Get a Clue

OK, love the Puzzler. Love Sylvia Bursztyn and Barry Tunick. Clever, corny and fun.

I’m willing to occasionally bend a definition or stretch a tense with them. In last week’s Puzzler, for example, even though an “obi” (48 across) is a sash that ties all kimonos and is not exclusive to samurai . . . OK. Tony Soprano is most assuredly not a “hitman” (86 across), he’s a boss, but maybe Sylvia and Barry don’t get HBO . . . OK.

But on 71 across we must part company. Though most often made of brass, “saxes” are played with reeds and are, therefore, a section of the woodwind section. Most woodwind players play several different saxes, flute and clarinet. Many add piccolo and other sax and clarinet variations. Some even specialize and also play double-reed instruments: oboe or bassoon. But whichever instruments they play, they would never find themselves seated among the brass. OK?!??

ROY LEAKE JR.

North Hollywood