[jjgold]

I am a HUGE The Martin Tenor fan. I have two that are incredible horns. The Martin has always been my favorite vintage..no tenor. So why does the The Martin Alto not do it for me? I like em but don't love em. I think the tenors have the biggest booming sound but the alto seems more sweet and soft. Does anyone else think this or have I just not had the right one yet?

 

[markm]

Sweet, soft and responsive...

What alto's do you like? You may just be a tenor man. And after all, 'sweet and soft' is pretty nice. My HC standard special stencil is the closest thing I've found to horn heaven. It's super responsive -Light quick keys and virtually plays by itself.

 

[jjgold]

Perhaps that is the case...I have a Super 20 that is awesome and a Couf that roars. It just seems that the tenor sound is so big but the alto does not follow suit.

 

[crazydaisydoo]

I love soft and sweet, I think this describe it very well. You can make it scream with the right mouthpiece though. It is not to everyones taste......

 

[playitfunky]

You may just be experiencing the difference between Tenor and Alto. I'm not sure though because everyone hears things, smells things, sees things, in their own way. What is harsh to ones ears, is edgy to another. What is dark and mellow to one persons ear is dull and boring to another and so on and so on.

 

[ehopper1]

Imperial

I play a 1934 Imperial Alto.
It's super responsive, sound is big and fat and intonation is very good.
I actually play it with a Meyer M5M and Alexander Superial Classic reeds.

Mike

 

[guedotkp]

I have an old silver plated Handcraft Alto that I dearly love. It has a really swee sound as an alto should, but I can also roar with it for lead playing. Try a really good meyer 6m on is. You need a really round chamber for these to sing!