Cannonball Big Bell Soprano's

[bradshawm]

I went to a church worship seminar and met a player with a beautiful silver Cannonball Saxello. It not only looked great, but it sounded great also. He said he's had it for about a year, and had nothing but good things to say about it. He let me play it, and it played very well, and appeared to be one solid saxophone.

I don't see much about them in these forums. Anybody out there play these things? I would love to hear your assessment of them. I can't find them for sale on the web, so I am assuming they on only available through retail stores.

Thanks for any insight.

[Dave Dolson]

Bradshawm: My only experience with a CB soprano was a curved model I played at Sam Ash one day a few years ago. I had my Yanagisawa SC902 with me and compared the two. There really was no comparison - the SC902 was superior in every way. Still, for the money, the CB played.

I've owned an original Saxello (by King, H.N. White) from the early '20's and a Rampone tipped-bell soprano (some call it a saxello, but again, there is no comparison - the Rampone being superior in every way).

I no longer own either horn - they were difficult to rack on a gig when playing alto or clarinet. Still, the Rampone had a good tone alright - but I prefer my straight Antigua (or any of my other sops) over the Rampone.

Others love that tipped-bell look. DAVE

[SaxyAcoustician]

< Still, for the money, the CB played. >

The Cannonball horns are too expensive for a statement like that. I'd much rather spend the couple extra hundred to get the Yanagisawa.

[Bill08690]

I tried the CB straight sop recently and thought it had a nice tone and was built very well. Having said that, for the $2K+ that they ask for the horn there are a lot better investments. The CB brand does not have the recognition that the Y or S or JK horns have and you would be hard pressed to get 1/2 your money back on their horns if you had to sell. Get one of the big 4 if you are buying new. Also the Antigua winds for 1/2 to 1/3 the price is a much better deal.

Just my 2 cents......

[bradshawm]

I appreciate all your replies. For me the issue was not the saxello as much as the brand. The player had a Yani alto up there also, and felt his CB was every bit as good. He sounded absolutely awesome.

I've been playing a a little over a year on a chinese piece of junk that has just sucked up money, and now needs more work to play than I am willing to put into it. On top of that, I feel it would be unethical to dump it on someone else. I am interested in the Antigua Winds because it is more in my price range and the revues have been good, but cannot find any dealers in my area that have the newer soprano's. My horn played great for one month, and then went down hill. I'm sure Dave Kessler is reputable, but afer my experience, I am hesitant to buy online with only a three day return policy. I won't mention the brand of mine, but it starts with a J... It received good reviews, and was highly recommended here also for a very short time, I think just long enough for me make an order.

Oh well, we live and learn. Maybe I will track the AW threads a little while longer, and then get brave enough to take another chance. (you would think I was talking about dating again after being burnt by a wicked female).

[Bill08690]

Can't live with-em..... Can't live without-em!!!!

[bradshawm]

Truth is, I have had much better luck with women, than the saxophone. Been happily married to my wife for 14 years :wink: Unlike my sax, she's a keeper for life.

[awholley]

I tried the CB straight sop recently and thought it had a nice tone and was built very well. Having said that, for the $2K+ that they ask for the horn there are a lot better investments. The CB brand does not have the recognition that the Y or S or JK horns have and you would be hard pressed to get 1/2 your money back on their horns if you had to sell.

Or watch eBay closesly and take advantage of someone else absorbing the depreciation!

[DaveKessler]

I'm sure Dave Kessler is reputable, but afer my experience, I am hesitant to buy online with only a three day return policy.

Just to let you know, while yes it is a 3 day from when you receive it trial, we do give a full 1 year Pads and Adjustments warranty through our shop on ALL instruments we sell.

Also, if after 3 days you still arent sure, all you need to do is ask for an extension. I usually have no problem extending the trial period as long as there is proper and good communication.