[JohnInDenver]

Several years ago I had an Antigua tenor, one of the power-bell models I think they call it, and I was very impressed. It seemed to me very, very similar to several Cannonball tenors I'd owned. I ended up selling it and of course I ended up missing it too.

Fast forward to now, and I noticed Quinn the Eskimo has a bunch of new Antiqua saxophones on Ebay at some deeply discounted "close-out" prices. I focus on tenors, and there are at least 6 out there, mostly power-bells, but a couple of pro one models as well.

Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with Quinn the Eskimo, though I have bought from him and it was a very positive experience. I'm not affiliated with Antigua, though (as I mentioned) I owned one and it was a very positive experience.

If you know of someone who is looking for a great value in a tenor, and prefers to buy new, maybe you could mention the Antiguas. I'd call Quinn directly and see if you can get a little extra discount by eliminating Ebay, but that's just me.

And please, do it before I go crazy and buy another tenor that I don't really need!

 

[KeithL]

Yes, those are very good prices. They show up on his website as well which makes me think he has some stock and not just one of each model.

What does that mean....... Obviously he got them at extremely low cost to be able to sell at those prices and still make money but those are pretty close to fire-sale type prices. So what does he think is on fire??

 

[The Mighty Quinn]

Yes, those are very good prices. They show up on his website as well which makes me think he has some stock and not just one of each model.

What does that mean....... Obviously he got them at extremely low cost to be able to sell at those prices and still make money but those are pretty close to fire-sale type prices. So what does he think is on fire??

My wallet!

I had to lay out a pretty fair amount of money to buy this stock, and even though I got a great deal, it is still a lot to lay out at once, so I am trying to move them quickly and passing the savings along to you! This s a great chance to great a great horn at a really great price. Or at these prices, buy two!

 

[saxmsy]

I ordered one power bell tenor from Matt and received it today and I am very happy with it. Very solid built horn and free blowing. Matt got it shipped very quickly and the horn is well packed. This is actually my second Antigua, while the first one is soprano ordered from Kessler many years ago. The Antigua sop used to have very good reputation on this forum back then, but it looks like that few people talk about Antigua nowadays.

This is actually my first tenor so I have no authority to comment on the tone, but as a tenor newbie, the feel of the horn and how free it blows really impress me. Not to mention that the price is really hard to beat. This is the deal you don't want to miss, if you prefer to buy a new Taiwan-made decent sax.

 

[KeithL]

My wallet!

I had to lay out a pretty fair amount of money to buy this stock, and even though I got a great deal, it is still a lot to lay out at once, so I am trying to move them quickly and passing the savings along to you! This s a great chance to great a great horn at a really great price. Or at these prices, buy two!

You crack me up! Fair enough - I wish I was looking to buy a horn because those are fantastic prices. I understand the stress involved for a small business to layout a big nut and having all that money tied up. However, I have two baris, two altos (and I almost never even play alto), and 5 tenors, so I already have more horns than I can play in a lifetime. And, no, I don't need a soprano. I can't stand the way soprano sounds played by 95+% of the people who own/play one - including myself the few times I've tried them.

 

[StillBlessed]

Tempting.

 

[Jerry K.]

My wallet!

I had to lay out a pretty fair amount of money to buy this stock, and even though I got a great deal, it is still a lot to lay out at once, so I am trying to move them quickly and passing the savings along to you! This s a great chance to great a great horn at a really great price. Or at these prices, buy two!

Understandable, as you bought a ton of inventory!

 

[111518]

My wallet!

I had to lay out a pretty fair amount of money to buy this stock, and even though I got a great deal, it is still a lot to lay out at once, so I am trying to move them quickly and passing the savings along to you! This s a great chance to great a great horn at a really great price. Or at these prices, buy two!

I've had my eyes out for a professional low A bari, thinking I might find a reasonable Yani/Vito. I don't think I'll ever be a bari specialist, but, I'm curious and like to have good instruments around, and my tech was not entirely thrilled about the B&S Blue Label that I first picked up. But, the Vito's are hardly under the radar, and often are pretty beat up.

I'd read about the Antigua Pro One saxes, and they seemed to fit my "mo:" I like under-rated, "uncool," but quality, innovative stuff. I've had enough experience in the biz to know that any maker like Antigua, with a reputation as a builder of student/intermediate instruments, would face headwinds if they tried to crack the professional market, just because so much of it is about brand consciousness. The closeout prices at Quinn-the-Eskimo hit a point that the Pro One bari seemed the way to go, and I made an offer that Matt accepted. Even before the horn arrived, I received not one but two notices that it would arrive BEFORE the original shipping est --it came cross country in only a few days.

The horn came yesterday, so, I haven't had a ton of time, and don't claim a ton of experience or knowledge, but, it seems to be exactly what I was after --a very well-crafted horn, with innovative features and excellent reviews, obviously with no need of repair (I'm in northern NY and my tech is in Ottawa --who knows how many months before the border opens) --it may well be the only new saxophone I'll ever own.

Couldn't be more pleased with transaction or the horn. Now I just need time to play the thing ... and maybe a new harness, since the Antigua has a few pounds on the B&S.
Your "what is hip?", may of course vary, but, this hits the bari spot for me.

 

[CJ1972]

My alto is an Antigua, superb tone and build quality is fantastic.

 

[JohnInDenver]

I started this thread almost 3 months ago, and fought the temptation that long. Today I finally caved in and snagged one of the tenors on Ebay. But I stayed strong for almost 3 months!

 

[KeithL]

I know what your saying. I was very tempted to pick up one of those Pro One altos. I just don't play enough alto these days to justify it.

 

[OldConnPlayer]

I have never owned a brand new horn. I feel very fortunate to have learned on/played vintage horns . I purchased one of these Powerbell tenors on the advice from a friend. It arrived a few days ago. I was really worried about buying a "Taiwan" horn. I thought the engraving was going to be pretty "cheesy" and the horn was going to be not that great as far as construction.Then I figured what the heck, I have 30 days to return it for a full refund. It has some good weight to it, the engraving is actually really nice. It looks hand done, not lazered but I don't know how that could be. It looks well constructed. The case is pretty nice too. The finish is much nicer that the photos. I can't wait to try it If it plays as good as it looks it will be a great purchase. Any mouthpiece suggestions for this one? I am playing at a high school level currently. I am getting back into this after 28 years.

 

[KeithL]

I'd expect that horn to be fairly accommodating in terms of response and intonation when it comes to mouthpieces so it's really up to what you want. There are lots of threads in the beginner and "Late Bloomer" sub-forums on this but I'd suggest a hard rubber piece with around an .080 - .090 tip opening to get back into things - Link, Meyer, Vandoren, etc - there are lots of choices. If you don't mind spending a bit more some of the boutique brands like Phil-Tone and 10MFan make very nice pieces as well.

 

[OldConnPlayer]

Thank you. I think I have a Link somewhere. I will dig it out and try it.

 

[JohnInDenver]

Thank you. I think I have a Link somewhere. I will dig it out and try it.

The Antiqua Powerbell tenor that I bought is very mouthpiece-friendly. It likes my Brilhart Ebolins as well as my Link STM NY as well as my Berg-style B&S pieces I use for louder stuff.

 

[OldConnPlayer]

The Antiqua Powerbell tenor that I bought is very mouthpiece-friendly. It likes my Brilhart Ebolins as well as my Link STM NY as well as my Berg-style B&S pieces I use for louder stuff.

How do you like this sax overall? Anything you really dislike alot?

 

[JohnInDenver]

How do you like this sax overall? Anything you really dislike alot?

It has become my #1 tenor...there's nothing that I dislike about it. I must admit I had a Powerbell several years ago and knew what to expect, so that helped. I wanted to get back to a bigger-sounding tenor, and wanted a new instrument, and wanted a work-horse that I don't have to be worried about...and the Antigua really works for me.

 

[OldConnPlayer]

I like it
It likes to be played loud
I think I got a good deal.

 

[MusicWagon]

I realize I am bit late to this discussion; however, I have been selling Antigua horns from when I worked for other companies through to opening my own store. The Powerbells proved to be a top seller for me, and customers loved the quality of sound and build in addition to the price point. The ProOne was also very impressive, but I actually sold more Powerbell models. Things are quiet at Antigua at the moment as I believe a "re-imagination" is taking place. We shall see what this produces.

 

[DewtimeMusic]

So the prices for the Antigua’s at Quinn are unreal. I bought a TS5200 tenor and have been pleased. I am primarily an alto player and have owned about 6 tenor saxes over the years for short periods of time trying over and over to get a sound. 4 of the saxes have been Cannonball Stone series tenors but I have always walked away from them feeling defeated. Once I saw the price on this horn I got reinspired bit the bullet and bought this Antigua. “I love it”. It is a great tenor and I know I’m holding onto this one because I feel so comfortable on this one.