Antigua Alto

[Kerry Jean]

Any info on this sax?Am looking to buy for a band student but want something that'll carry her down the road in quality.
KerryJ

[Dave Dolson]

I recently tested a new Antigua alto (unknown model number, it was lacquered brass). It was okay, but I was not as impressed with it as I was their sopranos (which I bought). The alto reminded me of a new Yamaha (I know, I know, there are folks who LOVE their Yamahas) . . . typical of new altos these days. DAVE

[Kerry Jean]

Thanks for some info.I'm looking to buy an alto for my 12 yr. old that will carry her down the road with quality and was hoping to find something used to buy instead of renting,which I'm doing now.Thanks to this site I've learned..but still am not sure about some names like Antigua.

[Dave Dolson]

KerryJ: There are many good brands on the market, but expect to pay over $1K for anything decent, unless you are adept at eBaying and can find a good vintage horn for under $1K (and they are available, but if you don't know what is what, then that route may be risky).

The top brands are generally considered to be Selmer, Keilwerth (aka JK), Yamaha and Yanagisawa.

In altos, my preference is vintage ('20's and 30's stuff like Buescher, Conn, and Selmer), but for youngsters, many posters would recommend a solid student-line instrument like a Yamaha YAS23, or maybe even a used Yamaha YAS62 (a highly touted model for less money than a top Yamaha).

My grandson is 13. Last year (at age 12) he started on alto in the school band and I gave him my '80's Yanagisawa 880 (a top-o'-the-line horn in that era). He loves it and is now first chair. The horn is the pride of the school band - and he takes great care with it.

Many will advise you NOT to spend a lot of money on a newer player but if your son wants one and is the type of child who takes care of his possessions, a better saxophone will go a long way toward encouraging him to stick with it - and to take care of it. DAVE

[DaveKessler]

For an inexpensive horn, the Antigua 505 (a model exlcusive to our store) is hard to beat ($695.00). The model that Dave Dolson tried was either a 510 (which is OK but nothing special) or a 520 (more of a ribbed version patterned after a SA80II).

Now, the best dollar per dollar horn on the planet is the Yani A901 in our opinion. This is a professional horn but at an intermediate price. I sell them brand new at $1595.00

[Paul Coats]

I have the top of line Antigua Prestige alto, A530-SP. I am absolutely satisfied with this sax. Intonation is excellent.

The problem areas suffered with most altos are, upper register is sharp in relation to the low register. For many altos, as much as 15-20 cents difference on some notes. For this Antigua, it is more in the 3-5 cents range, which is almost nothing.

Also, for many altos the upper register A tends to be sharp. Not on this Antigua alto.

For many altos, either middle D is sharp, requiring the addition of the low B key to play in tune, or if middle D is good, low D is very flat, requiring the low C# pad to be opened to play it in tune. This Antigua is good on both notes.

Tone is nice, rich, but not bright or brassy, nor is it dull... just a nice tone. I have performed classical as well as jazz and rock.

The Supreme and Prestige altos are probably more than you would want for a beginner, but the A510-LQ would probably be more appropriate.

I have to agree about Dave above, about the Yanagisawa 901 being a LOT of value! I have liked every Yanagisawa I have ever played or worked on, even some of the very early models. Great intonation and a wonderful, centered tone.

[goodsax]

Paul - The Antigua site describes the A530SP as being the same as their A520LQ except for the silver finish. Would you agree? If a good buy were found on an A520LQ, could the buyer expect the excellent intonation you say you get with the A530SP?

[Paul Coats]

Yes, the 520 is the "Supreme", which is the same as my 530 Prestige, but the 520 is lacquered. They differ only in finish.

My A530-SP has a silver body, with gold lacquered keys. The A530-SPC is all silver, body and keys.

FYI, pads on these saxes are Prestini, with the metal dome/rivet type resonators.

[goodsax]

There is a 530SPC on eBay selling at what looks like a decent price. If it has the intonation quality you describe, I'd consider it very tempting. Every alto I've had so far, tends to be sharp in the high register, as you have mentioned.

I'd like to have a sax that minimizes the need for lip tuning corrections in the high register. I'm playing in a community concert band now and intonation is more important than ever, as it should be. I'm also taking private lessons again and we're working a lot on intonation issues.

Thanks for the excellent description of your 530SP. I'm about ready to take the leap on this 530SPC solely on the strength of your praise for this horn.