So, you want to buy a sax (or any instrument)? Well, back in that real world we once lived in, all you had to do was go in to your local music store where knowledgeable staff would demonstrate several instruments, explain differences, offer HP/trial schemes and that was that except that, as the internet emerged from its murky waters, after wasting your time, they would then order online only to find the instrument, upon arrival, had been either damaged in transit or needed some tweaking which you, Joe Muggins, was expected to do.
However, that is by the by, the trick is to decide what instrument, in this case saxophone, you want in the first place.
A good idea (one might think) is to trawl the pages of music mags such as DownBeat - they know about these things.
The July issue revealed that Gerald Albright plays a Cannonball alto. Wow! it must be something. Gonna get me one.
I turn the page and discover that Eastman are introducing 'the Ultimate 52nd Street Sound'. It also has the 'precision of DS Mechanism'! Not only that, Bob Mintzer of the Yellow Jackets collaborated in the design. Must have that one although I'll pass on the colour of the jacket.
So far so good. Then, several pages on, it's all blown apart with a review of the 2023 NAMM show.
This is the trade fair of the music industry. I haven't been there but I know a man who has.
All bets are off!
Eastman, needless to say are represented and the horn that caught the DB reviewer's eye was their 'Revamped 52nd Street Bari' described as 'coming unlacquered for a vintage appearance'. I mean would you buy a new car that needed a paint job? Although you could, possibly, con someone into believing the sax had once belonged to Gerry Mulligan or Harry Carney should you decide to pass it on. However, it does have a case with wheels.
P.Mauriat offer saxes that have Kirk Whalum black necks, a stable low register, omni-directional sound and a superior aesthetic design.
Victory Musical Instruments' 'Major Revelation' series provides players with 'an ergonomic design'.
To sum up, to find your perfect instrument you need to discover one that has:
a) DS Mechanism
b) Unlacquered for a vintage appearance
c) A case with two wheels
d) Kirk Whalum black necks, a stable low register, omni-directional sound and a superior aesthetic design
e) An ergonomic design
f) Endorsed by Gerald Albright or Bob Mintzer
g) (Best) One that has been recommended by a local sax player - providing he hasn't got one for sale!
Reeds and mouthpieces will be covered in a future post. Lance
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