What do you think of this engraving?

8778 Views 100 Replies 43 Participants Last post by W. Z., Jul 16, 2007

Rick Adams

Discussion Starter · May 2, 2007

You might already know that I'm helping an old established Taiwanese manufacturer release sax models under their own brand for the first time after 60 years of making saxes for other companies (famous ones at that).

Today they've sent me some photos of the engraving we are proposing to use on our top end sax. The engraving extends over neck, body, bow and bell. Please take a look at the photos and get back to me with your opinions.

I am totally blown away by this engraving, I think it's absolutely gorgeous, but I realise I might unconsciously be prejudiced so I'd welcome your opinions please.

Also we are trying to decide on phosphor bronze, silver plate or even solid sterling silver for the top model. What would you choose out of these, or would you do something different?

We are planning that the sax will be a big bell design and come fitted with Roo pads as standard. It's a way off yet though - we haven't even got the specifications and prices finalised!

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johnnysax

· #2 · May 2, 2007

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Looks beautiful in the pictures. For my money there is a bit too much of it, though. I'd long for the open spaces.

danarsenault

· #3 · May 2, 2007

The engraving in the pics looks wonderfully done, although there is far too much for my taste. However, engraving has to also feel good for me to like it, and we can't tell that from pics.

Rick Adams

Discussion Starter · #4 · May 2, 2007

Thanks for the feedback John. Only the top model will have engraving all over, the other models will range from exactly no engraving whatsoever through to the more standard "bell only" and "bell and bow" so there's something for everyone.

Dan, do you mean smooth to the touch rather than rough? If so, I will note that. One of the things I have discussed with the manufacturer is their ability to apply a coat of clear lacquer after the engraving so that it is protected and feels smooth to the touch.

Steve P

· #5 · May 2, 2007

Very nicely done. Yanagisawa-esq. I'd love that.

Steve P

martysax

· #6 · May 2, 2007

This reminds me of the time my wife and I picked wallpaper for our bedroom in our newly purchased house 15 years ago.

We picked a sort-of floral design that had the colors she wanted. She went back to our apartment, and I started wallpaper hanging. I called her after I finished the first wall. I demanded that she see what it looked like because there were so many damn flowers on the wall.

I still think there's too many damn flowers on the wall.

Rick Adams

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 2, 2007

Heh heh, we're working on a Martysax model. No engraving, a couple of custom dents to save your drummer the bother... and where would you like the whisky tumbler holder, left or right side?

Randall

· #8 · May 2, 2007

Beautiful Rick! I love it.

Martin Williams

· #9 · May 2, 2007

Rick Adams said:
Heh heh, we're working on a Martysax model. No engraving, a couple of custom dents to save your drummer the bother... and where would you like the whisky tumbler holder, left or right side?

Only one tumbler?

I kind of like the engraving, but it is kind of a lot there

JMac

· #10 · May 2, 2007

martysax said:
This reminds me of the time my wife and I picked wallpaper for our bedroom in our newly purchased house 15 years ago.

We picked a sort-of floral design that had the colors she wanted. She went back to our apartment, and I started wallpaper hanging. I called her after I finished the first wall. I demanded that she see what it looked like because there were so many damn flowers on the wall.

I still think there's too many damn flowers on the wall.

Counting flowers on the wall,
That don't bother me at all.
Playing Solitaire till dawn,
With a deck of fifty-one.
Smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo.
Now, don't tell me I've nothing to do...

Maybe she was looking for a distraction while, er, nevermind....

martysax

· #11 · May 2, 2007

Rick Adams said:
Heh heh, we're working on a Martysax model. No engraving, a couple of custom dents to save your drummer the bother... and where would you like the whisky tumbler holder, left or right side?

The tumbler holder should swing out from the bell key guards. In this way, it sticks straight out with beverage while resting the horn sideways. A gyroscope style leveling device could keep it upright to reduce spillage. Luckily, I drink scotch neat without chaser. It could work.

How much will you charge for my Scotch caddy with a Taiwanese sax attached? Would you consider sponsoring me here in the states? I could say that I'm going to Taiwan on while the guitarist takes a 3 chorus solo! As it is, I generally give whisky makers plenty of free advertising.

martysax

· #12 · May 2, 2007

JMac said:
Counting flowers on the wall,
That don't bother me at all.
Playing Solitaire till dawn,
With a deck of fifty-one.
Smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo.
Now, don't tell me I've nothing to do...

Then he slams the Honda into Marcellus Wallace! Look out for Zed!:shock:

JMac said:
Maybe she was looking for a distraction while, er, nevermind....

While she waits for me to come home from a gig at a meat market!

Grumpie

· #13 · May 2, 2007

My signature says something about taste, but I really like this Rick. Bell and bow are really looking great. Like to see a complete body picture too really see wether this is too much or not. But overall this looks wonderful.
Only the bell-rim is something I personally do not like (on any horn, just my taste). How about this horn without the rim engraved but with the inside bell in gold?

Rick Adams

Discussion Starter · #14 · May 2, 2007

So that's one sponsorship deal for the combined sax/drinks caddy... shouldn't be a problem. I assume you'll want an ice box and a soda dispenser?

In terms of a distance shot of the full body, this is a little tricky right now because it's in it's constituent pieces for the engraving to be done...

...but when they've assembled it I'll ask for more photos

Grumpie, I would think that there would be opportunity to specify certain things be altered/omitted as a special order so we could probably accomodate both with and without.

All... thanks for the input, please keep your thoughts coming. It's interesting.

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milandro

· #15 · May 2, 2007 (Edited)

Beautiful engraving.. how shall I put it.... extensive

!

I love the idea of the big bell. I would probably prefer engravings which were of the geometrical type rather than the floral, a bit more like the great horns of the '20's or '30's, but other than that , I think is very beautiful especially with the silver (which I favour) and gold accents.

I would love that a person like Stephen Howard (not necessarily him but with his mindset ) would be involved in the technical solution and analysis of all the problems. A nice engraved shell is not the horn that the sax community is looking for!

Lots of luck!

jbtsax

· #16 · May 2, 2007

Beautiful quality---but less is more IMO.

gary

· #17 · May 2, 2007

Overkill.

ratracer

· #18 · May 2, 2007

Very, very nice Rick! I like lots. But as has been said by others, not sure of the available market though for that much engraving. Most folks now-a-days seem to prefer limited or no engraving. Personally, I'm a sucker for the engraving. (My Kessler Cusom Deluxe tenor has just enough for me.)

The engraving gives the crowd something to focus on while they're mesmerized by my playing!

joelsp

· #19 · May 2, 2007

It looks really good, but I never like saxes with engraving all over them. It looks good on the bell, but the body and neck, no thanks.

cymru97

· #20 · May 2, 2007

The engraving is well done, but I do have to agree that it is a bit excessive. My knee-jerk reaction is "Oh, another horn with flowers." It looks great but I'd love to see, as Milandro suggests, something more unique like geometric patterns. Everybody recognizes the Conn M series, it's engraving is distinct and unique. I also like the suggestion of a contrasting bell interior like a gold wash or slightly different colored lacquer, I've always loved the look. Maybe it's not practical, but it's a look I like and would be fairly distinct on a new horn. Even moving the brand engraving to the front of the bell like the vintage horns (ala King Zephyr) would set it apart a bit.

It is very pretty as-is, so take my suggestions for what they're worth.

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