Montreux Soprano - anyone heard of it?

[mm5agm]

Hi all,
I've done a search of saxontheweb and google but can't find any information on this make of soprano. Anyone know anything about them?
Many thanks - Colin

[DaveKessler]

Never heard of them.

Sounds like it is a private label for one store just like "CR Kessler" is my private label on saxes.

Where did you see it?

[mm5agm]

Hi Dave,
http://www.mevtaylors.co.uk/woodwind.htm
is the only shop that ever seems to have any. It's just that they seem to pop up on eBay every so often.
Colin

[DaveKessler]

Looks like its their private label. Probably Taiwanese.

If you see another one pop up on eBay, let me know the link.

Personally, we prefer Antigua Winds newest soprano models which are copies of Yanagisawa horns.

Here is a thread on them: http://saxontheweb.myforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=3363

[mm5agm]

Thanks for that Dave. I'm looking at http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2544770187
just now. The seller doesn't know what the model number is. When I asked him, this is the reply I got
==============================================
Strangely enough I can't find the model number on the sax - I can tell you the stentor catalogue number, or the serial number but I can't seem to find the model number on it. My guess is it is from the Antigua A range. The RRP is £499 if that helps you find it.
==============================================
We usually find that £1 = £1 when we go to buy stuff but £499 should be just over $800
Could this be an earlier model? Were earlier ones a good buy?

Many thanks
Colin

[DaveKessler]

To me it looks like one of the older models.

All of Antigua's instruments have an "A" as the beginning of the model number. It stands for "Antigua".

If it is lacquered as he describes, then it can only be one of the following:
A580LQ (older model - I am clearing out for $599)
A586LQ New models that I sell for $795 brand new but I dont think it is this model based on the provided picture.

It definately would not be a 590LQ because it only goes to F# where the 590 goes to G.

If he can provide the serial number, I can tell you instantaneously whether its an older design or a new one.

The new models start off with "YS" for "Yanagisawa Soprano" which is what the new models are copies of.

I would request more detailed pictures as well as the serial number but it looks like an older model to me.

[mm5agm]

Thanks for the info Dave.
I've asked for serial number and more photo's to try and tie it down. Were the older ones any good? Or am I better waiting for the newer model to appear on this side of the pond? It's just a pity we get hit with such high taxes when we buy from abroad. Importing a new one isn't an option with at least 20% added for tax :(
Colin

[DaveKessler]

They are not bad... but they are no where as good as the new models. The old models fall in line with all the other Taiwanese made sopranos, "Good for the money". The new models are in a completely different world.

Now just an FYI, you can always ask the shipper in the US to declare the amount at a lower cost to reduce the hit that you would take on VAT taxes.

[SteveS]

MM5AGM de W3SY,

How's DX OM?
Hello from another sax playing ham. By the way, I saw NF4Y was also browsing this forum. What are the odds?

73,
Steve

[mm5agm]

This won't make sense to non radio hams :-
Maybe it's something to do with us trying to tune any lump of metal we can lay our hands on :)

On the import tax bit - I just got hit 300% on a mouthpiece import I made 6 weeks ago. Seems that FedEx has an agreement with our IRS to collect import duties on behalf of IRS. FedEx send the bill - even charge you for doing it. They say it speeds up the flow of parcels to customers. Needless to say I'm in dispute with them on this one. Never had this with US Postal.
Colin