Would someone please explain why so many modern saxophones [do not sound as good as] sound so different from vintage saxophones? My question is directed specifically at the sound. Is the metal composition so different today? And if the metal composition is different is it no longer possible to use the same metal composition that was used in the 1920s-1940s?
Why am I asking? I owned a old Conn soprano. The instrument blew freely and produced a lovely big, mellow sound. I sold the instrument about 10 years ago. Fast-forward to 2015. I bought a new soprano manufactured in Taiwan. This is not a cheapie. I had a highly regarded saxophone tech go over the instrument before it came to me. The tech told me this is a very good soprano. I received this horn last week. It plays well enough, but the tone is nothing like the tone of the old Conn.
Between 2002-2005 I went through a similar experience finding a tenor.
Maybe it's me. Is there anyone who actually prefers a soprano with a sound that includes a healthy oboe-like component?
Why am I asking? I owned a old Conn soprano. The instrument blew freely and produced a lovely big, mellow sound. I sold the instrument about 10 years ago. Fast-forward to 2015. I bought a new soprano manufactured in Taiwan. This is not a cheapie. I had a highly regarded saxophone tech go over the instrument before it came to me. The tech told me this is a very good soprano. I received this horn last week. It plays well enough, but the tone is nothing like the tone of the old Conn.
Between 2002-2005 I went through a similar experience finding a tenor.
Maybe it's me. Is there anyone who actually prefers a soprano with a sound that includes a healthy oboe-like component?