B&S 2001 Tenor

[mikestefano2001]

So, I just got a 2001 tenor to complement my super dynaction alto. The B&S is a really fine horn, though the brass doesn't seem to be as robust as my 1960 sda alto. The keywork is superb and I was lucky enough to get this horn from a fellow who had decided to take up sax in his forties and then decided not to, so it's hardly been played. 100% gold lacquer, no dings - really in perfect shape :D
It's really hard to find out anything about these horns though (maybe especially up here in the great white north). the s/n starts 008XXX Can anyone tell me when this was made? The B&S website provides no information about anything, really.
Also, would appreciate hearing good and bad impressions people have had about the 2001. thanks.

Mike

[Morry]

I'm about to order a new Medusa model tenor myself. I recently played a black nickel 2001, and it was an extremely fine playing horn. I thought I preferred my Keilwerth, but the B&S seems to have the same quality engineering as the JK, but is a little more efficient with the air.

It'll be nice to have them both to choose from.

[SaxyAcoustician]

Well, there's a recommendation if I ever read one. A die-hard Keilwerth man purchasing a B&S to add to his arsenal. :wink:

I have the Medusa tenor (in sandblast finish) and I will say that the B&S tenors are without question among the best horns on the market. B&S tenors are the most underrated saxophones in the world. They need more exposure.

[Nitetimer]

I have a black nickle Medusa on order but they say it will take 4-6 weeks (or longer) to get. They have the clear lacquer & sandfinish in stock which I can receive right away. Do you think the tone difference with the different finishes are considerable? I sure wish I had the horn NOW.

[Morry]

I would guess that the sound difference is nonexistent. I'm wondering how the sandblast finish will be, as far as spotting and staining, though.

Maybe SaxyAcoustician can comment.

[SaxyAcoustician]

I don't know if you're gonna like my answer. The sandblast finish is not that durable. It discolors relatively fast and it seems to wear off quite easily too. BUT...that is one reason why I like it so much (aside from playing like a mutha). It very quickly gives that vintage appearance. It really is a beautiful finish though.

[Randall]

Jk (sop thru bass)/Buescher/Selmer fan here waiting VERY impatiently for my Medusa sterling.
I must echo Saxy' comments,

" I will say that the B&S tenors are without question among the best horns on the market. B&S tenors are the most underrated saxophones in the world. They need more exposure."

Amen and amen....

I'll go one better...the Sterling tenor IS the best I have ever played- and I have really played a LOT of horns.

[Morry]

Randall, did you see that there is a 2001 tenor on ebay with sterling bell and bow. Hmmmmmm.......

[jazzham]

I have a 2001 in mint condition for sale right now on ebay. These are great horns. Very well made, modern keywork but has a really lush vintage sound. I agree these are probably the best modern horns on the market today. Very underrated.

[Morry]

Jazzham, are you the guy in Florida?

[jazzham]

I'm the guy! I'm in Jacksonville.

[Morry]

I'm in Birmingham. If another fellow I know if Florida doesn't bite, I might.

[Randall]

Hey Morry...no I didn't ...If I were you I would BITE like a shark... :twisted:

[Randall]

Morry, are you talking about the horn a month or so ago...that was a Medusa and the body tube was gold plated?
If that one...yes...and the guy yanked it mid-sale.
Bum!

[Morry]

No, Randall, there is a brass tube, sterling bell and bow 2001 on ebay right now. It is actually listed as a Guardala, but he explains that it is a B&S. Unfortunately, no feedback, located in London, etc.

[Joe Jazz]

Randall, how would you characterize the difference in sound the sterling silver made on the Medusa you played(or was it a 2001)?

[Randall]

Joe, I played a sterling 2001 and the Medusa I played was a laq job.

I truly think MOST of the sound difference comes from the sterling neck....but if you want a description of the sterling horn, I would have to say that the power and resonance of the tone is what got me.
Take an old real silver coin and drop it and then drop a new cupro-nickel quarter...the ping is dramataically different.
That best describes in words the kind of tonal difference I got with a sterling horn.

[Joe Jazz]

Randall-
I tried the coin experiment but couldn't tell any difference when they hit the carpet :wink: . Any luck finding me a girlfriend yet?

[Randall]

:lol:
Try dropping it on your head where there is a lot of bone..eh hmm...

There is a country full of girlfriends over here Joe....but seeing how you seem enamoured with the American south and their ways, may I suugest you take the g/f search to a family reunion? :mrgreen:

[Joe Jazz]

Good idea! I notice from your emoticon that YOU still have all your teeth.....impressive!

[Randall]

Yes Joe! I do!
And I even take a bath every Saturday night, whether I need it or not....but there doesn't seem to be an emoticon for that, alas....

You haven't experienced true bliss until you have dated a girl without teeth....or so I hear. :wink:

[Joe Jazz]

As a former Catholic, I bathe on Sundays....I'm still thinking about getting that B&S half sterling tenor Morry was talking about....

[Neil]

Just recently got a 2001 tenor....(already own a 2001 alto). The tenor plays absolutely great and is as well made, or better, than any horn made today. These are great horns, and certainly worth checking out.

BTW, I also need to put in a good word for Tulsa Band, (www.tulsaband.com).

They sold me on the 2001 alto almost 2 years ago, and gave me a great price on the tenor I just bought. They have a shipment of 2001's coming in, if you're interested in one.

[SuperDave]

I don't mean to interrupt Joe and Randall's flirting..... :lol:
but I have the triple silver plated Guardala (I haven't actually scraped and counted)
and it's a great horn. Very lush full sound, top to bottom, nice ergonomics.

[Randall]

party pooper! :?

[Joe Jazz]

Yeah, how do we KNOW it's really TRIPLE-plated? What if it's only double-plated? Could we tell the difference? And how many times was my YTS-62 plated? I mean really! :shock: