FAQ

Welcome to the Glissonic FAQ page! Below, we’ve categorized the questions
along with their answers for easier navigation. If you have further inquiries, feel free to
contact us.

Getting Started with the Glissotar

While prior experience with wind instruments can be beneficial, it is not necessary for playing the Glissotar. Musicians with a background in instruments like the saxophone or clarinet may find it easier to adapt to the blowing technique, and their understanding of wind instrument mechanics can provide an advantage. However, beginners with no wind instrument experience can learn to play the Glissotar from scratch, just as they would with any other wind instrument. The key is being open to learning and adapting to the unique aspects of the Glissotar.

No, while saxophone experience can help with blowing the single reed mouthpiece, playing the Glissotar is very different in terms of hand positioning.

Features and Capabilities

The Glissotar is unique in its variable pitch capabilities. Unlike traditional wind instruments, it allows for continuous pitch changes (using your fingers), similar to a string on a violin, but applied to a single reed instrument. This creates unique playing techniques and requires practice to master.

We produce two kinds of Glissotars: a wooden version and a 3D printed version.

The body of the wooden Glissotar is made of Purpleheart and the short neck is of brass. It can be used with a soprano saxophone mouthpiece. Purpleheart (or Amaranth, Peltogyne spp.) is a tropical hardwood from Central and South America. It is very durable and resistant and it has excellent strength properties. As its name suggests it has a very nice natural eggplant purple color. Amaranth is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The range of the instrument is the same as of the Hungarian tárogató or the soprano saxophone, it is about 2,5 octaves from ab to d3. 

The Glissotar Jam is a 3D-printed version of the Glissotar. It has has the same form and is exactly the same in functionality as the wooden Glissotar. Its tone is slightly brighter, with more upper harmonics. 

The Glissotar supports a range of techniques due to its variable pitch mechanism. Here is the Fingering on the Glissotar PDF for detailed  instructions. Techniques include sliding between notes and making  use of the string like qualities of the strip. There is a Playing Style section on our website, do check it out. Other techniques involve combining these slides with traditional fingering for complex melodic and harmonic expressions.

The fingering system of the Glissotar is unique and differs significantly from traditional wind instruments like the saxophone or clarinet. It’s more akin to the technique used for string instruments. Daniel Vaczi, the inventor of the Glissotar developed a fingering method that organises hand positions and finger numbers, allowing for multiple choices when playing motifs or melodies. This system encourages players to find the most comfortable and effective combinations for themselves.

Yes, the Glissotar can be used in any music genre. Our videos mainly feature jazz and contemporary classical music, but the instrument’s versatility extends to various genres, such as experimental music, pop, techno, ska, metal, or any other genre.

You can certainly play the chromatic scale on the Glissotar, but it was designed with every scale possible in mind. You can play any scale imaginable, even the microtonal ones.

Yes, the Glissotar is a completely acoustic instrument.

Equipment and Accessories

Yes, one does need a soprano saxophone mouthpiece to play the Glissotar. Note that the Glissotar does not come with one.

No, the Glissotar only works with soprano saxophone mouthpieces.

We provide a reinforced soft case for the Glissotar Purpleheart and a simpler soft case for the Glissotar Jam.

While we strive to make the cork in a way that works with the majority of mouthpieces, it may happen that it is either too tight or too loose for some. In some cases you may be able to solve it yourself. Watch this video for guidance. Avoid following the video’s suggestion to put the neck in hot water, as this can damage the instrument due to heat sensitivity. In other cases, we recommend having a local instrument technician to thin the cork or replace it with a thicker one. Applying grease to the neck is essential. Without it, the cork can dry out, crack, and eventually come loose, making it impossible to attach or remove the mouthpiece.

History and Development

The idea for the Glissotar was born out of a desire to create the simplest, yet most usable solution for a continuous pitch woodwind instrument. You can read more about the birth of this idea and the development of the Glissonic in the first part of our blog series here.

While similar instruments, rare and unique, have existed, none are exactly like the Glissotar. We explored the history and development of similar instruments, including Bart Hopkin’s invention, in detail in the third part of our blog series, which you can read here.

Maintenance and Support

Most of the repairs that may need to be done on a Glissotar are similar to repairs on other woodwind instruments. For example, adapting the neck to the mouthpiece or fixing a scratch on the surface of the wooden instrument. The quickest way to address these common issues is to take the instrument to your preferred local instrument service.

If you encounter a Glissotar-specific issue—such as needing to replace the magnetic ribbon or the octave key—please contact us directly. We are here to support you with all your needs. However, if you do not have a local instrument service nearby, you can send your Glissotar to us for servicing. In the long run, we plan to establish a network of trusted service partners in major cities to ensure easier access to repairs and maintenance.

Yes. Purpleheart naturally shifts over time, gradually changing its colour from purple to brownish.

The magnetic strip has an estimated lifespan of about one year with regular use, though this can vary depending on intensity. Like a guitar string, it’s a replaceable part, with proper use extending its durability. Always detach tha magnetic strip after you finished playing.

You can buy parts and pieces from us directly by emailing sales@glissonic.com. We also plan to develop a webshop for easier access to components.

Like other woodwind instruments, such as the clarinet or oboe, the Glissotar requires proper care.

  • It is best to store it at room temperature and avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold. Never leave it in direct sunlight or e.g. inside a hot car.
  • The Glissotar Jam is made of a material that begins to lose heat resistance at 52°C (125°F). To ensure durability, keep it in temperatures below 40°C (104°F) and away from prolonged sunlight.
  • Even inside its case, avoid leaving it in unventilated, hot spaces. Also, do not place heavy objects on it to prevent damage.

By following these guidelines, both Glissotar versions will remain in excellent condition for a long time.

The guarantee period is three years for the body of the instrument. However, this does not apply to the magnetic strip, which may require replacement every few years, just like strings on a violin or guitar.

Pricing and Shipping

The prices include the cost of the instrument but do not include shipping. Shipping costs are 70 EUR within Europe, 140 EUR to the Americas, and 200 EUR to other regions. VAT is added for EU orders unless the buyer has a European tax ID. Customs fees may apply for orders outside the EU.

Playing and Training

You can try the Glissotar at our Ambassadors. Please get in touch with us and we will try to find a solution to arrange for you to try the Glissotar. Check out our Ambassador map. We also have a Glissotar in the sax.co.uk London store and at Roberto’s Winds in New York.
In addition to the Ambassador Program, we are running the Travelling Glissotar Program, where you can apply to borrow an instrument for up to 2 months and experience it firsthand. Additionally, we’ll be attending various instrument shows and conferences, showcasing the Glissotar. Stay informed about these events and other opportunities by subscribing to our newsletter here.

We are working on creating training materials. Currently, we have a fingering guide and “Going Slideways” by Etienne Rolin, which we will publish soon.

There are over 80 scores written for the Glissotar, mainly in contemporary classical music. We are working on making them publicly available and producing additional scores for other musical styles.

Microphone and Mute Options

The best microphone position is similar to a soprano saxophone, placed in front of the instrument. A stand-mounted mic is recommended, though clip-on mics can also be used if they fit securely on the Glissotar.

The Glissotar cannot be muted like a brass instrument. It’s similar to a soprano saxophone in this regard. For muting techniques, you can refer to this guide on saxophone mutes here.

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