[wyvernsound]

Anyone tried the curved John Packer sop JP043C? Was set on a Bauhaus but curious about these too.

 

[wyvernsound]

Also just seen online the New Orleans 'Jazzman' JSSC100 Curved Soprano Saxophone?

 

[potiphar]

Not seen their curvy but not hugely impressed with the straight (a friend of mine had one, now replaced with a Mauriat which is a lot better).

 

[The Rumbler]

I own a straight and a curved JP 043. They both play very sweetly and are unarguably great value for £325 or whatever they were. I bought the curved last Summer, and the straight in November.

My "proper" soprano is a Yanagisawa Elimona - and these Packers are copies of modern Yanis. Are the rods and keys as beautifully machined as a Yani? No - but they are still pretty well put together. Are they as nicely finished? No - but they are very decently finished. My curved sop does have a little evidence of uneven lacquer in a couple of spots - but you do have to look for it.

I've not done a side by side comparison with another curved sop, but on it's own merits it plays in tune and with a warm sound. My straight JP plays with an amazingly broad tone compared to the majority of sops I've played - and I've played just about all the modern big-brand sops going.

Having said that, I have found that on both saxes that I've had to tighten a few screws from time to time. A minor irritation.

So, as far as curved sops go, my own impression is that it would be very hard to beat the John Packer - for the money, that is. Bauhaus's curved one is probably worth looking at - but it's already significantly more expensive.

It comes in an OK case. The straight came in a much better case.

 

[wyvernsound]

mmm...not sure if I'll get the chance to try a John Packer in London. Sax.co.uk have the Bauhaus. Will try to track one down!

 

[Triggerbokie]

I was able to buy a 2nd hand curved sop John Packer. quality is great however mine has sticky keys. I tried it with a tuner and it sings in tune in the first octave. dindt test more, my tech will have to work on those sticky keys first.

 

[Triggerbokie]

can anyone confirm if the country of origin of these horns is Taiwan or China?

 

[nigeld]

I was told that the cheapest JP horns are made in mainland China and the more expensive ones are made in Taiwan.

 

[milandro]

yes, as also for Bauhas Walstein they source in several countries