Are Winston sopranos any good?

[dave1953]

I got a Winston semi-curved soprano recently for next to nothing and was wondering what people thought of them? The appearance and build quality seem to be pretty decent but intonation is tricky. The mouthpiece's I tried -the cheap junk that came with it and a Selmer S80 - needed to be barely on the cork otherwise it was too sharp.

[Dave Dolson]

Dave: I've tried a few Winstons over time and was not impressed. For the most part, a cheap soprano is just that - most come with some problem (intonation, poor assembly, etc.). True, there may be the occasional cheap soprano that works, but they are far and few between. The best of the lower priced sopranos (Antiguas - I own one) have been discuused a lot on SOTW. DAVE

[TheChristianSax]

dave1953,

I also am not impressed with Winstons. I have owned a 350GL for the past 3 years, and it is awful. The intonation, tone, construction are pretty poor. Though it definitely looks like a soprano, it does not play like one. That being said, I have just purchased a stencil of an Antigua 582, under the name Coltrane. (Yes, it really is an Antigua, and not a copy of an Antigua which is a copy of a Yani). This horn is superior in construction, intonation, tone and everything else.

Anyway, I will keep my Winston until I sell it for "next to nothing" or I find a lamp shade that I really like to mount on top of it.

[saxchado]

Matt,

Where did you find your "coltrane" soprano? about how much did you pay for it?

I understand if you can't say specifically, I was just looking for a ballpark figure. I'm on the hunt for a decent inexpensive sop, so I'm curious.

[TheChristianSax]

Saxchado,

I purchased it off of Ebay from Evanp. He actually had a couple of 590's a few weeks ago for $499. I purchased my 582, new in the case, for $449. Shipping was $30. I am not sure how he came across them and why they are not labeled as Antiguas, but they definitely are. I had my tech leak check it (only one minor leak) and loosen the tension on the 1st and 2nd keys, left stack. It is, as I said, far superior to the Winston.

As you have probably heard, there are many good things said about Kessler Music. Dave sells the 582's fully set and adjusted with great customer service for $695. I was actually saving for a new Antigua when I saw the Coltrane. Since I don't have a lot of money to spend and did not want a bad horn, I asked questions, studied pictures, and researched before I felt comfortable with the purchase. I knew that I could trust someone who had sold over 18,000 items and had a seller rating of 99.9%.

Good luck in your search, and let us know what you find.

[saxchado]

I've been planning a visit to Kessler's next time I'm down to visit my in-laws in Vegas. I'm just getting a bit antsy, I guess.

thanks for the info!

[bruce bailey]

I think that there are two versions from Winston. I remember the one piece models in the 79s or 80s that were pretty decent but some of the newer ones appear to be the same junk that all of the ebayers are selling from China. I wouldn't trust one that I can't play first.

[OOlufoks]

No, they are not good for professional use in terms of sound quality and inotnation. I think they are only good for developing the mechanical dexterity required to play a soprano.

[NissanMarkVII]

I've been playing on a Silver Plated "Pro I" Winston soprano since 1995. Though not the best, it has held together, plays in tune, and is solidly built (more than I can say for the "Schill" I just picked up for $172 on e-bay---intending to become a lamp, but loaning it out at the moment :) ). I may have got a rarity, but it works, and is reliable.

I am still on the look-out for a reasonably priced pre-owned big 4 pro-model, so I can reduce the Winston to back-up status. However, funds aren't there.

[BBlow]

Good to see someone else has a "Coltrane" soprano. I now wish I could buy that in tenor or alto. I've had my Coltrane for a few years now, and save the original adjustment, it's been a dream to own.

Anyone on here have any idea if there are other Antigua stencils out there?

[PhineasC]

Winston Saxophones are not the best, but good enough. I have seen a lot better and a lot worse. I use to own a 350GL, and never had any problems with quality or intonation. The biggest issue I had with it was the key layout, and the key action was not springy enough.


Phineas

[Graysax]

Back in My College Day I'll never forget - I bought a 350GL and came to "Studio" where we all played for each other - and I Was playing duets with a kid on a series II Selmer Soprano. At the end - I'll never forget my professor (Dr. Wyman at Fredonia) saying to the whole class - "Now see - it doesnt matter what the horn is - if you work at it a cheap horn can sound as good as an expensive horn". That kid got so pissed - but I left the room alittle proud.

Moral of the story - There is alot of crap out there that with alot of effort can be controlled. If you can afford to spend big bucks - go for it - if you cant - start shedding and you will get there. I agree - the 350GL isn't the worst thing out there - however there is certainly better

[marcotoca]

hi! by the way, i've got a yani called "elimona" for some years now, i bought it 3rd hand or so.. and don't know pretty much about this horn, only that works just fine (a bit un-comfortable in the high e,f, f#..) but with a very full tone. can anyone tell me about it? thanks and catch u later, new member here

[Genojag]

I bought a 350GL Soprano when Mars was going out of business about 5 years ago. I picked through about 25-30 horns and found one that plays much better then it should. Most played poorly to mediocre. This one has good sound and intonation.

The best $150 I ever spent.