[SaxNutz]

Wondering if there really is a bigger bell versus their 3000 series. I know there is a high G which I don't really care about and some extra engraving.

 

[saxmsy]

Check their description:

POWERBELL SOPRANO – SS4290 – Antigua Winds

Apparently the soprano Powerbell has nothing to do with the bell size and shape. Their enlarged bell design are only applied to Alto, Tenor and Bari.

There are some posts about the comparison between SS4290 and SS3286 here if you do some research (they were used to call S590 and S586). But just don't choose the SS3282 (one piece) model because some reported that intonation is not good on 3282 (Even Dave Kessler backs this statement).

 

[Sand3853]

I currently have one (which I am going to be listing to sell). Their bell isn't any different in size to any other soprano. Solid horn though, with good ergos and a really nice tone. It, honestly, is the same horn as the Selmer LaVoix II. minus the branding, the horns are almost indistinguishable from each other.

 

[SaxNutz]

Thanks, it's good to know about the one piece. I read somewhere that the sop powerbell has a bigger bell but others saying no so I wasn't sure which was true.

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

Powerball horns are very high quality. Personally if I were you I would think about a Pro One since its only a bit more at Quinns.

 

[SaxNutz]

Have you directly compared the two? I listened to this comparison video and I hear a subtle difference, I would say a slight sweetening of the tone, fuller.

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

In this video it seems the P1 has a subtle but noticeable difference in tone but not that much. I think it comes down to the choice of two necks or one piece.
I have always played 1 piece sopranos and think they play with a more smooth tone than the two piece.

 

[SaxNutz]

I ended up bidding on a ss3286lq yesterday and got it for a little over 600. I think this was a great deal and should be all I'll ever need being a mediocre hobbyist. I was tempted to bid on the pro one but this is less than half the price and for me should be great. I'll report back when I get it. I've been playing the Eastar sop so I'm thinking this will be a big step up. The Eastar is a very solid build and looks great but I struggle to get the palm keys and the notes above middle G don't sound that great to me (could all be me who knows).

 

[saxmsy]

I ended up bidding on a ss3286lq yesterday and got it for a little over 600. I think this was a great deal and should be all I'll ever need being a mediocre hobbyist. I was tempted to bid on the pro one but this is less than half the price and for me should be great. I'll report back when I get it. I've been playing the Eastar sop so I'm thinking this will be a big step up. The Eastar is a very solid build and looks great but I struggle to get the palm keys and the notes above middle G don't sound that great to me (could all be me who knows).

That’s really a great price! You will be surprised the difference between the Antigua and your Eastar sop. Antigua soprano may not have the same build quality with big 4 but the response/intonation are no lose. I am sure that you will get palm keys speak more easily.

 

[SaxNutz]

Just got it! Very nice so far, feels solid. The high note speak much clearer and easier than the Eastar. Very happy with it.

 

[saxmsy]

View attachment 141019

Just got it! Very nice so far, feels solid. The high note speak much clearer and easier than the Eastar. Very happy with it.

Told you😄😄.

Congratulation!

 

[SaxNutz]

Thanks! I laid the two side by side and they look very much alike, must both be based on the same horn, the Antigua action feels nicer and the pads are firmer. My Eastar is surprisingly nice for the 160 bucks (half price) I paid for it. I think I will keep it for a travel horn. I'm all set on saxes, still trying to figure out my best reeds, seems that can take years! Right now the Plasticover 2.5 is my best playing but it is still hard to past the D palm so maybe I need a harder reed?

 

[JazzWithoutANet]

I ended up bidding on a ss3286lq yesterday and got it for a little over 600. I think this was a great deal and should be all I'll ever need being a mediocre hobbyist. I was tempted to bid on the pro one but this is less than half the price and for me should be great. I'll report back when I get it. I've been playing the Eastar sop so I'm thinking this will be a big step up. The Eastar is a very solid build and looks great but I struggle to get the palm keys and the notes above middle G don't sound that great to me (could all be me who knows).

I took your lead and perused the same horn on Ebay and wouldn't you know it, Quinn had a great price. Got mine for $598 plus shipping.

I have an Ammoon(Slade), which might be at the level or beneath the Eastar you're upgrading from and I too am a Hobbyist. I explored this topic a few months ago and ended up with an early Weltklang soprano and I didn't like it at all. Apparently, the one I bought was manufactured just before B & S took over and made better horns.

This price point and the feedback in this thread has me excited about it. Antigua sops were recommended to me back then, but I found the German horn and threw caution to the wind. My cheap Ammoon can live in my locker at work and my new arrival can stay safely home. I hope it works out for me, but it's definitely an upgrade at a great price.

 

[SaxNutz]

Awesome man! You got a great deal. Post up when you get it with your thoughts.