Right - Here we go!!

[PaulyT]

Right folks - I could be in the market for a C-Melody saxophone - The supply on the Devils Junkyard seems to have dried up a little. I'm a bit wary of dealing with some of the "dealers" on there as they only seem to be using instruments as a commodity - and that's ok as far as it goes - but it's a bit soul-less.
Then there's Aquilasax - Had a few teething problems but seems to be getting better - call me cynical but the users who say they're improving seem to be C-Mel enthusiasts and zealousness can blind one against faults. Am I being too cynical?
If anyone on here has had any experience of the Aquilasax please can you share your thoughts with me/us. If anyone happens to have a C-Mel for sale, please let me know.
Thanks,
PaulyT

 

[jonf]

Hi PaulyT

I haven't played an Aquilasax, but I have done business with them - or rather him, being Steve Wedgewood who runs the company. I bought an Aquilasax curved neck for my Conn C Mel, so I could put a long shank tenor mouthpiece on it. Steve was absolutely great to deal with, the neck is excellent and the transaction was very smooth.

Have you been in touch with Al at cmelodysax.co.uk? He's a real font of knowledge about C Mels, is really helpful and also often has saxes for sale.

I think you'll probably find the 1920s/1930s C Mels are better built than the Aquilasax, more than anything because the older saxes were built like tanks. If you keep your eye peeled you might just get a good one for a decent price - I did.

Now it's got its new neck on, I can play it in tune with a modern long shank tenor piece. C Mel with a Berg Larsen Duckbill 120/0 anyone? Rocks

 

[Djangette]

Nopes - only have one and it's a keeper.

This might be of interest

http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Misc/Martin_C_Melody.htm

 

[Jules]

Has anyone ever seen an aquilasax? or are they an urban myth...?

 

[suethesax]

Have a look here:

http://cmelodysax.co.uk/saxophones/saxes-for-sale.htm#cmelody

 

[c9off]

There is one on UK Ebay which I guess you have already seen: 110293212753

Alternatively there are 5 on Germany's Ebay: http://tinyurl.com/4u6458

plus half a dozen on the US site - but I have a feeling that an Ebay purchase may not be what you are looking for, but anyway thought I'd mention!

 

[rhysonsax]

I have accidentally accumulated 3 C-melody saxes. First a Buescher, then a Conn straight neck and finally a 1960s Vito (made by Beaugnier in France).

Absolutely crucial to getting a good sound is having a mouthpiece that works. The best one I have found is a Ralph Morgan (for C-melody but takes tenor reeds).

All three of my horns are pretty good, but I would consider letting the Buescher go to a good home. Any nice trades ?

Rhys

 

[PaulyT]

Thanks to everyone for your responses and your advice. I did see that one on ebay but I'm a bit wary of the D's J/yd!!
Aquilasax might be the route to go down - especially as the US $ is getting so low these days and all Aquilasax trading is in USDollars. I'm just a little disinclined to buy a sax I've not actually seen/heard/handled unless it's from a recommended/known source.
I shall continue to search - onwards and upwards!! 🙂

Thanks once again,
PaulyT

 

[phil_edwards]

I thought for one moment this post was going to reveal the reason and results behind your "measure your sax" post from a few years ago... 😉 or was that someone else?

It's so long ago I forget now.

Phil

 

[Djangette]

Yes Pauly, we're still waiting . . .

. . . perhaps it was a ruse?

 

[PaulyT]

No Ruse - I've just had a bit on and haven't been able to follow it up - also I can't find a heavy engineering company willing to take on the work!

 

[phil_edwards]

Oh, is that all? I know plenty of them.

Phil

 

[PaulyT]

Phil Edwards wrote:
Oh, is that all? I know plenty of them.

Phil

Not at the price I can afford 😉