[William Bua]

Well,
I picked this one up on ebay needing a build which would gave me a good representation because it wouldn't leak or have badly repaired damage. Let's just say they are not built very well to say the least. All the pillar bases are slopily soldered and all the key guard mounts have broken off the horn as well. I did the work and I do like the sound, but the key work is as soft as the solder work is bad. Pretty horns that look cool and art deco, but that's it. In short, not a frickin chance. I will never buy another one of these POS's Gee, did I mince words?

 

[dubrosa22]

Wow, I was always under the impression Dolnet's were pretty decent build-quality wise.
Is this 'cos it's a stencil or are they all POS?

 

[mike_s]

i think that is mis information that people read on the web and think might be true...

i had a 1950's dolnet tenor.. it sucked in every way... people buy these things and not content to simply fool themselves they try to fool everyone else...

and yes, i know don byas played one and i love don byas...

 

[SaxTon]

have an old Dolnet tenor as back up which plays great. I think they are still bargain horns but I have no experience with any dogs. I just know
I would put my tenor up against lots of late 50-60s horns in sound and intonation.

 

[artstove]

I have a Dolnet BelAir, purchased from another SOTW member, guesstimated to be from 1959. My tech was not impressed with the quality of workmanship either. That said, it plays nicely, very responsive, with a sweet tone, good intonation, and a light, quick action.

 

[milandro]

I have seen good ones (never spectacular to be honest and in the same league of Buffets or SML ) and I have seen not so good ones and I have seen some bad ones too....... so , the best one can say is to try them before buying. The best I have seen up until now was a M70 alto and a Royal Jazz tenor (both were lacquer with nickel plate keywork) but I have owned two less than spectacular M70 (alto and tenor) and a couple of decent Bel Airs. The mechanics and details in the construction are what lets these horns down and they became less and less well made as they approached their endgame .