New Kid on the block

[koumou]

http://www.gear4music.com/Woodwind_Instruments/Saxophone/Rosedale_Tenor_Sax_Rose_Gold_--_Gold.html

 

[Pjonah]

Priced competitively below the Jupiter and Yamaha saxes, this looks on the face of it to be a bargain.

I have a G4M alto and its pretty good, the tone's a bit thin, but other than that its great. If the step up from the standard G4M to Rosedale is represented in the price hike then it will be a great instrument.

However, the problem as I see it is, I bought my G4M alto with the sole intention of playing it into the ground, when you start from that premis, paying the additional money seems a bit of a waste really. Would you buy a Rosedale second hand, I doubt it.

Unless of course they turn out to be the next best thing, but I see the same thing happening with the Walstein range, they are now introducing a more focused model, aimed at ?.

Not sure how the Walstein owners feel about that, but these are strange times. Trying to keep pace with the Chinese is difficult, its like there's a moving target. Instruments keep being introduced from all corners with evermore exotic sounding names, gone have the days when you could count on Selmer, Conn, King, Martin, Yanagisawa, Keilwerth, PM, B&H, Yamamha and a string of east europeans. Now it seems everyman and his dog are selling half decent saxes, but with no history behind them.

I'm confused.

Simon

 

[Pete Thomas]

What will count more than anything with branded OEM horns, is the service and company image. If a company bothers to make sure the instruments are play tested before sending out, that will make a difference. Most pros get their horns set up, not necessarily because they come out of the box needing it, but also set up to their personal preferences. But most beginners/parents/schools buying a budget instrument do not realise that with many makes, they do not play well out of the box so the companies that bother to spend the time checking that there are no leaks or spring issues due to transit will get a better rep.

Also important are guarantees, buy back policies, ongoing customer advice. at

Gear4music sell good horns for the money, but they do need setting up, and their telephone support is, (ahem) sketchy (to be polite).

 

[Pjonah]

Yeh thats a very good point Pete, I would only recommend buying a G4M on the understanding that it will require setting up. I don't think they have that facility at pesent and that will count against them.

 

[koumou]

I see what you mean Peter. I sent them an e-mail 3 days ago, but I got no reply, and as the Walstein is not available till the end of August, I ordered a Hanson ST-5.

They only had one in stock that has a litle mark were the sling hook goes. They offered me a good discount plus 14 days trial period. What else can I ask for.

 

[Col9]

I think the Hanson was a very good move over the G4M, Hanson's service is very good. Let us know how it is when you get it.

Col.

 

[koumou]

Col9 wrote:
I think the Hanson was a very good move over the G4M, Hanson's service is very good. Let us know how it is when you get it.

Col.

sure will Colin, after all my choice was partly based on your posts .
I am now reading lots, trying to find out which mouthpiece to get for it.