Yet others could indicate the genre of music for which the horn is best suited, i.e. smiley sun = bright tone, a torch = dark tone). The Buescher 400 “ top hat and cane” model alto sax has been around for some time, so that makes two established ratings already.įollowing this theme the following symbols could be used: white gloves, white bow tie, stiff front shirt, wing collar, opera hat, spats etc - but others could also be usefully employed to make a comprehensive system.įor instance, some symbols could indicate build quality, others tonal qualities (i.e. It seems generally accepted that white gloves equals the lowest build quality and dubious playability. Now that I'm back into the swing of things, All I really need is my tried and true mouthpieces and a well set-up horn to make me happy, apparently.We seem to have an embryonic grading system here for saxophones, rather like the star ratings for hotels. I think that the III made me sound better than I really was (if that makes any sense) and it helped me get back into the habit of playing more often. I've also got pictures of my III now.Yeah - the III is incredible and all, but for what I do musically, it's like using a Ferarri to deliver pizzas.
They were done by a professional photographer. You can fit a bumper sticker on that thing!I've got awesome pictures if anyone wants to see the 23. Maybe it's the one really large key guard that covers all the bell keys. This old one I've got is a different animal.Don't know if it's the 'ol "dont make 'em like they used to" thing or what. Practiced a bit and used it at church yesterday.I'm going to make this 23 my main horn and sell the Selmer III.I played a new 23 in a local shop last year and didn't like the way it felt or sounded at all. Check me into the looney bin, call a doctor, call a priest.I set up and tweaked the YAS-23 this weekend. Their soprano is from Taiwan (a great horn for the price), and their alto is out of Germany and is, too, an outstanding horn though not as cost competitive as their soprano. At least Yamahas play in tune.I was very impressed (once again) with the Accent brand horn. Better off with a YAS23 than with a Cannonball. Who knows - maybe the III will go up for sale.BTW, I absolutely hated the Cannonball. When I get the chance, it will be Iron Chef time. unlacquered or silver plate is simply a matter of appearance and upkeep in my opinion.So I'll gladly keep my III for now.I just wish they had a Yamaha 82Z or 875EX to try out. Maybe colored lacquer dulls things to a noticeable amount, but standard lacquer vs. I like the feel of unlacquered horns, so silver works for me. Maybe Selmer's C# tonehole is specifically for some inherent flaw in their bore design or something.The lacquered III had a touch less brightness, but nothing terribly significant. The Ref's C# had that hint of flatness to it but was better than I've experienced on other horns I've played.
The LH pinky table played the same between the two as far as I could tell.And I'll attest that the III's middle C# tonehole most certainly DOES make a difference. I also like the larger plafrom of the III RH pinky table. The Ref high E is flat as the palm keys are below it. The high E on the III has a little bit of a lip to it which I've come to rely upon, apparently. High A rang nice and clear on both the Ref and the III.Maybe it's because I'm used to it, but I like the III's keywork much better. The tenons are the same size but the III neck was a bit longer with the octave pip slightly closer to the mouthpiece.
I swapped necks between the horns and didn't notice any difference at all. So close to the lacquered III that I'd say that there was no noticeable difference as a player tone-wise. I played both a vintage LT and a Vandoren JJ A55.The Ref played only slightly warmer than my III (which plays brightly anyhow) and played about identical to the lacquered III. my silver plate III and a standard lacquered III. Well, I just took the Pepsi Challenge (with the blindfold off - anyone know what I'm talking about?)I played the Ref vs.