Although we are tempted with a seemingly endless supply of gadgets and accessories in the quest for the ultimate saxophone sound, this might actually be the most important one I’ve come across for a while.
Developed by British saxophonist and educator Andy Scott, the Libero is a device that attaches to your saxophone sling and widens the strap. Sounds like a simple idea but there is some good logic behind it.
“The resonance in your throat is so important for a full sound,” says Andy, who began by experimenting using pencils to hold his neck strap apart. “I discovered that by reducing the pressure on the side of my neck, I could feel so much more free when I was playing,” he explains..
Having tried many “tone enhancing” products, with varying results, I have to admit that I was quite sceptical when I first tried the Libero.
The test
I found it very easy to attach the Libero to various neck straps in my collection with the spring loaded clips. It is also very easy to adjust the width by simply turning the centre section which winds both clamps outwards.
Without a doubt, the Libero made playing very comfortable, although after more than 30 years blowing my sax without one, it was hard to appreciate just how much of difference it made. That was until I removed the Libero and started playing again.
It was only when I played without the Libero that I got it. The Libero really makes a massive difference not only to the feel of your sax, but also how your throat works. I was amazed at how conscious I was of the pressure on my neck.. Going back to the Libero I could really hear a difference in my tone with it attached to my strap. Without the pressure of the neck strap on my throat I could blow and breath much more openly.
Andy developed the Libero in conjunction with Ian Sanger and the final product is a really well made, quality piece of kit. It’s a simple design and looks durable enough to be thrown in your sax case and used for years.
One other thing I like about the Libero is that I can use it with my own favourite neck straps rather than having to change to a completely new one. Most of us have a favourite strap ( or two) and the Libero will work with all styles of strap from string to webbing.
So, if you’re hunting for a product to help with your tone then I would definitely suggest checking this out . I love it!
More info:
The Libero is £85 and available from http://www.andyscott.org.uk