Saxophones First 3D "Printed" Alto Sax

[Luluna]

A friend sent me this early this morning - not bad for a first pass, would you play one of these?

http://www.3dsystems.com/blog/2014/08/worlds-first-3d-printed-saxophone

 

[trimmy]

and no neck strap needed 😎

 

[Targa]

Hi Luluna,
You've been snowed in a long time?

 

[saxismyaxe]

Is this further proof that, with the exception of the Grafton, plastic horns all appear to be incapable of being played in tune thus far?

So far they have all amounted to mere novelties as true musical instruments unfortunately. At least that is my opinion.

 

[Colin the Bear]

It looks to have possibilities. Why do technicians and inventers demonstrate musical instruments. Get a musician to demo it. I wonder how long before they can print 3D metal. It would be great to download a new car.

 

[Nick Wyver]

Is this further proof that, with the exception of the Grafton, plastic horns all appear to be incapable of being played in tune thus far?

So far they have all amounted to mere novelties as true musical instruments unfortunately. At least that is my opinion.

You may have missed the disclaimer, "I am not a saxophone player!" and the fact that it's his first go at it.

 

[saxismyaxe]

You may have missed the disclaimer, "I am not a saxophone player!" and the fact that it's his first go at it.

You are correct, I did indeed miss that bit.

Cheers.

 

[jonf]

Is this further proof that, with the exception of the Grafton, plastic horns all appear to be incapable of being played in tune thus far?

.

I played a Vibratosax last year, when I popped in to sax.co.uk. It played fine, just like a normal saxophone, but about a quarter of the weight.

 

[Tenor Viol]

The technology is an an early phase and as he noted, a design re-think is needed. Look at how the 'horseless-carriage' evolved. Early ones looked exactly like carriages until form/function evolved.

It will be interesting to see where this goes.

 

[jbtsax]

The very popular plastic trombone is called a P-Bone. Will the plastic sax be named the P-Ophone?

 

[Colin the Bear]

I thought the P-ophone was a public phone booth.

 

[Targa]

I thought the P-ophone was a public phone booth.

Is that what you use when you're not in the woods?

 

[kernewegor]

So you that's what you use when you're not in the woods?

Are you saying that Colin is the Pope?

 

[saxismyaxe]

I played a Vibratosax last year, when I popped in to sax.co.uk. It played fine, just like a normal saxophone, but about a quarter of the weight.

I've yet to hear one sound sample that demonstrated adequate intonation on that make of horn. I find the results very disappointing vs. what was promised during the planning/hype phase.

Granted, I have not had the opportunity to play test an example myself. However I HAVE heard many otherwise fine players demoing them, and the intonations issues were apparent even in their hands.

 

[SaxterLoka]

A friend sent me this early this morning - not bad for a first pass, would you play one of these?

http://www.3dsystems.com/blog/2014/08/worlds-first-3d-printed-saxophone

amazing......desire it, print it. and then ya just got to learn to play it....and that's at least a good 30 years work ahead of him. wonderful! ;->

 

[SaxterLoka]

I've yet to hear one sound sample that demonstrated adequate intonation on that make of horn. I find the results very disappointing vs. what was promised during the planning/hype phase.

Granted, I have not had the opportunity to play test an example myself. However I HAVE heard many otherwise fine players demoing them, and the intonations issues were apparent even in their hands.

the playing was disappointing. im sure they'll get it right know doubt. be kind!

 

[ProfJames]

I recently sold a Vibrato but I must say it was a playable light sax. Great for practice and as a beginner horn.

 

[Ads]

in all fairness Prof, I`d rather see beginners on decent easy to play horns like budget Yamahas or a well set up Jericho than a Vibrato - even sax.co say that experienced players have to make allowances for it . I`d love one as a novelty and feel that this is where the Vibrato fits best . that and for playing in the rain, white water rafting or during Ice bucket challenges anyway

 

[SaxterLoka]

I recently sold a Vibrato but I must say it was a playable light sax. Great for practice and as a beginner horn.

how much do they sell for second hand?

 

[ProfJames]

You can buy the A1 (older) model new from sax.co.uk for £250 at present. I sold one for £220 two months ago.