Saxophones Trevor James Custom

[andyjb]

Hi everyone,

Can anyone let me know the difference between the Trevor James signature custom and custom raw? I know the raw has great reviews but have found nothing on the signature custom which I think was it's predecessor. Is it considered an intermediate or pro sax - good for a relative beginner?

Thanks again,

Andy

 

[Alphorn]

The custom raw is in full name signature custom raw. The signature custom was available in different finishes in the beginning eg lacquered, silver and raw. Now it seems only raw and raw xs finishes are on offer. However, there was a forerunner model also called signature custom. They can easily be distinguished by the embossed logo on the bell. Current model: SC; forerunner: jjj. I was offered a jjj model and contacted Trevor James about the differences to the SC model. They said the jjj is comparable to their current SR model which is an intermediate horn. Look out for the SC logo and you will be on the safe side.

Alphorn

 

[Alphorn]

Forgot to mention. There was also a prior signature custom model that had Signature Custom on the bell in a weired writing. Don't know what pills marketing was taking when they selected the logo.

Alphorn

 

[andyjb]

forerunner: jjj. I was offered a jjj model and

Thanks, would that be tjj? Not jjj? Great tips

Cheers

Andy

 

[andyjb]

Is the one with weird writing the same as a custom then? I think that's the one.

Thanks

 

[QWales]

Maybe the one with the weird writing was the old Signature Series?

 

[Alphorn]

You are right it is tjj and not jjj. There is one, tenor, on ebay UK right now.
The weird writing is signature custom and looks like grafitti style. Different to the signature series.

Alphorn

 

[Alphorn]

Here your go. Knew I saw it somwhere on the web

 

[andyjb]

That's the one. I spoke to Trevor James supplier today who tell me that when sold all the signature custom models were considered to be pro level models - I guess the design changes but the target market remains the same. Would they be ok for a relative beginner?

 

[QWales]

Would they be ok for a relative beginner?

Perfect

 

[Stephen Howard]

The custom raw is in full name signature custom raw. The signature custom was available in different finishes in the beginning eg lacquered, silver and raw. Now it seems only raw and raw xs finishes are on offer. However, there was a forerunner model also called signature custom. They can easily be distinguished by the embossed logo on the bell. Current model: SC; forerunner: jjj. I was offered a jjj model and contacted Trevor James about the differences to the SC model. They said the jjj is comparable to their current SR model which is an intermediate horn. Look out for the SC logo and you will be on the safe side.

Alphorn

I saw and tried a lacquered bronze bodied RAW a couple of weeks ago. It's a new addition to the range...and very nice it is too.

 

[malteof]

Now it seems only raw and raw xs finishes are on offer.

Is this true that they only make RAW and RAW XS now? I have the gold lacquered version, supposedly the updated one that Stephen wrote about in 2017 as a sneak peek.

 

[Stephen Howard]

As far as I know they're still making the alternative finish models - but these will be under the Signature Custom (SC) banner rather than the RAW (which relates to the absence of lacquer/plating).

 

[malteof]

As far as I know they're still making the alternative finish models - but these will be under the Signature Custom (SC) banner rather than the RAW (which relates to the absence of lacquer/plating).

Ah, gotcha. Yeah mine only says signature custom on it.

 

[greenstripe]

Hi all. Sorry to re-open an old thread. I'm contemplating upgrading my alto to a Trevor James Signature Custom. The Raw doesn't appeal to me cosmetically, but it's how it plays that really counts so could settle. My dream finish would be red phosphor bronze lacquer, but no one stocks these, so it would likely be a case of order one and wait. There are some regular gold lacquer instruments in stock for sale.

The RAW XS seems a little pointless to me as surely in time it would look the same as a regular RAW -or am I missing something? I'm hoping someone like @Stephen Howard might be able to advise on new current models

So my question is: are there any real differences or is it all cosmetic?

 

[DavidUK]

What's your current alto?

 

[MarkSax]

Hi all. Sorry to re-open an old thread. I'm contemplating upgrading my alto to a Trevor James Signature Custom. The Raw doesn't appeal to me cosmetically, but it's how it plays that really counts so could settle. My dream finish would be red phosphor bronze lacquer, but no one stocks these, so it would likely be a case of order one and wait. There are some regular gold lacquer instruments in stock for sale.

The RAW XS seems a little pointless to me as surely in time it would look the same as a regular RAW -or am I missing something? I'm hoping someone like @Stephen Howard might be able to advise on new current models

So my question is: are there any real differences or is it all cosmetic?

Don't settle. Buy the horn you really want or spend years on GAS.

 

[DavidUK]

Have you played the TJ? I bought a Raw new and didn't like it one bit.
Opinions differ of course.
Play the field a bit?

 

[greenstripe]

Have you played the TJ? I bought a Raw new and didn't like it one bit.
Opinions differ of course.
Play the field a bit?

I'll play some other horns in the same price range for sure before parting with any cash. Obviously Yamaha 62 would be on my list and perhaps a Yanagisawa. If there are any in my budget.

My teacher has a Raw and we sometimes swap horns for a lesson. I like the Raw for a lot of reasons. It is similar to my SR -the ergonomics are nearly identical but everything is just a little better finished and more precise and it shows in the way it plays.

I hated his previous Selmer Sa80: just picking it up before playing, it just felt flimsy and the action was inconsistent and the springing set overly light. I'm aware this could probably be adjusted. It played ok but I just didn't like anything about it.

 

[Veggie Dave]

Don't settle. Buy the horn you really want or spend years on GAS.

Absolutely this. I liked the RAW but I absolutely didn't want bare metal. In the end I got a Keilwerth, which felt very similar to the RAW, had a slightly better sound to my ears and was lacquered.