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View Full Version : Antigua Winds Pro Model Alto Opinions

saxmanic
04-10-2003, 01:59 AM
Anyone have any experience with Antigua Winds pro altos? I have heard they were modeled after the Mark VI and are made in Texas. Any experience shared is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
DaveKessler
04-10-2003, 04:01 AM
Anyone have any experience with Antigua Winds pro altos? I have heard they were modeled after the Mark VI and are made in Texas. Any experience shared is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I am a big Antigua dealer. They make very good inexpensive Taiwanese horns. They have one main professional model that they sell to every dealer. It is their model 520 which is a Super 80 Series II copy.

They make a model for me that is exclusive to my store called the 505 that is a Mark VI modeled horn.

We prefer the 505 over the 520 but I carry both and find them very well made. I use the 505 as a rental horn because it isnt a fortune in cost and it holds up better to the rental abuse that 6th graders put on them then anything that I have ever rented before.
saxybeast
04-12-2004, 01:16 AM
I own an Antigua 520 black lacquer alto and it is very similar to the SA80 II. It has a much sweeter tone than the II but the keywork isn't as nice. It is very easy to play, fairly durable, and probably one of the best-looking black altos, in my opinion. It works fine for both classical and jazz music. These are superb altos.
goodsax
04-12-2004, 03:18 AM
Saxmanic - Antigua Winds has a facility in San Antonio, TX, I believe, but the saxes are made in their Taiwanese factory. The Texas place stocks spare parts and provides after market support for Antigua Winds instrument owners.

I've owned two Antigua Winds Supreme A520LQ altos and a 582LQ soprano, and they are solidly built with great attention to detail. I sensed the quality when I lifted the 520 out of its case because it looked great and was hefty. It has an excellent full tone, but the best part is its spot on intonation up and down the scale.

I think Dave Kessler's shop in Las Vegas and on eBay probably is one of the best sources for these fine instruments because of the many favorable comments they receive from very satisfied customers.