Saxophones Gear4Music

Colin the Bear

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Burnley bb9 9dn
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50yr self taught gigger
Well, after much research and dithering and unsuccessful bidding on ebay and trawling music shops for decent alto, I stuck my neck out and ordered a new nickel plated instrument that was on offer from Gear4music.

It came on Monday. I had no idea if I'd bought a lemon or not. However it looked good and is robustly built.

I was hugely disappointed to find that my usual mouthpiece wouldn't push on far enough to get up to concert pitch.

I played it anyway and was relieved and surprised how responsive the action is and the tone was acceptable.

However what to do about the neck. A close inspection revealed a protective bezel had been placed over the end and this having quite a large diameter was stopping my mouthpiece from progressing.

Only one thing to do. It had to go. With a little careful sawing and fine finishing I have removed the bezel. A bit drastic on a brand new instrument I know.

The outcome is great. I can now play in tune and the tone is much improved.

The intonation is bob on from low Bb to high F#, it's free blowing all though and I am well impressed. If you're looking for a cheap back up or a travelling instrument it's well worth a look. It is built like a tank and should stand the rigours of transporting from place to place.

I thought I'd let you guys know. I can't put it down.
enamorado.gif
 
Glad you like your instrument! 🙂

I have the same experience with the Gear4Music brand. A few months ago I ordererd a curved soprano sax for a student and it's a great soprano. Good intonation and well build.
 
Well, after much research and dithering and unsuccessful bidding on ebay and trawling music shops for decent alto, I stuck my neck out and ordered a new nickel plated instrument that was on offer from Gear4music.

It came on Monday. I had no idea if I'd bought a lemon or not. However it looked good and is robustly built.

I was hugely disappointed to find that my usual mouthpiece wouldn't push on far enough to get up to concert pitch.

I played it anyway and was relieved and surprised how responsive the action is and the tone was acceptable.

However what to do about the neck. A close inspection revealed a protective bezel had been placed over the end and this having quite a large diameter was stopping my mouthpiece from progressing.

Only one thing to do. It had to go. With a little careful sawing and fine finishing I have removed the bezel. A bit drastic on a brand new instrument I know.

The outcome is great. I can now play in tune and the tone is much improved.

The intonation is bob on from low Bb to high F#, it's free blowing all though and I am well impressed. If you're looking for a cheap back up or a travelling instrument it's well worth a look. It is built like a tank and should stand the rigours of transporting from place to place.

I thought I'd let you guys know. I can't put it down.
enamorado.gif

I had a black nickel G4M alto as back up and it was very good indeed.You cant go wrong on these.Yani 991 copy and its nigh on the same design.Yes not as smooth and fine tuned as the yani but for cash its cracking.I used mine on lots of my pro gigs.
 
I had a black nickel G4M alto as back up and it was very good indeed.You cant go wrong on these.Yani 991 copy and its nigh on the same design.Yes not as smooth and fine tuned as the yani but for cash its cracking.I used mine on lots of my pro gigs.

I bought the Gear4music vintage alto which was reviewed on Stephen Howards site and i have to say for the money it takes some beating, i had intended to use it as a backup horn, but I have been so impressed that i have used it on every gig since i got it.
 
hiya, just wondering what the nickel finish sax sounds like? They look quite attractive and I spied one on eBay but missed it. Funny enough it sold for nearly its full retail price! Guess that's how it goes on eBay tho 🙂
 
hiya, just wondering what the nickel finish sax sounds like? They look quite attractive and I spied one on eBay but missed it. Funny enough it sold for nearly its full retail price! Guess that's how it goes on eBay tho 🙂

It will sound like there others.For the cash there very good.Intonation,build,ergonomics are all good.If you can find the cash just buy a new 1 from them.If you dont like it sell it.Win both ways at that price.
 
Like any other instrument it will depend on mouthpiece, reed and embouchure. I don't think the nickel plating affects the sound. It was more of a practical thing for me. I'm hoping it keeps it's shine longer than just lacquered brass as I play outside quite a bit. It plays great. Intonation is accurate and it blows free. The action is light and responsive and the more I play it the better it gets, probably as I get more used to it. I paid £209 for mine but I noticed they've gone up to £229. If you do go for one keep an eye on the website for a while as the prices go up and down. The light gold one is on offer at the mo. I've tried much more expensive instruments that are inferior in all departments. And no I'm not on commission. Just really happy with it.
 
Nickel's a good finish - lasts well and takes a nice shine. Doesn't need as much polishing as silver. Only downside is that some people are allergic to it, so if you've ever had a skin reaction to metal glasses, stainless steel you may be one of the allergic ones. BUt quite a few years ago they stopped putting nickel in glasses frames, jewelery etc. so just cos you haven't had a reaction, doesn't mean you're OK.
 
Just a quick update. It's getting better and better. Or am I just getting use to it. Had a slight problem with a couple of screws working loose. I noticed when wiping it over after playing. No biggie though. Nipped them up and all is fine. I'm now managing the fast arpeggios and runs I never could on the old Lafleur. Can't get used to the F# key. I can only find it about 3 times out of ten attempts. Most annoying lol.
 

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