B&S 2001 question

[Sigmund451]

For those who have played them how would you describe their tonal character and overall playability. Are they more of a smooth sound, focused, spread, Compare to a few other horns if possible. Cant find one around to try. Thanks

[Morry]

The one I played a couple of weeks ago was kind of like a cross between a Yamaha Custom and a Keilwerth. It has a smooth, centered sound like a Yami, but has more guts and character to it. I found the scale to be very even from top to bottom on the horn. I think they are very fine horns, and I am contemplating trading my SX90R for one, if I can't afford to keep both of them.

I think they are a bargain compared to what other professional tenors are going for.

[SaxyAcoustician]

Whoa! I had to rub my eyes to make sure I read that right. You're seriously considering replacing your Keilwerth with a B&S? Well, I don't blame you. The B&S tenors are out of this world. In my humble, humble opinion, the best tenors being made today.

[phathorn]

If the 2001s are ANYTHING like my DG500 then I would agree. BEAUTIFUL rich sound. The lower register, especially, has an almost 'Martinesque' warmth to it.

[SaxyAcoustician]

Sigmund, were you talking altos or tenors?

[Sigmund451]

So if Im already playing a The Martin and like it is there any point or would it be primarily redundant?

[Morry]

There's always a point to buying a new instrument. I don't have them all yet! :-)

I can't believe that I'm thinking of selling the JK either, but the slightly smaller bore of the B&S made it a bit easier to play for me, being a breathing-compromised alto player. I'd like the keep the Keilwerth and work up to filling that horn better, though.

[jazzham]

I have a beautiful near mint condition 2001 tenor available if anybody is interested. Email me at jazzham@comcast.net.

[Joe Jazz]

Morry- when I talked about selling my JK alto you asked if I were crazy. Yes, I was, but only for a moment and I realized that I'd never need another alto. Now that I have a JK tenor, I feel the same way. Don't they have anyone in Alabama who can Baker Act you until you regain your senses? Don't do something you'll regret later. I once play-tested a silverplated Guardala alto and it was very comparable to the Yamaha 62 I had at the time. But, it wasn't an SX90R.

[Morry]

Hey Joe - What I'd like to do is swap my mint gold lacquer SX90R tenor plus some cash for a black nickel JK. I like the extra little punch (either real or perceived) that I feel with the nickel.

[Joe Jazz]

NOW YOU'RE TALKING! That's a move I'd considered suggesting! My black nickel tenor is the dog's bark! :D

[Thomas]

well I just received a B & S 2001 tenor. Blown it for about two hours, it's an ok horn-very MK VI -ish but slightly warmer and a bit fatter in the upper end. Well built and it's a good horn but it's just kinda uninspiring. I was hoping for more from it. It is better than my 79xxx VI but not as good in tone quality as my MK VII or old Martin Comm II. Of course the horn is new to me just today so all this could change.
Tried with a 7* STM, Lawton 7*B and an RPC.110-the RPC sounds best on it--but it sounds best on everything.

[tonyg]

Thomas, what finish did you get your B&S in.

Tony

[Thomas]

Tony
It's clear lacquer--I'm one of those that believe finish makes minimal if any impact on what a horn sounds like. I have other lacquer horns as well as silver and goldplate and the differences are small if any.

with a few more hours on this horn my first impression of it's MK VI-ishness continues. If you have a good horn you 're happy with don't rush out to get one of these-no big deal but an ok horn if you were looking to upgrade from say any yamaha or a really lousy MK VI. I wouldn't sell off a JK for a B & S.

It is a good horn just not unique and offering anything real different.