Saxophones Viking sax

[Ads]

from what they say (and imply) it would appear so (Maybe Jay knows better as she bought one) - apparently they used to make a lot of their own keywork anyway (at least for Clarinets, Alastair told me that they made the keywork for some buffet models a while back)

The Problem with Hanson is that they never come totally clean on where the ST/SA 8 series were (are) made and it would seem to vary depending when it was made too IE:- most had German bodies, some didn`t , some bits came from China, some from Taiwan, some made in house, Serial numbers don`t help either - on some revisions it`s hard to tell if a horn is an SA5 or an SA8 even - very confusing .....

I guess it doesn`t really matter so long as the horn is excellent (this is regarding all the makers not just Hanson) but do have a problem with companies who are shady about where their horns are made (trying to hide origin) and start the snake oil patter about stones, finishes, a few extra mm on the bell rim etc .

Viking, like Mauriat and TJ make no bones about where the horns are made (Taiwan which are at the forefront at pushing Sax development anyway) and keep the bull & secrecy to the minimum and TJ and Viking are very clear about what they do when the horns land in the UK (TJ) /USA (Viking) depending on model . I like that

 

[Jeanette]

..................And kept your SA80 ... 😀 . Speaks Volumes for the SA80

If you say so, Ads

well you didn`t rush out and buy any of the options did you .........

Considering he only tried them a week ago I don't think you can draw anything conclusive from the fact he hasn't bought one. It may be he never does as they may be no better than the horn he has just would have been in the running if buying now.

As I said after I tried the Sequoia sop if I didn't have the 62 I would certainly consider buying the Sequoia K91 as I really liked it but whether I would go to the hassle of selling a good horn for another good horn, not so sure. 🙂

Jx

 

[ProfJames]

Buy it anyway Jeanette!

 

[Jeanette]

Then I will be joining you in the divorce courts 🙂

Jx

 

[trimmy]

Then I will be joining you in the divorce courts 🙂

Jx

Prof will represent you, he's a dab hand !!

 

[ProfJames]

Prof will represent you, he's a dab hand !!

Yes folks.............a blooming expert!!!! NOT!

 

[Jeanette]

Prof will represent you, he's a dab hand !!

Was hoping he would hate me enough to buy me a house then I could move in and fill it with saxophones 😉

Jx

 

[ProfJames]

Could never hate you Jeanette!!! This is a Steve Neff review................http://www.neffmusic.com/blog/2014/11/viking-m58-and-m60-valkyrie-cognac-tenor-saxophone-review/

 

[Jeanette]

Does anyone know if Viking saxes has found an outlet in the uk?

Take a look here

Jx

 

[Ads]

Thanks for the link Prof - They look like solid honest horns and Rich's Ethos regarding selling them too is very inspiring .......

All he wants to do is put value Pro horns into peoples hands . he said "" What is the point of selling a saxophone line that most players can't afford. It makes absolutely no sense" and he's right, especially when the additional cost is useless bling like glued on pebbles and Hype

 

[ProfJames]

I have sent a mail to MikeyB of Saxstuff.co.uk to see if we can gain access to one......

 

[Viking Instruments]

Does anyone know if Viking saxes has found an outlet in the uk?

Sorry no stores have showed any interest. I will take fantastic care of any one who wishes to order direct.

 

[ProfJames]

Sorry no stores have showed any interest. I will take fantastic care of any one who wishes to order direct.

Stick close to the forum Rich as there are plenty of players on the forum who deserve to hear and play your horns

 

[Viking Instruments]

Just an FYI - We now have the models lined up as the M58s core model tenor and bari, M58s New York model rolled tone hole alto & tenor.The new New York soprano is actually a reversed engineered purple label 62 soprano copy. Very nice! The M60 Valkyrie alto and tenor have been rated very well and here is one review with nice pics of the m60 alto. Viking M60 "Valkyrie" Alto Saxophone Review ~ The Diligent Musician. I'm also making some m58sns tenors out of solid nickel silver Both cognac amber finish and brushed nickel with shiny black nickel keys guards and accents.I would love to get these in stores in the UK. It will happen but in the meantime you can order direct and I will give the best price possible. Once a store decides to stock the line I will not ship to the UK direct.

Thanks
Richard Maraday

 

[Pete Thomas]

I'd love to try one and be able to review, i read such good things about these horns. I guess we need a UK distributor for that to happen.

Sadly I wasn't able to get to Namm this year.

 

[rispoli]

I'd love to try one and be able to review, i read such good things about these horns. I guess we need a UK distributor for that to happen.

Sadly I wasn't able to get to Namm this year.

I am a very happy owner of a M58 tenor in dark lacquer. It is my favorite tenor, Pete if you pass by from East London I'd be flattered (and my guess he'll be too!) to hear it played by you!

I also own a Barone Classic, a CE Winds DSV and a B&S Blue Label. The closest is the CE Winds, which happens to be slightly darker sounding. The Barone is brighter, heavier and possibly a bit louder, comparable to a Selmer III in my opinion, the B&S is a vintage instrument so it does not compare directly especially in terms of keywork but also the tone is very different, so much that also my wife can tell.

The Viking M58 is indeed reminescent of a SBA or BA as designed. I guess I would add that it never went out of adjustment, a concern that some players have when realizing that it is lighter than most. It came with 2 necks and I quickly developed a preference for one of them.

 

[aldevis]

Pete if you pass by from East London

I can feel an East London event on the way... Free stewed eels (Pete's favourites)!

 

[zootsaxenberger]

Ive conversed with Rich a few times on face book,bemoaning the fact that you can't get his horns in the UK. I don't understand why Sax.uk or one of the other major outlets won't at least try them out. For my part I'm quite taken with the New York model or the Valkyre, but import charges would make it a very expensive purchase

 

[aldevis]

I don't understand why Sax.uk or one of the other major outlets won't at least try them out.

Probably because they would be a competitor with other brands where they have higher margins or where they have a longer relation with the importer. Namely TJ, Mauriat, Chiltern, Lupifaro, to mention some Taiwanese horns available in shops, coming to my mind.
My endorsee is in Europe (= no import charges), Ricky (Viking) is not. Also European market is pretty small compared to the USA. For many reasons.

 

[jazzdoh]

I am now the proud owner of a Viking M60 Valkyrie alto in cognac lacquer,only received it a couple of hours ago so its still new to me but I'm very impressed with this horn,i will give a better review after a couple of days playing it but it looks very promising so far,well done Richard Maraday @Viking Instruments.
BTW its not brand new (although it looks like it) i bought it off Ebay.