Saxophones Allegro, Oxford - maintenance experiences?

[Kumimajava]

Hi guys,

since i'm based in Oxford, and was in marston a few days ago, I decided to have a look in Allegro. I'm just returning to sax playing after nearly a decade's break, so I wasn't going to try anything new. But after leaving, I started considering having my tenor go through a 'tune up' - it's been a while since it's last been adjusted etc.

My question is whether any of you guys have personal experience with respect to the kind of work these guys do (and yes, I've tried the 'search' function)? If not these guys, whom else would you recommend?

What made me a bit nervous was seeing the tech (don't remember his name) was working on some alto, as I was talking to the other guy (whose name i also don't remember). The tech was checking for leaks using a leak light - and soon I heard him pick up a hammer... and then 'dink, dink... *sigh* :x ... DONK/wallop ... ooh s*it... *big sigh* ' :whistle:

On one hand, I know these guys must be good/professional enough to have kept the shop running for good while. On the other hand, I would appreciate some feedback from someone with firsthand experience.

thanks!

 

[peedee]

I used to have an Allegro I'm ashamed to admit, not as good as the Morris Oxford my mate had :laugh:
Griff is highly thought of on here, but lives in Exmouth, and works in Croydon I think, bit far away from Oxford. I suppose if they bugger it up for you, they would have to pay for the damage, or give you a new sax?
:erm:

 

[old_git]

pm Griff as he also spends best part of Wednesday, somewhere halfway up which aint too far from Oxford.

 

[dooce]

I took my tenor (which I bought from Allegro) for service there and while I freely admit that I'm no expert, I couldn't discern what, if anything, they had done for my 80-odd quid - nor did they explain other than a few sweeping descriptions of "tweeking, adjustments, blah, blah.......

So I took it into Paul Egan, who operates out of St. Giles Music in Northampton, and for the same dosh he improved the instrument enormously, and explained to me exactly what he had done and why.

That's just my experience; others may tell a completely different story.

 

[Pjonah]

My tenor came from All Agro in Oxford, which I have to admit they set up originally very well. The problem is the proprietor, he is a master of rudeness, he just seems to have the most unfortunate manner, for what ever reason.

Like Dooce, Paul Egan has my tenor now as I type this, should be ready this Wednesday! I'll let you know how good a job he does.

Simon

 

[Kumimajava]

Thanks for the feedback guys - i'll try to look elsewhere.

a slight problem for me is that i don't have a car, so can't travel out to deliver the instrument very far - but i'm sure i'll figure out something eventually. Until then i'll just keep bashing on the old setup

as to them replacing/repairing whatever damage they'd do to the sax - i'd rather not risk that. not that the horn is musically irreplaceable, but it carries as lot of personal value.

 

[sax_starved]

I was going to make a special journey to Allegro to try out some tenor mouthpieces. Not sure I'll bother now - think I may make a pilgrimage to sax.co.uk and spend a day out.

 

[Moz]

Sax Starved wrote:
I was going to make a special journey to Allegro to try out some tenor mouthpieces. Not sure I'll bother now - think I may make a pilgrimage to sax.co.uk and spend a day out.

Just goes to show retailers, or any one who has to deal with members of the public and makes their money from them (which rules out the civil service), that when they do something a bit iffy, they never know just who they may be talking to (or about). People will vote with their feet if bad word gets about.

Moz

 

[Pjonah]

Oxford is an unusual place in that apart from Alcocks(I think) down town Oxford, there is not a lot of choice other than All Agro.

I beleive they have thrived because of that, it certainly isn't the service you get.

Its a great shame for Roger, as he could have made an even bigger fortune if it were not for his somewhat strange attitude, I bet he's crying all the way to the bank!

 

[Lockjaw]

Sax Starved wrote:
I was going to make a special journey to Allegro to try out some tenor mouthpieces. Not sure I'll bother now - think I may make a pilgrimage to sax.co.uk and spend a day out.

Actually, I accept what folks have said about attitude at Allegro, but it can have advantages. I went there a couple of years back when I wanted a new tenor mouthpiece and found their 'forthrightness' quite refreshing... most shops will tell you want they think you want to hear, even when it's the wrong thing.

I tried several mouthpioeces, and the guy ( I guess Roger from the descriptions) actually listened and commented on each and how it suited me. When I had narrowed it down to a Yanni metal 8 or 9 he had me alternate both. Finally he declared 'don't go for the 9, it's too open and your staccato sounds like a dog barking'!

Which I was a little ruffled by at the time, but was exactly what I needed - some firm guidance from another set of ears. Not many shops would do that I think. And yes, I'm still using the MP!

On maintenance, I recommend MIR in Halesowen, excellent service and good value. I just had a silver YTS62 completely stripped, cleaned and rebuilt for around ?150. Not on your doorstep, but you can always use a parcel carrier, most will insure think. Even after courier costs maybe cheaper than 'down south'?

 

[sax_starved]

Interesting about the owner's attitude. He seemed quite knowledgable and helpful on the phone so perhaps it's just his brusque manner. I really dislike rudeness though, and it's spectacularly stupid when you are trying to sell to anybody that has a choice. It was really going to be a way of killing a few hours as I am in that part of the country for a few days. I may just go and then report back, but if I feel belittled I will not buy!