Antigua selection help

[Eulipion2]

Hello,
So I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with an Antigua 590 soprano (unless someone can convince me that a Jupiter Artist is a superior horn), but, without starting any wars, I'm wondering if anyone has noticed any consistent differences between the lacquer, black nickel, and silver horns, or should I just pick the one I think is nicest looking, as playing before I buy isn't really an option as I'll probably be buying off of Dave Kessler.
Thanks for your opinions.

[goodsax]

I haven't played 590's with all the finishes, but personally, I think it's merely a matter of aethestics and individual preference.

[awholley]

Sonically, there's probably little difference. One thing you might want to consider is wherther the popularity of one finish or another might affect your ability to resell at a later date. Dave K can probably tell you what the more popular finishes are...

[Eulipion2]

Okay,
I emailed Dave Kessler, and he said the LQ was the richest sounding and the best selling, the Silver, the brightest, and the BC somewhere in between in terms of tone, and close behind the LQ in sales. I think I'm going to go with the BC mostly because I like the looks, and I don't believe too much in the finish making much difference, but what could be meant by richness? I want a good, full, round, darker tone.

Also, has anyone had any luck with either Rascher or Caravan mouthpieces on a.) soprano in general, and b.) Antiguas in particular?

I use a Caravan medium chamber on alto (YAS-875EX), though I think I'm going to try to trade for a Rascher or a large chamber Caravan, and I have a Bilger on tenor (YTS-62), which is too bright for my tastes, and will try to find a Rascher there, too.

For jazz I have a JodyJazz 7 that I purchased from Dave Dolson, and will finally get to use. I use these on my other horns, and I've heard good things about the JJ on Antiguas, so I'm sure it'll work for me. Anybody care to share more experiences?

Thanks for the input.

[goodsax]

Eulipion2: I think you described what I would consider a "richer" tone with the adjectives full, darker and round. I think that's what he might have meant. That doesn't mean I agree that the 590LQ is richer than the 590BC or 590S models because I haven't played them.

Before you purchase any more mpc's for your 590BC, try the JJ7 on it first. I recently purchased a JJ8 (red) for my Kohlert sop and it's the first to outdo the Yani 7 HR mpc I'd been using. You might find the JJ a good choice for your Antigua.

[Eulipion2]

Goodsax,
I plan on using the JJ, but I'm also looking at the Rascher and Caravan for classical playing. There's just no way the JJ would be an appropriate tone for me, classically speaking (I favor VERY dark).

So, can anyone else verify the richness of tone between different finishes?

Thanks!

[Dave Dolson]

Eulipion2: I played three Antigua 590 sopranos at Kessler's last year. They were the finishes you've mentioned. In addition to Dave Kessler being there, Chris Calabrese ("Vegaschris" on SOTW) was present. We all agreed that among the three horns I played, the lacquered-brass (LQ) model had the best, fullest sound of the three.

Is that proof that finishes mean something other than cosemtics? No. It is anecdotal only. This issue about finishes affecting tone has been beaten to death here on SOTW and there is no way to prove it either way. It comes down to BELIEF, just like religion and politics.

I bought the 590LQ. DAVE

[goodsax]

Goodsax,
I plan on using the JJ, but I'm also looking at the Rascher and Caravan for classical playing. There's just no way the JJ would be an appropriate tone for me, classically speaking (I favor VERY dark).!

I'm sorry, I missed the part earlier where you indicated you intended to play classical and preferred a very dark sound. I may be off base with this, but I too play in a concert band and believe the gold lacquer fits better aestherically in that type of ensemble than black chrome. And, as you pointed out, Dave K. believes the lacquered 520 has a darker sound, and he, or his father, has tested a lot of them.

My last two cents...

[KHHS]

Also, has anyone had any luck with either Rascher or Caravan mouthpieces on a.) soprano in general, and b.) Antiguas in particular?



I play a Caravan mouthpiece on a Antigua 590 SPC (silver plated soprano) with a gloger neck. I only have it 3 weeks or so and still have to get used to the more closed facing and the harder reed (now I use Alexander Superial Classiques #3.5), but I already can say that the Caravan has a nice, warm sound, although not very loud. It has slightly more resistance than the SS-E I played before, but is less bright. Altissimo above a is a bit more difficult (for whom it may concern). The intonation with the Caravan is very good - the high register still being sharp, but better than with any other mpc I tried.

[TMadness1013]

Hey buddy,

The new Rascher soprano mouthpieces are actually modeled after Carina Rascher's exact mouthpiece that she used when she was the sop player in the Rascher quartet. This is the Rascher sop mpc. that I'm using at school - Remind me & I'll bring it to Washington for the Symposium when we go!

-Sean

[Eulipion2]

Well, I did it. I called up Dave Kessler today and ordered myself a 590BC. Mr. Kessler told me that the tonal differences between models were very minor, and that I should just get the horn I liked better. So I did! I've got my JodyJazz ready to go, and I'll probably be ordering a Rascher piece for some classical playing.

I feel like the lady in the Mercedes commercial who got all those cheesy gifts except the gift "from me"...