Antigua 586 vs 590

[anitje]

Is there any substantive difference other than the high G key? Is the 590 worth the extra money?

[rockinsage]

Had the same question when I bought my 586LQ. No, there is absolutely no difference other than the high 'G' key -- according to Dave Kessler. In my opinion, a high 'G' on a soprano was not worth the extra $, but that's just my opinion. :)

[Dave Dolson]

In my opinion, the only advantage to the hi-G keying may be that it would be more attractive when you wanted to sell the horn. However, the price of the top-model Antigua is SO reasonable that I wonder why NOT buy the top model (the 590)? DAVE

[DaveKessler]

Personally, I dont see the reason of getting the High G. But thats me.

They are otherwise identical. I suppose the argument can be made either way. Some have theorized that the extra weight of the extra posts and rods associated with the high G, will make the horn a little darker... however, I dont think that it is noticeable.

Personal call. I think the 586LQ is the Overall best dollar per dollar model in the Antigua line.

[drrodgers2002]

Dave,

Like a lot of folks I have been looking at the AW soprano's on your web site with great interest. I am in the Atlanta area and having trouble finding even a Yanigasawa to play to try out. I am interested in a soprano and have tried and played a Yamaha 875, JK SX90II, Selmer Series III and a Cannonball. I was kind of torn between the JK and the Yamaha. However, I don't think the Yamaha had been setup correctly so what do I know. It seemed to me the JK just had a little warmer sound.

However, this will be an instrument I use as a secondary horn and if I can save 2000+ dollars that is good. But in five years the cost won't matter as much as the horn itself.

Also keep in mind I am a serious amatuer only and do not play for a living (as cool as that would be). But I am working on trying to get good enough to gig whether I ever do or not.

Wow...are you still reading? :]

Any thoughts on the AW horn to fit that bill?

Jeff

ps. I did not like the Cannonball too much and really, really disliked the Selmer even though it felt the most at home given I play an SA80 alto.

pss. If this is something best discussed off forum please feel free to e-mail me privately at drrodgers@drrodgers.com

[DaveKessler]

Jeff,

Sorry I didnt reply sooner, forgot to.

Of course I think the Antigua will fit the bill, but I am trying to sell them so my opinion is of course somewhat biased.

Now my personal sales bias aside, yes I definately think the Antigua would work for you. They are built VERY well (about 95% as well as the top level name brands) and play like the best sopranos there are.

Now as I have always stated, I think the Yanagisawa is the better horn and if you simply want the best, then but the Yani. How much better are they? about 5-10% better. For most people, they either cannot tell any difference or the difference is not enough to justify the extra cost.

Durability of the Antiguas isnt even a question in my mind. I have used Antigua horns for over 13 years. I have a couple hundred in my rental fleet. Even their original horns from 13-12 years ago are still holding up fine under constant 1st time player/rental abuse. Antigua's horns have increased immensly in the 13 years so if their original horn hold up great, the new ones hold up even better.

Hope that helps.

[stevesklar]

The Antigua sops can take a beating, in a sense. One of my little sons grabbed my sop 586LQ and I saw the rods bend in his hands. He had a very firm hold. After i got it away from him i expected bent rods. But they bounced back and were fine. Not even slightly bowed.

I've bought them recorders since .. not sure that was a good idea either.