Nuvo Instrumental N510JBBK Black jSax

Really neat design! The sax itself sounds great, and very "saxy". Not what you'd initially expect given it's plastic. Very low tones are a bit harder to sound (and the instrument is indeed shorter and smaller than your run-of-the-mill alto sax), but that might also just be a case of the craftsman blaming the tool.Each part is made of good quality synthetic plastic, and can be detached and cleaned, and everything fits neatly and tightly into its spot in the hard shell case. I can then shove the whole thing into my backpack and off I go.Given that this is not only less expensive, but actually more convenient to use and transport than a regular sax, I'd consider this extremely good value.

This instrument is shorter than a soprano sax and so of slightly higher pitch, being somewhere between a soprano and sopranino in size and pitch. Unfortunately, it's mainly let down by a small compass - just one and a half octaves. The intonation is sadly, pretty poor. I've managed to tweak it a little and can now get it to reach G Sharp, by slightly enlarging the thumbhole. Maybe more enlargement could let us get the compass up to two full octaves. Some of those intonation problems can also possibly be solved by adjustment of the hole size or pad height. I'm working on these issues.

Great, fun instrument.

A bit hard to play but very good for beginners!

Superb a very happy Grandson and Grampy is enjoying it as well.

This instrument is designed primarily for young users up to about the ages of 10-12. However, it is playable by someone of any age, although if you have large hands, you may find it a bit tricky.Sound-wise, the jSax does have a very sax-like sound - more soprano sax than alto, although the deeper tones down around low G are definitely alto-esque. Obviously it is unfair to compare the jSax with a full size sax or even Trevor James 'Alphasax', but in its own right it really is a fascinating and eminently playable instrument. It is also a great introduction to the world of single reed instruments. (Nuvo also sell the DooD (a single reed recorder) and the Clarineo (A simplified clarinet).iew & tips)To put my own experience in a slightly unusual context - I'm over 70 and have moderate COPD. As such, my breathing problems are mostly associated with breathlessness and (as is typical for anyone with COPD) breathing OUT can be difficult. I therefore bought a jSax for several reasons:1) Because I love the sound of the saxophone.2) At my age I wanted an instrument that would be a challenge, but not massively difficult to understand or learn.3) I wanted an instrument that would help me exercise and strengthen my lungs and associated muscles.In the case of (3) the jSax has proved a superb buy. It was not at all difficult to get a sound out of it within a few hours and after a few days I could manage a full scale of major notes running up and down the length of the instrument. (BCDEFG). I quickly found that my own preference was to use a cane reed strength 1.5 rather than the Nuvo plastic reed. (The Nuvo reed is good, but for me, the cane reeds are easier to use melodically). When using the jSax, the need for steady breath has a similar effect to 'pursed lip breathing' and this is definitely strengthening my lungs and muscles.So that's the health-based review done with in relation to my own particular needs and preference.You can buy an additional 'straightening' kit which I do find helps. It's a shame that this has to be bought separately, but it does. So there you go. (See update section for notes and photos)I have found this unusual instrument to be a very useful and interesting challenge. Its design is such that the fingering systems and finger placements lead on naturally to an actual saxophone - which is one of the main intentions behind the design. It is well made and completely washable. All seals and hinges are silicon so will last for ages. One tiny word of warning - for beginners, there are three small 'trainer wheels' fitted into 3 of the tabs. Take care as these can become dislodged. They are meant to be removed once you have got used to playing and can use your fingers with more finesse and accuracy.Playing the jSax won't turn you into a John Coltrane nor Jan Garbarek, but it could well start you on a journey into the world and sound of the saxophone.UPDATE ------ January 2018 -----------------------I now have a 2nd jSax to carry with me in my car. (I get odd looks while waiting in car parks, but what the heck !!!)I've attached 3 new photos showing the instrument with and in its case. It's useful to know that you can still keep it in the case if you prefer the straightener version .... it's a shame there isax with the straightener kit at the same time for a reduced amount).A few tips if you're new to this instrument or this type of instrument ....1) Before playing, hold the mouthpiece (with reed attached) in the palm of your hand for a minute or so to warm it. This does help.2) When fitting or removing the reed, do so with with the mpc still attached to the body. This makes it easier to use and control the clip.3) Don't blow hard or you'll get a squealing noise. Breath control is important. Try to find out about 'belly breathing' (Diaphragmatic breathing). Watch videos about how to develop a basic embouchure. Nuvo's own Youtube tutorials about learning how to play their Clarineo are excellent. The mouthpiece is virtually identical to that of the jSax.4) Nuvo have a good range of tutorials on Youtube, so search them out. There are both poor and excellent jSax performances. I especially recommend a YouTube uploaded entitled 'Nuvo jSAX played by Kosei Nagata of Empty Kraft'. The first 58 seconds are chat in Chinese or Japanese.Playing begins at about 0.58 and it's a revelation and helps to prove what a good instrument the jSax is if you want to aspire to a real sax sound. Another interesting Youtube upload (with a few duff notes) is entitled 'Jsax, Yesterday, NUVO Plastic saxophone, Mini saxsophone'.5) To clean the inside of your instrument after playing, you can either wash it in water or a light sterilising solution and then leave it to dry - or you can use a pull-through cloth. I use one made for a clarinet. I also use one of these on the swan neck of my alto sax. Here are two types:Tuyama® Pull Through Cloth for Clarinet (w/ weighted cord) - easy & thorough maintenance for your clarinetHelin E4424 Clarinet Micro Fibre Pull Through ClothGood luck - it's really worth whole persevering with the jSax but don't expect to master it immediately. It isn't as immediate as a recorder but offers you scope to move onto other reed instruments in future years.