LASAX Alto

[Joe Jazz]

Just received an LASAX LA700L alto on closeout($799)from WW&BW for my wife. I am pleasantly surprised that it looks and sounds good, and it appears to be reasonably well made. She likes it, and at that price it seems to be an acceptable intermediate sax.

[CashSax]

Just got a burnished Alto, good scale. Big tone too.For a cheapy this is a nice horn, More later, first gig on it tonite.This is a backup for my silverplate VII and SilverSonic Alto's. 8-)

[Pannonia]

Can't wait to get my black alto! What kind of mouthpiece are you using with it?

[CashSax]

I use these on my Alto's..

Lakey 6*3 HR
Dukoff P9 metal
Jody Jazz #9 blue plastic
Red Runyon #10

These all sound good. My current weapon of choice is an old Guardala handmade Studio model.

[Pannonia]

Nice collection of mpcs there! I was checking back on ebay, the guy started raising prices on the saxes. They are still a steal for a new instrument.

[mrd]

OK Guys!
I gave in too. Just bought the burnished gold Alto from Gerry.
I guess Cashsax just seems to have made too good a case on it.
Like you all, when it arrives, I will post opinion...
Dangerous Dan

[Mark5047]

Me too......

[CashSax]

Well so far so good, my burnished alto seems to have been pretty well dialed in when I got it.
My green alligator tenor started creakin' a little, gotta break out the 10-50, pretty dry here in Vegas.Good luck on yours fellas..I think you'll be pleasantly surprized.. 8-)

[Mark5047]

Cash,

You know they have a 1 year warranty on those things - if you have to take the green giant in for service Orpheus might reimburse you for it - I would check with them first though to see what the procedure is

[CashSax]

How much is a round trip bus ticket from Vegas to Texas?? :?

[CashSax]

Just kidding har har, I guess I could dig out the $30.00 reciept for the G# linkage I lost. I'm not used to horns with warrantees..I just simply got it fixed..don't think I ever sent in the card either. The horn's been living in my gig bag, all the accessories/card are buried in a closet already.

[goodsax]

I just bought an LA Sax GL850 tenor from Orpheus (eBay sale) after reading the positive reports here and in another LA Sax thread, just couldn't stand it any more and had to go for it. I'm hoping to have it by no later than the first of next week. If it's as good as my Allora alto, I'll be a happy camper.

[Mark5047]

My burnished alto is supposed to be here tomorrow - can't wait!!!!

[CashSax]

I predict you guys will be very pleased for the price..remember check it over well, I had a few loose screws on my tenor.My alto & Sop seem tight and no obvious probs so far. :)

[saxophrenic]

Yup,
Got the GAS bad and bought the Gold Tenor from LA Sax Last night. I was planning on using it for a back - up, but who know?
;)

[Mark5047]

So I am heading out to band practice tonight, and as I am walking to my car the UPS dude left me a nice little box! The LA Sax came in a day early. So I decided to toss it in the car and take it with me to practice - yeah, hoping it was set up properly from Orpheus, and guess what - IT IS!!! Wow, the action just blows me away. Great tone, great scale, overall I could not be happier with it. Yes, we are still on our honeymoon, but even after a 2 hour practice I just had to bust it out again when I got home. Played a little more. I really do like this instrument. All that for 600 bucks! Who says you can't buy a thrill........
I will let you know in a few days if I am still feelin the love.

[goodsax]

How long did it take you to get your sax from Orpheus, Mark. I'm waiting for an LA Sax tenor from them that I bought and paid for last Sunday night. I sent them an email asking about shipment and haven't received a reply.

[Mark5047]

I ordered mine late on thursday of last week, the order probably entered on Friday, and it came in yesterday. I got an email from them when it shipped that had the UPS tracking information in it.

[goodsax]

I ordered mine late on thursday of last week, the order probably entered on Friday, and it came in yesterday. I got an email from them when it shipped that had the UPS tracking information in it.I'm still worried as I haven't heard a word from them in three days and I've sent three messages asking about the status. I sure hope I haven't been scammed. Thanks for the feedback.

[Pannonia]

I usually get a polite reply within two business days. Make sure to email to the atenciosax address. UPS says my alto will be here coming Tuesday.

[Mark5047]

I wouldn't worry about being scammed on this one - I would suspect more that you may have either fallen through the cracks or they are just extremely busy. Maybe you should give them a call? They are on the web at www.orpheusmusic.com - their number is listed there as 800-821-9448
Let us know how it turns out, and also how you like the sax once it gets to you. I ordered a tenor to match my alto.

[goodsax]

I usually get a polite reply within two business days. Make sure to email to the atenciosax address. UPS says my alto will be here coming Tuesday.A guy named Jerry is behind the "atenciosax" address and he just sent me an email with UPS tracking number for my GL850 tenor which indicates a scheduled delivery of 24 June, tomorrow. It seems I was getting nervous for no reason. I was also in error thinking I won the bid late Sunday night when it was late Monday night that happened. So, winning a bid near midnight Monday night and having the item delivered that Friday is more than reasonable, it's commendable.

[Pannonia]

I love a good deal too. But does anyone know why these instruments sell at less than half of their going price elsewhere? As I understand these guys are the distributors for LA. Sax and Vespro.

[Mark5047]

Because they are demo units and cannot be sold as new ones. I could not find anything wrong with the alto I received, even though the ad stated the case had some scuffing on it, it sure wasnt apparent to the naked eye. Also because you are getting them right from the source you dont have the extra markup you would if you went directly to a dealer. I was not as worried about how the instrument looked as I was with how it sounded, although I am pleased with the appearance and the sound. Also Orpheus included a 1 year warranty on it. It came with a warranty card that gets sent back directly to LA Sax.

[Hurling Frootmig]

It looks like they are getting ready to ramp up some new models which may also explain the good prices on these horns (actually I can't say if they are good prices or not as I have not played one so I will defer to those who have picked them up).

[goodsax]

It looks like they are getting ready to ramp up some new models which may also explain the good prices on these horns (actually I can't say if they are good prices or not as I have not played one so I will defer to those who have picked them up).Normally, I'd agree with you Ed, but that doesn't square with another thread that's been discussing B&S getting out of the sax business, including B&S Medusas, Alloras, LA Sax and Chicago Jazz LA Sax models. It's more likely they're unloading their demo models (used at NAMM shows, etc.) because all the VMI/B&S sax models are being discontinued.

[JMac]

Rob -

I believe VMI (B&S factory) only make the Chicago Jazz series stenciled by LA Sax. I do not know who manufactures the various other LA Sax lines. Who else had tooling for straight altos, etc.? Keilwerth? Who manufactures the 'student-level' Keilwerths? Amati? Who has the wild paint available? Fishing...Fishing.... :fish:

-Jeff

[goodsax]

Rob -

I believe VMI (B&S factory) only make the Chicago Jazz series stenciled by LA Sax. I do not know who manufactures the various other LA Sax lines. Who else had tooling for straight altos, etc.? Keilwerth? Who manufactures the 'student-level' Keilwerths? Amati? Who has the wild paint available? Fishing...Fishing.... :fish:-JeffYou're right, JMac. I guess I got carried away by adding too many models to the B&S line. Now that you mention it, I wonder which factory is making the "other" non-Chicago Jazz LA Sax models?

[Pannonia]

LA Sax is made someplace in Taiwan. And that is all I know.

[Mark5047]

Made in Taiwan but assembled in the US is what I remember reading about somewhere.

[goodsax]

It looks like they are getting ready to ramp up some new models which may also explain the good prices on these horns (actually I can't say if they are good prices or not as I have not played one so I will defer to those who have picked them up).Didn't I read somewhere about LA Sax coming out with a Goodson model?

[JMac]

I know the Cannonballs are made in Taiwan and assembled in Salt Lake - not so sure about the LA Saxes. I wouldn't be surprised if they used different Taiwanese factories for different models and voices (Sop., Alto, etc.)

[mrd]

All you have to do is call Gerry.
He will get on it right away. I got confirmation of shipping two days
after paying. I called Gerry the day I paid, and he said he will make
sure the order gets to the wharehouse quickly.
So, here's the number! Call.. It will mitigate your concern.
Phone 210-637-0414 or 800-821-9448

Dangerous Dan

[goodsax]

Actually, JMac, Steve Goodson announced the LA Sax Goodson model on his forum just days ago with the same kind of language that launched the Goodson model Unison.

"As many of you know, I've been working on a very exciting project formy old friends at the LA Sax Company. The concept was simple: design and build the most innovative and best playing saxophone of all time. This horn is RADICALLY different from anything else on the market. We've tried to consider the problem areas of saxophone playing and do something to make the instrument more "user friendly". The mechanism is of an entirely new design, and is much faster, smoother, and lighter to the touch than anything you have ever experienced. The tone hole placement is unique and provides even timbre and a full voice throughout the range. Additional keywork and venting facilitate both the altissimo and areas of the horn that were previously treacherous intonation territory. All instruments will be hand set up and regulated at our facility in San Antonio to assure the very highest possible level of quality control. A variety of beautiful gold and silver plated finishes will be offered, in addition to hand applied lacquer. The instruments will be available following their introduction at the Summer NAMM show at all authorized LA Sax dealers. I'm happy to answer any questions anyone might have concerning this faublous instrument, which I am very proud to say bears my name."

[goodsax]

mrd- This is what I posted earlier:A guy named Jerry is behind the "atenciosax" address and he just sent me an email with UPS tracking number for my GL850 tenor which indicates a scheduled delivery of 24 June, tomorrow. It seems I was getting nervous for no reason. I was also in error thinking I won the bid late Sunday night when it was late Monday night that happened. So, winning a bid near midnight Monday night and having the item delivered that Friday is more than reasonable, it's commendable.

[Pete]

Actually, JMac, Steve Goodson announced the LA Sax Goodson model on his forum just days ago with the same kind of language that launched the Goodson model Unison.

"As many of you know, I've been working on a very exciting project formy old friends at the LA Sax Company. The concept was simple: design and build the most innovative and best playing saxophone of all time. This horn is RADICALLY different from anything else on the market. We've tried to consider the problem areas of saxophone playing and do something to make the instrument more "user friendly". The mechanism is of an entirely new design, and is much faster, smoother, and lighter to the touch than anything you have ever experienced. The tone hole placement is unique and provides even timbre and a full voice throughout the range. Additional keywork and venting facilitate both the altissimo and areas of the horn that were previously treacherous intonation territory. All instruments will be hand set up and regulated at our facility in San Antonio to assure the very highest possible level of quality control. A variety of beautiful gold and silver plated finishes will be offered, in addition to hand applied lacquer. The instruments will be available following their introduction at the Summer NAMM show at all authorized LA Sax dealers. I'm happy to answer any questions anyone might have concerning this faublous instrument, which I am very proud to say bears my name."Before anyone buys this horn, I would recommend that the buyer does some significant research on the alt.music.saxophone newsgroup.

Please note that Steve Goodson is NOT a member of this Forum anymore.

As far as discussion of the feature set of this horn goes, feel free to open a seperate thread.

[goodsax]

Before anyone buys this horn, I would recommend that the buyer does some significant research on the alt.music.saxophone newsgroup.

Please note that Steve Goodson is NOT a member of this Forum anymore.

As far as discussion of the feature set of this horn goes, feel free to open a seperate thread.I realize your intervention is preemptive, Pete, but there was a very good reason for posting this. Ed suggested the reason LA Sax models were selling at low prices was the possible introduction of a new line. I alluded to the fact that the new line might be the aforementioned Goodson model LA Sax, whether or not he is an SOTW member. JMac thought I got that from a troll or some other unreliable source (with tongue in cheek), so I posted the quote to verify my source. It fit this thread about LA Sax altos and I for one had no intention of taking it any farther than that.

[Hurling Frootmig]

My opinion was just that - my opinion. Please don't take it for fact. Other than the mentioned model I haven't seen confirmation that anything new is coming from LA Sax. I just expect that they will be bringing out some new stuff at NAMM in July.

[JMac]

... JMac thought I got that from a troll or some other unreliable source (with tongue in cheek), so I posted the quote to verify my source. It fit this thread about LA Sax altos and I for one had no intention of taking it any farther than that.Actually Rob, I knew where you got it, but was making a poor attempt at humor in teasing you about still being a member of that forum.

Pete- I apologize for the misunderstanding, I did not mean for the post to come across as an insult, but rather an allusion to this post made at the timeOne thing about this online universe..... it doesn't really humble those that needed a few extra shots of humility to start with. Quite the contrary, you can be Sax Jesus Risen or Lord of Sax Techdom on your fave forum online [all the better if you are forum owner] but your real-life neighbors still only see that old flabby dude with dyed hair pickin' his nose as he hauls out the trash once a week.... in wrinkled pajamas and flipflops. And hey, most people of any generation could give flip-all about saxophones, sax players, or sax techs in the first place. It's like all-to-do about stamp collecting.... The net, however, provides a new space for ego inflation big-time. Some people merely succumb, others milk it for all it's worth.
Guess I should practice a little more on the humility myself....

[mrd]

Gerry confirmed this to me last week.
There will be a high end model and a lower one, but there will be improvements such as blue steel springs.
He didn't mention the other changes, but certainly this has to do with
the liquidation of the current models.

[pknight]

Before anyone buys this horn, I would recommend that the buyer does some significant research on the alt.music.saxophone newsgroup.


Better advice has never been given.

[BigZ]

Does anyone know where these "slightly used" e-bay horns are coming from? It seems they have been selling these for months. I called the number for La Sax and talked to Gerry about them. What is the connection there? How could there be so many demos? Are there any brand new ones? The price is very tempting. Any opinions or thoughts?

[goodsax]

Gerry is/was a sales "rep/associate/person" for Orpheus Music who spun off either a division of, or closely associated with, Orpheus called "noteworthy music" which is doing the eBay selling. However, when I received my LA-750 alto it came with an Orpheus Music packing slip. So, I'm assuming the connection between the two companies is very tight.

The pitch is that these are NAMM demo's, but others have suggested the sell-off could be because of new models coming out next year forcing a reduction in current model inventory. I don't know about that other than it's a plausible theory.

I've purchased an LA Sax LA-850 tenor and LA-750 alto from Gerry and both transactions, at different times, went smoothly. I've had both saxes long enough to know they are good solid horns with little or no cosmetic issues, including their cases, that they play well with pleasing tone and intonation as good as any I've played.

I consider them both the best value I've ever received dollar for dollar.

The LA-900 baritone on my list below I bought on eBay from a college student in New Jersey and, although it's not as heavy as the loaner Selmers I had the privelege of playing, it too has a good tone and is very easy to play all the way down to low A. I've received a lot of compliments about it already from fellow band members.

That's about it, except I'd probably buy the LA Sax LA-650 soprano to complete the collection if it wasn't for how much I like my Antigua Winds 590LQ with no inclination to give it up.

[BigZ]

Thanks very much for the info goodsax. I think I'll pick up one of the altos. For that great price you can't really go wrong. I'll let you know how it went after I get it.

[goodsax]

If it's as good as the one they sent me, and I have no reason to believe it won't be, I'm sure you'll be pleased.

[Ralph Grant]

I purchased an alto and a tenor in burnished brass and am very happy with them. I recently put a Quantum #7 Mouthpiece on the tenor and it is one loud, growlin', screamin', blues machine. I can't say enough about them. They were a little stiff when I got them but $50 bucks worth of work by my tech and the actions are fast now.

I hope you enjoy yours like I do.

[Mark5047]

I also got a pair of burnished brass - (alto and tenor) and could not be more pleased. Since I don't own a soprano I am heavily considering getting one to match.
Both of my transactions were seperate - a few weeks apart if I remember correctly, and both went smooth.
Note: WWBW is still selling these (granted, new in box) for $ 1325.00 for the alto, and you know it is possible they will not come from WWBW set up and ready to play, and if you end up with one in as good of shape as mine are, you wont be able to tell them from brand new - plus noteworthy is giving you a one year warranty with it.
Let us know if you end up getting it and how you like it

[BigZ]

Thanks for all of the great feedback guys. I'll order in 2 weeks. He didn't have any lacquer tenors, which is what I wanted. I'll get an alto though. I have a P. Mauriat nickel silver tenor coming Thursday. I would have tried the LA tenor 1st if they had it. I will get the alto in 2 weeks and let you guys know how it went. After all, you can't have too many saxes right? Maybe I'll either sell some of the wifes jewelry or go to feeding the kids every other day and get 1 of each!

[goodsax]

Looks like they may be running out of those show demos after all? Makes me feel better I got in on the good deal before it was too late, for a change.

[Riff]

I just got my burnished brass alto yesterday. I've only spent about 90 minutes with is so far but I must say I'm impressed. I played a tenor at a show about two years ago and was impressed with it then, so when I saw the alto on ebay at this price I just couldn't pass it up even though I'd never played one of their altos before.

It has a very solid tone, seems to play well in tune (though I'm still working on my alto chops. I haven't played alto since I sold my Series III a year ago.) The altissimo is also easy too. Someone else said 'it isn't a Selmer'. I agree. But so far I'd have to say it's a d*mn good horn and for the price you can't go wrong. I'm tempted to get a matching tenor but I already have a Mark VI and an SX90R so I can't justify spending the cash.

[BigZ]

I just ordered an alto 750 from Gerry at La Sax. He said it should ship tomorrow. Yippee! I really want a lacquer tenor but there are none available. Does you guys like the burnished brass finish? How do you think it will hold up?

[Mark5047]

Mine is holding up fine. The finish seems hard. It is smooth and not at all like I thought it would. I think they put laquer over the brass after they swirled it. I always get very positive comments on the finish. No regrets here.

[narey123]

See you were talling about La Saxes on E-bay got one I will sell coase no one on there is buying them..Got an Alto ..Barrington.. and tried to learn to play, found out sax just ain't for me to play. Fix yes - play NO...My wife plays sax She likes tenor more than others but like my La Sax more than Her alto.

[bubblegirlsax]

LA Sax are pretty cool. Their straight altos are VERY nice! Maybe when I'm rich one day I'll get one :D

[goodsax]

They have a photo of one of the LA Sax artists playing a straight alto on the orpheusmusic.com (http://orpheusmusic.com) website and it doesn't look all that comfortable to me. I think Hurling is selling his Keilwerth straight alto in another thread for less than the LP of an LA Sax.

[bubblegirlsax]

Where on the site is the picture?

[goodsax]

Bubblegirl Sax: Scroll down to the bottom of this page (http://www.lasax.com/L_A__Sax_Artists/l_a__sax_artists.html).

[bubblegirlsax]

Hmmm ... maybe a little awkward.

I just like the LA Sax's because they have some colour. But don't worry - I have my own remedy. Beading. Once my sax is bought and broken in, I'm going to decorate with glass beading.

A girly thing to do, I know, but you haven't seen my rainbow striped bedroom yet! :)

[goodsax]

...Once my sax is bought and broken in, I'm going to decorate with glass beading...:color: :color: :color:

[bubblegirlsax]

:color: :color: :color:
Colour is as expressive as the music itself