Paul Warner
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 312
- Location
- Teignmouth, Devon
I am quite prepared to state that this is the most beautiful looking tenor I have ever come across. This isn't Hanson's standard model, but one of the top spec "Monarch" series, and was developed as an attempt to design and produce "the world's finest saxophone"! I'll leave you to ponder that one.
So what are the specs? Firstly it is a prototype, and as such is genuinely hand made. If you look very closely you can see the file marks to prove it. It is highly sophisticated and plays beautifully and powerfully (or gently with lovely sub tones) with a superb tone and with that particular feeling that it will deliver whatever you wish……it's as good as you as a player can make it! It's quite genuinely as good as, or better, than anything I have ever played and I've played a load!
It is superbly engraved from top to bottom (as well as the neck and inside the bell). The rod-work, linkages and neck tenon are solid nickel (yes solid- not plated). All the bearings are self adjusting point screws and the fluidity of handling are truly superb. Griff saw and blew this recently and was knocked out by it (go ahead and ask him). Keywork is ultra light, smooth and fast with just enough blowing resistance to involve the player and bring out the soul in anyone!
So why the hell am I selling it? Well, I bought it in the belief that tenor work was forthcoming. It didn't work out and I'm hard up and need to upgrade some of my photographic equipment. So I'll stick to my alto, baritone and soprano, and let this one go. I payed £1000 for it (which I considered very cheap…student territory…for a pro level horn). I would like to get my money back and feel it's a bargain at that price. There's a deluxe quality, solid gig case with it and if wished I can throw
in a new Bari Esprit m/p with Rovner ligature. As usual, 5% goes to Pete's charity and I guess that postage will be around £30.
So what are the specs? Firstly it is a prototype, and as such is genuinely hand made. If you look very closely you can see the file marks to prove it. It is highly sophisticated and plays beautifully and powerfully (or gently with lovely sub tones) with a superb tone and with that particular feeling that it will deliver whatever you wish……it's as good as you as a player can make it! It's quite genuinely as good as, or better, than anything I have ever played and I've played a load!
It is superbly engraved from top to bottom (as well as the neck and inside the bell). The rod-work, linkages and neck tenon are solid nickel (yes solid- not plated). All the bearings are self adjusting point screws and the fluidity of handling are truly superb. Griff saw and blew this recently and was knocked out by it (go ahead and ask him). Keywork is ultra light, smooth and fast with just enough blowing resistance to involve the player and bring out the soul in anyone!
So why the hell am I selling it? Well, I bought it in the belief that tenor work was forthcoming. It didn't work out and I'm hard up and need to upgrade some of my photographic equipment. So I'll stick to my alto, baritone and soprano, and let this one go. I payed £1000 for it (which I considered very cheap…student territory…for a pro level horn). I would like to get my money back and feel it's a bargain at that price. There's a deluxe quality, solid gig case with it and if wished I can throw
in a new Bari Esprit m/p with Rovner ligature. As usual, 5% goes to Pete's charity and I guess that postage will be around £30.
