malumovis
Senior Member
- Messages
- 41
- Locality
- Wales
Hi there.
Long-time lurker, first-time poster here.
I've been a freelancing classical clarinettist for a fair few years now, and I guess I would consider myself a 'semi-pro' sax player (I've done local pit-band tripling work for 20 years or so, and the occasional touring showband-type thing supporting vocalists), but am now looking to leap into more freelancing sax work.
My first ever sax, bought from one of those dodgy second-hand shops as a 15-year-old is an old King Marigaux Tenor (c.1980s), and I'm very fond of it. It weighs a ton, doesn't like altissimo very much, but I love the smoky mellow sound it produces. I've played pro-level Yamahas and Yanis belonging to friends, and whilst they're a heck of a lot easier to play (and less strain on the neck), I still prefer the KM. I think perhaps I just like a challenge ...
Anyway, this isn't about tenors, it's about altos! I have an absolutely terrible eBay alto, bought many years ago. It's a 'Fremont Rio' and is literally falling apart. As I've mainly done tenor work up until now, I hadn't bothered spending any money beyond reeds and ligatures on the alto, but as I'm getting more bookings on alto, I really need to get myself something decent. I'm also setting up a wedding/function duet with a guitarist and will be needing it occasionally for that.
I love the dark and smoky sound, and had been hankering after a vintage Buescher Big B, but, due to financial constraints I'm now thinking of perhaps utilising sax.co.uk's financing options. Their choice is incredible though, where do I start? I'm not able to get up to London for some time, so trying them out in person isn't an option at the moment unfortunately. Can I get a decent set-up for under £1500? My current alto mouthpiece is a Selmer C**, and a 'Sharkbite' metal MP (eBay again ... I can't help myself, it was only £20) so I may well need to upgrade there too.
A few past students of mine have bought P.Mauriats and love them. Are these still good horns for the money? (I'm a sucker for the vintage lacquer look too). What about Antigua? Conn-Selmer? I really do not know where to start, so, if any of you could see your way to pointing me in some useful directions, I'd be very grateful!
Many, many thanks.
Long-time lurker, first-time poster here.
I've been a freelancing classical clarinettist for a fair few years now, and I guess I would consider myself a 'semi-pro' sax player (I've done local pit-band tripling work for 20 years or so, and the occasional touring showband-type thing supporting vocalists), but am now looking to leap into more freelancing sax work.
My first ever sax, bought from one of those dodgy second-hand shops as a 15-year-old is an old King Marigaux Tenor (c.1980s), and I'm very fond of it. It weighs a ton, doesn't like altissimo very much, but I love the smoky mellow sound it produces. I've played pro-level Yamahas and Yanis belonging to friends, and whilst they're a heck of a lot easier to play (and less strain on the neck), I still prefer the KM. I think perhaps I just like a challenge ...
Anyway, this isn't about tenors, it's about altos! I have an absolutely terrible eBay alto, bought many years ago. It's a 'Fremont Rio' and is literally falling apart. As I've mainly done tenor work up until now, I hadn't bothered spending any money beyond reeds and ligatures on the alto, but as I'm getting more bookings on alto, I really need to get myself something decent. I'm also setting up a wedding/function duet with a guitarist and will be needing it occasionally for that.
I love the dark and smoky sound, and had been hankering after a vintage Buescher Big B, but, due to financial constraints I'm now thinking of perhaps utilising sax.co.uk's financing options. Their choice is incredible though, where do I start? I'm not able to get up to London for some time, so trying them out in person isn't an option at the moment unfortunately. Can I get a decent set-up for under £1500? My current alto mouthpiece is a Selmer C**, and a 'Sharkbite' metal MP (eBay again ... I can't help myself, it was only £20) so I may well need to upgrade there too.
A few past students of mine have bought P.Mauriats and love them. Are these still good horns for the money? (I'm a sucker for the vintage lacquer look too). What about Antigua? Conn-Selmer? I really do not know where to start, so, if any of you could see your way to pointing me in some useful directions, I'd be very grateful!
Many, many thanks.