Black Beast

[DonnyB]

Hi Guys,

I'm looking at the Guardala line of saxes. Heard great things about them but I'd like to know the variation from the Artist through to the New york series of horns. Apart from the engraving and copper content, anything vastly different between them. These are not readily available here in the uk (apart from the extortionate rates of Saxophones.co.uk and Don Mack - $6000!) so testing is a prob, not to mention buying. Any feedback on the horns themselves and where I might find one - particularly the black nickel and sand finishes - would be superb. Alto is of interest too.

Cheers
DB
Chicago Jazz Series/Guardala - Identical, or what?

[JimD]

Howarth's list Guardala tenors although they don't specify which. They sell what they describe as "Tenor Black lacquer body with silver-plated keys" for £2,950.00. I'd be surprised if you can't find something you like at least as well for less than that but you can always go to Mackrills and try them out, alongside a bunch of others. Saxofoonwinkel are selling them off at a 15% reduction if you fancy a trip to Deventer. They seem to be pretty high priced in the US as well.

You're paying a lot for that fancy finish. Last time I saw Branford Marsalis and Michael Brecker they were playing Selmers.

[DonnyB]

Yeah, still a bit on the heavy side though. I've seen a few in a variety of US Stores, ranging from around the $2000-2500 mark - Thats more like it! Seen good deals on EBAY as well - I'd certainly consider a used horn.

DB

[John T.]

You might have better luck finding a Pro Level B & S Medusa sax. This is (or was) the same company that made the Guardala line of Saxes.

[Morry]

I believe that Dave Kessler can still get you a very good deal on left over 2001 model B&S horns. The tenors didn't really change between the 2001 and Medusa lines, only the alto.

[averageschmoe]

i have owned a guardala and know a few people who have had a few in the past... if paying prime cost there are better made instruments to be had at the price.

[Mango Birkie]

I suggest you at least test play a Borgani. They have a good distributor in the UK.

Allegro Oxford Ltd
404 Marston Road, Marston
Oxford OX3 0JE U.K.
Ph. 0044- (0)1865-79.81.65

[phathorn]

I don't know what kind of experience others have had, but I simply love my guardala. Huge sound with an almost 'Martinesque' low register...

[Captain Beeflat]

Everything stated seems correct. However, on the subject of huge & warm sounds please do not over look the Rampone & Cazzani R1