Learn: saxophone buying explained
What each specification means, how much of it you need, and which buying guide to open next. Every figure links to the maker's own page.
- Yellow Brass vs Red Brass: What the Words Mean on a Listing
What yellow brass and red brass mean on a saxophone listing, how they appear with finish words, and how to read them as material and look details. - Yamaha vs Jupiter Saxophones: What a Listing Shows
What a buyer can compare between Yamaha and Jupiter saxophone listings: level words, model names, finishes, and kit contents. - Yamaha vs Jupiter: Which Key Layout Feels Better
What a listing can tell you about Yamaha and Jupiter key layout: key count, level and register. Hand reach and comfort stay a personal judgment. - Yamaha vs Eastern Music: Build and Playability
Compare Yamaha and Eastern Music saxophones on stated details: manufacturing precision, pad seating, and playability for buyers. - Yamaha vs Selmer Neck Taper: Intonation
What a neck taper means as a listing word for Yamaha and Selmer, and what stated details can and cannot tell about tuning stability. - Yamaha Alto vs Tenor: Same Brand, Different Keys
How to compare a Yamaha alto with a Yamaha tenor: register names, key count, bore and response as words on a listing. - Thin Wall vs Thick Wall Saxophone: Tone Effects
What wall thickness means in a saxophone listing and how to compare instruments when the catalogue does not state acoustic effects. - Tenor or Baritone Saxophone: Size and Tone Trade-Offs
Compare tenor and baritone saxophones by register, size, air demands and musical role, and decide which best matches your situation. - Tenor vs Baritone Mouthpiece Sizes Compared
Compare typical mouthpiece sizes and facing lengths for tenor and baritone saxophones, and learn what these terms mean on a listing. - Bright vs Dark Mouthpiece for Tenor Sax
Learn how to read bright or dark words on tenor saxophone mouthpiece listings, and what baffle and chamber terms mean. - Synthetic vs Leather Saxophone Pads: What Listings Say
What leather pads and synthetic pads mean in a saxophone listing, what buyers ask about longevity, moisture resistance and sealing, and what the seller states. - Straight vs Curved Soprano: Key Position Compare
How straight and curved soprano saxophones place keys differently and change the angle of your hands. Read listings with these shape words in mind. - Soprano or Baritone Saxophone: Comparing Keys and Ranges
Learn how soprano and baritone saxophones differ in pitch, size, and role, and which one fits your playing goals. - Soprano or Alto Saxophone: Comparing Keys and Feel
What the soprano and alto saxophone differ in: pitch names, size, shape, and how a listing tells them apart. Which one fits a first purchase. - Soprano vs Alto for Jazz: Which Voice Fits
How soprano and alto saxophones compare for jazz: register, mouthpiece differences and what a listing tells you. - Straight vs Curved Soprano Saxophones Compared
What straight and curved mean on a soprano listing, how the shape changes the case and key placement, and how to choose a soprano shape. - Single Post vs Double Post Keys: Which Is Sturdier
Understand what single post and double post key construction means on a saxophone listing, and how it relates to maintenance. - Silver vs Nickel Plated Keys: Choosing a Finish
What silver plated and nickel mean on a saxophone listing, how to read the finish word, and what the catalogue cannot say about wear or feel. - Silver or Gold Lacquer Keys: Which Finish to Choose
How to read silver and gold lacquer finish words on a saxophone listing, what they name, and how to choose between the two looks. - Silver Plating or Gold Lacquer: Finish Comparison
What "silver plated" and "gold lacquer" mean on a saxophone listing, how to read finish words, and what to pick for your situation. - Silver Lacquer vs Antique Finish: Wear and Tone
What silver lacquer and antique finish mean on a saxophone listing, and what a buyer can and cannot learn about wear and tone from those two words. - Screw Lock or Pin Lock: Key Security
Learn how screw locks and pin locks keep saxophone keys in place, what they mean on a listing, and which to prefer for your needs. - Yamaha Saxophone Model Features: What to Compare
What to compare in Yamaha saxophone listings: the high F sharp key, ribbed construction, model name, level word, and finish. - Saxophone Warranties: What to Compare
Learn what a saxophone warranty covers, how maker and seller warranties differ, what to ask before buying, and what the catalogue cannot tell you. - Upper Register Vents: How Size Affects Altissimo
What upper register vents are, how listings name the keys that open them, and what a buyer can read about the highest saxophone range. - Tone Hole Rollers and Rings: What to Look For
Learn what tone hole rollers and rings are, why they matter for smooth key action, and how to check them when comparing saxophones. - Saxophone Tone Hole Filing: What the Term Means
Learn what a tone hole is on a saxophone listing, what filing means as a word, and why this site compares stated details rather than repair topics. - Saxophone Tone Hole Edges: Why Smoothness Matters
Learn why smooth tone hole edges protect pads and ensure a tight seal, and what to look for in a saxophone listing. - Lacquered vs Raw Brass: Street Finish Tone
What lacquered and raw brass mean as saxophone listing words, why a finish is a look, and what the stated details cannot tell you about tone or maintenance. - Saxophone Strap Materials: Nylon vs Leather
Compare nylon and leather saxophone straps for comfort, stretch, and endurance. Learn which material suits your needs and playing style. - Saxophone Strap Hook Sizes and Compatibility
Learn how strap hook sizes vary across saxophone keys and how to match them with harnesses for a secure fit. - Saxophone Stands and Storage: What Buyers Should Know
Learn about saxophone stands and storage cases, their types, and how size and materials affect safety and longevity. - Saxophone Stands: Straight vs Peg Styles
Compare straight and peg saxophone stands for stability, portability, and ease of use, and find the right stand for your instrument. - Saxophone Spring Wire Gauge: What Buyers Should Know
What a saxophone spring is, what gauge means as a listing word, and why a buyer should compare stated details like register, level and kit instead. - Saxophone Spring Material and Tension Needs
Learn how spring alloys and tension affect key action weight and lifespan, and what to look for in a listing. - Split C# Key: What It Does and Is It a Deal Breaker
What a split C# key is, how to read it on a listing, why some models state it, and whether it should change your choice. - Saxophone Sizes and Portability by Key
How soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones compare in size and carry weight, and how to choose a register you can transport. - Silver Plating vs Lacquer: Which Saxophone Finish to Choose
Compare silver-plated and lacquered saxophones: what each finish means, how they differ in care, and how to choose based on stated details. - Saxophone Silver Plating: Tarnish and Care
What silver plating means on a saxophone listing, why it tarnishes, and how to read care expectations from stated details. - Saxophone Side C Key: Position and Reach
Where the side C key sits on a saxophone, how to spot it in listing photos, and what its position means for players with different hand sizes. - Saxophone Screws: Why Slot Type Matters for Maintenance
Explains Phillips and slotted screws on saxophones, why slot type matters for maintenance, and what listings can say. - Saxophone Screw Materials: Brass vs Steel Care
How screw materials appear on a saxophone listing, which parts can rust in general terms, and how to care for keywork at home. - Choose the Right Saxophone Reed Strength
How reed strengths pair with the saxophone register, the mouthpiece tip opening and your experience, in plain words. - Cane vs Synthetic Saxophone Reeds: Which to Buy
How cane and synthetic saxophone reeds differ in material, how reed words appear on listings, and what to consider before choosing a reed type. - Saxophone Reed Cut: How It Affects Mouthpiece Choice
Learn how reed cuts (French, American, filed) match mouthpiece design and player style, and how to choose the right reed for your saxophone. - Choosing Saxophone Size Based on Player Height and Hands
How the four saxophone registers differ in physical size, key spacing and weight, and what to weigh when choosing for an adult, a child or a smaller player. - Key Cup Plating and Wear: What to Inspect on a Saxophone
What key cup plating words on a saxophone listing mean, how wear and corrosion look, and how they relate to pad sealing. - Saxophone Key Pitch: A vs Bb What to Buy
Learn what the E flat and B flat pitch keys on saxophone listings mean, how to read them, and which pitch key to buy as a new player. - Saxophone Pads: Leather, Synthetic, and Felt
Saxophone pads seal the tone holes. Learn what leather, felt and synthetic pads are, and what to look for on a listing before you buy. - Saxophone Necks: Taper, Material, and Interchangeability
What a saxophone neck is, how taper and material appear as listing words, and what to read before choosing or matching a neck. - Neck Strap or Harness: Comfort for Long Sessions
Compare neck straps and harnesses for weight distribution during long playing sessions, and learn what to look for in a listing. - Saxophone Neck Screw: How Tight Should It Be
Learn how the neck screw secures the neck, what tightness feels like, and how to check the fit before buying a saxophone. - Saxophone Neck Length and Intonation Differences
How neck length varies by register, what a listing says about the neck, and why the neck is part of the air column for pitch. - Saxophone Neck Cork Thickness: Fit and Air Seal
Why the neck cork thickness controls how a saxophone mouthpiece fits, how a snug cork keeps the joint airtight, and what to check on a listing when buying. - Should You Upgrade Mouthpiece or Saxophone First?
Choose whether a new mouthpiece or a new saxophone is the right next step. Compare stated details and level words. - Saxophone Mouthpiece Materials: Hard Rubber vs Metal
Learn what hard rubber and metal mouthpiece words mean on a saxophone listing, and what the material can and cannot tell you before you buy. - Saxophone Mouthpiece Facing Length: What It Does
What the facing length number on a mouthpiece listing names, how buyers read it, and where it fits when choosing a saxophone. - Saxophone Neck Cork Grease: What to Use and Why
What neck cork grease is, why the neck cork joint on a saxophone needs it, and how to read it in a kit listing. - Saxophone Mouthpiece Chamber Volume: Buying Impact
What chamber volume means on a saxophone mouthpiece listing, what a buyer can compare from the stated words, and when a missing chamber detail matters. - Saxophone Mouthpiece Bite Plate: Wear and Protection
What the bite plate is, what wear looks like, and how a patch protects a saxophone mouthpiece. - Baffle or Chamber: Mouthpiece Tone Control
What baffle shape and chamber size mean on a saxophone mouthpiece listing, and how to read those terms when you compare mouthpieces. - Saxophone Mouthpiece Baffle Types
Straight, rollover, and step baffles explained, and how to read bright and projection words on a saxophone mouthpiece listing. - Tone Hole Size and Placement: What It Means for Sound
What tone holes are on a saxophone, why their size relates to the low register, and why the register is the first decision on a listing. - Saxophone Low Bb Key: Mechanism and Checks
Learn how the low Bb key linkage works, why pad size matters, and how to verify proper closure when comparing saxophones. - Screw vs Strap Ligature: Which Holds Better
What screw-type and strap-type saxophone ligatures are, how they appear in listings, and the mechanical differences in grip and reed vibration. - Ligature Materials: Metal vs Leather vs Fabric
What a ligature is, how metal, leather and fabric appear as material words on a saxophone listing, and what a buyer can compare about them. - Saxophone Strap Width and Padding for Comfort
Learn how strap width and padding distribute weight on your neck and shoulders, and what to look for in a saxophone strap. - Saxophone Straps: Neck vs Harness for Weight Support
Compare neck straps and harnesses for saxophone weight support, padding, and hooks to choose the right strap for your instrument. - Strap Ring Placement and Saxophone Balance
How the strap ring position on a saxophone affects balance, how to read it on a listing, and why it matters for alto, tenor, soprano and baritone. - Lacquer Wear on Saxophones: Does It Affect Value
How to read lacquer and wear words on a saxophone listing, what finish says about value, and where a catalogue can make no claims. - Lacquer vs Plating: Resale Value Impact
How lacquer and plated finishes appear on saxophone listings and what the catalogue does and does not state about wear or value. - Saxophone Lacquer Thickness and Durability
What the term lacquer means on a saxophone listing, why thickness is rarely stated, and how to read the finish words when you compare instruments. - Saxophone Finishes: Lacquer, Silver, Unlacquered, Gold
What lacquer, silver plate, gold lacquer and unlacquered brass mean on a saxophone listing, and what the catalogue can and cannot tell you. - Saxophone Keys: Brass, Nickel Silver, and Stainless Steel
What brass, nickel silver, and stainless steel mean on a saxophone listing, and how to read key material details when choosing a horn. - How to Check Saxophone Key Action Before Buying
Learn what saxophone key action is, why a listing cannot show it, and what you can check when the instrument is in your hands before keeping it. - Saxophone Key Rod Tolerances: Checking Play
Why key rod tolerances almost never appear on a saxophone listing, and what to compare instead: the register, the level word, the kit, the finish and the brand. - Saxophone Key Leverage: Why It Affects Playability
Key leverage decides how much finger force a saxophone key needs. Learn what listings state about it, what they leave out, and what to pick. - Key Counts on Saxophones: What the Numbers on a Listing Mean
How many keys soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones carry, which optional keys like high F sharp and low A matter, and what a key count does not tell. - Saxophone Key Button Sizes and Hand Fit
What key button sizes and shapes mean on a saxophone listing, how they relate to hand fit, and what a buyer can and cannot infer from stated details. - Saxophone Key Button Materials: Plastic vs Metal
Compare plastic and metal saxophone key buttons for comfort, grip, and durability. Learn what to look for in listings and how to choose. - Temperature Effects on Saxophone Intonation
How cold and warm rooms shift saxophone pitch, what a listing does not state, and what to check before you buy. - Saxophone Inner Wall Finish: How It Shapes Tone
Learn how the interior bore finish of a saxophone affects resistance, brightness, and control, and what to look for in a listing. - Saxophone Resonators: Metal vs Plastic on Pads
Learn what saxophone pad resonators are, how metal and plastic appear on listings, and what to pick for your level. - Is a High F# Key Necessary on a Saxophone
Learn what the high F# key is, where it appears in saxophone listings, and how to decide if a model with this key fits your playing. - Saxophone Gold Lacquer: Appearance and Wear
What gold lacquer means on a saxophone listing, how it wears over time, and how to compare it with other finishes by stated details. - Gig Bag vs Hard Case: Which Protection Level
Compare gig bags and hard cases for a saxophone by portability and protection, and pick the right case for your commute. - Saxophone Front F Key Vent: What It Is and Why It Matters
Learn what the front F key vent is, its role in altissimo, and how to inspect it on a new saxophone. - Saxophone Ergonomics: Hand Position and Key Placement
What ergonomics words in a saxophone listing tell you about key layout and hand position, and what they cannot tell you. - Saxophone Engraving: Hand vs Machine and Visual Quality
What engraving words on a saxophone listing mean, how hand and machine engraving appear as seller terms, and why decoration does not change stated details. - Tenon and Cork Joints: Fit, Seal, and Replacing
Learn how saxophone neck and body joints should fit, how to spot cork compression, and when to replace the cork. - Saxophone Cases with Wheels: When They Help
Learn when a saxophone case with wheels eases travel and when it adds weight. Read the listing words and pick a case for your route. - Saxophone Cases: Hard Shell, Gig Bag, and Latch Types
How to read case words on a saxophone listing: hard shell versus gig bag, latch types, weight, and what to require for travel and daily use. - Saxophone Case Interior: Materials and Protection
Learn how plush, velvet, and molded case linings protect a saxophone, and what to look for when choosing a new case. - Saxophone Cases: Features to Look For
Lists what a factory-included saxophone case protects against and how to judge it from a listing: hard case, gig bag, straps and latches. - Saxophone Brass Alloy: Yellow, Gold, and Red Brass
Learn how the brass alloy in a saxophone body affects tone, weight, and durability, and what to consider when choosing a finish. - Saxophone Brand Model Numbers: What They Mean
How to read a saxophone model number: register, series, and feature letters on a listing, and what the catalogue can state. - Saxophone Bore Smoothness: Does It Matter
Bore smoothness is not a stated detail on saxophone listings; compare by register, level, finish and kit. - Saxophone Bore Size: What It Means on a Listing
What 'bore' means on a saxophone listing, and how the site compares stated details without making sound claims. - Saxophone Body Ribs and Braces: Strength Check
What ribs and braces are, where they sit on a saxophone body, and why they help prevent the tube from bending. - Saxophone Body Materials: Brass, Bronze, and Copper
What brass, bronze, and copper mean on a saxophone listing, and how to read body material words without chasing tone claims. - Brass vs Copper Saxophone Body: Which Tone
Compare brass and copper saxophone bodies on weight, resonance, and tonal warmth to choose the right material for your next saxophone. - Saxophone Bis Key: Design and Usefulness
Learn what the saxophone bis key is, how its design varies, and when it helps you play Bb more easily. - Bell-to-Body Joint: Checking Fit and Corrosion
How to inspect the tenon joint between the bell and body on a new saxophone for tightness, corrosion, and proper seating before you start playing. - Saxophone Bell Size and Flare: Impact on Projection
What saxophone listings say about the bell, what size and flare words mean, and what to check on alto, tenor or baritone listings. - Saxophone Bell Rim Shape and Playing Effects
What rolled and plain rims mean on a saxophone listing, where the phrase appears, and what the catalogue does not state about its effect on sound or durability. - Saxophone Bell Keys: How They Open and Close
How the B, Bb, and C# bell keys work on a saxophone, what the mechanism does, and what to look for in a listing. - Bell Engraving: Depth, Style, and Longevity
What bell engraving on a saxophone listing means, why depth and style are rarely stated, and how to choose an engraved model from stated details only. - Saxophone Assembly: Key Fit and Finish Checks
Understand what arm heights, key alignment and body joints mean on a saxophone listing, and how to read stated details before you buy. - Checking Saxophone Altissimo Range and Key Extensions
What the high F# key and other upper range keys mean on a saxophone listing, and how to read key extensions for altissimo playing. - Rounded vs Square Tone Holes: What to Know Before Buying
Learn what rounded and square tone holes are as listing words, why this site cannot compare them, and what to focus on instead when choosing a saxophone. - Rose Brass or Yellow Brass Bell: What the Words Mean
Rose brass and yellow brass as words on a saxophone bell listing, what each alloy names, and what the stated details can and cannot tell you. - Signs of a Professionally Crafted Saxophone
What listing words point to hand-assembled keywork, precision tolerances, and premium materials in professional saxophones. - Polycarbonate vs Hard Rubber Mouthpieces: What Listings Say
Learn what polycarbonate and hard rubber mean on a saxophone listing, what makers state about the materials, and what a buyer can and cannot conclude. - Plastic vs Metal Thumb Rest: Comfort Contrast
How thumb rest material affects grip, slippage, and long rehearsals. Learn what to look for in a saxophone listing. - Phosphor Bronze vs Stainless Steel Springs: Trade-Offs
Compare phosphor bronze and stainless steel saxophone springs: flexibility, corrosion resistance, and feel, and what to pick. - Saxophone Pads: With or Without Resonators?
Learn what metal resonators on saxophone pads are, how they differ from flat pads, and what to consider when choosing an instrument. - One Screw vs Two Screw Ligature: Grip and Tone
Learn what one screw and two screw ligature phrases mean on a saxophone listing, and how to compare reed security and sound transfer claims. - Nickel Silver or Brass Key Cups: Density Check
Compare key cup materials for weight, tone conduction, and corrosion. Learn what the listing words mean and how to choose. - Neck Tenon or Metal Collar: Seal and Fit
What a cork tenon and a metal collar mean on a saxophone listing, how the neck meets the body, and what to look for when you choose. - Metal vs Resin Mouthpiece: Materials as Listing Words
What metal and resin mouthpiece words mean on a saxophone listing, what each material names, and how care notes in the box guide a buyer. - Is a Low A Key Necessary on Saxophones?
Learn which saxophones have a low A key, why it matters for classical and jazz playing, and how to decide if you need it. - Lacquered or Unlacquered Saxophone: Trade-Offs
What lacquered and unlacquered finish words mean on a saxophone listing, what they say about appearance, and what the catalogue cannot say about tone or upkeep. - Lacquer vs Powder Coating: Which Finish Lasts
Compare lacquer and powder coating as saxophone finishes: what the catalogue states and leaves out, and how to choose. - Lacquer or Plated Keys: Corrosion Resistance
Compare lacquered and electroplated saxophone key finishes for corrosion resistance, wear, and care, and choose the right one for your needs. - Jupiter vs Eastern Music: Comparing Saxophones
How to compare Jupiter and Eastern Music saxophones by stated details, design, and level for advancing players. - Jupiter Saxophone Features: What to Check
What to read on a Jupiter saxophone listing: register, level word, keys, finish, kit contents and mechanism terms. A plain-language guide for choosing. - Jupiter Alto vs Tenor: Which Model Fits You
Compare Jupiter alto and tenor saxophone listings on stated details: register, level words, kit contents, and finish. - Intermediate vs Professional Saxophone: Differences
What changes between an intermediate and a professional saxophone as listed details, and which level guide to use for your situation. - How to Read a Saxophone Spec Sheet
Decode saxophone spec sheet terms like key range, bore, finish, and weight to choose the right instrument for your needs. - High G vs High F# Key: Which Extra Key to Choose
Learn what high F# and high G keys mean on saxophone listings, their range benefit, and how the extra key changes the mechanism before you choose. - High G Key vs Standard Keys: Extra Range Worth
Explains the high G key on saxophones, what it adds to standard keywork, and whether the extra note matters for your repertoire. - High F# Key or Low A Key on Tenor: Which Needed
Compare the high F# key and low A key on tenor saxophones: what each does, when it matters, and which to choose for your playing. - High F Key or Low A Key: Which Matters More
What the high F sharp key and the low A key do, which saxophones carry them, and which matters more for a first saxophone, a step-up, or a baritone. - Gold Lacquer or Silver Plating: Tone Effects
What gold lacquer and silver plating mean on a saxophone listing, how players describe brightness and warmth, and what to pick. - Filed vs Unfiled Reeds: Which Cut to Choose
Learn the difference between filed and unfiled reed cuts and how each affects your saxophone's tone, so you can choose the right reed for your playing style. - Felt or Cork Bumpers: Which Wears Better
How felt and cork bumpers cushion saxophone key closures, how they differ in noise and wear, and how to read a listing for this detail. - EASTROCK vs Yamaha: Comparing Two Brand Names on a Listing
EASTROCK and Yamaha appear at different price tiers on saxophone listings. Learn to read level words, kit contents, and stated details. - Eastrock or Jean Paul: Budget Saxophone Showdown
Compare EASTROCK and Jean Paul budget saxophones on stated listing details: level words, finishes, keywork, kits, and what to pick for a first saxophone. - Eastrock Alto vs Tenor: Budget Horn Comparison
Compare EASTROCK alto and tenor saxophone listings for a beginner: register, level word, kit contents, and which one to pick. - Eastern Music Saxophone Features: What to Check
Learn what to check on Eastern Music saxophones: finish, keywork, and pads, based on stated details and official pages. - Curved vs Straight Soprano Tone: What Differs
Straight and curved are shape words on a soprano listing; this article explains what tone, intonation and resistance mean. - Brass vs Bronze Saxophone Body: What the Words Mean
What brass and bronze mean on a saxophone listing, how the words appear for soprano, alto, tenor and baritone, and what a buyer can decide from the name alone. - Brass vs Stainless Steel Neck: Tone and Weight
Learn how neck material affects saxophone tone, weight, and corrosion resistance, and what to consider when choosing. - Brass Neck vs Silver Neck: What a Listing Tells You
What 'brass neck' and 'silver plated neck' mean on a saxophone listing, and what a buyer can and cannot decide from stated details. - Baritone or Tenor in a Quintet: Role and Feel
How to choose between baritone and tenor for a saxophone quintet: the lowest foundation part versus a middle voice, plus blend, articulation and carrying. - Baritone Sax Weight and How to Support It
How the baritone saxophone's size and weight affect a buyer: what a harness or strap does, what kits list, and what to pick for your situation. - Baritone Strap vs Stand: Supporting Big Horns
How a harness and a floor stand do two different jobs for a baritone saxophone: holding the horn while you play and resting it between sessions. - Alto or Tenor for Adult Beginners: Key Trade-Offs
What the listing words alto and tenor tell an adult beginner, how the two registers compare on stated details, and which to pick first. - Alto vs Tenor Mouthpiece Tip Opening Compared
Compare typical tip opening ranges for alto and tenor mouthpieces and how they affect response and tone. - Alto vs Soprano Mouthpiece Baffle: What to Know
Learn how baffle designs differ on alto and soprano mouthpieces, and what they mean for brightness and altissimo playing. - Alto or Baritone Saxophone: Which Key Fits You
Compare the alto and baritone saxophone registers: key labels, size and support, mouthpiece scale, and what a listing says for each. - Jazz vs Classical Alto Mouthpiece: Key Differences
Understand the differences between jazz and classical alto saxophone mouthpieces in tip opening, chamber, and baffle. - Alto or Tenor Sax: How to Choose Your Register
Compare alto and tenor saxophones by register, level words, kit contents, and portability to choose the right instrument for you. - Altissimo vs Standard Range: Learning Curve
What the altissimo range is, how it differs from the standard range, and what the words on a saxophone listing do and do not tell you.