Christopher D. Mickel, DMA
Saxophonist

Chris's Equipment

Soprano Saxophone: I play a gold laquer Keilwerth SX-90II. For classical playing I use a Vandoren V5 S27 mouthpiece with a BG ligature. For jazz I play a ceramic chamber Jazz model mouthpiece by Aaron Drake.












Alto Saxophone: I play a brushed silver Keilwerth SX-90R. My classical mouthpiece is a Bob Scott refaced Vandoren V5 A27 and my jazz mouthpiece is a Barkley NY 7. I use a Bay ligature on the Vandoren and a BG ligature on the Barkley















Tenor Saxophone: I have three great tenor saxophones, a SDT-XG 606 by Sax Dakota which a wonderful horn. It is a beautiful horn in every aspect with great response, precise action, wonderful projection, and an excellent tone throughout the entire range of the horn. It is without hesitation that I recommend and endorse Sax Dakota saxophones. In addition to this horn I also have a Selmer Mark VI (Serial Number: 67,XXX) and a black nickel Keilwerth SX90-R, both of which are great horns. Regarding mouthpieces, my classical tenor mouthpiece is a Vandoren V5 T20 and my jazz mouthpiece is a Aaron Drake. I use a BG ligature on the Vandoren and a Drake ligature on the Tenor Contemporary I.



















Reeds: I like to use synthetic and cane reeds. My favorite synthetic reeds are Forestone reeds, these are the best synthetic reeds on the market. AS far as cane reeds are concerned, I usually use Vandoren reeds because they are the most consistant and are the easiest to find. For classical playing I like the Traditional (blue box) or V12 (silver box) in a #3.5 or #3 respectively. For jazz I like Vandoren ZZ's or V16's in a #3.

Microphone: For live performance, I have used a Sure Beta 98 H for many years. It's been a great microphone for me.











Effects: I often use an ART Studio V3 preamplifier and recently I have been using a Line 6 M9 effects pedal as well.