[bradfordlloyd]

I purchased a Lyon & Healy "Maker's Chicago" soprano sax closet horn for a low-low price some months back because it was cheap, beautiful, and gave me a chance to grab a soprano for some noodling around (I've always wanted one, but balked at the prices). I'm in the process of having it refurb'd, and have very much enjoyed learning some of the history of the horn and Lyon & Healy from this forum. But can anyone "bottom line" this for me -- is this (and L&H/Couturier horns in general) a useable modern horn of any quality? Or just a cool piece of history?

 

[bruce bailey]

I had the same horn (with the clown engraving) a few years ago and it was VERY good. It had a dark rich sound like my Martins and projected well. Intonation was good and equal to my Bueschers, Martins and Conns. I think I sold it for around $1,200. I like that thumb ring too. The sopranos are much better than the altos I have had from L&H. Well worth overhauling.

 

[daigle65]

The left hand pinky table looks weird, like there's no separate G# key and there seems to be an extra one below Bb ?

 

[bradfordlloyd]

Outstanding. I must admit that your glowing review of your L&H horn on another internet forum was part of the reason I was emboldened to purchase this one. I'm glad to hear that it's of similar make and that I should expect good things (my initial noodling around was very encouraging).

 

[bradfordlloyd]

Yeah....I'm going to have to get a feel for that keywork!

 

[bruce bailey]

That L shaped G# is unique to the L&H. These were made before it became common to have the low C# key also activate the G#. L&H just made the one key work both. The downside is that when holding it down while playing in sharp keys, D will be way too sharp as the C# remains open when you want only the G# to be activated. Also the double springing takes a bit of work to get it right. Great sopranos.

 

[bradfordlloyd]

I had the same horn (with the clown engraving) a few years ago and it was VERY good. It had a dark rich sound like my Martins and projected well. Intonation was good and equal to my Bueschers, Martins and Conns. I think I sold it for around $1,200. I like that thumb ring too. The sopranos are much better than the altos I have had from L&H. Well worth overhauling.

Bruce -- so, anything special about playing altissimo on the horn? How did you work around the lack of a front F? (I know it can be done, I just haven't had to do it myself)

 

[bruce bailey]

To imitate the front F, just play A2 and add the palm F IF it is not interlocked to the palm Eb. It should be interlocked on the L&H however. I never use the front F on alto or tenor. I think Holton was the only vintage soprano that had the front F.

 

[bradfordlloyd]

To imitate the front F, just play A2 and add the palm F IF it is not interlocked to the palm Eb. It should be interlocked on the L&H however. I never use the front F on alto or tenor. I think Holton was the only vintage soprano that had the front F.

Thanks! Helpful advice as usual. My L&H soprano should be in my hands in a week or so, and I'm already excited about noodling around on it. And, of course, some serious quality practicing. There are a few pieces for clarinet and/or oboe I'm looking forward to playing on the sop (which would require the altissimo -- hence the question). I'll post pictures...

 

[bruce bailey]

As I recall, my L&H had tangs on the palm keys where if you pressed Eb, it also opened the D and when you pressed F, it opened the Eb which also opened the D! If yours is that way, my previous fingering would not work.

 

[bradfordlloyd]

Hmmm....not sure, actually. It's in my tech's hands at the moment -- but I can't wait to check! Sounds like years of making up alternate altissimo fingerings on clarinet (and especially eefer) may come in handy if the tangs are present. Again, I'll post pictures and updates when the horn is finally in my hot little hands.

 

[bradfordlloyd]

UPDATE: Got the horn back completely refurbished. Wow, it's gorgeous (I'll post some pics later), and plays like a dream. I love it's sweet, dark tone! Bruce Bailey, you were right...thanks!

 

[rucadulu]

Did you ever post the pictures of the refurbished Lyon & Healy Saxophone, I would love to see them.