Difference between the 3 antigua sopranos

[duckmaster1089]

what is the difference between the 3 antigua sopranos. Yes i know the 82 is 1 piece, and goes to f#, and the 86 is 2 pice up to f#, and the 90 is a 2 piece and goes to g. But what else is different. Is there a tonal difference. Is the key action different? DO they just feel different? Is one not as well built as the other? PLz add all u noe about the differences. thanks

[goodsax]

Other than the features you listed, there is no difference, to the best of my knowledge, unless you consider cases. Their cases are different.

[Dave Dolson]

I agree with goodsax and would add that no two saxophones play alike. You could probably play three 590LQs side by side and determine each one is different. I did that - but the visual differences were the finishes (and each one had its own sound). DAVE

[Paul Coats]

While no two saxophones play exactly alike, I will say these instruments are very consistent. I have played all three models extensively. The difference is in features, not in quality.

The A582 has a one piece body, and is keyed to high F#. It has a leather, or imitation leather wood case.

The A586 has two interchangable necks, one straight, one curved, and is keyed to high F#. Since the necks are removable, the octave mechanism differs from the A582, naturally, but there are no other differences. Same nice engraving, nice feel to the keywork. The case is a tough molded gray plastic, like the material of a good suitcase. The latches are lockable, flush latches, with a metal bezel around the edge of the case. VERY nice case, in my opinion.

The A590 is like the A586, but is keyed to high G. Other than that, it is nearly identical to the A586. The case is a leather covered wood case that is somewhat nicer than the 582's case. My preference of the three cases is the molded gray case that comes with the 586.

I find no real advantage to having the high G key. All of the really useful high G fingerings do not require the G key.

Dave Kessler says he detects a slight difference in intonation tendencies between the 582 and the other two models. I did not. Perhaps one mouthpiece or another would show this more. No big deal, I still think the 582 is a nice instrument and would be perfectly comfortable playing it with my sax quartet.

I have enjoyed playing my A590-LQ for about 2 years now. I traded for the 586's case. No problems at all. My sister has the A590-SPC (all silver). She had a little piece of clear tubing slip off the G# mechanism,a nd had to replace it. No big deal, it happens.

[DanY]

My 582LQ (3 months old) came with the hard plastic case that Paul Coats talks about. I got my horn from Dave Kessler, so i'm not sure if all 582's come with that case. I'm very happy with the Antigua.
My only wish would be for Dave Kessler to start taking credit-cards or paypal from overseas. Then I could buy all my sax stuff from him. Pleeeeeeease Mr Kessler, pleeeeeease!