Dealers in atlanta

[boggsster]

Does anybody know of any good or large retailers of saxophones in the atlanta Georgia area? I am looking to purchase a profesional (new or vintage) saxophone and I want to try it out before buying (don't want to blindly purchase an internet horn). I live in Gwinnett county (North east of Atlanta), so anything in that radius will be helpful too.

Thanks, Tom

[awholley]

Not sure about large, but one of my friends bought from Charles Fail. I think they have a pretty good reputation.

[Morry]

Carere Music is a nice, but small place.

[bkiser]

Carere was the best place that I found. If Charles Fail has the horn you want, dont hesitate- he overhauled a Martin soprano for me a few years ago and the result was spectacular. His prices generally seem pretty reasonable as well, and he turns horns over quickly. I played on a 10m he had restored (including a relacq) when I was in college and it just flat PLAYED. Had me wondering what was wrong with my new SX90-R tenor....

[JJavaT95]

There's also Classic Winds (aka Classic Sax) up in Marietta (not too far depending on where in Atlanta you are). I've only ever dealt with them via phone/internet, but Bob Haley and his staff are very knowledgable and friendly. His website is http://www.classicsax.com.

JJ

[Ytrac Productions]

Let me echo the praise of Carere Music. Fantastic Music store, not a "Guitar shop". They deal in Brass and Woodwinds ONLY!! The staff is very knowledgeable, and all players.

Personally, I have been dealing with Carere for over 13 years, and only deal with them on a local level. Here's a hint of the quality you get there....Wil Grizzle is one of their repairmen!!!!

[bass9396]

Does Will do mouthpiece refaces? Or just instrument repairs?

[AMASAX]

One alternative to try is to hit up your public school annual music teacher's convention, which are usually held Jan-Mar in most states. These conventions typically have the all-state bands/orch/choirs, etc, and along with this, nice exhibit areas with lots of manufacturers present, showcasing horns that one can try...
Atlanta is likely the location for whatever Georgia has going on.

[bass9396]

Unfortuantely, GMEA holds its conference in Savannah every year. Hardly a central location.