[edsel00]

So I like the unlacquered TK Melody, but I am weary of the flashiness of the over-the-top full engraving. In an unlacquered model, will that at least fade into the Patina as it ages, or will all that wild engraving continue to stand out through time?
thanks,
ed

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

As the proud owner of a bare brass Yardbird Tenor and Alto I can tell you with no dispute that the engraving will stand out no matter what the patina. Personally that is one of the many reasons I like them.

I believe you can order one with simpler engraving.

B

 

[edsel00]

Thanks, Brian. I was hoping you'd answer, but didn't want to bother you with a PM. Yes, they can be ordered with simpler engraving, but in-stock now is the fancier engraving and the price difference is pretty negligible.
They're great looking saxes. I do not know why I am so worried about their cosmetics. It's not like they're Cannonball Ice Stones or something like that.
anyhow, thanks for the info,
ed

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

http://s949.photobucket.com/albums/ad334/Modman1962/

Pictures of a well worked Yardbird 1 3/4 years in.

BB

 

[skatkat]

For the minor increase in cost, get the "over the top" version.

 

[Dr G]

For the minor increase in cost, get the "over the top" version.

Why pay more for something the OP doesn't want???

 

[Rich Maraday]

I'll give him the same price if he wants the horn No big deal. I'm not here to collect these things. The engraving is taste full and and very well done. Oh yeah and horn sound wise kicks ***....

 

[skatkat]

I'll give him the same price if he wants the horn No big deal. I'm not here to collect these things. The engraving is taste full and and very well done. Oh yeah and horn sound wise kicks ***....

See, No reason not to get it now... Enjoy the new purdy Horn!

 

[gary]

I don't understanding not waiting for what you want unless you've got a gig coming up and having that horn is critical to the gig.

Personally, I've seen and tried out two each of TK Melody altos, tenors and sopranos, and I do not care for the engraving. I don't like it on any horns btw, unless it's subtile, so that's just me.

I have a soprano Yardbird with full engraving. Looks like Japanese tattooing. I like it on the back of Japanese women, not on my horns. These things are personal and highly subjective. Like Brian writes, the engraving definitely does not recess with time, so if you don't want one fully engraved, don't be impatient. Order one without and wait for it to come in.

p.s. either I or some others need to re-read some of the posts, starting with the OP.

 

[dctwells]

I've been playing a Yardbird tenor with the simple engraving for almost two years. I'm pretty sure the engraving is generally less visible than when the horn was new. Especially on the top side of the bell there is some nice dark tarnish that obscures the engraving quite a bit. The underside of the bell has a lighter patina and you can still see the engraving clearly. I love the simple engraving ..... The horn also has classic white pearls instead of that goofy colored abalone that many Taiwanese horns have these days. To me the full engraving that goes from the rim of the bell to the neck screams "horn for high school kids". These are seriously killing horns ..... The extra bling does them a disservice IMHO.

 

[wogeax]

Apples and Oranges. Dont make it hard on yourself. Look at the pics, If you prefer the Engraved version, go with that. If the simple version tickles your fancy, get that.
It doesnt make any diff. Others here have their "personal" opinions, just that.. personal.
Simple as that. Good Luck

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

I've been playing a Yardbird tenor with the simple engraving for almost two years. I'm pretty sure the engraving is generally less visible than when the horn was new. Especially on the top side of the bell there is some nice dark tarnish that obscures the engraving quite a bit. The underside of the bell has a lighter patina and you can still see the engraving clearly. I love the simple engraving ..... The horn also has classic white pearls instead of that goofy colored abalone that many Taiwanese horns have these days. To me the full engraving that goes from the rim of the bell to the neck screams "horn for high school kids". These are seriously killing horns ..... The extra bling does them a disservice IMHO.

I wish I had played TK Melody Tenor in H.S.!

Patina on bare brass is subject to the air and moisture in which it is exposed. David lives in Maine which I am sure is much more damp and humid than where I live in the middle of US, Oklahoma City so my horn might be forming different patina based on spit rather than humidity which probably makes the brass darker.

Hey David it would be cool to compare pictures.

BB

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

I'll give him the same price if he wants the horn No big deal. I'm not here to collect these things. The engraving is taste full and and very well done. Oh yeah and horn sound wise kicks ***....

These Tenors do kick **s!:boxing:

BB

 

[LateNiteSax]

I just don't get the naked brass thing, and the vintage matte finish thing is even far worse. A new horn should be shiny. Bri, that horn is getting really nasty on the back of the bell, like my Mk Vl. That doesn't bother you? Brecker hated it, and had his horn disassembled and cleaned/bathed several times a year, because it got so nasty and funky. That aside, the TK tenors are fabulous.

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

I just don't get the naked brass thing, and the vintage matte finish thing is even far worse. A new horn should be shiny. Bri, that horn is getting really nasty on the back of the bell, like my Mk Vl. That doesn't bother you? Brecker hated it, and had his horn disassembled and cleaned/bathed several times a year, because it got so nasty and funky. That aside, the TK tenors are fabulous.

BTW great playing in your vids.

The funk is cool to me. I am planning once my new Orpheo Copper arrives as backup I am sending the Yardbird for White Roos and Music Medic resos. I will decide it I want to keep the patina, clear lacquer over the patina or bright dip it.

BB