Buying a Tenor Sax

tommy_ng · Jun 19, 2008

Special offer !!!!!!!

http://www.karacha.com/A-Carmichael-Tenor-Saxophone/p1961.aspx

Has anyone here played a Carmichael Tenor before??? Is this as good as a Walstein?

:erm: 8|

tommy_ng · Jun 19, 2008

What about Selmer-TS700 ... another special offer !!!

http://www.normans.co.uk/Items/ts700?&caSKU=ts700&caTitle=Selmer%20TS700%20Prelude%20Tenor%20Saxophone

Taz · Jun 19, 2008

Hi tommy, welcome to the BR, spend spend spend, oh and dont forget to enjoy what youve spent your dosh on! 😉

tommy_ng · Jun 19, 2008

Just rang Woodwind & Brass LTD. Walstein Tenor is currently out of stock. Got to wait for 2 months 😡

ch_boogie · Jun 19, 2008

Hi Tommy

And Welcome! I have a Walstein Tenor that I love very much but 2 months is a long time to wait!!!

I have also had a Selmer Prelude from Normans which was ok. It all depends what you want and how long you are prepared to wait :S

tommy_ng · Jun 19, 2008

Ch'Boogie wrote:
Hi Tommy

And Welcome! I have a Walstein Tenor that I love very much but 2 months is a long time to wait!!!

I have also had a Selmer Prelude from Normans which was ok. It all depends what you want and how long you are prepared to wait :S

Hiya

Is Selmer Prelude better than Walstein in terms of quality. Any problem with your Prelude when playing low notes?

I am also considering a Yamaha YTS275, at twice the price of Prelude or Walstein.
8|

sparrow · Jun 19, 2008

You are likely to find the Yamaha easier to sell when you move up to your next sax (you will, you know: you're already on the slippery slope).

ch_boogie · Jun 19, 2008

Tommy

The Prelude is a good sax you will upgrade and Walstein is the kind of sax you would keep for a long time. The big 4 brand names is probably the only thing that would tempt you away from the Walstein. The Prelude as with most saxs I presume played low notes without a problem. It is a good well built starter sax. Mine worked was reliable and sounded alright, higher notes were a bit thin though . but when I play the Walstein its obviously better. A richer darker tone all the keys are closer to the body which makes it easier for me to play.

I was left with the thought that the Prelude, as good as it was wasnt a keeper. where as the Walstein makes me wanna buy mouthpieces and ligs and reeds it feels like I have something to work with.

Looks wise the Prelude after 12 months took on a kind of vintage well used look, it was just the right shade of gold. The pinky colour of the Walstein is to die for however. But 2 months? I'm not sure I could wait and I know Col definatly couldnt even its eventualy worth it.

I've seen a Yamaha and Walstein side by side and the Walstein sounds better and looks better (personal pref) the Yamaha might be better built but not in a way obvious to me. The Yamaha will sell for more second hand but it costs twice as much in the first place so you will be no worse off if you sell.

tommy_ng · Jun 19, 2008

seems like i got to wait for 2 months >.<

sparrow · Jun 19, 2008

Tommy, it'll be all the better when you get it.

And the two-tone finish (mine's metallic blue and gold, like a Subaru) is verrry attractive.

tommy_ng · Jun 20, 2008

I might ring up to reserve one..... 8)

tommy_ng · Jun 20, 2008

Sparrow wrote:
Tommy, it'll be all the better when you get it.

And the two-tone finish (mine's metallic blue and gold, like a Subaru) is verrry attractive.

Issit not reddish in colour???

sparrow · Jun 20, 2008

Well, mine was a custom order.

I also had the bell widened and I have a special sports mouthpiece. I have a harness sling, too.

tommy_ng · Jun 20, 2008

Sparrow wrote:
Well, mine was a custom order.

I also had the bell widened and I have a special sports mouthpiece. I have a harness sling, too.

How much did you pay for it???

sparrow · Jun 21, 2008

Which?

tommy_ng · Jun 21, 2008

Sparrow wrote:
Which?

your custom made sax

8|

sparrow · Jun 21, 2008

I paid the usual price, but I had to sign a contract requiring me to wear a baseball cap back-to-front every time I play it.

😉

Joking apart, the bodywork metal is a very nice colour and contrasts well with the sticky bits. Someone said it's like the Yanagisawa bronze models, so yes, maybe reddish. Indian tea rather than China. There's some engraving, too, which is fairly restrained.

I also have a JP soprano and much prefer the Walstein.

Of course, after you've had it a few weeks, you'll be needing a new mouthpiece ...

Col9 · Jun 21, 2008

Obviously nothing to do with me but I happend to notice this

http://tinyurl.com/5vseff

(URL tinied by admin, see www.tinyurl.com, thanks)

Might be worth a look.

col.