Dave guardala VS MedusaVS Chicago Jazz series

[Dave_Sax]

I hear that Guardala, B&S, Chicago jazz series are made from the same factory.
Especially Guardala earthtone and Medusa really looks alike. Do they sound the same way too? And the Chicago Jazz series, Do they all sound just like Guardala? My teacher tells me still the guardala is the best out of them all. He tells me that the sound is more settled and easier on altissimo, and he says that the key settings are much more comfortable. But I can't see much differences because I have never played them all. He tells me I should get the D&G earthtone instead of Medusa or Chicago series. Do you think it is really necessary? Please help me if you have experiences of them all. Personally D&G earthtones are too expensive.
If it does not worth it, I wanna get something cheaper.

And How is the Selmer 54 compared to D&G earthtone?

[Morry]

I would bet that there is as much difference in the sound of various examples within each of those brands as there is betwden the brands themselves. Except for minor changes, those horns are pretty much the same.

[Randall]

If all 3 "makes" were set up properly and in perfect adjustment, then there should be virtually no difference (save the normal horn-to-horn variation that is present in all makes).
Look for the best price and then find the best tech around.
You'll be glad you did.

[Morry]

I'm thinking I might want to try a B&S. Just from the way it felt in my hands (didn't play it) I envision a sound that's similar to the Keilwerth, but maybe more compact. If that's accurate, I'd like to snatch one up.

[shmuelyosef]

I had heard a rumor that the horns are the same, but the necks are different...

[Riff]

My understanding is that the Guardala is made at the B&S factory, but it *IS* a different design than the B&S. They probably share a lot of the same parts which would account for the similarity in appearance. Though the Chicago Jazz series is made in Germany, it is an LA Sax product and I would fear that this would limit its resale value.

I've played the Guardalas and they are excellent. Good sound (very Keilwerth-like but more focused as Morry said) and well made. They are noticably heavier than most saxes.