saxcrazed
01-28-2007, 03:08 AM
I just received my Rampone and Cazzani R1 Jazz silver curved soprano saxophone from Mathew Aaron at Saxforte, and I can't say enough about the horn or the transaction. First of all, Mathew has patiently been answering my emails and phone calls for over a year while I agonized over whether or not to buy the saxophone. Even when my questions wandered far astray, he gladly and professionally answered all of them, and made many helpful suggestions.
Part of my reticence to get it was the fact that I had not had a chance to try the horn. I read about it on SOTW and other places, but there is nothing like actually playing an instrument. When I made the decision to buy it, Mathew made the transaction simple and fast. Although I had waited over a year, once I made up my mind I wanted it tomorrow, so he sent it next day UPS, packed in his trademark "overkill" protection packaging.
When I opened the box, I was struck by the quality of the case. Cases usually don't impress much, but this Flight Case is quite an example of Italian craftsmanship. Then I opened it, and I might as well had opened up the crown jewels. The saxophone literally glowed in its velvet lair. It is a delightful visual and tactile marvel. On close inspection, you can see the craftsman's hands at work, extremely high quality with traces of human touch. It is as Italian as a Ferrari or an Armani suit. I don't think it's too much of a stretch to call it a work of art, certainly a work of the finest craftsmanship.
But all of this was nothing compared to the sound. I took the mouthpiece out of my mouth and uttered, "Oh my God!" My wife, from the other room, asked "What is that you're playing? It's beautiful!" I have a vintage Martin soprano and had a Selmer Serie III, both terrific saxophones. This is a totally different instrument. It is full and round and warm and centered. It has a voice like Andrea Bocelli, clear and precise, with marvelous overtones. My wife described the horn as soulful, and as having great clarity and fullness.
I couldn't be happier, either with the horn or with Mathew. I just wanted to post this for anyone else who is thinking of getting a soprano. Look carefully and seriously at this horn, and you can't find better service than Saxforte.
Part of my reticence to get it was the fact that I had not had a chance to try the horn. I read about it on SOTW and other places, but there is nothing like actually playing an instrument. When I made the decision to buy it, Mathew made the transaction simple and fast. Although I had waited over a year, once I made up my mind I wanted it tomorrow, so he sent it next day UPS, packed in his trademark "overkill" protection packaging.
When I opened the box, I was struck by the quality of the case. Cases usually don't impress much, but this Flight Case is quite an example of Italian craftsmanship. Then I opened it, and I might as well had opened up the crown jewels. The saxophone literally glowed in its velvet lair. It is a delightful visual and tactile marvel. On close inspection, you can see the craftsman's hands at work, extremely high quality with traces of human touch. It is as Italian as a Ferrari or an Armani suit. I don't think it's too much of a stretch to call it a work of art, certainly a work of the finest craftsmanship.
But all of this was nothing compared to the sound. I took the mouthpiece out of my mouth and uttered, "Oh my God!" My wife, from the other room, asked "What is that you're playing? It's beautiful!" I have a vintage Martin soprano and had a Selmer Serie III, both terrific saxophones. This is a totally different instrument. It is full and round and warm and centered. It has a voice like Andrea Bocelli, clear and precise, with marvelous overtones. My wife described the horn as soulful, and as having great clarity and fullness.
I couldn't be happier, either with the horn or with Mathew. I just wanted to post this for anyone else who is thinking of getting a soprano. Look carefully and seriously at this horn, and you can't find better service than Saxforte.