The Soprillo has arrived!!!

TylerW · 02-10-2004, 03:26 PM

After months of waiting, I was finally able to pick up my soprillo last night. I was only able to play it for about fifteen minutes last night, but I thought some of you might be interested in my impressions. For my quick play test, I used the Vandoren 3 Ab clarinet reed that came with it and a Vandoren 3 sopranino sax reed. I used both with the stock ligature and my Winslow sopranino ligature.

Construction:
Even though it is incredibly small, the soprillo appears to be very well constructed. The keywork feels very solid and the horn itself feels very substantial. The horn is very well balanced. It is possible to balance the horn, without the mouthpiece, on the right hand thumb rest. I call it a thumb rest because it is not a hook. It is just a concave piece of plastic that allows you to balance the horn while playing. It even has a ring for a neckstrap. I guess you could use one if you were afraid of dropping the horn. The only thing about the construction that I do not like, and this is just a personal preference, is that the bell is slightly curved and the horn cannot stand up by itself.

Keywork:
As you would expect in an instrument this small, the keywork is somewhat cramped. However, most of the keys are exactly where your hand would expect them to be. In fact, the only thing that I had problems with was the left hand spatula. It is further back than I would like. To play any notes using the spatula keys, except G#, I would have to move my hand considerably which is not comfortable. G# was not a problem because my natural motion pushed the arm coming off the key which seems to work just fine. From looking at pictures, I had expected that certain alternate fingerings would not be available due to limited keywork. I was wrong. It is possible to play Bb with side, bis, or 1-1- (1-4-). The side Bb key also functions as the side C key. I did not believe it when I read the note from Mr. Eppelsheim, but it does work and is actually in tune. The alternate F# is also available although it is half under the D# key. The key that I was most impressed with is the high octave vent. As most of you know, the vent is located in the mouthpiece. I had expected this to severely limit the choices of ligatures, but it does not. The key itself if slightly recessed in the mouthpiece, which allows you to use almost any ligature.

Tuning:
I was actually impressed with the tuning of this little instrument. It is by no means perfect, but in the short time I was able to play, it seemed to be somewhat better than my Yani sopranino. Of course, I have not sat in front of a tuner with it yet, so I could change my mind later.

Overall:
I have to say that on the whole I am very pleased with my newest addition. I must state that even though I have said many good things about this horn, it is still quite a handful. It takes an incredible amount of control to play and I do not know that I will ever master the little beast, but it will be fun trying.

Dave Dolson · 02-10-2004, 06:10 PM

Tyler: Amazing. DAVE

dingfelder · 02-10-2004, 08:33 PM

how about some pictures for us to see your new baby ?

TylerW · 02-11-2004, 02:05 PM

I should have some pictures for you this weekend.

TylerW · 02-15-2004, 03:02 AM

I have put some pictures on http://www.khwajslair.com.

Dave Dolson · 02-15-2004, 03:42 AM

TylerW: Thanks for the photos. Very interesting, indeed. DAVE

saxtek · 02-16-2004, 05:32 AM

Those are the best photos of the Soprillo I've seen yet. I have one on order and now I'm getting even more excited. Benedikt Eppelsheim's instruments are the most interesting new horns for me, but I'm always looking for exotic saxes.
I'm hoping that the case is really small - so no one thinks it's a saxophone until you get it out to play. It may seem silly, but can you post a photo of the horn in the case?

TylerW · 02-17-2004, 12:22 AM

I don't think it is a silly request. The case is the only thing whith which I was disappointed. Right out of the box it seemed too big, even though it is only 4.5 x 5.5 x 16.5 inches. There is a lot of extra space in the case. It would have been nice if there was some storage space, even just a small space just large enough to hold a box of reeds.

I have posted a picture of the soprillo in the case. It is #126.

Saxtek, you won't be disappointed, it is a fun little horn. The more I play it the more fun it becomes.

saxtek · 02-17-2004, 05:27 AM

It looks like a solid case that protects the horn well. If you can't have a super-compact "French style" case, you might as well get one that keeps the horn from getting hurt. 16.5 inches long isn't really a big case. Thanks for the photo.

Steve P · 02-17-2004, 06:28 AM

If i may ask, how much did that bad boy cost you? its pretty sweet. i like the pics with the sop, the nino, and 'prillo.

Steve P

schnibs · 02-17-2004, 11:27 AM

can we see a pic of you holding it? just for size really, its judge the size from the pictures. Or put it next to a soprano or something.

schnibs

schnibs · 02-17-2004, 11:28 AM

oops, never mind just spied the pic with it on.

schnibs

TylerW · 02-18-2004, 01:46 PM

Steve P, the soprillo was 1800 euro. Shipping was 130 euro (covering the actual shipping and customs on the European side.). US Customs was 4.9% plus a $9 fee and there was a $25 fee for the warehouse. After discussing the fees with Mr. Eppelsheim, it appears that the cost for customs and warehousing has varied considerably.

dolphyo · 02-18-2004, 11:28 PM

saxtek,thats amazing. nice pics. what are the pads made of? what would you play? flute and piccolo parts,new music? wow