B&S 2001

[Saxydude]

Does anyone know anything about the B&S 2001 saxophones? There has been lots of talk about the Medusa series, but nothing about the 2001's. I'm particularly interested in feedback on the alto's. TulsaBand has a couple alto's and they are described as good horns but I'm more interested in opinions from people who have played them. Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Morry]

I believe this is the series that the Guardala horns were based on. Very solid horns, and an excellent value. I've held one, but didn't play it because I didn't have my mpc with me.

[Randall]

A superb sax and the Medusa is an extension of the 2001. However, the alto Medusa has more changes than the tenor from the 2001 model.
I have said it elsewhere on this forum many times; the 2001 sterling tenor is the finest I have ever played, period.
If you are thinking alto though, I would consider the Medusa. Either way you won't go wrong.

[SaxyAcoustician]

Randall is right. The Medusa is based on the 2001 series. And so are the Guardalas and the new L.A. Sax Chicago series. B&S tenors are the best out there, IMHO. I have both alto and tenor Medusas. Their altos are fine but their tenors are worthy of that title.

[Randall]

Saxy, If oucould and don't mind, would you send me detailed jpegs of your two horns?
ihave a ton of people asking me about thesehorns and I don't have any good pix of them. If youcan,
send it to me at:
ranran at gol dot com
many thanks! :wink:

[Morry]

I was considering a silve plated Keilwerth, but maybe I'll hunt down a B&S instead.

[Randall]

I MUST start using the preview feature!!!!! :oops:

[Morry]

ohdon'tworryRandallIthinkweallunderstoodwhatyouwer esaying. :-)

[Saxydude]

So I should be more interested in the Medusa line instead of the plain 2001? How do the alto horns stack-up against other big name alto's?...(Series III, SX90R, 82Z, etc..) What improvements were made on the Medusa? Thanks.

[SaxyAcoustician]

In my experience the 2001 and the Medusa are the same horn (they play exactly the same with the same keywork). The Medusa merely has the cool finish and engraving. I should say that my horns do not have the all-over engraving that is pictured on their website, just on the bell. The all-over engraving would have cost $600 or so more...too much for my blood. Actually, I could've afforded it, just not worth it when it adds like another 25% to the cost of the horn.

Saxydude, I normally play on a Yamaha 855 black lacquered alto, not because it's necessarily better but because I'm more comfortable with it right now (been playing Yamaha Custom altos for going on 14 years). Plus I have a Selmer Balanced Action from 1937 that I like too. The Medusa alto has its own sound and feel which I like. It's something you would have to try. Like horns, everyone's tastes are different.

Randall, I do not have a digital camera as of yet. But I do plan on getting one soon (maybe for Christmas) and I will get the pictures out to you. They really are beautiful horns.

[Randall]

Saxy, maybe if you'll consider sellng that balanced action to me I'll buy you a camera! :lol:
Is that an alto or a tenor?

[SaxyAcoustician]

The Balanced Action is an alto. It is a sweet, sweet, sweet horn.

[Randall]

Saxy, I have had the chance to play the BA alto...they can be really nice!!!
I am hoping someday to get to try a tenor in that flavor....in silver....
An SBA would be in my sights too.....:roll:
As for the differences in the Medusa when compared to the 2001...why not search the web for "B&S" and "Medusa" and see if you can find one of those music trade sites' PR pages about the Medusa. I recall reading one of these PR releases on the web and in it they mentioned the differences (although somewhat vaguely) in the Medusa over the 2001.

[Randall]

I was considering a silve plated Keilwerth, but maybe I'll hunt down a B&S instead.

Morry, think sterling B&S!!!!
Trust me on this one......

[Morry]

But I don't have an account at the First National Bank of Pennington. :-)

How much does one of those set you back from Stephan?

[gary]

ohdon'tworryRandallIthinkweallunderstoodwhatyouwer esaying. :-)

:lol: Clever, thanks.

[Morry]

Randall,

The distributor in Chicago said they are available with sterling neck and bell options, but the picture on the VMI site appears to be ALL sterling. Is that what you are getting?

[tonyg]

I am looking at the new B&S catalog they sent me a few months ago and it shows four different options in the "Sterling Silver". One is all sterling silver, two are a variation of part sterling silver and part brass, and one is all sterling silver glass-ball blasted(sandfinish). By the way, I just ordered a Medusa tenor in sandfinish from Stephan Boesken, it should arrive in 3 or 4 weeks, can't wait.

[Morry]

How did you get a catalog? I have filled out the inquiry form on their website several times, and never got anything.

[tonyg]

Morry,
I filled out their catalog request form on their website just like you. I only had to do this once, not sure why you would have not received one. It did take a couple weeks to receive it.

[Randall]

Like Morry, I have NEVER gotten the catalogue, despite filling out the form 3 times. Maybe it's my typing?! :roll:
And Yes Morry, I am getting the all sterling model. I have heard different prices on it from various sources, but it should go for around 4~4,200.00 US.
Mine is going to have the full enchilada on engraving (as if you couldn't have guessed :wink: ) and I have asked for a few customizations.
Tonyg, did Stephan give you a definite delivery date? If so, maybe my horn will be shipped at the same time.....hmmm....
I am really tired of waiting on this thing...no fault of Stephan, I might add...
Please be sure and let us all know when you get it..full report!

[tonyg]

Randall,

Stephan just told me he received my horn yesterday from VMI, he will be setting it up this week and then it will be ready to ship. I believe the non sterling silver models are much easier to get and understand you have been waiting a long time according to your posts. He does seem to have good correspondense with the manufacturer, and I would think be able to find out when VMI will ship it to him. It sounds like it will be worth the wait.

[Morry]

Randall,

Where did you find a sterling tenor to trial? I can't hardly even find a B&S in the Southeastern U.S. anywhere to play.

[Randall]

Morry, I tried one here in Japan at the shop where I teach....someone wanted to give it a whirl, so it was in the shop for a week.
At the time, I couldn't even begin thinking about it....but I surely haven't forgotten it....

[Morry]

BTW, Randall, Tower of Power is going to be in your town on January 26th and 27th. You must go see them. Great show!

[Randall]

Already got my seat reserved!!!! :shock:

I used to work at the Blue Note here, so I can get the best seats if I reserve early enough....

[Randall]

Hey Morry,
How about a name, addy and URL for that distributor on Chicago? :!:

[Morry]

From the VMI website:

http://www.medusa-saxophones.com/agents/agents.htm

[Joe Jazz]

Randall- Do you know anything about the B&S 1000 series (intermediate?)baritone? I was just curious..thanks!

[Randall]

Joe, I haven't gotten to play one yet....but I have heard overall good comments about the 1000 bari.
B&S's student line altos and tenors- the 500 and 600...well I have not heard good things about these horns.
B&S also makes a cheapo stencil for the Kawai music company here in Japan....I believe it is based on the 500 series- not too impressive.
If you are looking for a B&S bari and are wanting a bargain (new) try to find yourself a Guardala bari...there are still some in stock and if you do an internet search, I am sure you can find one.
On a more blasphemous note (since this is B&S thread) The new Antigua bari is absolutely one of the finest I have ever played...and an incredible bargain. I didn't want to believe it was true... :!:

[Joe Jazz]

Randall-Thanks for the info! :D

[Randall]

No problem Joe.... and also thanks to you Morry for the info....where are my manners!? :oops: