[Mom2Saxy]

Hello,

We just bought a Cannonball Alto Sax online. It has the follow specs:

Engraving says 1998 Salt Lake City
Serial # 102458
Black laquer finish with silver keys.

Someone sold it on consignment. We're expecting to service it before my daughter takes it to high school. She's moving up from an Antigua Winds, which she says is a horrible sax.

Did we buy a good horn? Is there anything special we need to know about this horn? Which one did we buy?

Thanks for any information you can give us.

 

[Mom2Saxy]

I can post a picture or two if it will help. Can we post pictures on here? This is my first thread on this forum. Thanks!

 

[jbtsax]

This link provides some information on that model. http://www.cannonballmusic.com/chronology.php

My experience with this model is that they play quite well, but are a bit more difficult to keep in adjustment due to the softer brass in the keys than the later models. Each model of Cannonball has undergone improvements over the previous one both in playability and in construction. The most recent Big Bell Stone Series is the best Cannonball to date.

John

 

[Mom2Saxy]

The site is confusing! Does this mean we have an A 1998 Knight High F#? The range, I think, was 100889-103244, if I was reading it correctly.

There are no close up pictures. I read on another site that Cannonballs are very delicate.

Does anyone have an opinion about this model? (If that's what we have...)

Thanks again!

 

[Grumps]

More like a lateral move than an upgrade.

 

[Mom2Saxy]

Ooookay.

I just shopped around some more and found a Selmer Paris Super Action 80 Series II Model 52. Advertised as mint. This one is much better, right?

 

[Grumps]

Yes, incredibly so. Many feel the II altos are the best of the modern offerings (me included), and the fact that Selmer is actively marketing the newer III's and Reference horns at the same time, can make them bargains. Don't let your daughter use it for marching band however. Save the Antigua for that.

 

[Canadiain]

More like a lateral move than an upgrade.

Thats what I was thinking.

What exactly is "horrible" about the AW? Or is its just the fact that its not a well recognised brand.

I have both an Antigua Alto and a tenor, and short of spending a LOT of money, there is nothing horrible about them. The alto in particular gives the Selmer it was copied from a run for its money if its set up right. 90% of the horn for 20% of the money. The older cannonballs are from much the same taiwanese mold, but cost more and therefore have more credibility.

 

[SaxyAcoustician]

Depends on when the Antigua horn was made.

It sounds like the Antigua may have to visit the shop first before deciding on a new horn. The Antiguas of recent years are VERY good horns.