the smoothness of his sound?

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  1. by johnsonfromwisconsin
    (767 posts)

    18 years ago

    Re: Paul Desmond sound

    IIRC, McGregory (sp?) mouthpieces (which are very expensive now because of everyone wanting to sound like Desmond), very hard reeds, and closed tips. With all that and years and years of practive, I don't think I've heard anyone quite duplicate Desmond.

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    1. by Dark Eyes
      (138 posts)

      18 years ago

      Re: Paul Desmond sound

      I know that this is an old post but I believe that Paul Desmond had such a smooth sound because he incorporated subtone into practically all of his playing. So, in addition to the mouthpiece issue you'll need to try out the subtone technique. Cheers, Dark Eyes (unloved thesis)

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