Custom Equalizer Sound Screw for Saxophone- Product Review 

I haven't tried one myself. And at $100 or so, I'm not likely to try one, since I could get something more substantial with that money. But I do know some people, and have seen people like Donna online, who have tried these things and say they work. But it's always the "you don't know it until _you_ try it". And maybe something does work with it and it makes the horn easier and more enjoyable to play. But I have the following two thoughts, and a lot of this is based on a practical background in product development, where you want to see some sort of proof of claims: 1. I've been told that the difference would show up on some sort of audio measuring equipment. But I've never seen any publish such studies/recordings. I don't know enough physics to prove something wouldn't work, but I think I know enough (and have seen things like resonance fixes in other non-musical hardware products I've worked on) to not dismiss the concept entirely. But in the other cases, we threw things into a test rack and had some scopes on it, and could see the effect of a change. 2. If these screws work, why haven't they been adopted by manufacturers as part of the standard design that improves their horns? They will sell you different finishes, improved necks, etc. And I don't know how much engraving on a horn costs, but it add nothing but cost in all practical senses. I've heard no claims that engraving a lightning bolt will make your technique cleaner and faster. So at a rough cost of $50 (e.g. half off retail, as an approximate cost to a manufacturer, and likely it would be less), why would the big manufacturers not include these, even as an option? I sound old and grumpy. Partly because I am, and partly because I'm cheap enough that if I was going to spend $100 on something to make my sax easier to play, or to change its sound, I'd probably spend that money on a mouthpiece or some different synthetic reeds. And part of me worries that I'm missing an opportunity here to help myself by changing a screw...

I do use some of these items myself. There are variable results based on horn, placement etc. In your comparison here, i think your original screw was better-more homogenous overtones and more equal scale and more volume. But it is a highly subjective subject. Matt Vashlishan at SAX GADGETS has a screw with 5 different insertable weights. I am very happy with that product. It´s all fun!

Hi Donna really cool video . I heard about your youtube channel from Mr. Steve Goodson . I have a Bon Fils alto and a Voodoo Master tenor from Mr. Goodson . What a guy ! I would like to think he and I are friends and all it took was small batch bourbon and Costa Rican coffee , just kidding . He's really a very cool and interesting man .And if he is recommending your channel then I'm going to watch and learn . Looking over your channel you have tons of great helpful information . Thank you , you rock !

This looks like a big placebo marketing scam to be able to sell a $0.1 screw for $30-120

I've got a friend who swears by essential oils, says they make her more focused, creative and less prone to illness. She's the only one who notices these improvements. Those of us who who work with her don't see any difference at all, and science has not be able to substantiate any of her claims. Makes it hard to believe her on other things. I guess the same is true with sax screws.