I had my first real play of the Sterling Bb nickel clarinet SCL-250N today. I have a lot to learn. The fingerings are very different to the Sterling tenor saxophone, and I keep on getting this horrible squeaking noise as I hit middle B and C. Still, like the tenor saxophone, I reckon that it is me that is deficient, not the instrument. Keep practicing … I will have to take some photos of the clarinet … more »
After my success with the Sterling Bb tenor saxophone STS-500DN, I have lashed out the grand sum of $139 (+$30 freight) for a Sterling Bb nickel clarinet SCL-250N. How can Student Instruments import and sell musical instruments on eBay for about the price of a decent pair of running shoes? These really are disposable instruments — they will probably cost more to repair than the price of a new instrument. When they wear … more »
In my initial review of the Sterling Bb tenor saxophone STS-500DN from Student Instruments, I was finding it difficult to consistently get crisp, clear notes every time — particularly lower G. It seems that 20 years of not playing a saxophone was a more important factor than the eBay instrument. After three or four practices I can now hit all notes crisply. This may, however, also have something to do with using Rico … more »
I bought a Sterling tenor saxophone STS-500DN from Student Instruments off eBay recently. I have played it a couple of times. Yesterday, I decided it was time to try to tune it. I got out my Korg electronic chromatic tuner that I bought for tuning my guitars. They didn’t have these around 20 years ago when I used to play an alto saxophone. I proceeded to play a G on the tenor sax. … more »
Let me get one thing clear first up — if you are looking for a saxophone for performance or professional use, have some self-respect and go buy an instrument costing a minimum of ten times the price of this instrument. Or go and get a new job because you obviously don’t value your tools of trade highly. This instrument is definitely aimed at the beginner student market. You are still reading. Okay, so let … more »
My Vault mountainboard turned up on a courier yesterday. I purchased it for $260 plus $24 freight from eskatestuff on eBay. One thing is for sure, eskatestuff have fast delivery. The advertised Vault mountainboard specifications are: 36″ x 9″ Canadian maple deck 11″ spring truck polished blue aluminium 200 mm X 50 mm rubber tyre wheels PU football style cushion removable foot straps with velcro leg leash rubber grip pads set allum keys hand tools. … more »
The wind was blowing, the sun was shining, and I took the opportunity to take my two biggest parafoil traction kites down to my local park for a back-to-back comparison. My wind gauge was indicating 5 knots to 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The two kites on test were a PKD Buster II 2m and a Prism Stylus P3. The Buster II with its four lines is more complicated to set up … more »