What really makes a saxophone sound: the player, the lacquer… or even the stones?
In Episode 264 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down live at the NAMM Show 2026 with Dr. Randal Clark to talk about the Award-Winning Black Sapphire Cannonball Saxophone and the exciting new releases from Cannonball Instruments.
⬇️ Jump to your favorite moments using the time markers below:
00:00 Introductions
00:36 The challenge of creating a beautiful blue finish
01:21 The new 30th Anniversary Black Sapphire Cannonball Sax
02:15 How does lacquer affect the sound
03:57 How the necks for The Big Bell Stone series are unique
05:39 Paul Taylor cameo
03:24 The new Midnight Alto Sax and the effects from the powder in the lacquer
07:05 The difference between the matte black finish on the Raven vs the finish on the Midnight
08:11 The new Black Ruby alto sax
08:56 The importance of the Cannonball Instruments looking beautiful
09:17 The Cannonball Instruments stones and the importance of the density
10:18 The effect the ligature has on your sound
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Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔
To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?
That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."
Inside, you'll discover:
- How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
- The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
- And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop
Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.
Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available ➡️ HERE
