So who still plays their R&C R1 or R1 Jazz alto???

[Saxaholic]

I remember there being quite a buzz on these saxophones, and that a few of our SOTW members had acquired them and since wrote a review on them.

Is anyone still playing these, or have they been cycled out into the world? Just curious.

Saxaholic

[Dave Dolson]

I sold mine . . . a silver-plate R1 alto I acquired in a trade. It was a very nice horn. If I didn't have a closet full of nice altos, I could have easily kept it and been happy with it. DAVE

[Captain Beeflat]

Custom R1 tenor, built for me some three years ago & played every day.....a glorious horn. The case, also, is a work of art.

[bkiser]

I still play mine, but have put it up for sale to cover some medical bills. If it doesnt sell, I will actually be quite happy.

My horn as delivered was very inconsistent...sometimes played pretty well, othertimes not. At first I thought it was me, so I continued to practice and adapt and it seemed better. It always had a glorious tone, but response was not good at all and intonation was way off. I finally figured out that there was some issue with the neck. The horn went to Tenor Madness and came back the way it should have been all along. I think these horns have been passed around because I suspect that many probably have similar issues. I only became convinced that the horn had an issue after a period of time, and after A/Bing with other horns. These horns have fantastic potential, but if you get one, plan on a REAL setup and send it to someone who will take some time to get the neck/receiver right (the tapers dont match or something like that).

[Saxaholic]

Bkiser,

How would you describe its playing characteristics?

Good luck selling it.

Saxaholic

[bkiser]

Sorry for the late reply- been really busy and missed this question!

The horn blows with just a touch of resistance, and is big, dark, and smooth. Not at all spread like a Keilwerth...much more core than that but not as tightly focused as the typical Selmer sound. Responds quickly and plays evenly with great intonation. Despite the name, it is a KILLER classical horn since the overhaul.

[saxman06]

Well, I have yet to hear from anyone with regards to vintage altos. . . I'll write a review when I get it back from the shop. . . Had it overhauled. :D

[-88-]

Saxman06: who is doing your overhaul?

[-88-]

Oh, by the way, I'm the one who bought Dave Dolson's R&C R1 alto (lucky me). I don't play alto all that much currently as I am concentrating on tenor, but it is a Lovely horn, and that's with a capital L.

And now with a Lamberson on it too. Oooo...weeee!

Thanks Dave, your R&C R1 is alive and happy in northern California.

[Dave Dolson]

-88-: Glad you liked it. Like I said, it was a terrific saxophone. DAVE

[-88-]

You're right. Thanks for taking such good care of it while you had it.