Saxophone reviews New sax - Hanson LX vs ST8

[nickh]

Just moved up to a 3 strength reed from a 2.. interesting!

 

[Tenor Viol]

That's a big step in one go

 

[nickh]

Doesn't seem to bad. Went from a 2 strong to a 3 medium.

 

[Parker550]

I originally posted this in my pseudo-blog musings thread… but thought it would be useful to abstract this to a more relevant section of the Café.
I bought a silver-plated Hanson ST8 just over 4 years ago(Oct 2012) from Hanson’s. It's generally been fine. It's had a light service every year. Two observations: it is 'modelled' on an older Selmer design e.g. No front F# key, and it is heavy. Ergonomically, I find the bottom Bb key a stretch (I can stretch a 10th on a piano just about) and pinkie table is a bit clunky.
Over time, I have found that the weight has been an issue so I moved to a Cebulla strap and more recently a Jazz Lab Sax holder, both of which help a lot. The other ergonomic issue is the palm keys which I find to be low and need too much wrist/hand movement.
Overall, the ST8 has been fine and a number of Cafe members have tried it, including @Colin the Bear @Chris and @trimmy and they got on pretty well with it - it does have a big sound.
I went to the RNCM sax day and Hanson's were one of the trade stands. Chatted with Alistair and picked up the LX - it's about half the weight of the ST8...
The LX is modelled on the Mk. VI (I have not knowingly heard a Mk. VI until I heard Andy Scott playing one last weekend. His is a battered 1950s specimen. He says it has a more focused sound than his modern Selmer). This means that amongst other things it has a thinner and therefore lighter bell, it has a front F# key as well, which the ST8 doesn't have.
I went up to Hanson's yesterday and spent about 3 hours there. They are very helpful. The main tech looked after me. I had booked ahead, so a pair of saxes were waiting for me to try. I was using Java green 3.0 reeds (Vandoren) on my Yamaha 5C mpc to start. The instrument is so much lighter. Much better ergonomics for me - palm keys much better position. The pinkie table is smaller and functions better. The whole action feels much tighter, slicker and responsive.

The Yamaha mpc did not sound good. I can't remember the tech's name, so TG (tech guy) popped head round door and asked if I had a more open mpc. I have a Meyer 5m and instant huge improvement - big sound (that's the first time when I could seriously say I could hear a clear difference in the quality of sound between two mpcs). Played some pieces then switched to other sax and repeated. To cut long story short, there was a very obvious difference between the two saxes: one blew more easily and had a better tone. TG took one away and double-checked it didn't have a leak or similar, but nothing was evident. He could tell the difference from hearing me play as well. Huge caveat though is my playing is not sufficiently good that it can be regarded as sufficiently consistent or reliable to be neutral in the analysis process. But I think the differences here were obvious, even for one of my limited ability.

TG suggested I try some other mpcs (nothing like a bit of upselling... but to be fair I don't think that was the motive I think it was a genuine attempt to try to hear the impact of different types). I tried several of Hanson's own including a 6*, a 6* with a monster baffle, and a 'vanilla' 7*. The 6* with baffle was a monster. I couldn't initially play that or the 7* with my normal reed. Tried a Fibracell briefly, but it was wrong strength and they didn't have any others to hand. Tried a standard Blue Vandoren 2.0, which worked OK. The baffled 6* was loud and raucous and took some blowing. Then tried the 7*. I did struggle with the bottom end to start with. A bit of experimentation later and a Java 2.5 was a good match, enabling me to get the bottom notes out. With the 7* there was instantly a lot more colour to my sound.

Finally, having settled on one of the LXs, TG suggested trying other tenors in the shop for comparison. Tried a new ST8, an LX in bronze (bell), a Trevor James, and a Yamaha 275. The new ST8 has learnt from the LX and it is not as heavy as mine. The Y275 feels compact - fingers are all less spread out. I've only played one other Y and it was a 62, which was good. The 275 was OK but didn't feel as open or responsive, also I think it's relatively heavy. The TJ was OK, but not in the same class. They have some vintage horns for sale, but the interesting ones are all altos (various Mk. VIs, a Conn etc.) somre reasonably priced and one or two more eye-watering.

At the end of that I re-tried the LX and I was still happy with it. So I bought it and the 7* mpc. I got a very good deal on both of those and the p/x deal on my ST8 was very good.

I was there for over 3 hours. I then drove more-or-less straight to MWO rehearsal, where it acquitted itself admirably - I'm already finding that it speaks much more readily in the lower end, despite my flawed technique (need to work on tongue position).

If anyone wants more info, please message me and we can have a chat.

I hope this has been useful for people.

Hmmm just read this and wondered which LX finish you bought? And if you still have it? I played a lacquered version and was stunned at its tone and response......had a MK VI in the car and I have since sold it the LX was better in all respects. Have you had any problems with it or is it still all good? Thinking of buying a bare brass LX alto.....but Hanson didn't have one to try.....
Cheers Phil

 

[Mostlytenor]

I originally posted this in my pseudo-blog musings thread… but thought it would be useful to abstract this to a more relevant section of the Café.
I bought a silver-plated Hanson ST8 just over 4 years ago(Oct 2012) from Hanson’s. It's generally been fine. It's had a light service every year. Two observations: it is 'modelled' on an older Selmer design e.g. No front F# key, and it is heavy. Ergonomically, I find the bottom Bb key a stretch (I can stretch a 10th on a piano just about) and pinkie table is a bit clunky.
Over time, I have found that the weight has been an issue so I moved to a Cebulla strap and more recently a Jazz Lab Sax holder, both of which help a lot. The other ergonomic issue is the palm keys which I find to be low and need too much wrist/hand movement.
Overall, the ST8 has been fine and a number of Cafe members have tried it, including @Colin the Bear @Chris and @trimmy and they got on pretty well with it - it does have a big sound.
I went to the RNCM sax day and Hanson's were one of the trade stands. Chatted with Alistair and picked up the LX - it's about half the weight of the ST8...
The LX is modelled on the Mk. VI (I have not knowingly heard a Mk. VI until I heard Andy Scott playing one last weekend. His is a battered 1950s specimen. He says it has a more focused sound than his modern Selmer). This means that amongst other things it has a thinner and therefore lighter bell, it has a front F# key as well, which the ST8 doesn't have.
I went up to Hanson's yesterday and spent about 3 hours there. They are very helpful. The main tech looked after me. I had booked ahead, so a pair of saxes were waiting for me to try. I was using Java green 3.0 reeds (Vandoren) on my Yamaha 5C mpc to start. The instrument is so much lighter. Much better ergonomics for me - palm keys much better position. The pinkie table is smaller and functions better. The whole action feels much tighter, slicker and responsive.

The Yamaha mpc did not sound good. I can't remember the tech's name, so TG (tech guy) popped head round door and asked if I had a more open mpc. I have a Meyer 5m and instant huge improvement - big sound (that's the first time when I could seriously say I could hear a clear difference in the quality of sound between two mpcs). Played some pieces then switched to other sax and repeated. To cut long story short, there was a very obvious difference between the two saxes: one blew more easily and had a better tone. TG took one away and double-checked it didn't have a leak or similar, but nothing was evident. He could tell the difference from hearing me play as well. Huge caveat though is my playing is not sufficiently good that it can be regarded as sufficiently consistent or reliable to be neutral in the analysis process. But I think the differences here were obvious, even for one of my limited ability.

TG suggested I try some other mpcs (nothing like a bit of upselling... but to be fair I don't think that was the motive I think it was a genuine attempt to try to hear the impact of different types). I tried several of Hanson's own including a 6*, a 6* with a monster baffle, and a 'vanilla' 7*. The 6* with baffle was a monster. I couldn't initially play that or the 7* with my normal reed. Tried a Fibracell briefly, but it was wrong strength and they didn't have any others to hand. Tried a standard Blue Vandoren 2.0, which worked OK. The baffled 6* was loud and raucous and took some blowing. Then tried the 7*. I did struggle with the bottom end to start with. A bit of experimentation later and a Java 2.5 was a good match, enabling me to get the bottom notes out. With the 7* there was instantly a lot more colour to my sound.

Finally, having settled on one of the LXs, TG suggested trying other tenors in the shop for comparison. Tried a new ST8, an LX in bronze (bell), a Trevor James, and a Yamaha 275. The new ST8 has learnt from the LX and it is not as heavy as mine. The Y275 feels compact - fingers are all less spread out. I've only played one other Y and it was a 62, which was good. The 275 was OK but didn't feel as open or responsive, also I think it's relatively heavy. The TJ was OK, but not in the same class. They have some vintage horns for sale, but the interesting ones are all altos (various Mk. VIs, a Conn etc.) somre reasonably priced and one or two more eye-watering.

At the end of that I re-tried the LX and I was still happy with it. So I bought it and the 7* mpc. I got a very good deal on both of those and the p/x deal on my ST8 was very good.

I was there for over 3 hours. I then drove more-or-less straight to MWO rehearsal, where it acquitted itself admirably - I'm already finding that it speaks much more readily in the lower end, despite my flawed technique (need to work on tongue position).

If anyone wants more info, please message me and we can have a chat.

I hope this has been useful for people.

When I bought my ST8 a few years ago there was an older version still available but Alastair Hanson steered me gently towards the newer version which has the high F# key and which he said was lighter. It is not especially light so the older version must have been very heavy. It has a big sound but controllable and it will do me for the forseeable future. I previously had a Yamaha 275 which was fine but didn't sound as rich in the upper register.

 

[Tenor Viol]

Hmmm just read this and wondered which LX finish you bought? And if you still have it? I played a lacquered version and was stunned at its tone and response......had a MK VI in the car and I have since sold it the LX was better in all respects. Have you had any problems with it or is it still all good? Thinking of buying a bare brass LX alto.....but Hanson didn't have one to try.....
Cheers Phil

Hi, I opted for the dark gold lacquer. The only issue I've had is a sticky G# key (bit more than normal), which will be going in for a look at soon.

 

[Veggie Dave]

That is one beautiful looking sax.

Fingers crossed I'll finally get to go to the Hanson workshop in August.

 

[Jeanette]

That is one beautiful looking sax.

Fingers crossed I'll finally get to go to the Hanson workshop in August.

Tell them we sent you 🙂

Jx

 

[trimmy]

Tell them we sent you 🙂

Jx

Don't, they'll send you straight back 😵

 

[Alphorn]

Don't, they'll send you straight back 😵

For sure...with a new sax in hand. That's nothing to be afraid of.

Alphorn

 

[Sue]

Hmmm just read this and wondered which LX finish you bought? And if you still have it? I played a lacquered version and was stunned at its tone and response......had a MK VI in the car and I have since sold it the LX was better in all respects. Have you had any problems with it or is it still all good? Thinking of buying a bare brass LX alto.....but Hanson didn't have one to try.....
Cheers Phil

Hi Phil, I've got the bare brass LX alto and I prefer it to my Ref 54. If you're anywhere near Durham (UK not NC) you're welcome to try it 🙂

 

[Parker550]

Hi Phil, I've got the bare brass LX alto and I prefer it to my Ref 54. If you're anywhere near Durham (UK not NC) you're welcome to try it 🙂

Hey that's interesting due to the fact I'm looking for a 54 at the mo.......going to Hanson tommoz.....however, actual ownership recommendation usually is the best.....lots to consider....hmmmmm thanks again....I'm googling distance to Durham.....

 

[trimmy]

I'm googling distance to Durham.....

It's compulsory to learn Pink Panther before visiting Durham......

 

[Tenor Viol]

@trimmy - groan

 

[Sue]

Hey that's interesting due to the fact I'm looking for a 54 at the mo.......going to Hanson tommoz.....however, actual ownership recommendation usually is the best.....lots to consider....hmmmmm thanks again....I'm googling distance to Durham.....

Well you'd be welcome to try them both 🙂 I'd even make you a coffee but can't guarantee it would live up to Aldevis quality 🙂

 

[Parker550]

Hi there once again.........just wondering if you could fill in a smidge more detail regarding the hanson/ref54 comparison? specifically whats better with the hanson over the selmer..........tone? Action? ergonomics? have you had any probs with either? etc.....thanks for your time and still considering your offer.....of trying them...cheers

 

[Sue]

Hi there once again.........just wondering if you could fill in a smidge more detail regarding the hanson/ref54 comparison? specifically whats better with the hanson over the selmer..........tone? Action? ergonomics? have you had any probs with either? etc.....thanks for your time and still considering your offer.....of trying them...cheers

If I'm perfectly honest, there's not a deal of difference other than the Ref54 is the matt finish and the LX is bare brass. That's in my hands anyway, other players may be different. The Selmer feels a tad heavier but I haven't weighed them. The ergonomics are great on both although the action feels a tiny bit lighter on the LX. The tone is great on both as is the intonation - I'll try and post some soundclips later. I've had no problem with either of them. I've played the LX a lot more since I got it a year ago and I suspect if I played the Selmer more I'd probably go back to preferring that. Both play easily from bottom to top. If someone said I could only have one it would take me too long to choose. Sorry I can't be more specific.

 

[GaryF]

Hi there once again.........just wondering if you could fill in a smidge more detail regarding the hanson/ref54 comparison? specifically whats better with the hanson over the selmer..........tone? Action? ergonomics? have you had any probs with either? etc.....thanks for your time and still considering your offer.....of trying them...cheers

Hi Parker 550 - did you end up going and buying an LX in the end?

 

[Parker550]

Hi Parker 550 - did you end up going and buying an LX in the end?

Hmmm seems a while ago now, in the end having considered the LX the second hand values were so dire I opted for a 992 bronze yanni... But I'm still a unlac 82z player the ergonomics suit my hands... So much so the yanni went too palm keys especially. I'm also a believer that in house quality control matters, so this rather limits choice, yams, yannis, borgani? Rampone.... All others outsource parts, including selmer and even inderbren use yamaha key work for their horns..... End of the day mp/reed/YOU combination produce 98% of tone.... The evidence of such is out here.... Back to the shed then

 

[GaryF]

Hmmm seems a while ago now, in the end having considered the LX the second hand values were so dire I opted for a 992 bronze yanni... But I'm still a unlac 82z player the ergonomics suit my hands... So much so the yanni went too palm keys especially. I'm also a believer that in house quality control matters, so this rather limits choice, yams, yannis, borgani? Rampone.... All others outsource parts, including selmer and even inderbren use yamaha key work for their horns..... End of the day mp/reed/YOU combination produce 98% of tone.... The evidence of such is out here.... Back to the shed then

Thanks for the reply Parker. Seeing as I'm from the North (and I'm new to Sax, and also, a bit tight with money) a yanni is out of my price range/ can't justify it, yet...

Might just have to take myself off to Marsden for a noodle with my Yam 6C and Vandoren green Java (tried it out only this lunchtime, and I LOVE IT!)

Wonder how much they'll PX my 50 year old B&H 400 🙂