[lewisshe]

I have a new soprano sax, purchased in Nashville in 2003. Used in a testing manner about 6 times. It has a engraving of a flying bird on outer side of bell. No other markings. Does anyone possibly know who made, quality, and possible value of this sax. Gold lacquered. Nice!
Lou

 

[Dave Dolson]

Lou: Welcome to SOTW. I think some photos would help us help you. And, if it was really NEW, what price you paid for it.

If there are no engravings or stampings except for the bird you mentioned, I'm guessing it was really cheap - and probably not well made. Most of the well-made-yet-inexpensive saxophones come from Taiwan and those fiolks at least put a serial number and a brand name on them. DAVE

 

[lewisshe]

Soprano Question

Hi Dave:
Thanks for return. I paid $377.00 for it and being a professional musician myself for 40 years I was impressed with its tone after putting right mouthpiece on it. I quit playing 20 years ago, got rid of my saxes which included a Naked Lady Conn Alto. After 20 years I got the itch again and bought the Soprano and an Alto and they are just sitting in closet. I guess you can't go back. Am 78 now. Thanks, Lou

 

[Dave Dolson]

Lou: You can go back, if you want to. It is a matter of finding the time, location, and desire to practice. I've played for 50 years (now 67) and never gave it up, so I don't know how it would be to try to start over again. But I know others who have.

Many of the cheap (don't confuse "cheap" with "inexpensive", either) sopranos around these days (and it appears that yours is one of them) can achieve a decent sound alright. It is the "feel" and the "look" of the hi-end and/or vintage American sopranos (like Buescher, Conn, and The Martin) that will be lacking, plus the hi-end sopranos' scales (intonation).

It may pique your interest to seek out a good soprano and compare them. Another suggestion would be to seek someone's advice (someone who KNOWS) about easy playing mouthpieces and reed combos - THAT may make the comeback more enjoyable. DAVE