There seems to be very little in the way of recent accounts of these instruments to be found on the net, so I thought I'd give my two-pennyworth for anyone considering buying one.
I did what research I could and was impressed by the review on www.shwoodwind.co.uk and ordered one, without trying it, from www.normans.co.uk (with whom I have no connection), it was delivered in three days.
As Stephen Howard's review implies a good mouthpiece is needed, to get the best from any instrument.
The instrument I got seems to be without flaws (having read all his reviews and the sort of things he comments on led me to examine it very closely).
The finish and build I cannot fault. Everything feels very solid and it is surprisingly, and re-assuringly heavy and robust.
As his review states the spring tension is a trifle heavy, so a few (Blued-steel) springs needed attention. I also gave the mechanism a light oiling, which worked wonders. It could have been in storage getting sticky for yonks.
The case is lightweight, but very rigid with plenty of space for the junk we want to carry about. It looks pretty good too.
This alto speaks so readily! From top to bottom it's there, it's a delight to play and so easy.
One of Mr Howard's comments was that this model sounds darker than other 'cheap' instruments, and this was a big deciding factor for me.
With a metal Link STM it is a bit pushy, but growly around the edges, as you'd expect, but with the Meyer so much sweeter.
Then after a few days I tried the Meyer with a Rovner ligature, this is what I wanted to hear. Richer, darker, fuller (difficult to describe sounds, eh?)
If you're considering a GOOD, but inexpensive alto this is really worth considering.
Oh, did I mention the price?
£230
Incredible.
I did what research I could and was impressed by the review on www.shwoodwind.co.uk and ordered one, without trying it, from www.normans.co.uk (with whom I have no connection), it was delivered in three days.
As Stephen Howard's review implies a good mouthpiece is needed, to get the best from any instrument.
The instrument I got seems to be without flaws (having read all his reviews and the sort of things he comments on led me to examine it very closely).
The finish and build I cannot fault. Everything feels very solid and it is surprisingly, and re-assuringly heavy and robust.
As his review states the spring tension is a trifle heavy, so a few (Blued-steel) springs needed attention. I also gave the mechanism a light oiling, which worked wonders. It could have been in storage getting sticky for yonks.
The case is lightweight, but very rigid with plenty of space for the junk we want to carry about. It looks pretty good too.
This alto speaks so readily! From top to bottom it's there, it's a delight to play and so easy.
One of Mr Howard's comments was that this model sounds darker than other 'cheap' instruments, and this was a big deciding factor for me.
With a metal Link STM it is a bit pushy, but growly around the edges, as you'd expect, but with the Meyer so much sweeter.
Then after a few days I tried the Meyer with a Rovner ligature, this is what I wanted to hear. Richer, darker, fuller (difficult to describe sounds, eh?)
If you're considering a GOOD, but inexpensive alto this is really worth considering.
Oh, did I mention the price?
£230
Incredible.
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)) not sure what they are thinking.
