Saxophones Hanson ST5 Tenor sax

[gazzasax]

Now then, this is where I want to pick the brains of the cafe members for the first time.

Shortly I will be purchasing a new tenor sax. Hanson was recommended to me eons ago by a good friend and i trust his opinion on saxes.

I want to get a general idea of how they are as horns by those who have played them, compared them or own them.

Now I have a budget of 600 quid. No more, no less. As I don't currently teach or gig the sax I can't warrant any more than that (sadly, but in the end reality must prevail over Selmer, Yani and Keilworth fantasies).

It looks outwardly like a solid deal with the 5 years servicing and guarantee etc. I know the origins of parts and things are dubious but I've spent the last 6 years playing a beat up old Armstrong alto from my old man so anything fares as a step up in my humble eyes really.

 

[Pyrografix]

I've payed as ST8 which is their 'pro' range - it was very nice. But (and I'm not on commission here) if I had £600 I would opt for the BW TSPD for sale in the Yard Sale here (ok,its £25 over your budget), as its at least on a par with the ST8........

Good luck with your purchase!

Cheers,

Amanda

 

[gazzasax]

Yeah I saw that and I was tempted, but chance is by the time I have the cash (selling a bike to pay for it) it will have gone anyway. And it doesn't have the warranty and servicing malarky.

Is there much of difference between the ST8's and the ST5's?

 

[Pyrografix]

Is there much of difference between the ST8's and the ST5's?

I'm not sure as have only played the ST8 which I had on trial. But Hanson's isn't that far from you, so worth a trip over to try out a few saxes. They're very helpful, and don't always charge the list price for their instruments;}

 

[Andrew Sanders]

Hi Gazzasax,
Just bought a Hanson ST8 (delivered today). Alistair at Hanson has been selling ex demo saxes on ebay. Why not give him a ring he may have a ST5 on offer.
And welcome to the Cafe, (I'll say it here and save a stamp)

Have a look at Paul Warner's Bauhaus Walstein in the Yard sale. That's well worth a punt.

 

[Targa]

I've had an ST8 for a few years and had no problems with it, if that's any help.

 

[gazzasax]

I've had an ST8 for a few years and had no problems with it, if that's any help.

How does it play, sound, feel etc?

There's a good chance I'll head over to see them before making the final plunge but I'm too busy to give over a day to go shopping without bringing something back at the moment. *Sigh*

 

[GaryF]

How does it play, sound, feel etc?

There's a good chance I'll head over to see them before making the final plunge but I'm too busy to give over a day to go shopping without bringing something back at the moment. *Sigh*

Did you buy one in the end? I am considering an ST but can’t decide in a 5 or 8

 

[Andrew Sanders]

Go for the 8 it's a great instrument.

 

[GaryF]

ST8’s out of stock :-(

didn’t know they were built in Germany. Is that standard/better than built in UK?

 

[Pete Effamy]

Good horns can come out of almost anywhere now. If the reviews are good - and there seem to be loads - I don’t see the problem. Aren’t Keilwerth German? Not sure if all in-house though.

 

[GaryF]

I need to go and have a blow on some this weekend - cheers, Pete 🙂

 

[Pete Effamy]

I need to go and have a blow on some this weekend - cheers, Pete 🙂

New horns - kid-in-a-sweet-shop!!!! Block your diary out for 3 or more hours and take snacks!

 

[sax panther]

don't discount the LX. I ended up buying an ST8 when I was up at Hansons, but also tried LXs when I was there and they were really good too.

 

[Tenor Viol]

I had an ST8 and switched to an LX, mostly because lighter

 

[Ballymenaboy]

I had an ST8 and switched to an LX, mostly because lighter

I recently bought a MkV111 Hanson Tenor and am absolutely delighted with it- matched it with Otto Link Tonemaster 6 Mpc and Jazzlab Saxholder Harness -Sax heaven for me