Ian-
The Antigua Winds website is not the best to navigate. The 'Antigua Welcomes New...' option leads to a
press release which states :
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" "We are pleased to announce the introduction of Eldon® to the USA market." Joe Ramotowski, Antigua President said. "This line of instruments is made in China and is designed to meet the competitive needs of band instrument retailers."
Eldon® was created to provide music retailers with a product that competes with instruments consumers are finding in many mass retailers today. Antigua is celebrating its 15th year of working with the finest factories in Taiwan. This has enabled them to locate the best quality and values in band instruments from China.
Eldon examples:
ELF 220 Flute - $339 list.
ETP 100 Trumpet - $399 list
Also available are the ECL 475 Clarinet; ETP 130 Trumpet; ETP 135 Trumpet; ETB 100 Trombone; EAS410LN Alto Sax; and ETS420LN Tenor Sax.
"We plan to offer retailers the ability to buy good quality instruments at low prices", Ramotowski said.
Eldon® instruments will carry a 1 year limited warranty and repair parts will be available from Antigua USA.
For more information regarding Eldon® instruments ask your Antigua sales representative or call, Antigua USA at 1 800-661-6505."
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That press release was dated June 1st, so it is doubtful many here have played that horn.
Also- please check the forum section under makes and models (Other A-M). There is an entire section devoted to Antigua Winds (I'll ask a moderator to move this thread there).
The sopranos have received very high praise, particularly in their cost/value relationship. I own an alto (Selmer SA-80 II clone) that is built like a tank and plays wonderfully.
The issue would be with maintaining quality control considering the Mainland China source.
Best of luck to your friend. If he picks one up, please share the results with us!