Really, which is the best C Melody?

[bradshawm]

I have read through the C forum and consistently see people saying that the late model Conn's or the Buescher TT are the best of the C Melody Saxes. Especially for intonation. Now I just read a thread where one person says "The Martin" is the best one.

I am looking to get a C-Mel, but it needs to have somewhat good intonation, and too be honest it gets confusing. One vintage site say's that only the late model Conns are worth it, anther says that only the Beuschers are worth it, and then elsewhere people say that no C sax, soprano or melody has good intonation. Is there a consistent voice out there, or is it all just preference?

[Dave Dolson]

Bradshawm: It is ALL opinion. Fortunately, most C-Mels will not cost an arm and a leg, so the experimentation becomes fun rather than expensive.

Me? I'd go Buescher, only because most I've played were good and some Conns I've owned were not quite as good as Bueschers (that is subjective, I know; I have a TT C-Mel that plays okay - at least the scale is accurate), but the horn is a bit uncomfortable for me (the neck angle, etc. puts me in an awkward position relative to my other saxophones). DAVE