Best Medusa Deal on the Planet!

[Saxophobic]

Tho I've wanted a B&S Medusa Tenor for awhile I didn't think I'd be able to afford one..well let me tell you..I just purchased the three neck model (neck material- silver plate, brass, & solid nickle) with a beautiful custom-stitched BAM case from SamAsh.com for $2199.(that's at least $500 less than anyone else I know of)..and here's the best part..no tax, no shipping, and 15 monthly interest-free payments after a 45 day trial period. How they can do it I don't know, but had I not found them searching the web, I doubt I'd have been able to purchase one. It plays like no other-as decribed by others on this forum. (I use an Otto Link 7* mouthpiece with it) The model I have is called 'Goldbrass Classic' It has a goldbrass body & silver-plated bow, bell & keys. All I had been reading about was the 'sandblast' & 'sterling silver' finishes. Does anyone else have the 'goldbrass' finish and what do you think of it? I love my new snake-haired lady - MEDUSA! :D

[Randall]

THAT'S a good price!

[goodsax]

I noticed Sam Ash is also selling an alto B&S Medusa gold-brass model for $1999, another excellent buy.

[Jerry K.]

Trouble Maker!!! Now I've gone and bought one too. Actually it's not all your fault. Ever since seeing Dave Kessler's post offering the B&S 2001 model at very good prices I've been thinking about getting a new B&S Tenor. Crazy deal on this horn at $2199! That and 15 payments with no interest sealed the deal for me.

You will no doubt be seeing some of my horns for sale soon to include my my early silver plated B&S Tenor and a couple other horns.

[goodsax]

You will no doubt be seeing some of my horns for sale soon to include my my early silver plated B&S Tenor and a couple other horns.

I take it you think changes in the Medusa compared to the older B&S are worth the move? Anything in particular that strikes your fancy about the Medusa compared to your "early" B&S tenor? I still have the Prestini tenor plus a newer ('60s) Conn 10M. But, the Sam Ash deal on that gold-brass tenor is very tempting, for the same reasons you stated.

[Jerry K.]

Rob, the comments I've heard about the Medusas have all been positive. I'm thinking these horns would have a similar core sound to what I get with my early horn (a good thing) but have more flexibility with the 3 necks. Also, I believe there have been some subtle improvements to ergonomics and intonation. Time will tell when I A/B the 2 horns. If I prefer my early horn the new one will go back to Sam Ash.

[goodsax]

I have a Medusa sandblast alto in route to me that should arrive Monday or Tuesday next week. Needless to say, I can hardly wait to see for myself if it lives up to the advance press notices and user raves.

[Randall]

There are realy no differences between the B&S 2001 and Medusa tenors that will affect the sound. The horns are identical in that respect. The 3 neck option is going to change your sound options though (on the Medusa), so, even at reduced prices for the 2001 these days, the Sam Ash price is really good. Gotta figure you wold pay at least 200 a piece for the extra necks.

When you talk about model changes- the alto Medusa is quite a different animal from the 2001!

Jerry let me know when you decide to sell your early B&S tenor (is that the one with the blue B&S body to bell emblem?). I haven't gotten to try one of these yet and I am curious....
What else do you have to sell that will finance this Medusa purchase
:wink:
PM if you like....

[Jerry K.]

What else do you have to sell that will finance this Medusa purchase
Funny you should ask. If I prefer this tenor, I will sell my silver plated B&S tenor. Yes, it's the one with the blue B&S on the bell brace. I will also probably sell either my SDA Alto or The Martin Alto, both with near 100% original lacquer. I may also want to sell my The Martin Bari, original lacquer, mixed set of pads, new protec case. I will probably clean and repad this hron if I decide to sell it. I'll probably sell a couple more horns, a Handcraft stencil with front F, just overhauled, 100% original silver plate, and a Martin Indiana.

By the way, I am selling most of these horns because I've decided to concentrate on Tenor and Soprano and therefore I don't need more than 1 alto, and I really don't need a bari.

[Saxophobic]

Jerry K, expect the horn to arrive with a couple of leaks..at least mine did. I think Sam Ash just distributes the Medusas. No-one accually sets them up.

[DaveKessler]

Jerry K, expect the horn to arrive with a couple of leaks..at least mine did. I think Sam Ash just distributes the Medusas. No-one accually sets them up.

Actually, according to B&S USA, Sam Ash is not going to be selling the B&S horns anymore and is simply liquidating inventory. I was wondering why they were selling them $300+ Below dealer cost so I asked B&S and that is what they told me.

[Jerry K.]

I was wondering why they were selling them $300+ Below dealer cost so I asked B&S and that is what they told me.
Tough to compete against that! Looks like anyone interested should act quickly.

[Saxophobic]

I noticed the case smelled musty and being that these Medusas are comming from Florida(with the weather year they've had)I wonder if Sam Ash is passing on a deal they received on some 'hurricane horns'? It makes no difference to me, I'll take it. Jerry K.-get yours yet? what do you think?
Alan

[Jerry K.]

Jerry K.-get yours yet? what do you think?

No, not yet. I opted for the 15 month no interest option, nothing like free money, and their credit card application process is not seamless. I applied online and figured ok, I should see an order confirmation in a day or two. I didn't, so I called while out of town to check and they apparently had left a message at my home needing additional information. I ended up calling the credit card company, then Samash credit department, then they tell me it still takes 48 hours after credit approved to process order. Long story short, they are supposed to enter the order today so I guess I'll have the horn in a week or two?

How does your horn play and what do you think of it?

[Saxophobic]

Well, I can't speak in comparison to the big four as I've never tried any of them-(I've owned Vito, Jupiter,Spencer,Martin Imperial & Antigua)The thing I love about this Medusa is the voice. It speaks :director: That's what I've been waiting to find in a horn. Tonal power, color, variation, whatever you want to call it- it has it. I feel like I can make it sound any way I want. This is the sound for me. Maybe compared to the Big Boys the Medusa's nothing special- I don't know, I just know it's special to me.

[Jerry K.]

Saxophobic, great to hear that you like your horn. I hope to have mine by Friday or Saturday. :)

Goodsax, how do you like your new Medusa Alto?

[goodsax]

<skip>Goodsax, how do you like your new Medusa Alto?

I agree with saxophobic that its most striking feature is its voice. Some might argue that the sandblast gold finish catches one's eye, but I've received mixed reviews on that - you know, like "Wow! Hmmmm..... that's sure......um,....uh,.....different." Personally, I like the look.

But, so far, all agree that the sound is impressive compared to my other altos. My wife, an unbiased critic, assures me that it's the best sounding alto I've owned, and that's more than a few, including most recently a Custom 82Z and a Series III.

[Joe Jazz]

Sounds like a great deal.....too bad I'm happy with my Keilwerths. I've been previously told by a dealer that the Medusa goldbrass finish is great for classical music and ballads but a little subdued for rock and roll......wish they had a bari on closeout!

[xuanvu]

I used to play the Medusa alto and agree that it's one of the best altos... I also do like the sandblasted finish, very special and very eye-catching... Have fun with your Medusa, goodsax...

[Saxophobic]

Joe-Jazz , Are you saying you were told the finish determines the style of music a horn is best suited for in a given model :?: The Medusa is a powerful voice and I would think mouthpiece-reed-attitude would have more to do with whether one would play Classical or R&R with it- regardless of finish. I use an Otto-Link 7* w/Fibercell reed and believe me The Lady CAN rock.

[Joe Jazz]

I am saying that yes, I was told that this particular model has a higher copper content and warmer sound. As a result it is only suitable for classical music. I didn't say I believed him..... :shock:

[Saxophobic]

Ok..I see..it's not finish we're talking about, it's the goldbrass material the sax was made of. But if it was a warmer sound B&S was after with the Goldbrass, why did they silverplate most of the horn when silver adds brightness?

Hopfully Jerry K. will have his soon and we can hear his opinion. Any one else order one and have an impression to pass on?

I'm glad you like your Keilwerths Joe - I hear they are great horns.

[Jerry K.]

Horn arrived today in a "huge" box that would seriously hold a person. Seeing the box I was optimistic about the contents. Unfortunately, when I opened the the box it appeared as though the manufacturers box had been opened and resealed. Ok, this should not be a problem as any quality seller will at least play test a horn before selling it, right? In this case I didn't really expect that based on Saxophobics comments. When I opened the case and inspected it I saw some scratches on the bell. Very disappointing! The scratches aren't through to the brass but apparent and not right for a new horn.

I'll play test the horn tomorrow and call Sam Ash on Monday. Situation is that no horns are left in stock and the horn guy works Monday to Friday so I won't know what my options are until Monday. I don't know about you but $2200 for a scratched up horn isn't sounding like such a good deal about now. :cry:

Dave, still got those 2001's in stock?

[Joe Jazz]

I would call them ASAP and report the scratches if you have not already done so. It was unclear from you post if you did so, or are waiting for the sax guy on monday. You do not want them to say you caused the scratches over the weekend. Best of luck. If it sounds too good to be true it sometimes is :? .

[goodsax]

I agree that even though it was a heavily discounted price, they gave no indication of cosmetic flaws and you should have received a sax in mint condition. If you place high priority on the looks of your instrument, as most players - but not all - do, you should do everything you can to get a full refund. Did you get a refund policy statement with the sax? I hope this gets resolved in your favor. Best of luck.

[Saxophobic]

I'm surprised to hear of your scratches Jerry. My box had been opened and re-taped as well but I figured it must have been for inspection before shipping. I too inspected for any indication of prior use considering these can be sent back inside a 45 day trial period but mine is fine- not a scratch on it. I hope Sam Ash resolves any issues you have.

[heath]

You might want to take a good look at the horn and see if those scratches aren't just smudges.

I've seen and play tested the B&S with silver bell and it does often look like it's scratched when it's really not. But truthfully who cares at these prices. I don't like the Tenor B&S because it's just not my cup of tea, I prefer my reference 36. I did however order an alto from Sam Ash that should be here on 11/10, so I'll give you my thoughts on it.

I've been needing an alto and at these prices you'd have to be nuts to pass them up.

And to all you guys that ordered your horn form SA did you get the model with three necks. It seems if that was an option it would have bumped the price up a bit and it would be mentioned in the product description.

[Jerry K.]

If you place high priority on the looks of your instrument, as most players - but not all - do, you should do everything you can to get a full refund.
Rob, I do put a priority on looks with my horns and a new horn should not have obvious scratches on the bell. I spoke with SamAsh's customer service department last night and will send an email to customer service and to the individual's name I have this morning. They said I can return for a replacement (they didn't know if they would get more though) and they would pay all shipping in that case. I'll have to discuss with them Monday to see if they've got any more horns coming.

I've seen and play tested the B&S with silver bell and it does often look like it's scratched when it's really not. But truthfully who cares at these prices.
Heath, I've owned and hand polished probably 20 silver plated horns over the past 6 years so I'm pretty sure I know the difference between scratches and the normal silver finish.

Call me crazy, but I don't expect a horn to be obviously scratched up when I buy it new, low price or not.

[Joe Jazz]

I second that. They should list as B stock if that's what it is!

[goodsax]

<skip>Call me crazy, but I don't expect a horn to be obviously scratched up when I buy it new, low price or not.

You're definitely not crazy, as the vast majority of buyers would agree. But, there are exceptions to the rule where a few buyers might be satisfied with a good playing horn and rationalize the scratches as being inevitable, sooner or later. I'm not one of those, by the way. :wink:

[heath]

Well did you get three necks or did you just get one?

I'm hoping that mine comes with the goldbrass neck, so I can tame the sax a bit because these horns tend to be a little obnoxious.

As far as fretting over the scratches I'd just try work a sweet deal for youself and get another $300 -500 knocked off the price and go to bed happy.

We all scratch our saxes and I for one am not going to loose any sleep over it. Besides if you don't polish the silver the scratches won't even be noticable in a few years.

Anyway you look at it you just got a really good horn for at least $600 less than anyone else charges. Oh and how did your horn sound?

[Jerry K.]

For some reason the image wouldn't post this morning so here is a link to a picture of some of the sctratches:

http://hometown.aol.com/jerryakane/images/b&s%20scratches.jpg

Heath, the horn did come with 3 necks but I won't get a chance to play the horn until the kids are up and about. They were up late after performing in Secret Garden last night so I don't expect to see them for a while yet. If this horn is anything like my early B&S tenor I doubt I'll find the tone to be obnoxious. I am curious though about the effect of the different necks on it's character.

I am very careful with my horns but I do expect to get the ocassional scratch. Having said that, I do prefdr to be the cause though and not have a horn that is scratched up due to someone elses carelessness. If SamAsh offers a price adjustment I wll give it some consideration. I doubt they will make an offer in the range that you have suggested, though that's probably what would be required for me to keep the horn.

[Jerry K.]

I sent the horn back for a replacement if they have any left. Given that I'll be out of town for the next week it seemed the prudent thing to do.

Overall Impressions:
This is a great sounding horn that has a core tone very similar to my early silver plated B&S tenor. Very resonant, somewhat dark and subtones very easily. The G# mechanism needed some adjustments as G# was leaking some. There are a number of ergonomic improvements which are subtle but the overall feel is very similar to my old horn. For me I didn't hear much of a difference in the necks. They were all very well fitted to the horn. They slid on with only moderate tightness and tightened down very well. A nice surprise was the included Codera neckstrap. The case was very nice and had seperate recesses in the interior for all three necks.

[heath]

Hey Jerry many thanks for the info. The three necks make a huge tonal difference.

The nickel silver and the goldbrass are my favorites. And your right it's a killer horn for the amount of money we just paid.

Man if I were you I wouldn't have sent it back. The horn Dave K sent me would have cost a little over $2750 and it had scratches on it as well. Those scratches imo don't really justify the return, unless you're already stock piled with horns. I've had my 36 for about three weeks now and I've put scratches all over it and that horn cost me considerably more than a medussa.

Over all I'll agree with you on the ergo's, it took me 5 minutes to adapt to the key work on the tenor I played. It almost felt like a toy, because it's one of the easiest horns to play really fast.

[Jerry K.]

Man if I were you I wouldn't have sent it back.
With me heading out of town for the next week I didn't want SamAsh to get the wrong impression regarding the scratches. I also didn't think my chance of getting a replacement horn would improve by waiting. As an individual who also sells new horns, I can say that I don't sell new horns that are scratched up. If I get a horn from the manufacturer with scratches or other physical defects (this happened once in 5 years), I return it for a replacement. I am not willing to accept a new product with undisclosed defects. This is a matter of personal choice.

If I get a replacement horn in a couple weeks I'll have to give the 3 necks more of a try. I played them all with the same mouthpiece in the confined space of my office which was probably not the best test.

I've had my 36 for about three weeks now and I've put scratches all over it ...
With my changing tastes over the years I would have taken a beating if I treated my horns that way. How did you manage to get your 36 all scratched up in just 3 weeks? No case, jumping off the stage into the crowd with your horn, you have a cat that thinks your horn is a scratching post, ... what?

[Joe Jazz]

Maybe his sax itched? :lol:

[heath]

If were talking about deep scratches then my 36 really doesn't have that.

Scratches really don't concern me and resale even on a used paris selmer is very good. Than again I don't intend to ever sale this horn.

I learned along time ago to find one horn you like and don't buy anymore. It's an addiction that can get you into a lot of trouble. Also I'd prefer a horn with a scuff or two. I grew up playing a mark VI with about 10% of the lacquer and scratches all over. Easily the ugliest horn you've ever seen, that and it was plastered with spit drops dating back to the 60's.

Did you ask them about the possibility of a price reduction for the scratches?

[Jerry K.]

Did you ask them about the possibility of a price reduction for the scratches?
Nobody available from the horn department to ask until Monday otherwise I probably would have asked. Bottom Line - I really didn't want a new horn that was already scratched up. I intend to keep this horn for a very long time so I want it to start out new, shiny and unscratched.

By the way, I do have vintage horns with plating wear, lacquer wear and scratches so I'm not a fanatic about all my horns looking new or anything.

Hopefully SamAsh will send me a replacement in a couple weeks and all will be well. If not, I get along pretty well with my early B&S tenor.

[thehighend]

I just received one of the alto's yesterday, and I have a tenor on the way as well. The alto came with 3 necks, and played well (top to bottom) right out the case--won't even need to see a tech. Due to work obligations, I haven't had time for a thorough play-test, but my initial impressions are that it may not be quite as good as my prior Series II Selmer or my current Yananagisawa 99x series alto... but still very good. For the price, as others have said, it is quite a good deal.

Mine did not come with any "free" scratches of any note, unless you were to count very fine scratches that can only be seen when you get yours eyes within inches of the horn. When I get the tenor, I'll report on that as well. I currently have a brand-new B&S tenor (sandblast finish) from the Medusa series, branded as an "Allora" (B&S's label for the horns distributed by WWBW), but I'm thinking of keeping one of these SamAsh "Goldbrass" finish tenors instead since I'm not crazy about the look of the sandblast finish. I know that the sandblast finish is the most expensive, and many rave about it, but I guess I like the look of a shiny sax. I'm guessing that the sandblast and goldbrass horns will have the same playing characteristics.

[heath]

Got my sam ash alto in on wensday. Overall it's a very nice horn especially for the money. Checked it with a leak light and it didn't have one leak from F# to low Bb, and the action was set up about right. I noticed that the three necks all fit snuggly, but they don't seem to make as much of a difference in the tone as on the tenor medussa that I tried.

I'll have to give a tonal review later as I'm mouthpiece hunting and just had a crappy meyer 7M that I sent back to wwbw for a Bari 6# richie cole. The V5 A15 that is sent with the horn is a nice piece for stock.

I also looked it over for scratches and couldn't find any. One thing I don't like is the case, as I hate the idea of a bam case with zippers that can and do go bad eventually. So I'll probably have to fork up some more cash for a contoured hardshell case.

[Uta]

Hi,

I tried the tenor the other day in NYC and thought it was very good for the$, especially liked it with the nickel neck.Juat my 2 cents.Ciao!

Uta

[Joe Jazz]

Guys-

I was just wondering...is the silver neck and bell coated with a clear lacquer?

[Saxophobic]

I wondered that myself. Though shiny it doesn't look like they are lacquered to me, but I can't say for sure. Since Kessler stocks them maybe Dave can tell us.

[Joe Jazz]

Guess we could just wait to see if it tarnishes.....

[thehighend]

I got in on the Sam Ash deal, so I can report that the silver-plate is not lacquered.

[DaveKessler]

The silver plated parts of these horns are not lacquered over.

B&S's silver on their saxes does have the "spiderweb" type of scratches on them. These usually are faint but have been on Every B&S silver plated sax I have received. Whats odd is that the silver plating done on their trumpets is flawless.

[Randall]

laq over silver plating is possible....when I ordered my Medusa, the B&S factory asked me if I wanted it to be clear laq'd and I said no.

[tonyg]

casualsax,

Did you get the alto or tenor and whats your impression so far?

Tony

[thehighend]

Hi,
I have received both the alto and tenor models. I love the fact that both horns come with 3 necks and a high-quality BAM case. Both are excellent horns, especially at the $2000-$2200 price-point, but I'm somewhat more impressed by the tenor than the alto.

If it were not for a low-D/E "gurgle" issue with the tenor, it would almost certainly be a match for my Selmer Series III tenor. I'm hoping that the gurgle is being caused by a simple pad leak, but I can't identify the source of the problem (I'm no tech, though). The alto plays freely over its entire range.

I would not characterize either the alto or tenor as appropriate for only certain types of music. Sure, both can produce a "huge" sound, but only when called upon. I find that both are also superb at playing softly as well (of course, not my tenor with its low-note problem, but I'm assuming I will be able to get that resolved).

[heath]

Yeah the alto isn't perfect, but for 2K it's pretty good.

I found mine to have a few intonation problems, not really problems per say, but the upper register took a little effort to bring into tune. Not really a big issue.

On the other note I think the V5 vandoren piece that comes with the horn may well be the best design for this horn after all. After going thru gobs of mpc's I just went with a bigger facing V5 A35 and this sax really smokes.

I also took the G# mechanism/arm off the sax. It's a concept that in theory works, but on an alto where you want to be able to execute fast passages I found it did nothing more than make the G# sluggish. I've not had any problems with the G# sticking, so I don't see a reason to have it.

[speyman]

As received from Sam Ash, the Medusa Tenor had leaks on most tone holes. After the tone holes were leveled, the horn was completely tight and played great.

I'm currently using a D. Guardala MBII mouthpiece but may soon switch to RPC Rollover in order to reduce some of the brightness of the Medusa. Just a personal preference.

Great price for a good Tenor from Ash even after the cost of tone hole leveling... about $85.

[goodsax]

<skip>Great price for a good Tenor from Ash even after the cost of tone hole leveling... about $85.

I'm glad you were able to resolve the tone hole issue at a reasonable cost and have a sax that meets your needs at an excellent overall price. It doesn't always work out that way.

[Jbroad572]

Wow the 15 month easy pay is tempting, but that's only if you have their credit card. I was tempted to jump on a Keilwerth Shadow :)

[thehighend]

FYI, Sam Ash appears to have found one or two more tenors in their retail stores, because the Sam Ash website now shows availability of the Medusa tenor for the ridiculously-low $2199 price. I purchased mine at that price, and I have since been informed by two B&S retailers that their current cost on the B&S tenors is higher than $2200.

I figured someone here would probably want to know that the Medusa is available again! (At least for the time being.)

[Randall]

Casual,
the wholesale price is a lot lower than that.

[The A Train]

Oh-Oh..Randalls going to get this thread shut down. Oh well, it had a good run. (I started it as Saxophobic) :)

[Randall]

:D :D :D :D I kinda doubt it!
;)

[thehighend]

The "wholesale price" angle is irrelevant for most consumers in any event. How many saxophone wholesalers exist in the USA, anyway? I know of several large retailers (such as WW&BW, and even Sam Ash), but no wholesale operations. I'm sure the USA distributor prices are lower than the costs of the small music retailers, but who among us have an "in" with the USA (or country X, if you live elsewhere) distributor that permits us to purchase horns at distributor cost?

Bottom line: nearly everyone seems to report that $2199 for the silverplate Medusa tenor with the BAM case is a terrific price.

[Randall]

Beg to differ most emphatically....it is anything but irrelevant.
Of course, the average consumer doesn't buy from a wholesaler...that is just common sense....
But,
If you know the wholesale cost of a horn then you are in a better position to shop wisely and choose the vendor who is taking a lower percentage on their sales (i. e. not sticking it to you, the customer)

$2199.00 may seem good to you and some others, and that's ok (and it is a better price than I have seen at some dealers shops) ....but it will be a month of Sundays before I would plop down that much.

As I wrote in another thread, informed customers make informed decisions.
Learn all you can. ;)

[Jerry K.]

Randall, I don't see how the cost of a wholesaler is relevent here if the average consumer can't buy at the wholesaler's cost. What most people care about is - what is the cost of the instrument to the retailer. Most retailers, if they intend to remain in business, will not sell below their landed cost unless motivated to clear out some discontinued or B stock. If importing, this cost would include the cost from the manufacturer, inbound shipping and any related duties. If you are aware of a better deal out there on the Medusas please share.

[Randall]

Jerry wrote:
"What most people care about is - what is the cost of the instrument to the retailer".....

No Jerry,
What most people care about is the cost of the instrument
AT the retailer.

No need to obfuscate the issue with reducing stock, shipping and duties costs talk....
Anyway....wholesalers buy in bulk. The shipping cost is much lower for a bulk shipment, which in turn means the shipping cost per horn is relatively low. The cost per horn is nothing compared to if you were, say, to ship 1 or 2 horns from Germany yourself))
It sounds like you may have bought into some dealers propaganda.

If you know of the wholesale cost of the horn, then you can also know which dealer is jacking up their profit margin on a certain horn.

30~35% is an average mark up on anything at "normal" prices. Some dealers will take less profit margin- others will ask more.
I prefer to shop with the dealer who takes the least profit margin. If you know the wholesale price, then you can more easily know and be a smarter shopper. However with a little comparison shopping and a hand calculator....

From there, you do the math. Work backwards on any posted price you see.

There are a good many people out there offering Medusas at prices better than what has been mentioned here. Take a good look around. You'll find them.

I won't shill for anyone though!

;)

[The A Train]

Randall obviously has an understanding of the goings on in pricing that most of us do not and I for one am glad to have a little insider imfo!

Tell us..what do they really pay for kazoos??? :shock:

[Randall]

:D ROTFL
A lot less than you would expect!

[Jerry K.]

Randall, you don't play well with others!

There are a good many people out there offering Medusas at prices better than what has been mentioned here. Take a good look around. You'll find them. Please do us all a favor and share the name of at least one of the good many people out there that you suggest are selling Medusas for less! I have not personally seen any dealers in the U.S. that are selling new Medusas for less than what SamAsh is selling them for at the moment.

What most people care about is the cost of the instrument AT the retailer. True enough, and you'll seldom find dealers that remain in business selling products for less than their actual cost.

It sounds like you may have bought into some dealers propaganda. I guess I've been talking to myself again - I hate it when that happens. I've been a dealer for a couple product lines for several years and I'm well aware of what horns and accessories cost the dealer.

I have a suggestion. Why don't you start a thread titled "what dealers really pay for saxophones" and you can educate everyone.

[Randall]

Yes Jerry, I tend to throw the pitch straight down the middle, no curves or knuckleballs.....so yes, I don't play ball with others very well.

I don't really intend to play ball with others.
No offense intended, by the way.... :oops:

What I intend to do is shed some light on the way business is done in the instrument world.

The really cool thing is,
I am not a dealer, but I have access to all the prices and info due to my teaching for a music store and because I am their foreign purchasing agent.

I guess that makes me a dangerous man! :bom:

I intentionally don't recommend places to buy horns (according to price) because I wish to remain neutral in these discussions on this board....thereby retaining my credibility.

Simply, I have no profit motive.

You'll never see me hawking for the store I work for, either.


C'mon Jerry, you don't really want me telling everyone what the true costs are, do ya?!
That would be unethical! Of course I could do it, since I don't have to worry about the manufacturers retribution since I am not a dealer, but should I hurt any dealers by disclosing exact pricing information they themselves shouldn't or cannot disclose?

I don't want to do that. won't be baited into doing that either.

I'll give some hints though, the rest is up to the individual to find out.
Paz....

[Jerry K.]

I intentionally don't recommend places to buy horns (according to price) because I wish to remain neutral in these discussions on this board....thereby retaining my credibility. Randall, since you said that you knew of a good many people selling Medusas for less then what's been discussed here, it would have been nice to see at least one example. Of course you're entitled to your own opinion, but I don't get how sharing a good deal with our friends on SOTW would somehow damage your credibility.

[Pannonia]

C'mon Jerry, you don't really want me telling everyone what the true costs are, do ya?!


So why do you keep bringing it up in posts?

[Randall]

Pan, simply because there are a lot of dealers here.

And Jerry, I do share info on good and BAD deals with my friends. I just don't do it here in public.

Time to go fishin....
you guys bait someone else.... 8-)

[Sigmund451]

It really doesnt matter what the "real" cost is anyway because we arent going to get it anyway. Its simple, look for a good price and weigh it out with the kind of service, setup, and personal attention you demand. From there make your decision and your purchase. Distribution prices are meaningless unless your in business.

[thehighend]

I'm also not sure what is wrong with mentioning a retailer to help out a fellow SOTW member, especially when there is a past history of doing so.

[Jerry K.]

I just finished a good hours practice on my Allora tenor after a weeks break. I love this horn! Such lush tone, great intonation, and so smooth through the break!

[Randall]

I just got spammed by the WW&BW and they are selling the Allora alto and tenor for a price that is a shade under a 30% mark up.
In other words, they are still making money on this horn (whether you care or not! ;) ).

If you are looking for an B&S, pricewise this is the time to buy....but I cannot recommend the WW&BW based on my past experiences with them.
The packing there is lousy at best on horns. Who knows what shape your horn will arrive in!

[gary]

I might add that, based on other posting I've read, there can be some chances with WW&BW shipping. But to add to the confusion - I have recieved three tenor saxes from them in the past two years and all arrived in perfect, and playable condition. No problems, whatsoever.

I deal with them regularly and, because of the service, prices etc don't mind taking a chance on an ocassional botched order since their return policy is so liberal.

[Jerry K.]

....but I cannot recommend the WW&BW based on my past experiences with them. I agree based on recent problems related to poor QC or packing practices. I would probably have to go there in person for any future high dollar purchases.

P.S. I just picked up a Chicago Jazz black nickel and silver alto that's a really nice horn! This horn was played by Tom Scott for the past year so the setup is great and the horn plays really well. Popped up on ebay with a BIN of $1500 and is in new condition. Not sure why Orpheus (U.S. Wholesaler) sold it so cheap but I'm happy! I know, I know, they still made 50%. :)

[Jerry K.]

Here's another good deal for someone:

Ebay Chicago Jazz Alto Listing (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=16232&item=7327370120&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)

I bought my alto from this company and am very happy with the horn. With B&S not currently producing saxophones, it looks like Orpheus is selling some or all of their demo horns. With a $1475 BIN, this looks like a good buy.

[Mark5047]

Oh, thanks a LOT Jerry - that kind of temptation is almost too much to bear. I might have to sleep on it and see if its still there in the morning.
Isnt this basically the same horn as the Allora though that WWBW is offering at around the same money?

[Jerry K.]

I believe the lacquered Alloras are more like the 1000 model B&S. If you look closely at the pictures on WW&BW, it doesn't look like there is a G# no stick mechanism or high F# pearl on the lacquered Alloras. This Chicago Jazz alto looks like it's a 2001 model with the features not seen on the lacquered Allora. Not sure about the Allora lacquered alto, but the Chicago Jazz is nicely engraved.

[goodsax]

My lacquered Allora has no engraving at all, just the Allora name on the upper right side of the bell. AAMOF, I've been thinking it would make a great clean pallette for Jason DuMars to work with. And, like you indicate Jerry, there is no pearl on the upper F key, no pearl touch on the F# key, nor is there a no-stick G# mechanism. In fact, I was having sticking problems with the G# and A pads until I used one of the SOTW tips for sticking pads, i.e., used alcohol to clean the ring groove in the pad. All other tricks, including Charlie A's gig dust/crud patch, didn't work. Other than that, my Allora alto has been sweet to play and sounds great, too.

[Jerry K.]

I've been thinking it would make a great clean pallette for Jason DuMars to work with. Sounds like a great project for Jason. He did an alto for me a few years ago and I love his work! I've got a Prestini Classic 2 neck soprano that I'm going to have him work on some day. I really like what he did with your Kohlert.