Are Moniques... that bad?

[robbieg]

I'm mainly a bari player, but I was looking for a cheap soprano and tenor to play for jazz and rock gigs, as a doubler. I saw Dominic's Music had a Saxophone Players Special: Any Monique Alto, plus any Monique Tenor, plus any Monique Soprano: All 3 Saxophones $1595! Which seemed cheap. I've read a lot about Moniques that said they were utter junk,, but I played with a guy once who had a Monique tenor, and it sounded pretty good. So I dunno? Any comments more than the "They are utter junk"

[DaveKessler]

You know the problem is not the br`nd but which factory did he buy them from at the time.

There have been Chinese and Taiwanese Monique saxes.

My guess (seeing how he prices them to dealers as well) is that special is on the Chinese horns.

The Taiwanese Moniques that we have had in our shop for repair werent absolute junk but there are many things that we didnt like about the horn.

[robbieg]

I guess what I'm asking is would it be worth it? I'm going to mainly be using these for Rock type stuff, I wanted something where I didn't really have to worry about it if it got crushed or something by a bass player bringing on a 165 lbs cabinet.

[Morry]

I dare say that you'd get more enjoyment from one true professional quality horn for $1595, instead of 3 sub-par horns.

[super20dan]

if you want a good bargin sop -get a gold cup from ebay .these are really well made horns and play great. i wouldnt have believed it if i hadnt played one first. thes are not your average tawinese or chinese junk horns. more on a par with unison and prestini . last one i saw was only 165$ ! mine came in perfect playing condition -no leaks .i am gigging with it regulary

[robbieg]

Well I've convinced myself out of the monique deal, I already have Selmer and Beuscher Truetone Altos, so I dont need that. And I can get a cheap soppy and a good tenor, for the $1500 instead of wasting it on a monique.

[Randall]

Dominic....NO.
Moan-eek from Dominic......NO WAY.
Danger, danger Will Robinson!

[SAXISMYAXE]

I agree with Randall: regarding both.............Just say no.

[hornimus]

if you want a good bargin sop -get a gold cup from ebay

Is a "gold cup" a different brand or a Monique model?

[super20dan]

gold cup is a brand name-is not a monique

[Joe Jazz]

I thought Gold Cup delivered coffee. not saxophones...... 8)

[goodsax]

I guess what I'm asking is would it be worth it? I'm going to mainly be using these for Rock type stuff, I wanted something where I didn't really have to worry about it if it got crushed or something by a bass player bringing on a 165 lbs cabinet.

In a word, no.

I owned a Monique silver-plated alto for a couple of months trying to convince myself that it was good enough for me to fool around with at home. It wasn't, and there's no way I could have been satisfied with it as a gig horn, doubling or back-up. Others may disagree.

I've owned Presitinis, Unisons, Jupiter Artists and Antiguas (all Taiwanese) that out-classed the Monique in every category. I've also owned a Selmer Series III alto and Yam Custom 82Z alto. So, I'm not hung up on just Taiwanese horns. But, they do fill a niche market, and the Antiguas (LQ520/530 alto 582/586/590 sop) and Unisons (AS300 alto, S100GG sop), in my experience and non-professional opinion, are the best in this category.

You might want to check out Kessler's new Solist altos which, I've read, are an excellent value. While you're there, take a look at the Antigua sop's and try one if you can. You won't be sorry.

[super20dan]

i agree gold cup is a stupid name -however these are good saxes!

[Joe Jazz]

AND, you can drink coffee out of them! :?

[Stencilman]

super20dan,
I've searched ebay for these horns, current and completed auctinos and never found one. Do you know of a particular seller that lists these?

[super20dan]

the brand name is actually golden cup -not gold cup. this might make a diff if using the search function.no i dont know who sells them as i got mine at a flea market vendor but see them on ebay almost every day. never says golden cup in the lead-just new soprano sax or something like that. just look at sops selling for 200$ and under and you will find one. i am tempted to get a alto to see if as good as their sops.