[docrob]

I am assuming this is another asian horn, but was wondering if anybody knows any details on them? Potentially maybe even played one? I have seen them all over ebay in the last little while and was just wondering.

 

[Enviroguy]

The branding on these kinds of horns is not necessarily exclusive. That means that even if someone else here has a sax with "Laura" stenciled on the bell, there is no guarantee that is was actually made by the same people in the same factory.

First, forget about the brand snobbery we often see on this and other forums. Next, remember that buying an unknown brand of sax over the internet has substantial risk. You might get a very serviceable saxophone at a low price. And you might get something unplayable or something that needs constant repair to stay playable. You will not know until you have it in hand and have played it for a while. And then there's intonation problems and other issues and quality concerns that can arise.

For something with high risk like this, my rule is to never spend more money than I can afford to loose without pain. If it's just fun money, have fun. But if you have limited funds and need a good instrument, I'd avoid these types of deals.

 

[docrob]

I am not actually planning to buy one. Have been contemplating buying a tenor to use as a back up horn. I just say a whole bunch of those on ebay and it is not one that I have seen mentioned anywhere. Just was asking out of curiosity mainly.

 

[Gary59]

I like how the say if you want a Selmer mk v1 , buy the Laura sax! I'm willing to bet it won't be close!

 

[Buck Laughlin]

I like how the say if you want a Selmer mk v1 , buy the Laura sax!

I thought ALL rebranded Asian-made saxophones were the same as, or better than, a Mark VI. At least that's what the advertising and various marketing angles have led me to believe . . .

 

[69193]

You can buy a good vintage horn for that kind of money. That's a lot of money for an ebay/no name sax.

 

[MartyG]

I saw a Youtube video of an unnamed guy playing a Laura alto. It was incredible.
OTOH, I am a pro and can play just about any horn, using a top quality mouthpiece.
I can't find any information on them other than their E-bay ads.

I just bought a Yamaha YAS62 for a backup and am very happy.
Laura may have little resale value.

Check it out, but be cautious. Sounds too good to be true.......


-m

 

[Marco Mon]

I had one given to me and it is much much better than I thought it would be. It is set up exactly like a Mark VI. Does it sound like a Mark VI, no, but it does have a nice sound, decent action, and great range. I can make it absolutely scream or growl with very little effort! The sound changes substantially depending on the mouthpiece and reed. As far as it looks, it is spectacular, the engraving is quite nice. I would consider this a high end intermediate horn performance wise, and an absolute steal price wise. Overall value a B+ to A-. I actually used the horn for one recording and played it live for a couple of songs at the 2012 Yosemite International Jazz Festival. These horns are worth a look if it fits what you are looking for price and performance wise. I sold my Yamaha 61 and 62 Altos and now use the Laura for a back up. As with any horn, lot's of variables, I may gotten the only really good one - who knows! I am very satisfied with it.